Salkantay Mountain Passage

Departure begins at 5:00 am from Cusco, moving west toward Mollepata as the first light reaches the valleys. Breakfast is prepared in a quiet setting before continuing to Challacancha, where the trekking team organizes equipment and begins the route.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent along a wide valley, following water channels that descend from the glaciers above. Movement is steady, with open views and scattered grazing animals along the slopes. After several hours, the terrain levels near Soraypampa, where camp is established.

After lunch and a short rest, the afternoon continues with an ascent toward Humantay Lagoon. The path climbs steadily, gaining altitude until the lake appears below the glacier. Wind moves across the water, and the surrounding peaks remain exposed. Time is taken here before descending back to camp.

Dinner is shared as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4220 m / 13,845 ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Challacancha: 3800 m / 12,467 ft
• Soraypampa (camp): 3950 m / 12,959 ft
• Humantay Lagoon: 4220 m / 13,845 ft
• Arrival: approx. 5:00 pm

The morning begins before sunrise. Frost is often present at this altitude, and movement starts slowly as the body adjusts. The trail climbs toward Salkantaypampa, then continues toward a high glacial basin where Salkantay Lagoon rests beneath the mountain.

The ascent continues toward Inkachiriaska Pass, the highest point of the route. The terrain becomes rocky and exposed. Condors may appear along the ridgelines, and smaller animals such as vizcachas move between stone formations.

After crossing the pass, the descent begins. The environment shifts gradually—less exposed, with the first signs of vegetation returning along the slopes. Camp is set near Inca Canal, where water still moves through stone structures built to regulate flow. The night is clear, with minimal external presence.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 5100 m / 16,732 ft
• Walking time: 7–8 hrs
• Walking distance: 13 km / 8.0 mi
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Soraypampa: 3950 m / 12,959 ft
• Inkachiriaska Pass: 5100 m / 16,732 ft
• Inca Canal (camp): 3800 m / 12,467 ft
• Arrival: approx. 4:30 pm

Morning light reaches the valley later at this elevation. After breakfast, the trail follows the river downstream, entering a more protected environment. The air becomes warmer, and vegetation increases—muña, orchids, and low forest plants begin to appear.

The route passes Paucarcancha, where stone structures remain integrated into the slope. Movement continues toward Patallacta, where agricultural terraces extend along the hillside. Water channels are still visible, directing flow across the terrain.

Lunch is taken along the route, in open ground near the river. In the afternoon, the trail continues toward Piscacucho, where the river widens and the valley opens. Camp is set near a small local presence. The evening is quiet, often with a simple fire and shared meal.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Inca Canal: 3800 m / 12,467 ft
• Patallacta: 2700 m / 8,858 ft
• Piscacucho (camp): 2600 m / 8,530 ft
• Arrival: approx. 5:30 pm

The morning begins without urgency. After several days in the mountains, the pace adjusts. Transport follows the river toward Ollantaytambo, entering the Sacred Valley where agriculture becomes structured and visible—corn fields, terraces, and small communities working the land.

A shared meal is prepared with local products. Preparation is done together with the team, using traditional methods such as pachamanca, where food is cooked underground with heated stones. Chicha is prepared and shared in the same setting, without formality.

In the afternoon, there is time to walk through Ollantaytambo. The stone streets and water channels remain in use, and daily life continues around them. Later, the train follows the river toward Aguas Calientes. Arrival is in the evening.

Details
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum altitude: 2800 m / 9,186 ft
• Walking distance: 5 km/ walking in ollantaytambo town.
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Ollantaytambo: 2790 m / 9,153 ft
• Aguas Calientes: 2070 m / 6,791 ft
• Arrival: approx. 7:00 pm

The final day begins early. The ascent to Machu Picchu is timed to enter before the main flow of visitors. The site reveals itself gradually as light reaches the terraces and surrounding peaks.

The guided visit moves through the main sectors, focusing on how the structures relate to the terrain—agriculture, water systems, and orientation. Afterward, time remains open to walk independently.

Return follows the same route down to Aguas Calientes. After lunch, the train moves back through the valley toward Ollantaytambo, where ground transport continues to Cusco. Arrival is in the early evening.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 2400 m / 7,874 ft
• Walking time: 5 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
• Meals: breakfast
• Machu Picchu: 2400 m / 7,874 ft
• Cusco: 3350 m / 10,990 ft
• Return: approx. 6:30 pm
• Total distance: 50 km / 31 mi