Trek the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu

Welcome to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, nestled high in the Andes at 3350m above sea level. Arrive into the airport where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, conveniently located near one of the city’s vibrant and historic main squares. To ease into the altitude, we recommend taking it slow this afternoon – hydration and rest are essential for acclimatisation. Settle into your hotel, and if you’re feeling up for it, take a leisurely stroll through Cusco’s picturesque streets for your first taste of Peruvian culture. In the evening, meet your guide for a welcome briefing, where you’ll learn more about the adventure ahead. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling authentic Peruvian cuisine and getting to know your fellow adventurers. If your travel plans allow, you may want to consider arriving a day or two early to adjust to the altitude and recover from any jet lag – it’s a great way to start your adventure feeling refreshed.

The Sacred Valley was a vital region for the Inca Empire, serving as an agricultural, spiritual, and political centre. Today, you’ll visit two of the most significant sites, Ollantaytambo and Pisac, where you can explore ancient Inca ruins, marvel at intricate terraces, and stroll along cobbled streets that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Each site offers a deep dive into Inca history and culture, from Pisac’s impressive archaeological complex to Ollantaytambo’s massive fortress and temple. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll meet your guide for a quick pre-trek briefing. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions and ensure you’re fully prepared for the trek beginning tomorrow. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy – perhaps take some time to unwind, grab a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, and likely get an early night ahead of an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Andes.

Prepare for a very early start this morning, with a pickup at 05:00 to begin your adventure. Embark on a scenic drive with a brief stop in Mollepata, where you can enjoy an optional second breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the start point of the Salkantay route (opens in new tab). After packing the horses, it’s time to set off towards Soraypampa (3900m), the location of your first campsite. The trail is mostly undulating, passing through a glacier-carved valley and following an ancient Inca water channel still used by local farmers. The breathtaking scenery sets the tone for the journey ahead. Arriving at Soraypampa, settle into camp and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. After some rest, you'll hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4200m). While the distance isn’t long, the high altitude and rugged steep terrain will call for a slow, steady pace. At the lake, take time to soak in the beauty of its turquoise waters backed by the towering Humantay glacier – a truly magical sight. Once you’ve enjoyed the views, return to camp where a hearty dinner, a beautiful sunset, and a peaceful night’s sleep await.

Wake at dawn, sip on a revitalising cup of coca tea and fuel up with a hearty breakfast in preparation for the trip's most challenging day. This morning, you'll reach the highest point of the trail: the mighty Salkantay Pass (4630m), which is a steep and challenging climb along a rugged, winding route. Reaching the pass is an incredible accomplishment, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding valleys with the imposing Salkantay Mountain (6271m) standing proudly before you. At the top, you’ll learn about the sacred significance of Apu Salkantay in Inca culture and take part in a traditional offering ceremony, to connect with the mountain’s spiritual energy. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, you’ll begin a steep descent to the next campsite at Huayracmachay (3850m).

Please note that depending on the group’s pace, acclimatisation, and weather conditions, your guide may recommend extending the hike and descending further to Collpapampa (2950m). This adds an additional 9km and 3-4 hours to the day's trek. While this option makes for a much longer and more challenging hike, it does ensure a shorter and more relaxed day tomorrow, plus a better night's sleep due to the lower altitude.

Today, you'll witness how the scenery changes rapidly and drastically from the Andes to the Peruvian cloud forest as you descend along the Santa Teresa River, trekking past lush vegetation, avocado and banana plantations, and waterfalls. Stop for lunch at Colpapampa before continuing on to Lucmabamba, where a campsite will be set in the grounds of a local farmer's house. After arriving, you'll have a chance to visit his coffee plantation, learn about regional coffee production and, of course, get a taste of the freshest local brew. Time permitting, you may decide to travel to the nearby hot springs of Santa Teresa (optional, payable locally) – a great way to soothe your tired muscles after the last couple challenging days.

Please note that if your guide decided to extend yesterday's hike to Colpapampa, today's hiking distance and duration will be approximately half of that stated above.

Begin with a good breakfast to fuel up for your final day of trekking. This morning, you’ll hike a section of the famous Inca Trail as you tackle a steady two-hour uphill climb with great views of the Santa Teresa Valley, reaching Llactapata (2700m), a fascinating Inca archaeological site situated right across from Machu Picchu. Your guide will share insights about the ancient cultural significance of the site, and with luck you may get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from a distance – this is a perfect spot from which to take some amazing photos, building up the anticipation for tomorrow’s visit. Next, continue to descend and grab quick lunch in a local restaurant, before reaching Hidroeléctrica, where a 250m artificial waterfall provides electricity to the city of Cusco. Here, you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into a comfortable hotel and perhaps indulge in a power nap. If you have the energy, you may opt to head out and visit a local restaurant for dinner.

Today, you’ll finally visit the culmination of your trek: Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Prepare for an early start to avoid the crowds, allowing you to experience the site’s beauty in the morning light. Once at the Inca citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided two-hour tour, exploring the most significant areas of this ancient marvel. You’ll discover houses, temples, terraces, crop fields, and more. The ingenuity of the Inca civilisation will leave you in awe, particularly their advanced engineering, which remains a mystery in many ways. After your visit, head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then continue your journey back to Cusco aboard the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private vehicle will take you back to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, head out for a group farewell dinner where you can toast to the incredible adventure you've shared.

After your epic adventure to Machu Picchu, it's time to head home. Your transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the airport in time for your onward journey.