Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco. We travel approximately two hours by tourist transportation to Mollepata, where we'll stop for breakfast and prepare for the trek.

After breakfast, we'll continue to Challacancha, the starting point of our hike. From here, begin a scenic trek through the spectacular Andean landscapes toward Soraypampa, our first campsite.

The hike takes approximately 4 hours and is considered moderate, allowing you to gradually acclimatize while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After arriving at Soraypampa, we'll have lunch before continuing our adventure to the famous Humantay Lake, located at approximately 4,220 m (13,845 ft). Admire the turquoise waters surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks and enjoy time to take photographs and explore this sacred natural destination.

After visiting Humantay Lake, return to Soraypampa, where you'll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wacracmachay – Collpapampa

After an early breakfast, begin the most challenging day of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days.

From Soraypampa, we'll hike approximately 7 km uphill toward the spectacular Salkantay Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,650 m (15,256 ft). This is the highest point of the trek and offers breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding Andes.

After spending some time at the pass, we'll begin a long descent of approximately 7 km toward the lunch area. As we descend, the landscape gradually changes from high-altitude mountain scenery to greener valleys.

After lunch, continue hiking for approximately 10 km toward Collpapampa, our second campsite. The warmer climate and lush vegetation mark the transition into the cloud forest.

Enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest at the campsite.

Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes

Today, you'll enter the warmer cloud forest and tropical region of the Salkantay route. After breakfast, begin a scenic hike through lush vegetation, coffee plantations, banana fields, passion fruit, and other tropical crops.

The hike toward La Playa Sahuayaco and Lucmabamba takes approximately 3 hours, offering a completely different landscape from the high Andes experienced during the previous days.

At La Playa Sahuayaco, we'll make a stop where you can learn about local coffee production and taste freshly prepared organic Peruvian coffee.

Continue to Lucmabamba, where we'll stop for lunch and take some time to rest.

After lunch, we'll travel by tourist transportation toward the Hydroelectric Station. From Hydroelectric, begin the final hike of the day, following the railway tracks and the Urubamba River valley for approximately 3 hours until reaching Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and rest before the following day's visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The most anticipated day of your journey has arrived: Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, you'll have two options to reach the entrance of the archaeological sanctuary. If you still have energy after the trek, you can hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus for a faster and more comfortable journey.

Once inside Machu Picchu, your professional guide will lead you through the archaeological sanctuary according to the entrance circuit and time slot assigned to your ticket. During the guided tour, you'll discover the most important sectors of the ancient Inca citadel and learn about its history, architecture, culture, and religious significance.

After the guided visit, return to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time for lunch or to explore the town before boarding your scheduled train.

Take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our transportation will be waiting to take you from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco, where your 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu comes to an end.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The highlight of your journey has arrived: Machu Picchu.

We'll wake up early, around 4:30 AM, and have a breakfast box before beginning the journey to the archaeological sanctuary.

You can choose to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, or take the shuttle bus for a faster and more comfortable journey. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes and is available at an additional cost.

Upon arrival at the entrance, you'll present your original passport and Machu Picchu entrance ticket before beginning your guided visit.

Your professional guide will lead you to the best viewpoints for the classic Machu Picchu photograph before exploring the main sectors of the citadel. The guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, during which you'll learn about the history, architecture, religious traditions, and remarkable engineering of the Inca civilization.

Depending on your selected entrance ticket and available time, you may have additional time to explore the sanctuary or hike one of the additional mountain routes, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These require advance reservation and an additional entrance ticket.

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board your scheduled train for the return journey. From the train station, continue by tourist transportation toward Cusco, concluding your unforgettable 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.