Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

A Spectacular Alternative Route to Machu Picchu
Experience one of Peru’s most scenic and adventurous treks on this condensed 4-day, 3-night Salkantay route to Machu Picchu. Designed for travelers seeking a rewarding challenge, the journey crosses high-altitude mountain passes, shimmering glacial lakes, lush cloud forests, and local coffee farms, with ancient Inca sites along the way. The trek culminates at the legendary Machu Picchu, offering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and adventure.

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha

Your adventure begins early at 5:00 am with hotel pickup in Cusco. We travel toward the trailhead through spectacular Andean scenery, passing traditional villages such as Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Upon arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), enjoy a hearty breakfast with sweeping views of Mount Salkantay and the Humantay Glacier.

The trek starts with a round-trip hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)—a brilliant turquoise gem set beneath towering snowcapped peaks. This iconic hike takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers some of the most photogenic scenery of the entire journey.

After lunch at Salkantay Pampa, we continue uphill for about 1.5 hours to reach our first campsite at Soyroccocha (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), located at the base of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). Settle into your tent and enjoy afternoon tea followed by a warm dinner beneath a dazzling Andean night sky.

Overnight: Campsite at Soyroccocha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Soyroccocha – Apacheta Pass – Colpapampa

Wake up to hot coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a nourishing breakfast to prepare for the most challenging—and rewarding—day of the trek.

We ascend for approximately one hour to the highest point of the route, Apacheta Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). From the summit, take in spectacular 360° panoramic views of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay peaks, surrounded by glacial lakes and pristine valleys—an unforgettable highlight of the Salkantay Trek.

A short detour leads to the hidden Salkantay Lake, a striking turquoise lagoon tucked between rugged mountains. From here, we begin our descent through dramatically changing ecosystems, transitioning from high-altitude tundra to lush cloud forest. Lunch is served at Rayanniyoc, before continuing to Colpapampa (2,900 m / 9,515 ft).

Arriving at this warm jungle campsite, you’ll be welcomed with hot drinks and snacks as you unwind for the evening.

Overnight: Campsite near Colpapampa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

Today’s trek immerses you in the vibrant landscapes of the Peruvian high jungle. The trail winds past cascading waterfalls, colorful tropical birds, and plantations of bananas, passion fruit, avocados, and coffee.

After a relaxed morning hike, we arrive at Lucmabamba for lunch and a hands-on coffee farm experience. Learn the traditional process as you pick, roast, and grind your own beans—then savor a freshly brewed cup of organic Peruvian coffee.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional), where natural thermal pools offer the perfect place to relax amid the jungle.

Later, we take local transportation to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a scenic walk along the train tracks through lush vegetation to Aguas Calientes. After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner in town and prepare for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Rise early to board one of the first buses to the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel, arriving before the crowds to experience the serene magic of sunrise over the ruins.

Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the site’s main temples, agricultural terraces, and sacred plazas. Discover the history, engineering brilliance, and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site while feeling the powerful energy that still lingers within the stone walls.

After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, board the scenic Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will return you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm.

Optional Hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required)
Train Options: Expedition or Vistadome (upgrade available)
Meals: Breakfast

• Transport
• Private transport from the hotel to the village of Mollepata (Challacancha)
• Transport from Granadilla to the hydroelectric station
• Bus, from Aguas Calientes to Machu picchu (2 ways)
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the National Park of Salkantay & Machu picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• Private camping domes the first night / second night domes/ third day hotel in Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu
• High quality camping equipment.
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea time/Option vegetarian)
• Cook and assistant
• Horsemen and mules
• Emergency horse
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not included:

• First breakfast and last Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the 4th day
• 2nd bus to go down
• Sleeping bag (if you don`t have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one
• Hiking poles
• Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes