Embark on a 4-day journey along the captivating Salkantay Trail and immerse yourself in a natural paradise that greets you at every turn. Your efforts will be richly rewarded as you gaze in awe at the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon. Reaching the trail’s highest point at 4,629 meters above sea level, you’ll feel your senses come alive while taking in the breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay, Cusco’s second-highest snow-capped peak.
The landscape transforms around you, shifting from majestic mountain vistas to lush tropical forests teeming with vibrant vegetation. As you make your way to Aguas Calientes, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque streams and towering peaks. This unforgettable adventure culminates with a visit to the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.
We will set off around 4:00 AM for a two-hour drive to the village of Mollepata, where we’ll stop for a quick breakfast. Our vehicles are equipped with cozy blankets, perfect for a nap if you need to rest after your meal. Following breakfast, we’ll continue for another hour to reach the trailhead at Challacancha.
Before starting the hike, you’ll meet the porters and cooks who are part of our team and do a final check of your gear. Then, we’ll begin a relatively gentle three-hour trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our first campsite awaits. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of glaciers and a deep valley. You’ll also see an ancient Inca canal that runs alongside much of the trail and is still used by local farmers today. This section covers 7 km / 4.35 miles.
Upon arriving at Soraypampa, you’ll have time to settle into our unique igloo-style Sky Camp and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our talented chefs, who work their magic in the heart of the mountains. After lunch, we’ll embark on an afternoon hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake.
When we return to camp, you’ll have time to relax and savor dinner as the sun sets behind the mountains. The energy of the mountains is indescribable, but it brings a profound sense of inner peace. As night falls, you’ll have the chance to gaze at the stars, completing an unforgettable day.
Experience the awe-inspiring Abra Salkantay and the descent into the tropical forest. You’ll wake up to the first rays of sunlight and enjoy a revitalizing cup of coca tea while taking in the view of Apu Salkantay. After a nourishing breakfast, you’ll embark on a 7 km hike, lasting about three hours, to reach the highest point of the trek: Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This challenging ascent follows the “Snake’s Path,” named for its winding and steep trail.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region and revered as a sacred Apu. You’ll also be able to admire the peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After soaking in the scenery and resting, you’ll begin your descent (7 km / 4.35 miles) to Huayracmachay (3,850 m), where we’ll stop for lunch. This part of the trail is steep and rocky but offers stunning views of the valley below.
After lunch, you’ll enter the edge of the tropical forest, also known as the “cloud forest.” As you hike, you’ll notice the lush tropical vegetation and witness the dramatic transition from the Andes to the Amazonian environment.
Following a long and rewarding day of hiking, you’ll arrive at Collpapampa, where you’ll spend the night. A hearty dinner will be served, and you’ll rest in our exclusive Mountain Sky View accommodations, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
Today, we’ll wake you up at 6:00 AM for a hearty breakfast before beginning our five-hour trek through the stunning Santa Teresa Valley, ending at La Playa. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant landscape filled with rivers, wild orchids, and lush coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. You’ll even have the chance to sample fresh passionfruit as you take in the scenery.
We’ll pass through the small village of Collpapampa and continue along the base of the mountains, crossing to the other side of the valley. This tropical section of the trail offers breathtaking waterfalls, colorful birds, fruit-bearing trees, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Upon reaching La Playa, you’ll enjoy a final lunch prepared by our skilled chefs, followed by a relaxing coffee demonstration. After some time to unwind, we’ll board private transportation to the Hydroelectric train station. From there, you’ll hike alongside the Urubamba River, surrounded by dense vegetation. If you’re feeling tired, you can opt to take the train to Aguas Calientes instead. As you walk through this tropical paradise, you’ll see beautiful plantations and spot a variety of birds, including the forest chicken.
After approximately three hours of hiking, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll be taken to your hotel. There, you can relax in a comfortable room equipped with a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast, and luggage storage. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a renowned local restaurant before heading back to the hotel to rest.
