Overview
Destinations:
Daily Outline
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Sky Camp
Salkantay Pass- Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Colpapampa
Colpapampa -La Playa- Hidroelectrica- Agaus Calientes
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Sky Camp
Day 2 Salkantay Pass- Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Colpapampa
Today is the most challenging day of the trek, but also one of the most spectacular. Start the morning with coca tea and breakfast before hiking approximately 3 hours (7 km / 4.35 miles) to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). The ascent follows a winding path known as the “Path of the 7 Snakes,” with impressive views of Salkantay Mountain, glaciers, and surrounding valleys.
After reaching the pass, take some time to enjoy the breathtaking views before descending approximately 2 hours (7 km / 4.35 miles) to Huayracmachay, where you’ll stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, the landscape changes dramatically as you enter the cloud forest. Continue hiking for approximately 3.5 hours (9.5 km / 5.9 miles) through lush vegetation, waterfalls, colorful landscapes, and native plants as the climate becomes warmer.
After a full day of hiking, arrive at Colpapampa, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and rest at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.
Day 3 Colpapampa -La Playa- Hidroelectrica- Agaus Calientes
The day starts early in Colpapampa with breakfast, followed by a scenic downhill hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, you will see waterfalls, rivers, orchids, and tropical plantations, including coffee, banana, and avocado.
After the hike, you reach the Granadilla sector, where a private vehicle takes you to La Playa. Here, the focus changes from nature and hiking to a coffee experience. You will visit the plantations and discover how coffee is cultivated, processed, roasted, and ground before enjoying a tasting.
After lunch, the journey continues by vehicle to Hidroelectrica. From there, you can walk along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush vegetation and the Urubamba River. A train option is also available for those who prefer not to walk.
Finally, you arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and have free time to enjoy the hot springs. The day ends with dinner and a well-deserved rest before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.
Day 4 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
The day begins very early in Aguas Calientes . The early start allows you to experience the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the soft morning light and avoid some of the larger crowds.
From Aguas Calientes, take the bus up to the archaeological site. Once inside, enjoy an approximately 2-hour guided tour through the most important areas of Machu Picchu, including temples, houses, terraces, agricultural fields, and ancient water channels.
After the guided tour, you have the option of adding a mountain hike. Depending on your pre-booked ticket, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views over the citadel and surrounding Andes.
After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then, depending on the train schedule, travel by train to Ollantaytambo.
From Ollantaytambo, our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 pm.
Note: This trip package includes Machu Picchu Circuit 2. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, Circuit 3 will be offered as the first alternative, followed by Circuit 1, subject to availability.
What's Included
- Pre-departure briefing at your Hotel
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soraypampa
- Entry tickets to the Salkantay Trek, Humantay lake and Machu Picchu
- English-speaking guide
- Camping equipment (dining tents, tables and chairs)
- 2-nights camping in comfortable tents
- 1-night hotel in Aguas Calientes town
- Tents for every 2 trekkers
- Comfortable foam mattresses
- Horses and mules for the Salkantay Trek
- Personal porter for the Inca Trail
- Experienced chef and Kitchen equipment
- All meals on the trail (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 snacks)
- Boiled water to refill in your water bottles or Camelback
- Duffle Bag provided for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of personal items and sleeping bag
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Expeditions train ticket back to Ollantaytambo
- Transport from the Ollantaytamo train station to your hotel in Cusco
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit
What's Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Last day lunch
- Sleeping bags, air mattresses, or trekking poles ( can be hired from us )
- Tips
Additional Services
- Huayna Picchu entrance, USD 70.00 per person
- Machu Picchu mountain USD 70.00 per person
- Upgrade to the Vistadome train USD 45.00 per person
- Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory train Return USD 55.0 per person
Price
GROUP TOUR
Minimum 1 Persona requiredPRIVATE TOUR:
Minimum 2 people required* For groups of 4+ travelers, please contact us directly to unlock special volume discounts.
FAQs
Can I get altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness can happen on high-altitude treks, but good preparation helps. Spend 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek, hydrate well, avoid heavy alcohol, eat light at first, and walk at a steady pace. If you have medical concerns, speak with your doctor before traveling.
Are Machu Picchu tickets included?
Yes. Your Machu Picchu ticket is included. We include Circuit 2 by default when available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, which may be Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
Adults
Children
If Circuit 2 tickets are sold out for your travel date, we’ll secure the best available alternative: Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. To secure your preferred circuit and times, we highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip as early as possible; tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
