Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Salkantay Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu with geodesic domes
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAKE
- 1ST DAY:Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)
We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:45 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. to travel to Mollepata, where we’ll have time for breakfast. Then we’ll head to Marqoq’asa, the starting point of the Salkantay trek, from where we’ll walk to Soraypampa (first camp). After lunch, we’ll take a 3-hour hike to the famous Humantay Lake, a spectacular turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. At night, we’ll rest in comfortable domes or cabins.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS - HUAYRACPAMPA - COLPAPAMPA
- 2ND DAY:Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)
After an early breakfast, we’ll begin the most challenging part of the Salkantay trail, ascending for 4 hours to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the Salkantay trek. From there, we’ll have spectacular views of the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain and its surroundings. Then we’ll descend to Huayracpampa for lunch and continue to Colpapampa, where we’ll spend the night.
day 3
DAY 3: COLPAPAMPA - PLAYA SAHUAYACO - HYDROELECTRIC
- 3RD DAY:Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.) Salkantay trek to Machupicchu
The day begins around 6:00 a.m. with breakfast, followed by the Salkantay trek, which continues with a descent toward the cloud forest, passing through waterfalls, coffee plantations, and lush green landscapes. After about 6 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Playa Sahuayaco, where we’ll have lunch. Subsequently, we’ll take transportation to Hydroelectric, and from there, walk approximately 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, where we will spend the night.
day 4
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
- 4TH DAY:Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
On the final day, we’ll start very early to take the bus to the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. We’ll have a 2-hour guided tour, discovering the history and mystery of this wonder of the world. After the tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo and finally return to Cusco, closing an unforgettable Salkantay trek experience.
This Salkantay tour is an incredible alternative to the Inca Trail, allowing you to enjoy the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6,271 m above sea level), considered one of the most sacred mountains in Cusco.
Includes
- Information one day before the tour
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Transportation Cusco – Callacancha / Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Machu Picchu entrance
- Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- 3 nights accommodation (domes/cabins/hotel), accommodation is 4 people per dome and 2 people per cabin
- Cook
- Muleteers and horses
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 2 snacks (vegan/vegetarian options)
- Sleeping tent, inflatable mattress, canvas bag (5 kg)
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
- Luggage storage at our Cusco office
- Boil water to fill your water bottle during the hike
- Camping equipment
Not include
- Breakfast (day 1) and lunch (day 4)
- Humantay Lake entrance fees
- Transportation Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Luggage transport Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Huaynapicchu ticket (subject to availability)
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Recommendations (Optional Services):
- Original passport and Student card from your University
- Insurance card is essential
- Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sleeping bag
- Warm jack
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Rain pants
- Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
- Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
- Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
- Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
- Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand)
Packaging list
- Valid passport
- Cash, preferably in soles
- Personal medications
- Water bottle or camelback (optional purifying tablets)
- Protection products (sunscreen, insect repellent, UV protection sunglasses)
- Pants and socks (hiking), water shoes, jacket, poncho, waterproof mountain boots/shoes, long-sleeve shirts, thermal jacket, hat that protects face and neck, shorts, and a neck scarf or buff
- Personal hygiene products (towel, toothpaste, soap, deodorant)
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles and a flashlight
- Medium hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters)
- Camera with charger and external battery (optional)
- Snacks: energy bars, electrolytes, nuts, etc.
- Swimsuit
