SALKANTAY LODGE TO LODGE TREK

After breakfast, you will be given the possibility to climb up the slopes that border the plateau behind the Salkantay Lodge, to find the Humantay turquoise water lake a fantastic vision beneath the Humantay glacier and also to prepare for the next day rather tough walk.

This peaceful place offers you a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, participate in a traditional offering to Mother Earth or dare to kayak ride in the Lake Humantay, getting an up-close experience of the surreal glacier.

Back down in the lodge, the staff will have a warm lunch waiting for you. During the rest of the day you may use it to relax. You can delight in an outdoor jacuzzi, a relaxing massage or a well-deserved nap.

Note: Even though the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend you to do it to strengthen for the following day hike.

Optional Activity Available: Horseback riding (at additional cost)

Overnight at Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Early start, hike up to the Rio Blanco valley, around the Humantay Peak. You’ll hike through expansive plateaus with boulders of varying sizes here and there, vestiges of a valley that was once transformed by a fast-flowing river.

The most challenging part of the walk is the final zig zag trail up to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the trek (4,636 m/15,213 ft). Following a descent through fields of giant impressive boulders, often covered by fog. Watch your step!

Make a stop along the way and have a warm lunch, then continue down through rustic hills and marsh-like plateaus as you approach the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay. This is most remote of lodges, set on a promontory that offers a spectacular view of the trail you just have journeyed that day.

IMPORTANT: Day three is the longest and most strenuous day of the trek.

Overnight at Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Have a luscious breakfast at the Wayra Lodge, ready to continue your way down the banks of the Salkantay River into a forest-like scenery and warm climate, the jungle welcomes you with exotic butterflies, striking orchids and local people as the trail takes you past their simple homes.

Your way to Colpa Lodge will be by an exciting zip-line, raised over the confluence of three rivers. On arrival you’ll be greeted by the staff with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked underneath the earth by hot stones that create a natural underground oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon sunbathing or relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi while you admire the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.

Optional Activity Available: Afternoon bike ride from Manchayhuaycco to Collpapampa. Descending through the valley slopes along with the Cloud Forest vegetation.

Duration: 3hrs approximately

Level: Easy.

This activity has an additional cost.

Overnight at Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m / 9,414 ft.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley, admiring the colorful scenery and the waterfalls descending from the glaciers. Take a break for a picnic lunch by the river. Continue walking for 1 hour and meet a vehicle for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” that leads to Lucma Lodge.

On the way, you will visit an organic coffee plantation, one of the many best in the area. Lucmabamba is closer to the lower jungle, hence you will suddenly feel a pleasant increase in the temperature.

Optional Activities: Zip Line in Santa Teresa. This is a full day activity which can be done instead of the day walk. It has an additional cost.

Biking:

Option a) Yanama pass – Hornopampa – Lluskamayo.

Bike ride downhill almost 8,000 ft. through a dirt road admiring breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Duration: 5 hrs.

Level: Easy to moderate.

Option b) Descent from Hornopampa to Lluskamayo.

Duration: 3.5 hrs.

Level: Easy

Overnight at Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m/7,003 ft.

BREAKFAST

PICNIC LUNCH

DINNER

Start off climbing along a path of original Inca steps for the next 2-3 hours through a

An abundant treeline extending over your head. Your first milestone today will be the Llactapata pass before you reach the Aobamaba River valley that connects you to Machu Picchu citadel.

At the Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974 ft), you’ll get a non-typical view of Machu Picchu, its southeast side, a sight only a few travelers ever get a chance to admire. Explore Llactapata, and have lunch a bit further down the trail in a meadow with panoramic views.

Finally, you’ll find your way down to the Aobamba River, into a bamboo forest, as well as fruit orchards and coffee plantations, until you arrive in the Hidroelectrica train station. Get on the train for a one hour ride to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu.

Note: Peru Rail is the train company used for the Salkantay Trek. If special train service is required, please let us know.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

At dawn, you’ll take a bus ride up to the awe-inspiring architectural complex of Machu Picchu. As you enter the site, you’ll be able to admire the sun rising in the sky, a truly magnificent moment in the quietness of the morning. Then continue focusing on your tour, the amazing complex, its formidable architecture, the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. Also, you may choose to hike the Huayna Picchu, an iconic towering mountain with a fascinating story of its own.

After the visit you’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes, then you’ll get on your train/transfer back to Cusco. As night falls and you arrive in Cusco, you will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH