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Machu Picchu

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU


Hiking

Category

6 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 12

Partecipants


What you'll do

Join us for a remarkable 6-day Salkantay Trek, a journey of discovery through Peru's breathtaking landscapes and ancient history. From our initial sunset at Soraypampa's Glass Cabañas to the ascent towards the iconic Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, each step brings new wonders. We venture through lush cloud forests to the Hobbit Houses, savor the richness of local coffee farms, and climax with the mystical allure of Machu Picchu. Our path is filled with glacier vistas, rich jungle life, and celestial nights, creating memories and bonds that last a lifetime.


Itinerary

Our journey starts at 3 p.m., as we set off on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the majestic Glass Cabañas at Soraypampa, nestled at 3,800 meters above sea level. We arrive just in time to capture the sunset over the glacier peaks, providing a breathtaking backdrop for our first night. The glass cabanas offer us panoramic views of the night sky, setting the stage for an evening of unforgettable stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere.
We wake up early, surrounded by the serene beauty of Soraypampa, and after a hearty breakfast, we tackle the most challenging day of our trek. Our path leads us to the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake, where we marvel at the serene views and, for those daring, touch its icy waters believed to hold rejuvenating powers. Following lunch in Soyroccocha, we ascend towards the Salkantay Pass, reaching the trek's highest point at 4650 meters, before descending to our camp at Wayracmachay, where we enjoy a warm evening under the stars. Length: 22 km (13,6 m) Altitude difference: 850 m (2788 ft) Time: 7 hours
Leaving the high altitudes behind, we descend through the changing ecosystems, witnessing the cloud forest's rich biodiversity. Our journey brings us to the unique Hobbit Houses (1400 m) at Loreta, promising an evening of relaxation with hot showers and jacuzzis, all while surrounded by the vibrant greenery of the tropical forest. Walking Distance: 22 km (13,6 m) Time: 8 hours
Our adventure takes us to local coffee farms at Lucmabamba, where we delve into the region's coffee traditions. The hike to the Llactapata ruins unveils breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, preparing us for our final approach. Camping near Llactapata, we spend the night in anticipation, under a sky filled with stars, eagerly awaiting our visit to Machu Picchu. Walking Distance: 12 km (13,6 m) Time: 2,5 hours
On the final stretch of our trek, we follow the trail from the Hydroelectrical Station to Aguas Calientes, echoing the steps of Hiram Bingham towards the rediscovery of Machu Picchu. Once in Aguas Calientes, we find comfort in our hotel, perhaps exploring the famous hot springs, as we prepare for the pinnacle of our trek: the exploration of Machu Picchu. Walking Distance: 14 km (8,6 m) Time: 5 hours
Rising early, we explore the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, immersing ourselves in the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Those of us who choose to hike Huayna Picchu gain a unique perspective of the ruins. Our journey from Machu Picchu back to Cusco marks the conclusion of our extraordinary shared adventure, filled with discoveries, camaraderie, and the spirit of exploration. We will reach Cusco around 7-7.30 PM.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Hiking Guide
Tent with tables and chairs for meals
Tea served every morning in your tent
Big shared tents for two (spacious for comfort)
Sleeping mattress and pillow (you carry these)
Pre-tour briefing held at our office at 6:00 pm the day before your Sacred Valley tour
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, snacks, 5 dinners and Cook to prepare all meals
Entrance tickets to the Sacred Valley, Salkantay, and Machu Picchu included
Guidance by an experienced, English-speaking tour guide
Private transportation provided for each segment of the tour
Personal duffle bag provided for trek belongings (up to 7 kilos)
Porter service to carry duffle bags, accessible only at evening campsites
Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco on the Expedition class
Safety gear including a first aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone for the trek
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Sleeping bag
Extra food and drinks
Tips
Optional Huayna Picchu Mountain climb available for $75 per person, must be booked in advance

Accomodations

Glass Cabanas


Situated in Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,800 meters, these cabanas provide us with stunning views of glacier peaks, offering an unmatched setting for photography. We enjoy the luxurious ambiance and have the privilege to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from this unique vantage point.

Tent Camping at Wayracmachay Campsite


We spend this night under the stars, tent camping at the Wayracmachay campsite. The team ensures our tents and duffel bags are ready upon our arrival. Warm water is provided for us to freshen up and slip into warm clothes for the evening. A happy hour featuring hot chocolate or coffee, followed by a hearty cooked meal, awaits us. As night falls, we gaze up at the clear sky, adorned with visible Inca constellations.

Hobbit House


As we head to the Hobbit Houses, we enjoy the sights of lovely plants, animals, waterfalls, and rivers. When we arrive, our rooms feel cozy with sleeping bags, hot showers, and a jacuzzi area. We can also buy drinks. The staff make our stay special with their friendly service. We eat dinner with views of the Salkantay River and stargaze at the beautiful night sky.

Llactapata Tent


Our campsite is just a five-minute walk from the Llactapata ruins, offering us magical views of these ancient structures. This exclusive site, owned by a local family and accessible only to our local partner, provides us with a spacious and private camping experience. We enjoy cold beverages and a gourmet hot dinner here. As night falls, we're treated to a spectacular view of the Milky Way and numerous Inca constellations, making for unforgettable stargazing moments.

Aguas Calientes Hotel


This marks our final rest stop before visiting Machu Picchu. Our exceptional hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi, hot showers, and offers a cozy spot to relax after our day's hike. Nearby, we find local hot springs available for an entry fee of ten soles. In the evening, our local partner treats us to our last dinner, preparing us for the next day's adventure.


Guides

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul is the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions. They are tour guides 100% local. They mastered the craft of leading groups through the most beautiful places and over the highest elevations without losing any bit of information and any tip to make the hiking more enjoyable. All the guides have graduated in Tourism and passed tests to be able to guide along the treks.


Meeting point

-13.1631988-72.5452621
Machu Picchu


Frequently asked questions


Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

April 2025
Mon
7 Apr
3:00 PM
Sat
12 Apr
7:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
990 €
(326 € deposit)
Thu
5 Jun
3:00 PM
Tue
10 Jun
7:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
990 €
(326 € deposit)
Wed
20 Aug
3:00 PM
Mon
25 Aug
7:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
990 €
(326 € deposit)
Tue
11 Nov
3:00 PM
Sun
16 Nov
7:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
990 €
(326 € deposit)

990 €

(326 € deposit)