Perfect for those seeking adventure, connection with nature and a cultural touch, the Salkantay Trek is a fascinating alternative to the Inca Trail.
The Salkantay Trek is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking scenery, nature at its best and a journey steeped in history. From the majestic snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay to the lush valleys of the cloud forest, this trek takes you through diverse ecosystems full of beauty and mystery. Each day offers new challenges and spectacular views, culminating at the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.
We begin this incredible adventure by picking you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. for a trip of approximately two hours to the community of Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast (not included). Then, we will continue by transportation to Challacancha, the starting point of our trek. There you will meet the chef and the muleteers, check the luggage, load the horses and begin the ascent to our campsite.
After about 3.5 hours of hiking, during which we will walk along a stretch of the ancient Inca Canal, we will arrive at the camp in Soraypampa. From the road you will be able to admire the impressive views of the snow-capped Salkantay. Upon arrival at the camp, you will be able to settle in and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, we will take a two-hour hike to the Humantay Lagoon, a spectacular turquoise lake at the foot of the imposing Humantay snow-capped peak. After enjoying this natural wonder, we will return to the camp to change clothes, enjoy a delicious dinner and receive a brief explanation of the itinerary for the next day.
We will wake up early to enjoy an energetic breakfast before starting the hike to the Salkantay Pass. We will ascend through Salkantay Pampa and zigzag until we reach the summit at 4,630 meters above sea level. Along the way, we will make several stops to admire nature, take pictures and listen to the explanations of our guide.
From the pass, we will begin our descent to Wayracmachay, where we will enjoy a lunch prepared by our chef. As we advance, you will notice a change in the landscape and the temperature will be warmer due to the lower altitude. We will arrive at the camp in Chaullay (2,900 m.s.n.m.), where you can relax before dinner and a briefing about the next day’s itinerary.
This day will be more relaxed, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of the Santa Teresa Valley. After an early breakfast, we will hike through trails surrounded by dense vegetation, impressive waterfalls of up to 80 meters and a variety of orchids.
We will arrive at Lucmabamba, where we will have lunch before boarding the transport to Hidroeléctrica. In the afternoon, we will walk for approximately 2 hours (12 kilometers) to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Dinner is included, and the guide will share important details for the following day.
We will get up early according to the entrance schedule to Machu Picchu. You can choose to walk up for 1.5 hours or take the first bus (5:30 a.m.), a 30-minute ride. Once at the citadel, our guide will take us on a full tour of approximately 2 hours, where you will learn the secrets and history of this archaeological site.
After the tour, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you by tourist transport to your hotel in Cusco.
Based on 223 reviews
Ajitpal P2025-01-29
Great experience with Perulifexperience
We dealt with Peru Experience before and during our trip. It was a great experience especially dealing with Rolli. They were patient in helping us design our trip. Rolli was very patient and professional in helping book all the tours and also with recommendations and help during the trip.
During our trip all transportation, guides, stays and tours were as explained and exceeded all our expectations. The whole team made sure we had the best experience . . .
Preyal P2024-06-30
Unforgettable experience in Peru with an amazing guide
If you are looking for an amazing adventure in Peru, this agency, and especially Rolly, should be your choice. 5 stars!
I can’t recommend this travel agency enough! From start to finish, they made our trip to Peru perfect, exciting and truly unforgettable. Every detail was carefully planned, from accommodations to transportation, ensuring a stress-free experience. The real highlight of our trip was our guide, Rolly. His passion for the history, culture and landscapes of Peru . . .
Leah S2025-05-24
A fabulous adventure
Our guide, Rolly Carrasco, was extraordinary. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Rolly’s incredible knowledge, professionalism and attention to every detail was unsurpassed. He enthusiastically shared historical and cultural information in an engaging manner and encouraged questions and group participation. Rolly went above and beyond expectations to make our tour absolutely fantastic. If you are looking for an authentic and enriching sightseeing experience, I highly recommend Peru Life & Experience Tours. They are passionate about sharing the history, beauty and customs of their beloved country . . .
