A five-day trek along the Salkantay route, the most emblematic mountain of the Vilcabamba range, to Machu Picchu.
The walk sets out from Cusco to Mollepata (3,000 m) and climbs through a valley ringed by the Humantay (5,217 m) and Salkantay (6,264 m) snow peaks to the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m). Day two crosses the Salkantay pass (4,600 m) and descends into the Chaullay tropical forest (3,000 m); day three passes coffee and cacao plantations to Lucmabamba (2,000 m). Day four follows the Inca Trail to Llactapata (2,650 m), with a view of Machu Picchu, and descends to the Hidroeléctrica (1,950 m) to take the train to Aguas Calientes. The final day visits the Machu Picchu citadel and returns by train to Cusco. Three nights are spent camping and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Highlights
The Salkantay pass (4,600 m)
The Humantay (5,217 m) and Salkantay (6,264 m) snow peaks
The tropical forest and the coffee and cacao plantations
The Llactapata archaeological site (2,650 m), with a view of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Cusco / Mollepata / Soraypampa (7 h)
Departure from Cusco to Marcoccasa (3,400 m), passing through the village of Mollepata (3,000 m), where the horses and the group gather. The trek starts through a striking valley ringed by the Humantay (5,217 m) and Salkantay (6,264 m) snow peaks, to the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m), with a cold climate. Overnight in campsite. Meals: lunch and dinner.
Day2
Day 2: Salkantay Pampa / Salkantay Pass / Chaullay (9 h)
After breakfast, set off for the Salkantay pass (4,600 m), with an exceptional view of the Salkantay snow peak (6,264 m). From there the descent begins, through increasingly rich vegetation, to the Chaullay campsite (3,000 m), in the heart of the tropical forest. Warm climate with mosquitoes. Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day3
Day 3: Chaullay / Wiñaypoco / Lucmabamba (6 h)
A day devoted to the region's flora: orchids, bromeliads and crops of coffee, cacao and fruit. It meets the local families of Wiñaypoco (2,650 m), La Playa (2,100 m) and Lucmabamba (2,000 m), where the second campsite is set up. Warm climate during the day with mosquitoes. Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day4
Day 4: Lucmabamba / Llactapata / Aguas Calientes (6 h)
After breakfast, follow the Inca Trail to the Llactapata archaeological site (2,650 m), with an exceptional view of Machu Picchu and the Vilcanota canyon. Descend along the Urubamba River to the Hidroeléctrica (1,950 m), where you board the train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day5
Day 5: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Citadel / Cusco
Early in the morning, ride up by tourist transport to Machu Picchu to explore the citadel, its passages, alleys and terraces. After free time, descend (downhill bus not included) and take the train back to Cusco, with a transfer to the hotel on arrival. Meals: breakfast.
Suggested hotels
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
Standard
Aguas Calientes
Superior tourist category in Aguas Calientes.
Free Wi-Fi
Telephone
Flat-screen TV
Cable TV
Restaurant (buffet style)
Bar
Machu Picchu Pueblo · 80 m
Estadio Jose Nouchi Portillo · 490 m
Cerro Putukusi
Museo Manuel Chávez Ballon · 1.5 km
Inti Punku Machu Picchu
Standard
Aguas Calientes
Superior tourist category in Aguas Calientes.
Free Wi-Fi
Telephone
Cable TV
Restaurant
Bar
Snack bar
Machu Picchu Pueblo · 10 m
Estadio Jose Nouchi Portillo · 120 m
Cerro Putukusi
El Mapi (Hab. Sup.)
Superior
Aguas Calientes
First category in Aguas Calientes.
Free Wi-Fi
Cable TV
Restaurant
Bar
Breakfast
Bottled water
Machu Picchu Pueblo · 160 m
Estadio Jose Nouchi Portillo · 270 m
Cerro Putukusi
Standard and Superior categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Camping and kitchen equipment
Included: 1 night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Included: Transport Cusco / Mollepata (bus) – Hidroeléctrica / Aguas Calientes / Cusco (train)
Included: Transport from La Playa to the Hidroeléctrica station (camping equipment and personal items only, 5 kg)
Included: Meals as per itinerary (vegetarian option)
Included: Cook, muleteers and mules for the camping equipment and personal bags (5 kg per person)
Included: Entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Included: Uphill bus (one way) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Included: Emergency horse
Included: First-aid kit and oxygen
What's not included
Not included: Downhill bus to Aguas Calientes
Not included: Sleeping bag
Not included: Domestic and international airfare
Not included: Domestic and international airport taxes and visa fees
Not included: Excess baggage fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with meals
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included
Optional services
Optional, at extra cost:
Santa Teresa hot springs — Transport from Lucmabamba to Santa Teresa and entrance to the thermal baths, available as an add-on service.