Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

We begin the classic and challenging 4-Day Salkantay Trek bright and early. At 4:00 a.m., our private transport will pick you up from your hotel in the city of Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,400 m). We will travel for 2 hours to the town of Mollepata (9,514 ft / 2,900 m), where we will make a short technical stop to buy last-minute snacks or batteries. Then, we continue for 1 more hour to Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m), the starting point of our expedition.

Before taking the first step, you will enjoy a delicious energy-boosting breakfast prepared by our chef, surrounded by towering mountains.

Part 1: The Turquoise Lake After breakfast, we will begin with a steady 1.5-hour uphill hike to the famous Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m). Its turquoise waters set against the glacier are breathtaking. After exploring and taking photos, we will hike back down to the starting point to rejoin the main trail.

Part 2: Ascent to Lunch We will continue our journey toward the lunch spot. This part of the trek will take approximately 3 hours on gradually ascending terrain. Along the way, we will cross the impressive pampas of Salkantaypampa (13,451 ft / 4,100 m), which will gift us breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.

We will arrive at our lunch spot in Soyrococha (14,435 ft / 4,400 m). Here, at the foot of the snowy peak, we will enjoy a nutritious meal prepared by the local ALI PERU TREKS, designed to give us the final energy boost we need.

Part 3: The Summit of the Trek With renewed energy, we will continue the ascent for approximately 1 hour until we conquer the Salkantay Pass (15,255 ft / 4,650 m). This is the highest point of the entire trek. There, we will take a break to celebrate, take the official photo next to Apu Salkantay, and feel the magic of the Andes.

Part 4: Descent to Camp This will be the final stretch of the day: a 3-hour downhill descent toward the cloud forest zone, until we reach our private campsite for the night at Wayracmachay (12,795 ft / 3,900 m).

📍 Start: Cusco (11,152 ft) > Mollepata (9,514 ft) > Soraypampa (12,795 ft)

💎 Milestone 1: Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m)

🍽️ Lunch: Soyrococha (14,435 ft / 4,400 m)

⛰️ Highest Point: Salkantay Pass (15,255 ft / 4,650 m)

🌙 Campsite: Wayracmachay (12,795 ft / 3,900 m)

🥾 Total Distance: Approx. 13.7 miles / 22 km

⏱️ Hiking Time: 10 – 12 hours (Demanding day)

📈 Difficulty: Very High (Double ascent in one day)

We begin bright and early at our high-altitude campsite in Wayracmachay (12,795 ft / 3,900 m). You will wake up to a hot drink (coca tea or coffee) delivered right to your tent to help you start the day with energy. You will have time to pack up and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your local trekking chef.

Before setting off, we will hold a brief and emotional team presentation between all the hikers and the ALI PERU TREKS staff. This moment is key to strengthening bonds and ensuring an unforgettable, positive family experience on the trail.

After the introduction, we will begin a downhill descent of approximately 3 hours. During this stretch, you will witness one of the most impressive climate changes in the Andes: you will transition from the cold, gray views of the glaciers to the warm, lush, and green landscapes of the High Jungle (Cloud Forest).

We will arrive at our lunch spot in the village of Collpapampa (9,514 ft / 2,900 m). Here, you will already be surrounded by incredible biodiversity: many different species of flora, wild orchids, exotic birds, and hummingbirds of all sizes.

After a nutritious lunch, the trek continues for 4 more hours, gradually descending through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, we will explore beautiful natural waterfalls and rushing rivers.

We will enter the tropical agricultural zone. You will experience the temperate climate where local people grow the region’s best products: organic coffee, granadillas, oranges, and avocados.

Finally, we will arrive at our campsite in Lucmabamba (6,561 ft / 2,000 m). This location is privileged for its pleasant climate. Here, you will have time to enjoy a relaxing hot shower (a luxury in the mountains), visit local families to learn about their life in the countryside, and, of course, enjoy a restorative dinner prepared by our chef.

📍 Start: Wayracmachay (12,795 ft / 3,900 m)

🍽️ Lunch: Collpapampa (9,514 ft / 2,900 m)

🌙 Campsite: Lucmabamba (6,561 ft / 2,000 m)

🥾 Total Distance: Approx. 11 miles / 18 km

⏱️ Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours

📉 Elevation Change: Massive descent of approx. 6,200 ft / 1,900 m

🌡️ Climate: Transition from Cold to Warm/Tropical

🌿 Ecosystem: Andean Puna $\rightarrow$ Cloud Forest (High Jungle)

💎 Highlights: Waterfalls, exotic flora, and coffee plantations.

