Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, 5 days from Cusco

Our adventure will begin when we leave Cusco by car at 5:00 am and travel to Mollepata town. This is a beautiful, scenic journey that takes us through Izcuchaca and Limatambo. We’ll also get spectacular views of the snow capped Vilcabamba. We’ll eat breakfast at Mollepata. Then, we’ll travel for another hour to the start point of our trek, Challacancha which sits at 3,800 metres. This is where we’ll meet our Arrieros “ horsemen“ and trekking staff (cook and assistants). We’ll then climb 250 meters over roughly 2.5 hours through perfect Andean valleys. We’ll stop at Soraypampa, see a spectacular glacial lake, then have lunch. After we eat, we’ll have the option to visit the Humantay Lake which will take 3 hours there and back. When we’re all back at the campsite we’ll have dinner. Then, we’ll give you your briefing for the next day.

We’ll start trekking at around 7:00am towards Salkantaypampa. Along the way we’ll be able to take in amazing views of Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay before reaching the Apacheta Pass. From here we’ll continue 2 hours downhill to lunch in Huayracmachay. Then, depending on the group ability and conditions, I’ll decide whether we should camp 2 -3 hours downhill walk at Rayan-niyoc at 3100 metres or travel a further 3km to camp at Chaullay 2920 metres.

We’ll begin trekking at around 7:00am and walk for about 5 hours toward La Playa. On the way, we’ll pass through a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where we’ll see waterfalls, fruit bearing trees, varied flora, and birds. At 12:00pm we’ll take a local bus to Santa Teresa Hot Springs, where we will have lunch and spend the afternoon.  At around 7:00pm, we will have dinner then camp in Santa Teresa.

After breakfast you’ll get to decide how you want to tackle the next phase of the hike. Your options include a rapid zip line hanging 200 meters in the air, a suspension bridge and then bus to the Hydroelectric project or an on foot trek to the hydroelectrict project. We’ll all have lunch here before we start the last phase of our hike. We’ll walk for around 2.5 hours with the river to one side and the train track to the other untill we get to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). There you’ll check into your hostel with comfortable beds, a hot shower and Wi-Fi and have some free time to visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, get your snacks for the next day and relax. In the evening we’ll have dinner at a restaurant and I’ll give all the information you need for next day and your Machu Picchu and train tickets.

We’ll walk for 1.5 hours uphill from Aguas Calientes to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. If you prefer, you can take the bus. There will be a guided tour and you’ll have lots of free time to explore on your home. After around three hours we’ll walk down the steps or take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and after lunch at approx. 4pm we’ll take the train to Ollantaytambo then a bus to with bus to Cusco city arriving at around 8:00 pm.