Salkantay Classic Trek to the Wonder: Explore the Sacred Mountains to Machu Picchu.
The 5-day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu is the second most popular and renowned route after the Classic Inca Trail and one of the best treks in Peru.
On the Salkantay Trek, you will hike through a variety of landscapes, not only across the highest mountains in Cusco but also visit turquoise waters and two impressive Inca sites: Llactapata and Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
This combination makes the experience unique with Tunqui Expeditions.
Along the Salkantay Trek, you will visit the famous Humantay Lake, then test your limits by ascending to the Salkantay Pass at over 4,600 meters, where a magnificent glacier landscape of Salkantay awaits you.
Later, you will witness the warm climate of the Cloud Forest and camp at over (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet), sleeping in places where few dare to venture. On the Salkantay Trek, you will also visit an organic coffee farm and taste the best Peruvian coffee. Additionally, you can take part in cooking classes.
On the fourth day of the Salkantay Trek, you will arrive at the impressive site of Llactapata, camp there, and have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. After a final night of your Salkantay Trek at the hotel, the journey concludes with a guided visit to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, and you will return to Cusco by tourist train.
If you are planning to trek in Peru with friends, this Salkantay Trek adventure is perfect for you with the Tunqui Expeditions team.
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes you on an incredible journey near breathtaking glaciers beneath the magnificent Apu Salkantay Mountain (6,240 m / 20,472 ft), before reaching the tropical climate of Santa Teresa, hiking down to Machu Picchu.
Our trek leads to a great viewpoint of Machu Picchu, with an option to visit organic coffee plantations and take part in cooking classes.
You also have the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain after your visit to Machu Picchu to complete an unforgettable adventure. This Salkantay Trek may be considered challenging depending on your fitness level.
However, our guides are highly motivating and will ensure everyone has a pleasant and safe experience. It is recommended for everyone – families, children, and groups are all welcome.
HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 01: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SALKANTAY PAMPA
Today is a fantastic day full of energy. We will hike to Soraypampa, where we will enjoy our lunch, and in the afternoon, you will ascend to Humantay Lake and spend the night in the middle of the mountains at the Salkantay Pampa campsite.
DAY 02: SALKANTAY PAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA
Today, you will hike to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass, and admire Salkantay Mountain before descending into the cloud forest. Enjoy a downhill hike with the Tunqui Expeditions group, from the Andean highlands to the Peruvian jungle, until we reach our campsite in Collpapampa, where you will feel the warm air and enjoy a nourishing dinner at night.
DAY 03: COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA
Today, you will hike through the jungle and witness impressive wildlife. You will also connect with the local community and visit an organic coffee plantation to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. At midday, participate in cooking classes organized by Tunqui Expeditions. At night, you will sleep at our private Tunqui Expeditions campsite in Llactapata, surrounded by mountains, nature, and a unique view of Machu Picchu.
DAY 04: LLACTAPATA – AOBAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES
In the morning, after the last breakfast in the mountains, visit the archaeological site of Llactapata and observe Machu Picchu from afar. In the afternoon, hike to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a free afternoon visiting the hot springs before dining at a restaurant and staying overnight at a hotel.
DAY 05: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
The most exciting day has arrived! In the morning, we will explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with our expert guide in history before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Then, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
Day 01 Cusco | Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pampa
Highlight of the day: Witness the magnificent sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.
A breathtaking day with turquoise waters at Humantay Lake and the glacier-covered mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.
We will begin our journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 4:45 am. In our private Tunqui Expeditions transport, we will travel to Challacancha for three hours, where we will enjoy our first breakfast prepared by our chef.
After the delicious breakfast, we will start a three-hour hike to Soraypampa, passing by an ancient Inca aqueduct that channels water to the farmland of Mollepata village. Upon arrival in Soraypampa, our trekking chef will be waiting with a well-deserved lunch. Later, we will begin a two-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Along the way, you will observe a variety of flora and fauna, including Andean geese (lovebirds), deer, and vizcachas (which closely resemble rabbits). After visiting Humantay Lake, we will return with a two-hour descent to our campsite at Salkantay Pampa at 3,900 m (12,795 ft).
Upon arrival, we will settle into our tents, have tea and dinner, and admire the clear night sky before sleeping.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Campsite altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
Day 02 Salkantay Pampa | Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa
Highlight of the day: Witness the impressive Salkantay Mountain.
An unforgettable hike to Salkantay Pass and overnight in the Peruvian jungle.
You will be surprised in the morning with a cup of hot coffee or coca tea. As you step out of your tent, you will enjoy spectacular views of immense quarries and snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we will begin a two-hour hike to the highest point of our trek, Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). The climb is challenging, following the “Path of the Seven Serpents.”
At the top, you will witness the most magnificent view over the valleys and Salkantay Mountain right before you (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). It is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and is considered an Apu (Inca deity). You will also see Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. After enjoying the views and resting, we will descend for 7 km (4.35 miles) to our lunch spot at Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This section is rocky and downhill but offers stunning valley views.
After lunch, we will hike to the edge of the tropical forest, also known as the “cloud forest.” This stretch is 9.5 km (5.9 miles) and takes approximately three and a half hours. On the way, you will enjoy the rainforest and witness the drastic change from the Andes to the Amazon.
You will see colorful landscapes, unique wildlife, and native plants and feel the warmer climate.
After a long day of hiking, you will be glad to arrive at Collpapampa for the night. Finally, we will serve a hearty meal before resting at our campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking distance: 18 km / 11.8 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Campsite altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
Day 03 Collpapampa | La Playa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Highlight of the day: Explore the Cusco jungle, connect with the local community, visit an organic coffee plantation, and participate in cooking classes.
Learn and connect with local culture.
After a nutritious breakfast prepared by the Tunqui Expeditions chef, we will begin the most exciting hike of your Salkantay adventure.
We will explore the tropical forest with photos and videos, visit local organic coffee plantations, and see fruit farms. During the coffee plantation visit, you will receive a brief informative introduction to the region’s coffee history and its significance. With Tunqui Expeditions, you will participate in picking organic coffee and witness the step-by-step process from harvesting to export. We will roast, grind, and taste the best coffee.
At noon, we will have an incredible lunch followed by a cooking class.
Later, we will continue along the Inca trail to the ancient Inca ruins of Llactapata, approximately two and a half hours away. From Llactapata, you will have the first view of Machu Picchu and the sacred mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Our exclusive campsite at Llactapata offers stunning sunset and sunrise views, with Machu Picchu in the distance.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking distance: 12 km / 9.32 miles
Highest altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Campsite altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
