Salkantay Mountain Trek and Machupicchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

We pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am and start our journey. Throughout it we will pass through many small towns like Limatambo.

After about 2 hours of driving, we arrive to Mollepata, a very catholic town inhabited by cowboys from the region. Here we stop to buy some snacks and have breakfast. From there, we continue on for another hour to Challacancha, the beginning of our trek. Once we arrive there we will have time to get organized and start the walk.

The first part of the trek is a gradual uphill trek which is perfect to warm up and get used to the altitude. After about 1.5 hours walking, we arrive at Soraypampa where we spend the first night. You will have a freshly prepared lunch from our chef which will give you an opportunity to recharge energy before the afternoon.

After lunch, we start the afternoon trek to the amazing Humantay Lagoon, which is about 1.5 hours into the trek. The trail is easy at the beginning, but then starts to incline more as you get close to the lagoon. Once you arrive at the lagoon, you will have time to enjoy the spectacular turquoise lagoon waters highlighting the glacier peak of Humantay at elevation 5960 m. You will be able to enjoy the moment, take a few pictures and relish in the beauty of nature.

Once we finish our visit to the lagoon, we return to Soraypampa, arriving at approximately 4:00 pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the area, or simply enjoy the spectacular views from your tent. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by an overnight rest.

Day 2.: Soraypampa – Ccollpapampa

After a good breakfast, we leave Soraypampa. This is the hardest day because we have to climb to the Salkantay pass (4,600 m.), the highest point of our trip to Machupicchu, from where we will enjoy an spectacular view of the high snow capped mountain called Salkantay (6,271 m) and great views of Humantay and Huayanay mountains and small lakes. Later, we hike downhill to the second camp site at Ccollpapampa where we settle for the night.

Along the way, we pass through highland grasslands and encounter a great variety of wildlife, including small finches, hummingbirds, and even toucans in the cloud forest. There is also a chance to spot Andean foxes, white-tailed deer, and vizcachas (rabbit-like chinchillas).

Our campsite for tonight is at Ccollpapampa (2,900 m). It is recommended to use insect repellent, as mosquitoes in this area can have a strong bite.

Day 3: Ccolpapampa – La Playa

After an amazing breakfast, we continue our trek to La Playa, covering approximately 12 km from Ccollpapampa. The trail follows the Lluskamayo River, where we will walk through lush plantations of coffee and local fruits along the way.

That night, we stay in the village of La Playa (2,400 m), a truly beautiful place with several small shops where you can purchase snacks and drinks. You will also have the opportunity to taste locally grown coffee. If you are interested, there is an optional visit to nearby hot springs—please inform your guide in advance so this can be arranged.

Day 4: La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

This is the last day of the trek before we reach Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. The main focus of that day is a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata, located on the mountainside high above. Following an original Inca Trail we arrive to Llactapata by early to mid morning and can enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu mountain from that place.

After a tour of Llactapata in which we earn about the Inca people and their culture we head back down the mountainside to the Hidroeléctrica Station from where we walk to Aguas Calientes town.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 5: Machupicchu – Cusco

Today is the most important day of the entire trek, which is why we will start very early. We will take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise, followed by a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel. During the tour, you will learn about the Inca civilization and visit the most important areas of this incredible site.

After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own or, if you have the corresponding permits, to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you by bus back to Cusco.

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop-off from the hotel
• Private bus to the village of Mollepata.
• English-speaking tour guide.
• High-quality camping equipment (4-people tent used for 2 persons, mattress, dinning tent, kitchen tent)
• Great cook
• Meals included: morning tea, breakfast, snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner every day, featuring pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, and other carbohydrate-rich dishes ideal for trekking, along with hot drinks. Vegetarian options are available.
• Boiled water for you to fill up your water bottles.
• Muleteers
• Pack animals (horses and mules to carry personal items and camping equipment.
• Saddled horses )for the first 2 days).
• First aid kit
• Oxygen bottles.
• Accomodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Round trip bus ticket to Machupicchu.
• Entrance fee to Machupicchu.
• Train ticket back to Cusco.
• Transfer from the train station to your hotel.

Exclusions

• Breakfast (first day)
• Lunch in aguas calientes (last day)
• Sleeping bags (you can rent them in our office: US$ 25 for the whole trek).
• Walking sticks (you can rent them in our office: US$ 20 for the whole trek).
• Inflatable mattress (you can rent it in our office: US$ 20 for the whole trek).
• Flight tickets
• Airport taxes
• Tips (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Optional extras not included (need to book in advance)

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Vistadome/Panoramic 360° Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaymbo: USD75.00 (Need to book in advance)
• Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of hotel desired (Need to book in advance).

