Salkantay High Mountain Trek – 4 Days

Your adventure begins with an early 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco via private transport. Enjoy a scenic morning drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of your trek. The route ascends along the right bank of the Apurímac River, passing through the towns of Mollepata (2800m/9184ft) and Cruzpata before reaching Soraypampa (3800m/12464ft). Here, we begin our hike towards the base of Mount Salkantay, crossing Salkantaypampa. A challenging 2-hour steep ascent will take us to Soyroccocha, situated beside the impressive Salkantay Glacier. Continuing uphill, we’ll reach the trek’s highest point, Abra Huayracmachay (4525m/14846ft).

From this breathtaking pass, we’ll begin our descent into the lush cloud forest. Along the way, keep an eye out for the remains of an ancient Inca path, approximately 6 meters wide. We will arrive at our camping site for the night in Huayracmachay (3,850m/12628ft).

After breakfast, we continue our hike with an easy downhill walk along the Salkantay River. As we descend, the landscape transforms from arid highlands into a vibrant cloud forest, rich with trees, bromeliads, and increasingly lush vegetation. We’ll pass beautiful waterfalls and various plantations, including passion fruit and coffee. After approximately three hours, we reach the settlement of Chaullay, and another hour and a half brings us to the town of Colpapampa. From Colpapampa, the Salkantay River transitions into the Santa Teresa River.

Following a well-deserved rest, we continue our descent to the banks of the Totora River, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in its thermo-medicinal waters. As we follow the Santa Teresa River, we’ll pass the impressive waterfalls at Coripacchi and the settlement of Wiñaypoko, finally arriving at our campsite in Lucmabamba (2,100m/6888ft).

Following breakfast, we begin our walk up to Llactapata, where you’ll observe lush plantations of bananas, coffee, and avocados, alongside vibrant local flora. This area is known as spectacled-bear territory, and you may even be accompanied by flocks of parrots as we descend. We’ll cross a river and begin a 2-3 hour climb to Abra Q’elloqasa (2860m/9381ft), which offers an exceptional vantage point for Machu Picchu.

From Llactapata (2650m/8692ft), we’ll enjoy incredible panoramic views of both Machu Picchu and the majestic Salkantay Mountain, with the added benefit of exploring the recently restored Llactapata archaeological site. A two-hour descent towards the Aobamba River will lead us through dense bamboo forests, more orchards, and coffee plantations, finally reaching the Hydroelectric station. From here, we board a scenic 40-minute train ride that takes us directly to Aguas Calientes. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. An early transfer at 5:30 AM will take you to the bus stop for a short 25-minute ride up to the magnificent citadel. Upon arrival, you’ll join a comprehensive guided tour of the citadel, exploring highlights such as the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the sacred Intihuatana (Sun Dial), the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows. You’ll navigate through ancient houses, warehouses, and a large central square, all interconnected by narrow roads and steps carved into the mountainside and surrounded by impressive agricultural terraces.

Following the guided tour, you’ll have leisure time to explore the archaeological site at your own pace. For the more adventurous, there’s an option to climb Wayna Picchu (not included in the price), offering even more stunning, elevated views of Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for your scenic train journey back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel, concluding your unforgettable adventure.