Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

7 days / 6 nights

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Set off on an unforgettable trek along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu! This epic journey takes you from Cusco through Mollepata and Challacancha, with stunning stops like Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass. You’ll join the Inca Trail in Lucmabamba, then hop on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes before exploring the iconic Machu Picchu. For an extra adventure, you can even hike Huayna Picchu! Along the way, enjoy delicious meals, camp under the stars, and relax in luxury hotels. Plus, the itinerary can be fully customized to suit your interests. Get ready for a journey packed with natural beauty and ancient wonders!

Activity Level

Duration

Approximately 33 mi / 53 km

Intensity

Challenging

Itinerary

  • 4 miles / 2.5 hours

    Kick off your adventure at the Salkantay Trailhead (9,350') in the morning. You’ll start the trek from Mollepata, winding through scenic pastures and farmland as you climb up to Challacancha. Expect stunning views before reaching your campsite, where you can relax and recharge for what’s next.

    • Accommodations: Soraypampa Camp / 12,630’ elevation

    • Meals Included: B / L / D

  • 7 mlles / 7 hours

    Get ready to make some unforgettable memories! Today, you'll experience the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lake and dive into the mystique of Andean culture with a sacred shaman ceremony. Afterward, trek from Soraypampa to Soyrococha through jaw-dropping landscapes. Take in the rugged beauty as you move along the trail.

    • Accommodations: Soyrococha Camp / 13,800’ elevation

    • Meals Included: B / L / D

  • 10 miles / 9 hours

    Time to tackle the mighty Salkantay Pass (15,340')! It’s a challenging climb, but the views are totally worth it. Once you reach the top, you’ll descend through ancient moraine, surrounded by the stunning Andes, before settling in at your next campsite for some well-earned rest.

    • Accommodations: Collpapampa Camp / 9,350’ elevation

    • Meals Included: B / L / D

  • 6 miles / 4 hours

    Trek from Collpapampa to Lluscamayo, surrounded by more incredible Andean scenery. From there, enjoy a scenic drive to Lucmabamba, where the adventure continues. You’ll lace up your boots again to hike a section of the legendary Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the ancient civilizations that walked before you.

    • Accommodations: Llucmabamba Camp / 6,600’ elevation

    • Meals Included: B / L / D

  • 6 miles / 4 hours

    Set off on a challenging hike from Lucmabamba to Llaqtapata, where you’ll be treated to an awesome view of the lesser-known back side of Machu Picchu. After that, it’s a trek down to the train station for a scenic ride on a Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Once there, relax at the beautiful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

    • Accommodations: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel / 6,700’ elevation

    • Meals Included: B / L / D

  • It’s the big day—explore the iconic Machu Picchu with a guided tour! Feeling adventurous? Take the optional hike up Huayna Picchu (8,850') for incredible views of Machu Picchu from above. Afterward, enjoy the afternoon however you like—exploring Aguas Calientes or soaking in the hot springs—before taking the scenic Vistadome train back to Cusco.

    • Accommodations: Luxury hotel in Cusco / 11,220’ elevation

    • Meals Included: B / L / D

  • As your adventure wraps up, check out of your hotel and enjoy some time for shopping or exploring Cusco’s vibrant streets before we transfer you to the airport. Time to say goodbye to this amazing place—but the memories will last a lifetime!

    • Meals Included: B

Adventure FAQs

  • The cost of our adventures varies depending on several factors, including the time of year, group size, and how much time we have to plan. The level of customization, from camping under the stars to staying in luxury lodges, also plays a big role in pricing. Since each trip is tailored to your preferences, we work closely with you to balance the best price with our high standards to ensure an exceptional experience. For a personalized quote, feel free to get in touch!

    • Pre-trip planning, consultation and customization

    • Transportation by private vans, vehicles, and buses throughout

    • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners

    • 2 nights luxury accommodations

    • 4 nights tented camps

    • All services, tours, hikes, entrance and excursion fees described in the itinerary

    • Any necessary permits for trekking, national parks, etc.

    • Baggage handling throughout adventure

    • Services of local English speaking guides throughout

    • Services of local porters, staff, cook crew, and camp crew

    • Services of Trek Ventura Operations Manager in Peru

    • Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tours and fees

    • Pack horses to carry gear throughout trek

    • International airfare (origin > Peru > origin)

    • Passports and visas (if applicable)

    • Medical expenses and immunizations

    • Travel, evacuation and medical insurance

    • Meals or bottled beverages other than those specified in the itinerary

    • Items of a personal nature: laundry, soft drinks, incidentals, etc.

    • Expenses incurred due to circumstances outside of the control of Trek Ventura

    • Gratuities to guides and crew members

    • Tourism taxes (when applicable)

  • Dreaming of a custom adventure tailored just for you? With our network of industry professionals, insider access and years of expertise, we can easily design personalized trips perfect for families, couples and large groups.

    To customize your dream adventure, the time to plan is now! We recommend beginning the planning process 3-6 months before your travel date to ensure we have sufficient time to secure permits, guides, accommodations and activities. Please note that for custom trips departing within 3 months, securing requested accommodations and top guides becomes more challenging.

    Once your custom plan is confirmed, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your trip. Get ready to embark on your dream adventure with us!