Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail

Daily Itinerary

• Day 1 Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp.

  Cusco - Mollepata
  Your adventure begins early, with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel. You'll travel comfortably, with blankets available for extra rest. After a two-hour journey, there will be a brief stop in Mollepata for an energizing breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the trek's starting point

  Challacancha-Soraypampa
  Once at Challacancha, you'll meet the cooks and muleteers, check your luggage, and start a moderate three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). This 7 km (4.35 mi) trail features a flat section with a slight ascent through a glacier valley, often following a restored Inca water canal still in use by local farmers.

  Soraypampa-Humantay Lake
  Upon reaching Soraypampa, you'll settle into the exclusive Sky Camp for the night. After lunch, you’ll hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), which takes about three hours round trip over a distance of 3 km (1.86 miles). The turquoise waters against the glacier create a truly magical scene.

  Sky Camp
  After returning to camp, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset. The tranquil atmosphere will envelop you as you relax in your igloo at Sky Camp, where the glass roof offers a breathtaking view of the stars and constellations above.

  • Walking Time

    5-6 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    4,200 m / 13,780 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Sky Camp

• Day 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)

  Soraypampa - Salkantay pass
  You'll start your day with energizing coca tea while enjoying views of Apu Salkantay. After breakfast, embark on a challenging 7 km trek to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), navigating the winding "path of the 7 snakes."

  Salkantay pass - Huayracmachay
  At the summit, take in magnificent views of Salkantay and surrounding mountains. After resting, you'll descend 7 km to Huayracmachay for lunch, where you can admire the valley views.

  Huayracmachay - Collpapampa
  Post-lunch, you'll enter the cloud forest on a 9.5 km trek that lasts about three and a half hours. Experience the rapid transition from the Andes to the Amazon, witnessing diverse flora and fauna along the way.

  Mountain Sky View
  After a long day of hiking, you'll arrive at Collpapampa for a hearty meal and a restful night at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.

  • Walking Time

    10-11 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    4,630 m / 15,190 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Mountain Sky View

• Day 3 Collpapampa | Loreta - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Super Jungle Domes

  Collpapampa - La Playa
  The day begins at 6:00 a.m. with hot tea and breakfast before departing from camp. You'll enjoy a leisurely walk through the Santa Teresa valley, heading to La Playa. This scenic route features more downhill sections and offers views of rivers, waterfalls, and lush plantations like banana, coffee, and avocado. Keep an eye out for Peru's national bird, the "Gallito de las Rocas."

  La Playa to Lucmabamba
  At La Playa, you'll enjoy lunch before a one-hour hike to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where you'll set up camp. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the tropical surroundings, including a visit to an organic coffee farm, where you can experience the delightful aroma of freshly grown coffee, along with avocado and orange plantations.

  Jungle Domes
  After your exploration, you'll head to the Cocalmayo hot springs for a relaxing soak to unwind after several days of hiking. Following this rejuvenating experience, you'll return to Lucmabamba to spend the night in Jungle Domes, where you can listen to the sounds of nature and feel at peace with the environment.

  • Walking Time

    5 - 6 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,950 m / 9,678 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Jungle Domes

• Day 4 Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

  LLactapata
  After a hearty breakfast, you'll hike a segment of the famous Inca Trail, climbing for two hours to reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site with stunning views of Machu Picchu. Here, you'll learn about the ancient culture and history from your guide while capturing photos of the breathtaking scenery.

  Llactapata - Hidroelectrica
  Following your time at Llactapata, you'll descend for an hour and a half, gaining glimpses of Machu Picchu along the way. You'll stop for lunch in Aobamba before continuing to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), where you'll see a remarkable 250-meter-high artificial waterfall that powers Cusco.

  Train to Aguas Calientes
  At Hidroelectrica, you'll board a train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying picturesque views during the ride. Once in town, you'll have dinner at an exclusive restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

  Note:
  During the rainy season, the hike up Llactapata Trail may not be possible due to safety concerns.

  • Walking Time

    5-6 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,800 m / 9,186 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

• Day 5 Aguas Calientes - KM 104 - Chachabamba - Sun Gate / Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

  Arrive in KM 104:
  After being picked up around 5:00 a.m., you'll walk for about an hour and a half to KM 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail, enjoying stunning views of the Andean mountains and the Urubamba River. A box lunch and snacks will be provided for later.

  Short Inca Trail Start Point:
  Starting on the Short Inca Trail, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains. The first archaeological site you’ll visit is Chachabamba, where your guide will share its history.

  Wiñay Wayna Inca Site
  After a three-hour hike, you'll reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), an impressive Inca site known for its architecture, ritual water sources, and agricultural platforms. This is a perfect spot to connect with nature and appreciate the site’s beauty.

  Sun Gate
  The hike continues to the Sun Gate, offering your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Marvel at the Incas' engineering and the enchanting landscape while capturing memorable photos.

  Macchu Picchu
  You’ll hold off on entering the citadel to watch the sunset over Machu Picchu, enjoying a tranquil moment as tourists exit. Afterwards, you'll take a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a hotel, followed by dinner at a top local restaurant. Get plenty of rest for tomorrow’s exploration!

  • Walking Time

    6-7 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,720 m / 8,924 ft

  • Meal

    Snacks, Box Lunch, and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

• Day 6 Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

  Today’s the Day:
  Today is the much-anticipated day to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You'll rise early to beat the crowds and experience the site in the peaceful morning light.

  Guided Tour:
  After going up to the Inca citadel by bus, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours to this incredible ancient site to see temples, houses, palaces, cultivated fields, among others. You’ll be impressed by the intelligence of the Incas in terms of engineering work, which was far ahead of its time and remains a mystery in many respects. The Incas did not have the tools we use today, but they were still able to build and organize their community on the side of a mountain and even create a water system with aqueducts and canals.

  Return Journey:
  After your visit, head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo at approximately 2:55 pm (subject to availability). A private bus will then transport you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8 pm. Enjoy some well-deserved rest, though the rhythm of the Andes will stay with you long after your journey.

  • Walking Time

    2-3 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,430 m / 7,972 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast