SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N TO MACHU PICCHU + LLACTAPATA TREK

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco with hotel pickups scheduled between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. During this period, the guide will gather participants from their respective hotels in Cusco. After assembling the group, you will depart from Cusco around 5:15 AM, heading towards the town of Mollepata by car, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Mollepata, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local restaurants, included in the tour. Typically, the stay in Mollepata, including breakfast and last-minute supplies shopping, lasts about an hour.

Post breakfast, the journey continues by car towards Soraypampa for another hour. Once at Soraypampa, you will meet the team of muleteers and horses, marking the start of the Salkantay trek. Before beginning the hike, all equipment and duffle bags will be handed over to the muleteers and horses. The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon starts at an elevation of 3,900 meters and ascends to 4,200 meters, the location of the lagoon. The initial part of the trek involves a gradual ascent for about an hour, followed by a steeper climb for the last hour. The total hike to the lagoon takes approximately 2 hours.

Upon reaching Humantay Lagoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy the breathtaking views, take photos, and listen to the guide’s insights. The stay at the lagoon typically lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, weather permitting. After visiting the lagoon, the descent begins towards the Quiswarniyoc campsite. This part of the trek involves a 1-hour downhill walk followed by a 45-minute nearly flat trek.

Upon arriving at the Quiswarniyoc campsite, usually around 2:00 PM, you will be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the cooking team. After lunch, the guide will show you to your respective sleeping quarters for some well-deserved rest. The afternoon, post-lunch, is free of scheduled hikes, allowing you to take short walks and explore the vast Quiswarniyoc area, enjoying the imposing views of Salkantay, which looms directly in front of the campsite. Around 6:00 PM, a warm dinner will be served. After dinner, you will receive important information about Day 02 of the trek, which involves reaching the highest point of the entire route.

Early Morning Awakening:

The day begins at 5 AM with a coca leaf tea known as “te despierto,” served by the kitchen team to assist with acclimatization to the altitude.

After waking, you have about 30 minutes to get ready and pack for the day.

Breakfast:

Breakfast is typically served at 5:30 AM.

After enjoying your meal, there’s a brief period for last-minute backpack checks and bathroom use before starting the hike to the highest point of the Salkantay trek.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass:

The trek from Quiswarniyoc to the trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass at 4700 meters above sea level, begins around 6 AM.

The uphill walk from the camp to the pass takes between 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace, with extended breaks every hour for rest and energy replenishment.

The ascent is manageable with proper acclimatization; the main challenge lies in adapting to the altitude.

Time at Salkantay Pass:

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to soak in the stunning views, photograph the mountains, and feel the proximity to Salkantay Mountain.

The guide will often provide insights into the area and may involve you in a local ritual to express gratitude to the Apus, the mountain gods in local beliefs.

You’ll spend about 30 to 45 minutes at the peak.

Descent to Lunch Spot:

The descent starts with a 2-hour trek from the Salkantay Pass to the lunch spot at Wayracmachay.

Here, the kitchen team awaits with a nutritious lunch.

Post-Lunch Rest and Second Descent:

After lunch, there’s a short time for rest, weather permitting.

The final descent segment for the day is from the lunch spot to the second camp at Chawllay.

This descent, lasting between 2.5 to 3 hours, is slightly steep but offers incredible views as you transition from the Andes to the Amazon region.

Arrival at Chawllay:

Upon arrival at Chawllay, the second campsite at 2900 meters, the guide will show you to your accommodations for the night.

The day concludes with a delicious dinner prepared by the cooking team.

This itinerary for Day 02 of the hike is crafted to balance challenging ascents and descents with ample opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Salkantay region.

Morning Start:

The day begins with a wake-up tea at 5:30 AM as the kitchen team assists you in waking up, followed by time for packing and preparing for the day’s hike.

Breakfast is served around 6:00 AM, setting you up for the trek ahead.

Trek from Chawllay to Lucmabamba:

The hike commences at approximately 6:30 AM from Chawllay, heading towards the third campsite, Lucmabamba.

This 4-hour trek predominantly features flat terrain through the Santa Teresa valley, offering a chance to observe diverse flora and fauna, culminating in an immersive coffee tour experience upon arrival in Lucmabamba.

Lucmabamba: Coffee Tour and Zipline Adventure

After a 4-hour hike, you’ll arrive at Lucmabamba, a region renowned for its exceptional coffee. Here, you’ll visit a local family at the Coffee Park, where they will guide you through the entire coffee cultivation process, from planting to harvesting and roasting. Lucmabamba is famous for its coffee, and you’ll even have the chance to brew and taste your own freshly prepared cup.

Additionally, this area offers the exciting Salkantay Zipline experience, which you can enjoy either before or after lunch, following the coffee tour. Your guides will assist in organizing these activities to ensure you don’t miss out on adding an extra thrill to your adventure. Lucmabamba is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and adrenaline-packed fun, making it an unforgettable part of your journey to Machu Picchu.

