Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu — 4 Days

Early morning, enjoy an energy-packed breakfast before a roughly three-hour climb to Salkantay Pass (4,650 masl), the highest point of the entire route. From the top you’ll see spectacular views of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo glaciers and the Soyrococha lagoon. Then descend for about three hours to Huayracmachay for lunch. After a short break, continue descending into warmer cloud-forest edge landscapes for about three more hours until you reach Colpapampa (2,900 masl), your second camp.

After breakfast, keep hiking into the cloud-forest edge, known for its warmer climate and lush vegetation. Along the way you’ll see coffee, cacao and coca plantations, tropical fruits, and small crystal-clear waterfalls. You’ll reach Playa Sahuayaco, a great place for lunch and a break. Later, transfer by vehicle for about one hour to Hydroelectric, then hike 2.5 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Dinner and rest at your lodging.

Very early, around 5:30 a.m., you’ll line up for the buses to ascend to Machu Picchu. After entry, enjoy a ~2-hour guided tour as your guide explains the history, architecture and meaning of the site’s most important areas. Then you’ll have free time for photos, exploration, or an optional hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu (extra cost). At the scheduled time, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own, then board the return train to Ollantaytambo, followed by transport back to Cusco.