5-Day Salkantay Trek from Cusco with Llactapata and Machu Picchu

• Pick up from your hotel in the morning for private transport to Soraypampa, a small village located at the edge of the upper limits of the high jungle zone.

• From here, appreciate some of the snow-capped peaks belonging to the Salkantay massif.

• Take a break to enjoy the impressive landscape, then continue to Challa'cancha and begin an approximate two-hour climb to Soraypampa, the lunch spot for the day.

• Leave Soraypampa in the early afternoon and continue climbing for another 3.5 hours to Suirococha, the first campsite of the trek.

Duration: 5 hours / 12 km

• After breakfast, continue the climb to Salkantay Pass at 4620 m.

• Take a break here to appreciate the panoramic views of the inspiring snow-capped mountains and glaciers that comprise the Vilcanota range, then continue downhill to the lunch spot at Huayramachay.

• After lunch, the descent into a more tropical climate continues. A long though easy descent along the Salkantay River brings you to the second camp at Colcapampa (2890 m), a beautiful spot with some natural hot springs to relax in.

Duration: 7 hours / 13 km

• Continue with a leisurely walk along the Santa Teresa River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation and passing waterfalls and passion fruit, yucca, banana, avocado, and coffee farms. This is a special day, with the opportunity to view new flowers, plants, butterflies, and birds native to this high jungle climate.

• Pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, and La Playa before arriving at Lucmabamba (2,100 m), where you spend the night.

Duration: 5 hours / 8 km

Note: Tonight you have the option of camping for a third night or enjoying a pleasant homestay with a local coffee-producing family. A visit to the local Cocalmayo hot springs can also be arranged, either this evening or the following day.

• After breakfast in the morning, start uphill following an original Inca trail. This path was originally constructed to transport agricultural products to the population at Machu Picchu, and also to Choquequirao. As you climb the trail, the vegetation changes yet again to cool, dense woods filled with moss-covered trees.

• Arrive at the Llactapata ruins and enjoy the first views of majestic Machu Picchu. Here you have your snack while enjoying the views of Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains, and the Urubamba and Aobamba Valleys below.

• From there, walk downhill to the Aobamba River. Depending on the time and your preference, stop for lunch at the Cocalmayo thermal pools or the Hydroelectric Station.

• From there, take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night here in a pleasant hostel.

Note: It is also possible to hike to Aguas Calientes. Please discuss this with your Peruvian guide in advance.

Duration: Dependent on the choice of itinerary.

• After an early breakfast, leave your luggage at the hotel and depart for Machu Picchu. The goal is to get there as early as possible because at this time the site is less crowded and you have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace.

• Go on a guided tour for about 2.5 hours, and then have free time to explore the site on your own.

• There is also time to climb Huayna Picchu and get the best views of Machu Picchu from above, or you may choose to visit the Temple of the Moon, which is located behind Huayna Picchu. After a later lunch, board the return train toward Cusco.

Duration: Dependent on the choice of itinerary and pace.