Short Salkantay Trek

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. From there, travel for approximately 3.5 hours to the trailhead and prepare to begin your trek through the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

The first section follows an ancient irrigation canal that has supplied water to local farming communities for generations. After approximately three hours of hiking, arrive at Soraypampa, where you will have time to rest before continuing toward one of the day’s main attractions.

In the afternoon, hike for approximately two hours toward Humantay Lake at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft. This beautiful glacial lake is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. Along the way, you may observe native wildlife such as Andean geese, deer, and vizcachas.

After visiting Humantay Lake, continue hiking for approximately two hours toward Salkantay Base Camp at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft, located beneath the imposing Salkantay Mountain. Upon arrival, settle into camp, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and rest before the following day’s high-altitude crossing.

Wake up in the morning with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding plains and snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, begin an approximately two-hour ascent toward Salkantay Pass.

At 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, Salkantay Pass is the highest point of the journey. Take time at the summit to rest and appreciate the dramatic high-Andean landscape surrounding Salkantay Mountain.

From the pass, begin an approximately three-hour descent toward Wayracmachay at 3,800 m / 12,467 ft, where lunch will be served. This section provides a dramatic transition from the high mountain environment toward lower elevations.

After lunch, continue descending for approximately three more hours into the cloud forest. Along the way, observe the changing vegetation and climate, including flowers, orchids, and hummingbirds, before reaching Collpapampa at approximately 2,770 m / 9,087 ft.

Spend the second night at the campsite near the local village and rest after the most challenging trekking day of the itinerary.

After breakfast, begin an approximately three-hour hike through the warmer landscapes of the cloud forest toward Lucmabamba at approximately 2,000 m / 6,600 ft.

Upon arrival, stop for lunch before visiting a local organic coffee farm. During the visit, learn about the coffee-growing process, from harvesting the beans to preparing a fresh cup of coffee.

After the coffee experience, travel by vehicle for approximately one hour toward Hidroelectrica. From here, begin the final approximately three-hour hiking section toward Aguas Calientes.

Arrive in Aguas Calientes at approximately 5:00 p.m. and check in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and rest before the following morning’s visit to Machu Picchu.

On the final day, wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before preparing for the highlight of the journey: your visit to Machu Picchu.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., head to the bus departure area in Aguas Calientes and travel toward Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, enter the archaeological site according to your assigned entrance circuit.

Your professional guide will lead you through the areas included in your circuit during an approximately two-to-three-hour guided visit, explaining the history and significance of this extraordinary Inca archaeological site.

If you have separately booked an additional entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can complete the corresponding hike according to the entrance time and conditions indicated on your ticket.

After completing your Machu Picchu visit, return to Aguas Calientes, where lunch will be on your own. Later, board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a member of our team will meet you at the station and provide transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.