Salkantay Trek 5 Days

The day before the departure of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the coordinator will visit you at your accommodation or the place you indicate to do the briefing. A small meeting in which he will explain all the details and will tell you the time and pick up point.

Pick up in Cusco

The guide will pick us up at our accommodation in Cuzco between 4:30 and 5:15 in the morning. When the whole group is together, we will begin a journey of several hours by car, in which we will enjoy the spectacular snowy landscapes of the Salkantay or Humantay mountains.

We will stop in Mollepata to have breakfast and regain strength. We will continue our journey by car for another hour until we reach the starting point of our trek.

Start of the Salkantay trek

Around 9:30 in the morning we will be ready to start the trek to Soraypampa. This first part of the trail will take us through some deep valleys. After 2 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the incredible Humantay Lagoon, its blue-green waters make it one of the most impressive places in the Andes. We will have time to explore and the guide will explain its significance.

Soraypampa Camp

After visiting the lagoon, we will begin our 2-hour descent to the exclusive Soraypampa Camp. Once we arrive, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cooks and we will be able to rest in the glass cabins. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Salkantay viewpoint where we will appreciate the sunset. We then will return to the camp, and have tea and dinner.

Salkantay Pass

On the second day of the trek, we will wake up early, drink coca tea, and start trekking. Today we will reach the highest point of the trail: the Abra Salkantay, at 15190 feet (4,630 m) of altitude. From there we will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. You won't know where to look!

Huayracmachay - Colpapampa

Then, we will start walking downhill for 2 hours until we reach Huayracmachay where we will have lunch. Later, we will continue walking for 3 more hours until we reach Colpapampa where we will have a coca tea and dinner. We will also have the opportunity to rent a hot shower from the locals for 10 soles. It is time to relax and recharge our batteries for the next day.

Sahuayaco Beach

The third day of our trek starts early in the morning for breakfast. Then we will start the 5-hour hike to the small village of La Playa Sahuayaco through the Santa Teresa Valley. We will stop for lunch, rest for a while, and a private bus will pick us up to take us to Lucmabamba, where we will spend the night.

Arriving at our camp, we will have the option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) which are not included in our package, and return to our camp at 6.00 pm, for our tea and dinner.

Lucmabamba - Llactapata

After breakfast, we will begin a 3-hour hike along an Inca trail until we reach Llactapata. We will enjoy the ruins and the views of Machu Picchu.

Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes

Afterward, we will walk for 2 hours until we reach Hidroeléctrica. We will have a nutritious lunch and rest. Then, we will continue on foot for about 3 hours. Following the path left by the train line, we will finally reach the town of Aguas Calientes.

During this journey, you will have to carry all your luggage, as horses are not allowed to travel in this area.

💬 Howlanders Tip: You will be able to coordinate with the guide to send your luggage directly to your accommodation for a small surcharge

Aguas Calientes

Once in Aguas Calientes we will have free time to rest or walk around the town before dinner.

On the fourth night of the Salkantay Trek, we will stay in a hostel with a private room and bathroom. We will go to bed early and recharge our batteries, because the next day one of the most special moments of our trek awaits us: The imposing fortress of Machu Picchu!

Aguas Calientes

Last day! We’ll get breakfast ready, and when the guide tells us it’s time (based on our assigned entrance time for Machu Picchu), we’ll make our way to the citadel. You can choose to hike up the almost 2-hour steep trail or just take the bus that’ll drop you off at the entrance.

Machu Picchu

Once we’re in Machu Picchu, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of the site. After the visit, you can decide whether to walk back down to Aguas Calientes or catch a bus (not included). It’s all up to you!

Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cuzco

The way back to Aguas Calientes can be done by panoramic train + bus or only by bus.

RETURN TO CUSCO BY TRAIN + BUS 🚆🚐 (RECOMMENDED✅)

By booking this option you will be able to include in your reservation the extra Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu (subject to availability) and visit one of these two additional areas. These areas are only available if you select to return to Cusco by train.

Finally, you will return on foot or by bus (not included) to Aguas Calientes, take the opportunity to stroll around the town and have lunch in one of its restaurants.

In the afternoon, you will take the panoramic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (schedule according to availability) in a journey of an hour and a half. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo a private transport will be waiting to take you back to the center of Cuzco, where you will arrive at approximately 10:00 pm.

RETURN TO CUSCO BY BUS 🚐.

If you decide to return only by bus you will have less time for your visit to Machu Picchu, and at 12:00 you will have to head to Hidroeléctrica, walking again the 3 hours that separate it from Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, transportation will be waiting to take you to Cuzco.

🚀Howlanders Tip

If you are thinking of selecting to return to Cuzco by bus, we recommend that you stay one more night in Aguas Calientes, and return to Cusco the next day. This way, you will be able to fully enjoy Machu Picchu. 

⚠️ The exact train schedule and entrance to Machu Picchu (circuit and timetables) are subject to availability.