4,630 meters / 15,190.3 feet
Approximately 64 km
Mollepata – Salkantay Pass – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Embark on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Holiday Tours. This adventure offers unparalleled views and cultural insights. We will guide you through breathtaking landscapes.
The Salkantay Hike is a unique journey to the iconic Machu Picchu. Spanning 74 kilometers (46 miles), it’s a must for adventurers. It traverses the majestic Salkantay Pass, over 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level.
Prepare for the trek months in advance for the best experience. We recommend spending a few days in Cusco to acclimate. This also allows you to explore the rich history of the Sacred Valley.
Essential Preparations and Highlights
Our guided tour ensures you enjoy the classic Salkantay Trek comfortably. Sleeping bags and delicious meals are available. Plus, you can savor coca tea, aiding in altitude adjustment.
Highlights include the stunning Humantay Lake and the thermal waters of Santa Teresa. These natural wonders enhance your trekking experience. Don’t forget to soak in the hot springs, a perfect way to relax muscles.
Travel insurance is a wise choice for all trekkers. It provides peace of mind while hiking to Machu Picchu. Additionally, we’ll navigate the trail to Machu Picchu, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
Join us on the Salkantay Trek Peru for an unforgettable journey. It’s more than just a hike; it’s an exploration of ancient landscapes. Let’s make memories that last a lifetime on the trail to Machu Picchu.
Day 1 of the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek begins with an early departure from Cusco. We will drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley, heading towards Soraypampa for breakfast. This first stop offers stunning views of the Andean landscape.
After breakfast, we embark on the hike to Humantay Lake. The path winds through breathtaking scenery, showcasing the natural beauty of Peru. Humantay Lake, with its turquoise waters, is a sight to behold.
Post Humantay Lake, our journey continues to Salkantay Pampa for lunch. This area has majestic mountains around, providing a perfect backdrop for our meal. We’ll have the chance to rest and refuel in this serene setting.
The final stretch of Day 1 takes us to Soyroccocha, where we will camp for the night. Our campsite lies under the watchful gaze of the Salkantay Mountain. Here, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and rest under the stars.
Day 1 Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Statistics:
This day offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and physical challenge. We will pass through communities that showcase the rich culture of the Andes. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Day 1 of the Salkantay Trek.
Day 2 of the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek is when the adventure intensifies. We will start early from Soyroccocha, greeted by the dawn’s light on Salkantay Mountain. The trek towards Apacheta Pass is challenging but rewarding.
Crossing Apacheta Pass, the highest point of our trek, offers exhilarating views. Here, we can see Huayanay, Humantay, and Salkantay mountains in all their glory. This moment marks a significant achievement on our journey.
After the pass, we descend to Rayanniyoc for a well-deserved lunch break. The descent offers a change in scenery, with more vegetation appearing. Rayanniyoc provides a peaceful setting to recharge before the next stretch.
The final leg for the day takes us to Colpapampa, our campsite. Colpapampa sits at the confluence of three rivers, surrounded by lush cloud forest. We’ll rest here, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Day 2 Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Statistics:
Day 2 is both challenging and awe-inspiring, with majestic mountains and diverse ecosystems. We will navigate this memorable route together, immersed in the beauty of the Andes. Get ready for an unforgettable day on the Salkantay Trek.
Day 3 of the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek is a journey through lush landscapes. Starting from Colpapampa, we’ll trek towards Lucmabamba, our main stop for the day. The path is surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest.
In Lucmabamba, we’ll set up camp and enjoy a delicious lunch. This area offers a closer look at local agriculture, including coffee plantations. Lucmabamba serves as a perfect example of the Andean way of life.
After lunch, we will visit the hot springs at Cocalmayo. The soothing waters are a perfect remedy for our tired muscles. We’ll return to Lucmabamba for the night, relaxing under the starry sky.
Day 3 Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Statistics:
Day 3 allows for a gentler pace, with ample time to enjoy the natural hot springs and the surrounding beauty. We will immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the Andean cloud forest.
Prepare for a day filled with relaxation and cultural exploration on the Salkantay Trek.
Day 4 of the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek unveils ancient Inca history. We start from Lucmabamba, ascending towards the Puncuyoc Pass. The climb is steep but filled with stunning views, including glimpses of Salkantay Mountain.
Reaching the Puncuyoc Pass, we’ll see panoramic views and have them as a surprise. Next, we descend to the Llactapata Inca ruins, a highlight of the trek. These ruins offer a unique vantage point of Machu Picchu in the distance.
The final stretch leads us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. We will navigate through lush vegetation, feeling the anticipation build. In Aguas Calientes, we’ll rest and prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Day 4 Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Statistics:
Day 4 is a day of discovery and awe as we trace the steps of the Incas. We will experience the majesty of ancient ruins and the beauty of the Andean landscape. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the doorstep of Machu Picchu.
Day 5 is the climax of the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek. We will rise early in Aguas Calientes to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. The anticipation builds as we approach this ancient wonder.
Upon arrival, we’ll explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour. We’ll learn about its history, architecture, and the Incas who built it. This experience is both awe-inspiring and educational, offering insights into a remarkable civilization.
After the tour, we’ll have free time to explore or hike to the Sun Gate for panoramic views. Then, we return to Aguas Calientes for our journey back to Cusco. Reflecting on our journey, we’ll cherish the memories made and the challenges overcome.
Day 5 Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Statistics:
Day 5 is a rewarding conclusion to our trek, filled with exploration and discovery. We will leave with a deeper appreciation for the Inca empire and the natural beauty of Peru. This final day marks the end of an unforgettable adventure.
What an incredible journey! The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was everything I hoped for and more. The scenery was spectacular. Our guides were professional and passionate, ensuring we had a rich and safe experience.
Ending the trek at the magical Machu Picchu was a dream come true. I’m already planning my next trip with the same tour company!
I can’t recommend the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek enough! The route was challenging but immensely rewarding, offering stunning views and a genuine sense of achievement. The guides were fantastic, sharing their deep love and respect for the Andean culture and environment.
The camaraderie within our group was wonderful, making the experience even more special. It was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and history.
The Salkantay Trek exceeded all my expectations. The landscapes were breathtaking, and hiking through different ecosystems was a fascinating experience. The organization was top-notch, with comfortable campsites, delicious meals, and friendly staff.
The highlight for me was the morning we spent at Machu Picchu, exploring its wonders with an expert guide. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Embarking on the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek was an unforgettable adventure! From the majestic Salkantay Pass to the serene beauty of Humantay Lake, every step was a discovery.
The guides were knowledgeable and supportive, making us feel safe and informed throughout the journey. Reaching Machu Picchu after such an incredible trek was the cherry on top. A must-do for any trekking enthusiast!