Lunch at the Star Domes in Lucmabamba

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the exclusive Star Domes in Lucmabamba, where you’ll also spend the night in panoramic glass domes surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Santa Teresa Valley.

After lunch, you can relax or take part in optional activities available for the rest of the day, as the trekking concludes after lunch. The Star Domes provide a unique and comfortable setting, perfect for recharging and making the most of this unforgettable experience.

Afternoon Options Post-Lunch:

The afternoon is free for relaxation, with the option to visit the rejuvenating Santa Teresa hot springs, especially rewarding after three days of trekking.

The additional cost for the hot springs visit is about 40 soles, covering transportation to and from the springs (about an hour each way) and the entry fee of 10 soles.

You can decide whether to participate in this activity at the campsite, with coordination from your guide, or choose to rest at the Lucmabamba campsite.

Visit to Santa Teresa Hot Springs:

If you opt for the hot springs, you’ll be taken there by local transport, spending about 2 hours at the springs before returning to the Lucmabamba campsite.

A delicious dinner prepared by the cooking team awaits you at the campsite, usually served around 7 PM.

Morning Start: We will wake you up at 6:00 AM, giving you time to pack, followed by breakfast served at 6:30 AM. The hike begins around 7:00 AM from the Lucmabamba campsite to the archaeological site of Llactapata.

Hike to Llactapata: A 3-hour ascent on an original and well-maintained Inca trail leads to the small archaeological site of Llactapata. From Llactapata, you will gain a unique view of Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu, and the surrounding mountains, offering a different perspective of Machu Picchu’s location in the mountains. There will be time to explore the Llactapata ruins and appreciate the view, and after the visit, it’s time to start the descent towards Hidroeléctrica.

Descent to Hidroelectrica Central: The path from Llactapata to Hidroeléctrica is somewhat steep, arguably the most pronounced descent of the trek. In this part, trekking poles are very helpful. It’s a 2-hour descent from Llactapata to the Hydroelectric station, where you will have lunch.

Lunch and Rest at Hidroelectrica Central: Upon arrival at the hydroelectric station, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have time to relax before continuing towards the town of Aguas Calientes.

Final Hike to Aguas Calientes: The last part of the day involves a 3-hour walk along the railway from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. Throughout this walk, you can also see parts of Machu Picchu from the valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the guide will take you to the hostel for the night, where you can rest, shower, and prepare for the last dinner in the town.

Dinner in Aguas Calientes: Dinner is planned around 7:00 PM at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. After dinner, make the final preparations for the next day’s adventure in Machu Picchu.

🏔️ Final Day – Visit to Machu Picchu

The last day of your tour is dedicated to discovering the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Your entry time is based on the schedule shown on your entrance ticket, so it’s important to arrive at the main gate exactly at that time. To get from Aguas Calientes (the town where you stayed overnight) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, you have two options:

🚶‍♂️ Hiking (1.5 hours approx.):
Start with a 30-minute flat walk from your hotel to Puente Ruinas (the first checkpoint), where you’ll show your passport and Machu Picchu ticket. From there, hike uphill for about 1 hour, climbing around 1,700 steps.
➤ If your ticket is for 6:00 am, plan to begin the walk at 4:30 am, after breakfast at your hotel.

🚌 Shuttle Bus (30 minutes):
If you prefer not to walk, you can take a comfortable bus to the entrance. Tickets cost $12 USD one way and can be bought the night before or in the morning.
Buses begin running at 5:30 am, and depart every 5–10 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.

No matter which option you choose, the key is to be at the main gate at the time shown on your ticket.

🗺️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Once you arrive, you’ll meet your group and your professional guide, who will take you on a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. The tour follows the specific circuit assigned to your ticket. Your guide will explain the site’s rich history, stunning architecture, and sacred significance, while also giving you time to take photos and enjoy the views.

⛰️ Optional Hikes (for those with extra tickets)

If you booked an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can begin the hike after the guided tour. These hikes take around 3 hours round-trip and must be reserved in advance due to limited availability.

🚆 Returning to Cusco – Two Options: After finishing your activities at Machu Picchu, it’s time to return to Cusco. There are two return options:

🚆 Option 1: If You Chose to Return by Train

Return to Aguas Calientes either by walking (1.5 hours) or by shuttle bus (30 minutes / $12 USD).

Board the train to Ollantaytambo (1.5-hour journey).

Upon arrival, continue by tourist vehicle to Cusco (2-hour drive).

Trains usually depart between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm, depending on availability.

You will arrive in Cusco between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm

🚗 Option 2: If You Chose to Return by Car via Hidroelectrica

Hike from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica, which takes approximately 3 hours.

You must arrive at Hidroelectrica by 2:30 pm to catch the only available car departure at 3:00 pm.

The drive to Cusco takes between 5 and 6 hours, with estimated arrival between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm.

Important: This return option only works if your Machu Picchu entry time is between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. If your ticket is for a later time, you won’t arrive on time to catch the car and will need to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes to return the next day.

Any additional costs for lodging, food, or other services will be the responsibility of the traveler.