In the morning, at the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll embark on a 20-minute ride along a winding road, ascending 400 meters to reach the breathtaking wonder of the world, the “Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu,” also known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through the entrance, and we’ll begin a comprehensive tour of the citadel. For approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll explore the most significant sites within Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants (lunch not included). Afterward, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo (subject to train schedule availability). The return journey will follow the same route as the outbound trip. Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a train representative will be waiting to transfer you to a bus that will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight : Hotel in Cusco (at your own expense)
Meals: Breakfast
Service | Travelers | Prices |
---|---|---|
Group | 1 traveler | US$ 699.00 |
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Cusco
Moderate difficulty
Total distance 21 Km
Maximum altitude 4.630 m
Up to 12 people
Daily departures
Cusco
Moderate to high difficulty
Total distance 50 Km
Maximum altitude 4.630 m
Up to 12 people
Daily departures
EXCELLENT Based on 857 reviews Andres Lack2025-01-01Verified Buenísimo! El tour está muy bien organizado, incluye desayuno y comida y el tour a la montaña.Nuestro guía estuvo pendiente de nosotros en todo momento y nos dio tips muy útiles para el ascenso.La vista en la subida y una vez arriba: sin palabras, súper increíble. Aún que el ascenso cuesta mucho trabajo, vale mucho la pena! Vayan, súper tour! Andres Lack2025-01-01Verified Increíble!! Súper recomendado, toman el tour con Wil! Excelente recorrido, el sitio impresionante y siento que le agregó tanto valor el guía Wil Fernández, quien muestra mucho interés, y te hace adentrarte y apasionarte en la historia inka, imaginando como vivían en ese tiempo, complementando todo con historias, imágenes de un libro y vivencias. El tour normalmente dura 2,5 horas. Pero por su pasión, y sus buenas explicaciones en esta ocasión nos hicimos 4 horas - y solo terminamos ahí, porque tuvimos que apurarnos por la necesidad de ir al baño. A demás de gran guía e historiador te toma las mejores fotos. Andres Lack2025-01-01Verified Vale la pena ir - y si vayan, piden a Carmen!! Excelente experiencia, los lugares, las ruinas, la explicación y paisajes. Nuestra guía (Carmen) era la mejor, se notaba su pasión por el trabajo y la historia de su país.Y lo mejor es el lugar a donde paras a comer (14 inkas) antes de llegar a Ollantaytambo - una comida tipo bufet con vista directo al valle sagrado. Fue uno de los mejores tours que hemos tomado! Andres Lack2025-01-01Verified Si vale la pena ir El tour muy completo e interesante. Lo único que no me gustó es que antes de llevarte a las salinas paran en una tienda donde te muestran los tipos de sal y los productos que hacen con esta. Al final los ofrecen mencionándote que es el único lugar donde los puedes comprar. Uno confía los compra y se da cuenta que en las salinas están a un precio más accesible. También menciono que si haces el pago con tarjeta te cobran de más sin avisarte. Andres Lack2025-01-01Verified City tour Cusco es una ciudad en la que llueve, en esta ocasión estaba lloviendo cuando empezamos el tour en coricancha. Por lo que el guía decidió dar el tour solo la parte de adentro sin ver las áreas descubiertas, pero al ir a las ruinas si nos mojamos y tuvimos que usar nuestros ponchos que recomiendan llevar. Coricancha siento yo que es básico como introducción a la cultura inka y su arquitectura. Silvana D2024-12-10Verified Volveré!!! Increíble lugar, se siente una energía única e inexplicable. Es como viajar en el tiempo, gracias a la excelente explicación y data que nos iba contando nuestro guía. Imágenes únicas. Definitivamente, volveré!!! Silvana D2024-12-10Verified Me sorprendió Me encantó!! La gente amorosa y los guías muy bien informados!! Sacamos muchas fotos increíbles! Tengo ganas de volver! Silvana D2024-12-10Verified Me sorprendió todo!! Increíble la atención de la gente, calidad humana y lo tan bien informados que están para hacer los recorridos. Las vistas eran increíbles, y sacamos muchísimas fotos!!! Definitivamente volveré !!!! Geraldine d2024-11-27Verified Genial Bastante exigente el trekking, el camino con muchas piedras y empinado, aún así increíble experiencia la vista a la laguna al llegar vale la pena Geraldine d2024-11-27Verified Increíble El mejor paseo por lejos, machu picchu es mágico y Wilder fue el mejor guía, dinámico y divertido, hizo que la experiencia fuera muy aprovechable, recomiendo!