16
Tour Details
An outstanding high-altitude trekking adventure that circles the majestic Salkantay Mountain, crossing remote Andean valleys, cloud forests, and subtropical landscapes before reaching Aguas Calientes and culminating with a guided visit to the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu.
Included / Not Included
Cost Includes
- Transfer to Mollepata - Cruzpata
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Camping equipment
- Train ticket Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
- Expedition train to Cusco
- Professional guide
- Cook
- Horses to carry equipment
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night, 3-star hostel)
- Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Breakfast (4)
- Lunch (4)
- Dinner (4)
- 6 kg porter service for personal belongings
Cost Does Not Include
- Sleeping bag
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee
- Energy bars and snacks
- Hot springs entrance fee in Aguas Calientes
- Walking sticks
Trip Information
Season
Available throughout the year
Destination
Salkantay - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Experience
High Mountain Trekking and Machu Picchu
Difficulty
Challenging Multi-Day Trek
Itinerary
Expand All
Cusco - Soraypampa
We leave Cusco at 6:00 a.m. by private transport to Mollepata, enjoying views of Apu Salkantay, snowcapped peaks, and the Apurímac Valley. At the trailhead, we meet the horsemen and trekking staff, then hike about 3 hours through Andean communities such as Cruzpata and Challacancha before lunch. We continue for about 3 more hours through unspoiled villages to Soraypampa (3,850 m), our first campsite. (L, D)
Trail Information
Distance: about 14 km / 8.6 miles Maximum altitude: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft. Minimum altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft. Walking time: about 6 hours
Soyroccocha - Chaullay
After an early breakfast, we begin trekking at about 6:00 a.m. and climb for around 3 hours to Apacheta Pass (4,590 m). From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay, rivers, and small lakes. About 2 more hours bring us to Huayracpunku for lunch. We then descend for 2 to 3 hours to camp at Rayan-niyoc (2,890 m) or, for experienced trekkers, Chaullay (2,920 m), depending on the group, weather, and trail conditions. (B, L, D)
Trail Information
Distance: about 21 km Maximum altitude: 4,590 m / 15,059 ft. Minimum altitude: 2,920 m / 9,580 ft. Walking time: about 9-10 hours
Chaullay - La Playa
We continue hiking at 7:00 a.m. on an easy 3-hour walk to Luscamayuc, where we enter the high-jungle zone known as Ceja de Selva. Along the way, we see crops such as coca and banana and may spot Peru’s national bird, the Cock-of-the-Rock. There is also time to enjoy a waterfall. After lunch and a short rest at Wiñaypoq’o, we continue for about 3 more hours to our final campsite at La Playa (2,350 m), a small village with electricity and a shop. (B, L, D)
Trail Information
Maximum altitude: 2,920 m / 9,580 ft. Minimum altitude: 2,350 m / 7,709 ft. Distance: about 18 km / 11.19 miles Walking time: about 8-9 hours
La Playa - Llaqtapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we trek to Lucmabamba, where we see remains of an Inca trail and continue uphill through coffee, banana, and passion fruit plantations with views of the Santa Teresa Valley. We then climb for about 4 hours to Llactapata (2,700 m), where we can see Machu Picchu and rest briefly. After a 2-hour descent to the hydroelectric plant (1,870 m), we share our final lunch with the trekking staff. At 15:00, we take a 45-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m). Dinner and overnight at the hotel, with optional hot springs. Walking poles are recommended for the final 2 hours downhill. (B, L, D)
Trail Information
Maximum altitude: 2,350 m / 7,709 ft. Minimum altitude: 2,000 m / 6,261 ft. Distance: about 16 km / 9.9 miles Walking time: about 7-8 hours
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
We rise early for breakfast and take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of about 2 hours. There is then free time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu if booked in advance. Other options include the Temple of the Moon or the Inca Bridge.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you may also visit the hot springs, before taking the train back to Cusco, arriving after nightfall. (B)
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All
The highest point is Apacheta Pass at 4,590 meters above sea level.
Yes, camping equipment is provided during the trek and one night of accommodation in a 3-star hostel in Aguas Calientes is included.
Yes, each participant has up to 6 kilograms of personal items transported by mule during the trek.
Location
Related tours
Cusco-Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu-Cusco (EA12)
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
4 Days / 3 Nights
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Maras and Moray (EA14)
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Maras – Moray
6 Days / 5 Nights
Cusco-Valle Sagrado-Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Cusco (EA16)
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
4 Days / 3 Nights