The 4-day Salkantay Trek is an exciting adventure that takes you through one of the most impressive routes in the Andes. This trek combines high mountain landscapes, such as the majestic snow-capped Salkantay, with subtropical jungles, crystalline lagoons like Humantay and picturesque Andean valleys. During the trek, you will enjoy breathtaking views, learn about the local flora and fauna, and experience the rich culture of the region. The journey culminates in the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience full of history and nature.
Hotels in the historical center
04:00 – 04:30 am
We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. to begin a 3-hour trip to Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast (optional at extra cost). We will then continue by transport to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. From there, we will walk for approximately 1 hour to reach the impressive Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
During the hike, you will appreciate a variety of local flora and fauna, such as Andean geese, deer and vizcachas, small rabbit-like animals. After enjoying the views, we will descend back to Soraypampa for lunch, prepared by our chef. We will continue climbing for 2 more hours until we reach our campsite at Salkantaypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Here we will set up our tents, enjoy an afternoon tea session and a delicious dinner before stargazing and resting.
We will wake up early with a cup of coffee or hot coca tea. Upon leaving your tent, you will enjoy spectacular scenery composed of vast plains and majestic snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we will begin to ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Once there, we will take some time to explore and enjoy the breathtaking views, including a beautiful lagoon at the foot of Salkantay Mountain.
From the summit, we will descend for 3 hours to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) to enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterwards, we will continue our descent into the cloud forest, experiencing a remarkable change in climate and temperature. On the way, you will observe diverse flora, orchids and hummingbirds until you reach Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), where we will camp near a small village.
The third day of the Salkantay trek is considered the most picturesque and captivating. We will start the day with an energetic breakfast before embarking on a hike of approximately 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft). Here, depending on your choice of package, you will be able to participate in a unique gastronomic experience. If you have selected the Premium option, you will enjoy a cooking demonstration where you will learn how to prepare the famous Andean dish Pachamanca, cooked with hot stones underground. Participants will be able to get involved in the whole process and then enjoy this delicacy. On the other hand, the standard or economic option will include a delicious traditional lunch prepared by the chef.
After lunch, we will visit an organic coffee farm, where you will learn about the process of growing and roasting coffee and have the opportunity to prepare your own espresso from fresh beans.
Afterwards, we will take transportation for approximately one hour to Hidroeléctrica, where we will begin a 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / 6,561 ft). Along this route, you will follow the train tracks while enjoying the lush vegetation and the river along the way. We will arrive in Aguas Calientes around 5:00 p.m., where you can enjoy dinner at a quality restaurant and rest comfortably in a local hotel.
The last day of the tour is dedicated to exploring the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, the highlight of the trip. We will get up very early in the morning to head to the archaeological site.
For those who have chosen the Premium option, you will take the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 5:30 a.m., a journey of only 25 minutes. If you prefer the standard or economy option, you will have the option to walk up (1 hour and 30 minutes). In both cases, you will arrive at the gates of Machu Picchu in plenty of time to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise, weather permitting.
Once inside, your expert guide will take you on a full 2 to 3 hour tour of the citadel. You will learn about the fascinating history of the Incas, the architecture and the mysteries of this place. For those who have previously booked, it will be possible to take an additional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, with limited entrance tickets).
After exploring, you will take the bus (Premium option) or walk back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Finally, you will take the train and private transportation to Cusco, where our Haku Travel team will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