After a good night’s rest at our campsite in Lucmabamba (6,561 ft / 2,000 m), we will prepare with an energizing breakfast. Today, we will experience a day full of contrasts, starting with a cultural immersion in the tropical rainforest.

The Organic Coffee Experience We will visit a local organic coffee farm, where you will have the unique opportunity to walk through coffee and avocado plantations. You won’t just observe; you will learn. You’ll receive an expert talk on the history and importance of coffee in the region. The experience culminates with a tasting of freshly brewed coffee, grown and roasted right on this land.

Ascent via the Original Inca trail

Then, we begin the historical adventure. We will head toward the Llactapata archaeological site on a 3-hour uphill hike. What makes this stretch special is that we will be hiking on a preserved section of the Original Inca Trail. As we ascend, we will enjoy incredible views of the Santa Teresa Valley and lush flora.

The First Glimpse of Machu Picchu Upon reaching the summit, we will find the ruins of Llactapata (9,317 ft / 2,840 m). Here, you will experience a magical moment: you will have your first exclusive glimpse of the Machu Picchu citadel and Huayna Picchu mountain in the distance. Far from the crowds, you will have time to explore the site, take panoramic photos, and connect with history.

Descent and Hike to Aguas Calientes Leaving Llactapata, we begin a 2-hour descent to the Hydroelectric Station (6,200 ft / 1,890 m). Here, we will enjoy a restorative lunch.

After eating, we will continue our journey on foot for approximately 3 hours. We will walk along a flat, scenic path beside the train tracks and the Urubamba River, surrounded by vegetation, until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes (6,725 ft / 2,050 m).

Upon arrival, we will get you settled into your comfortable hotel. You will have the evening free to relax or, if you wish, visit the famous hot springs (optional cost of 10 soles). We will close the day with a delicious celebratory dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, preparing for tomorrow’s big day.

📍 Start: Lucmabamba (6,561 ft / 2,000 m)

💎 Archaeological Highlight: Llactapata (9,317 ft / 2,840 m)

🍽️ Lunch: Hydroelectric (6,200 ft / 1,890 m)

🌙 End: Aguas Calientes (6,725 ft / 2,050 m)

🥾 Total Distance: Approx. 13.7 miles / 22 km (Long but rewarding day)

⏱️ Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours

☕ Activity: Coffee Tour & Inca Trail Hike.

🔥 Optional: Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Restaurant).

Today will be a wonderful day! The time has finally come to visit the Wonder of the World.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, the most anticipated day begins. We handle the logistics for your comfort: you will only carry your daypack with the essentials. Your hotel in Aguas Calientes will safely store your main luggage until our return.

You will take the Consettur bus for a scenic 25-minute ascent up the mountain, which brings you directly to the entrance gate.

Once inside the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m), the magic begins. Your expert Ali Peru Treks guide will lead you on a 2-hour tour. We have secured Circuit 2 for you, widely considered the most complete and classic route.

What does this circuit include? First, your guide will take you to the strategic viewpoints to capture the iconic, classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu that you’ve been dreaming of. Then, you will explore the citadel, learning about the history and culture of the Inca Empire while visiting the main temples, sacred plazas, and urban sectors.

Optional: Huayna Picchu Mountain If you reserved the extra add-on ticket in advance, after the guided tour you will have time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (8,835 ft / 2,693 m). It is a steep but rewarding adventure with unique aerial views.

After the tour, we recommend taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train departure. This will give you enough time to find a restaurant and enjoy lunch in town (Note: Lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included, giving you the freedom to choose according to your taste and budget).

Finally, you will board your return train to Ollantaytambo (approx. 2 hours), enjoying the last views of the Sacred Valley. At the station, our Ali Peru Treks staff will be waiting for you with our private transport to take you back to Cusco.

We will close this unforgettable 5-day adventure by dropping you off right at your hotel door.

 Main Destination: Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

 Altitude (Machu Picchu): 7,972 ft / 2,430 m

 Altitude (Huayna Picchu): 8,835 ft / 2,693 m (Optional)

 Circuit Included: Circuit 2 (Classic/Complete Route)

 Guided Tour: 2 hours

 Bus (Up/Down): 25 min each way

 Train (Aguas Calientes > Ollanta): Approx. 2 hours

 Transport (Ollanta > Cusco): Approx. 2 hours

 Meals Included: Breakfast (at hotel). Lunch not included.

 Accommodation: N/A (Service ends at your Cusco hotel).