Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu – 5 Days

Today you’ll wake up surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. At 5:40 a.m., enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, and then begin the ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek.

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft), take in the awe-inspiring views of the Apu Salkantay, one of the most sacred mountains in Inca culture (Apu = sacred mountain). You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a nearby turquoise glacial lake, a hidden gem nestled in the high Andes.

After spending time at the pass, begin your descent to Wayracpunku, where you’ll take a well-deserved break and enjoy a nutritious lunch prepared by our team.

In the afternoon, continue your trek down into the lush cloud forest, a region rich in biodiversity, including orchids, butterflies, and colorful birds. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Chaullay campsite (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).

At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a warm dinner and rest in your tent under the stars.

After a delicious breakfast, begin your trek through the tropical forest, commonly known as the high jungle. This section of the adventure is considered one of the most beautiful, as you’ll pass through a vibrant landscape filled with wild and cultivated vegetation such as orchids, begonias, coffee plantations, banana trees, orange groves, and more.

After approximately 5 hours of hiking, enjoy a well-deserved break and a tasty lunch in Playa Sahuayaco. In the afternoon, continue your journey along an original and scenic Inca Trail that ascends to the Llaqtapata campsite.

This is arguably the best campsite of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, as you’ll spend the night with a stunning view of the Inca citadel from across the valley. Here, you’ll witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, orchids, or jungle wildlife, this is the perfect place to observe nature in its purest form.

In the evening, gather around a campfire with the rest of the group. If the night is clear, you’ll be able to gaze at the stars and spot Inca constellations in the Andean sky.

This morning will be truly magical as you’ll witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the peak of Huayna Picchu and the Inca city of Machu Picchu—a breathtaking view that marks the beginning of your final trekking day.

After an energizing breakfast, explore the archaeological site of Llaqtapata, a small Inca city still covered by 80% vegetation. As you walk around, you’ll enjoy rich biodiversity with a wide variety of flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the spectacled bear (Andean bear), a rare species native to this region.

Then, begin your descent along a scenic zigzagging trail toward the Hydroelectric Station, where you’ll enjoy your final lunch on the trail and bid farewell to the horsemen and cook who accompanied you during the trek.

From the Hydroelectric Station, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes):

• Option 1: Hike for approximately 3 hours along the railway track. While the path is covered in small stones, the journey is rewarding with stunning scenery all around.
• Option 2: Take a train ride of about 48 minutes (departure times: 2:17 p.m. or 2:50 p.m.).

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel and, at 6:30 p.m., enjoy your final dinner at a selected local restaurant, celebrating the near end of your unforgettable journey.

Today is the highlight of your entire adventure — the visit to Machu Picchu, the Wonder of the World and a UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will accompany you to the bus station for a 25-minute ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once you arrive and pass the checkpoint, head directly to the Guardian’s House viewpoint, where you’ll take in the iconic panoramic view of the majestic Inca citadel.

Your guide will lead you on a 2-hour tour of the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, Intihuatana (solar clock), sacred plazas, fountains, terraces, and more.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore or hike on your own if you’ve booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional tickets required).

Once finished, board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch on your own. Later in the afternoon (2:55 p.m., 3:20 p.m., or 4:20 p.m.), take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be waiting to transfer you by tourist minivan back to your hotel in Cusco.