What to bring:

• Backpack to carry personal items like snacks and water bottle.
• Original Passport
• Sleeping bag (you can rent it in our office).
• Warm clothes and fleece
• Rain jacket and rain poncho
• Hiking boots and sandals
• Trousers and shorts
• Wool socks, wool hat and gloves
• Sun hat
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle and purification tablets
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Bathing suit & towel

DEPARTURES: From March to January depending on your request.

Private service

This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.

Price 2026

IMPORTANT: Price is based on a double room occupancy.

An additional USD 35.00 will be charged for a single room if there’s no one else to share a double room with or if you are travelling alone.

DISCOUNTS:

Students: US$ 20 (with valid ISIC card under 25 years old)
Teenagers: US$ 20 (under 15 )

Booking Information

Choose in the Calendar the date of when you would like to start this Trek -select the month, year and the day, (Starting Date). Fill in your details as requested, and details of the people traveling with you, once you have finished and sent us your reservation, you are registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 6% . Once we receive your payment, we will confirm the tour in your email and send you the rest of the details.

Booking Deposit Required – Online payments.

You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 300+6% per person through Paypal.

US$75 additional per person for climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional). If you wish to do either climb, you must confirm in advance, as permits must be booked ahead of time.

There are two available time slots: 7:00–8:00 am or 10:00–11:00 am.
FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid 2 months in advance through Paypal.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. You must inform us of any medical conditions or allergies. Participants must be in good physical health. If your health condition is uncertain, please consult your doctor before booking. If you are over 70 years old, you must provide a current medical certificate, as the Salkantay Trek reaches 4,600 m.a.s.l. It is highly recommended to arrive in Cusco 2–3 days in advance to acclimatize to the altitude.

2. You must inform your tour guide if you wish to leave the group or the campsite for independent walks. If you experience any problems with the service, please notify your guide immediately so they can be resolved as soon as possible.

3. If you suffer from vertigo and do not wish to climb Huayna Picchu, you must indicate NO on the reservation form and note this in the comments section. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, permits must be booked 4–5 months in advance, as availability is limited. These climbs are optional.

4. You must carry your original passport and a valid student card (if applicable) during the trek.

5. The US$20 student discount is regulated by the park authorities, not by our company. All ISIC cards are validated directly by park control.

6. We include 8 kg of luggage per passenger carried by horses. We will provide a duffle bag for your sleeping bag, personal clothing, and mattress.

7. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes is a 3-star hotel. If you would like alternative accommodation, upgrades can be arranged for an additional cost based on double occupancy. Please request this at the time of booking.

8. If you are unable to continue the trek, we can organize an alternative Machu Picchu tour, allowing you to rejoin your group using your train tickets and entrance tickets. This includes: train to Aguas Calientes, overnight stay in a hostal, bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and return train to Cusco.

9. Date changes are only possible if the group still meets the minimum size and train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have not been finalized. A US$25 administration fee applies. If train tickets have already been issued, an additional US$20 per ticket is charged by PeruRail. In some cases, a fare upgrade may be required.

10. If you become ill or injured and cannot continue the trek, a porter and mule will accompany you to the nearest point with emergency assistance. Helicopter evacuation and medical costs are the passenger’s responsibility. No refunds apply; however, we will provide medical documentation for insurance claims.

11. Our company takes all reasonable care to provide safe and professional service and employs qualified staff. We are responsible for the actions of our employees but cannot be held responsible for unavoidable events, third-party actions, or improper conduct by clients. You are fully responsible for your personal belongings and rented equipment.

12. Our travel agency is not responsible for additional costs caused by weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal items. Travel insurance is the client’s responsibility. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances.

CANCELLATION PENALTIES

A.- Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs in the loss of the booking deposit. (US$ 300.00) per person. Non-refundable booking deposit.
B.- Cancellation of tour within 45 days to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost…
C.- Cancellation of tour within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost…
D.- Cancellation of tour within 7 days – 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost…
E.- Cancellation of tour within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost

Why Choose This Trekking With Inka Expeditions?

With Inka Expeditions, your trekking through the Salkantay trail to Machupicchu will be an unforgettable experience led by an expert local tour guide who will share all his knowledge of this Inca sites and also about the flora and fauna of this region. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience, led by professional tour guides fully trained in first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Salkantay Trail To Machupicchu:

1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on this trekking?

The Salkantay trail to Machupicchu reaches 4600m (15088ft) so it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

2.-How difficult is this Salkantay trekking to Machupicchu?

The trek to Machu Picchu is considered moderately difficult and requires proper hiking boots.

3.-Is it safe to travel to Salkantay trekking during the wet season?

Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery, it is recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and rain poncho. The dry season (April to october) is ideal for this trek because we have clear views but the weather is always unpredictable in the Andes.