Salkantay Trek Glamping Sky Lodge 5-Day Tour

Transfer from Cusco

The tour begins early with a pick-up from your hotel between 04:30 and 05:00. After a two-hour drive, you'll reach Mollepata (2803 m) for breakfast and a briefing from your guide. Then, you'll continue to Challacancha, where you'll meet the support team and kick off the 5-day Salkantay Trek in Sky Lodge.

Soraypampa - Lunch

After checking your gear, you'll begin a gradual hike to Soraypampa (3900 m), where you'll spend the night in the exclusive Sky Domes. The trail from Challacancha is mostly flat, offering views of Andean glaciers and a restored Inca Canal. As you approach the camp, the terrain becomes a bit steeper.

Upon arrival, the team will welcome you with freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. After settling into your Sky Dome, you'll enjoy lunch made with fresh, local ingredients in the camp dining room.

Hike to Humantay Lake

After lunch, you'll hike to the Humantay Glacier Lake, located at 4200 meters above sea level and 3 km from the camp. The round trip takes about three hours, allowing you to go at your own pace and enjoy the stunning Andean scenery.

Upon arrival, you'll take in the views while the guide explains the significance of the lake in Andean mythology.

Soraypampa Camp

After descending to the camp, you'll enjoy a sunset dinner. To end the day, you'll settle into your Sky Dome and rest beneath the stunning starry sky of the Andes.

Breakfast at Camp

Start an epic day on the Salkantay Trek by waking up to the first rays of sunlight shining over your Sky Dome, with the imposing Salkantay peak as your backdrop. You'll enjoy coffee or tea along with a protein-packed Andean breakfast, perfect for fueling your trek to Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters above sea level.

Abra Salkantay Pass

You'll trek the famous "Path of the Seven Serpents," named for the seven curves that lead to the Salkantay Pass at 4650 meters above sea level. While the altitude makes this section challenging, you'll take it slow, following the guide's advice to catch your breath and admire the majestic Andean peaks.

Salkantay, the second tallest mountain in Cusco, is considered an Apu or sacred spirit in Andean mythology. Locals perform rituals like the K'intu, offering three coca leaves for blessings.

You've made it to the top! From here, you'll take in breathtaking views of the Humantay, Taucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains.

Huacarmachay - Lunch

After taking in the views, you'll start a 7 km descent to the campsite at Huacarmachay, situated at 3850 meters above sea level in a valley surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains.

Once you arrive, the crew will serve you a freshly prepared, delicious Andean meal. With your belly full, you'll continue your journey with fresh energy!

Amazon Rainforest

After lunch, you’ll leave the Andes behind and step into the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. The 8 km hike will take about three hours at a relaxed pace, allowing you to observe the drastic change in landscape as you descend. Expect warmer temperatures as you make your way through this lush environment.

Your guide will share insights about the local plant, animal, and bird species, many of which are unique to the region.

Chaullay Camp

End of the day's trek! Upon reaching the Chaullay camp (2900 masl), the team will help you settle into your Sky Dome for the second night. Afterward, you’ll gather with the group for dinner in the dining room. After an exciting day of adventure, a restful night awaits you.

Breakfast at the Camp

The team will wake you up at 06:00 a.m. After a cup of coffee, you'll enjoy breakfast in the common dining area.

The third day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a bit more relaxed. You'll hike through the Santa Teresa Valley, home to various farms. The trek begins by crossing the Lluscamayo River toward La Playa, with about six hours of walking. Along the way, you'll pass by several waterfalls, and the area is known for its avocado, banana, and coffee plantations. If you're lucky, you might even spot the national bird of Peru, the Cock of the Rock.

La Playa Sahuayaco Loreta Campsite

You will reach the campsite, where you'll stop for lunch and refuel.

Afterward, you'll visit some local farms with your guide. If you have time, you can also unwind in the natural hot springs of Colcamayo. Your guide will provide all the necessary details for you to enjoy this activity.

In the evening, you'll return to camp for dinner and then relax in your Sky Dome, ready for a restful night.

Breakfast at the camp

At 08:00 AM, you'll have breakfast before starting your hike along a section of the Inca Trail. You’ll climb up to the Llactapata Inca complex, located at 2700 m (8858 ft), offering a closer view of Machu Picchu.

This will be your first Inca archaeological site on the 5-day trek. An expert guide will lead a brief tour, introducing you to the rich Andean history and culture.

Hydroelectric - Lunch

You will hike downhill for about an hour and a half, with a distant view of Machu Picchu’s peak. Afterward, you’ll stop for lunch at Hidroeléctrica, located at 1800 m. This site is named after the artificial waterfall used to generate electricity.

Aguas Calientes

After lunch, you’ll have two options:

1. Hike along the train tracks, retracing the steps of Hiram Bingham III, who rediscovered Machu Picchu. This 3-hour walk takes you through the rainforest, offering stunning views at every corner.
2. Take a 45-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes for an additional fee.

If you choose to hike, which we highly recommend, you’ll also have the chance to see the Intihuatana, a sundial-shaped rock used by the Incas to mark the winter solstice. It’s linked to the stone at the Machu Picchu citadel, which you’ll explore the following day.

Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel with a private bathroom and enjoy a relaxing hot shower. Later, join the group for a delicious dinner.

Visit to Machu Picchu

You’ll head to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, where your physical passport and entrance ticket (included in the tour) will be verified.

Your guided tour will take you through the key highlights, including the ceremonial site, the agricultural sector, and the remains of the royal barracks.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own and take in the stunning views. If you’ve booked an additional hike (subject to availability), your guide will direct you to the starting point.

Breakfast in Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up to begin your trek to Machu Picchu. The day before, your guide will share all the important details to help coordinate the plan. You’ll meet him at the hotel at the agreed time, based on the scheduled entry time for the citadel.

Aguas Calientes

After soaking in the views, you will leave the citadel and make your way back to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch or explore the town.

Return to Cusco

Next, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our representative will be there to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. The tour includes a train ticket in the Expedition category, and we will assign the best available schedule when you book.