The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay – The Ultimate 7-day Lodge-to-Lodge Trek
Experience the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in style. This 7-day lodge to lodge trekking adventure will take you on a historic section of Inca trail through 15 different eco-systems, while you traverse a mountain pass over 15,000 feet, explore villages where locals still maintain age-old traditions and re-discover the mystical beauty of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire.
Each day’s trek ends with a hot shower in a cozy lodge, complemented by a massage or a dip in an outdoor jacuzzi, followed by a gourmet meal with select wines and all provided with highly personalized service by local staff.
The Salkantay adventure goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek… it is a unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the Land of the Incas, as well as the most interesting and exotic variety of flora and fauna, all in the company of new friends and like-minded souls.
ITINERARY
DAY 0 – EVENING BRIEFING IN CUSCO
Meet & greet with other guests where you receive important information for a great trekking experience.
DAY 1 – CUSCO TO SALKANTAY LODGE
Visit Inca ruins and the mountain village of Mollepata before embarking on your first trek on the Camino Real. Your destination: the welcoming Salkantay Lodge, named for the majestic peak at the head of the valley, where you’ll find jacuzzis, aperitifs, and a crackling fire in the fireplace.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft)
Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
Hiking Level: Moderate
DAY 2 – HIKE TO LAKE HUMANTAY
Whet your appetite for trekking and scenery with an acclimatization hike from the lodge to glacier-fed Lake Humantay with views of Mt. Salkantay, a sacred mountain in Incan mythology.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft)
Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Optional Activities: Horseback Riding (at additional cost).
DAY 3 – CROSSING THE SALKANTAY PASS
Today’s the big day—we reach the trek’s highest point on the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m/15,213 ft). Take in views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction and the glaciated south face of Mt. Salkantay towering above.
Overnight: Wayra Lodge (3,906 m/12,812 ft)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,640m/15,200 ft mountain pass
DAY 4 – DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST
We begin our descent along the Salkantay River, where warm air starts rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. At Colpa Lodge, we’ll be greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian meal.
Overnight: Colpa Lodge (2,870 m/9,414 ft)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Optional Activity: Afternoon bike from Manchaywaycco to collpapampa. After Lunch /Duration: 3hrs approximately/ Level: easy. This activity has an additional cost.
DAY 5 – FOLLOWING THE SANTA TERESA RIVER VALLEY
Today we hike through more populated rural areas, passing through banana, granadilla and avocado orchards. We’ll picnic by the river, and later tour a coffee plantation before arriving at Lucma Lodge, which is surrounded by its own avocado trees.
Overnight: Lucma Lodge (2,135 m/7,003 ft)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain)
Optional Activities:
Zip Line in Santa Teresa: This is a full day activity which replaces the trek. Operated by Cola de Mono. It has an additional cost.
Biking:
Option a) Yanama pass – Hornopampa – Lluskamayo. Duration: 5 hrs. approximately. Level: Easy to moderate. It has an additional cost.
Option b) Descent from Hornopampa to Lluskamayo. Duration: 3.5 hrs. approximately. Level: Easy. It has an additional cost.
DAY 6 – FIRST VIEWS OF MACHU PICCHU FROM LLACTAPATA PASS
On our last trekking day, we hike along the Llactapata Pass and come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. Then we’ll make our way to the train bound for our ultimate destination: Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft)
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
DAY 7 – VISIT MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY
We will take an introductory two-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own or hike the steep Huayna Picchu for expansive views.
Return to Cusco (3,360 m/11,021 ft)
Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability * Contact us for availability, dates & current rates.
