Salkantay Trail - Pachamama Expeditions Travel Skip to main content

Pachamama Expeditions Travel

Menu
Facebook Instagram Youtube

Connection – Ancestry – Wilderness

Salkantay Trail

This journey is defined not only by the route, but by how it is experienced. Along the Salkantay trail, it becomes a true Andean expedition, offering a deeper connection to a way of life shaped by enduring traditions.

5 Days 4 Nights

Trip Highlights

  • Guided tour at Machu Picchu
  • Coffee and cacao experience in the cloud forest
  • Cooking experience with the trekking team

Ready to explore? Simply send us your preferred date

BOOK NOW
INQUIRE NOW

Salkantay Trail

Guests share the path with our trekking team and local communities, engaging in meaningful moments such as preparing traditional Peruvian dishes with our cooks and learning about coffee along the route. These experiences are not staged, but unfold naturally day by day, creating an honest and immersive understanding of the region—shaped by its people, its landscapes, and the rhythm of life in the Andes.

No crowds, no rush – only a quieter path through the Andes.

This journey follows the natural rhythm of the landscape, moving with the mountains rather than against them.

Itinerary

Day 01 :
CUSCO – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY LAGOON – SORAYPAMPA

The journey begins early in the morning with a 5:30 am departure from Cusco. A scenic drive of approximately two hours leads to Mollepata, where the landscape gradually opens into the high Andes. Along the way, the first views of the Salkantay mountain appear, rising above surrounding peaks, while passing through small local communities that reflect everyday life in this region.

From Challacanca, the starting point of the hike, the trail begins with a steady uphill section lasting around 45 minutes. After this initial ascent, the path becomes more gradual, with gentle ups and downs leading toward Soraypampa. Along the way, you may encounter native medicinal plants such as muña and tarwi, traditionally used in the Andes, as well as occasional sightings of hummingbirds moving through the landscape. The pace remains flexible, allowing time to walk comfortably while taking in the surroundings, with the first views of Humantay mountain gradually revealing themselves.

Upon arrival at Soraypampa, a freshly prepared lunch awaits, offering time to rest and enjoy the surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, the hike continues toward Humantay Lake, one of the most striking highlights of the day. The trail ascends steadily to the lagoon, where there is time to explore, take in the views, and experience the stillness of the mountains.

After returning to camp, the afternoon slows down with a warm tea, followed by dinner. The day ends surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of the Andes, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4220 mt/13,845ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 10 km/6.21mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Challacancha (trail head): 3800 mt/ 12,467ft
• Soraypampa (campsite): 3950 mt/ 12,959ft
• Humantay lagoon: 4220 mt/13,845ft
• Arrival at Camp: ApproxArrival at Camp: Approx. 5:00 pm

Day 02 :
SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – RAYAMPATA

The day begins at 6:00 am in Soraypampa, as the first light reaches the high peaks surrounding the camp. The morning is quiet and clear, setting the tone for a day that gradually unfolds into one of the most defining stages of the journey. The trail starts gently, allowing a steady rhythm as the body warms up in the cold mountain air.

As the ascent continues toward the Salkantay Pass, the landscape becomes more open and rugged. Step by step, the terrain gains altitude, revealing wider views of the surrounding valleys and glacial peaks. Along the way, there are occasional chances to spot wildlife such as chinchillas among the rocks. Reaching the pass is not rushed—there is time for each person to pause, take in the surroundings, and experience the stillness of this high point. From here, the route crosses to the far side of the Andes, marking the transition toward the ecosystems that lead to the jungle where Machu Picchu is located.

The descent begins gradually toward Huayracmachay, where lunch is served in a quiet natural setting around 12:30 pm. As the day progresses, the environment begins to shift. The air softens, and the first signs of greener vegetation appear as the trail moves toward the edge of the cloud forest.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 4650 mt/15,255ft
• Walking time: 8 hrs
• Walking distance: 17 km/10.5mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Soraypampa (trail head): 3950 mt/ 12,959ft
• Salkantay pass: 4650 mt/15,255ft
• Rayampata (campsite):3600mt/11,811ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 4:00 pm

Day 03 :
RAYAMPATA – CHAULLAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LUCMABAMBA

The day begins early at 5:00 am with a nutritious breakfast, preparing for a continued descent into a noticeably warmer environment. Leaving Rayampata, the trail drops steadily for about an hour and a half toward the valley of Chaullay. As the altitude decreases, the landscape shifts quickly—what began as high mountain terrain gives way to a more humid and vibrant setting.

From Chaullay onward, the route enters a tropical zone where vegetation becomes denser and more diverse. Along the trail, it is common to see a variety of local crops such as bananas, oranges, mangoes, granadilla, and coffee growing naturally in the region. The path continues at a relaxed pace, allowing time to observe these changes and experience the transition into a different ecosystem.

By midday, the group reaches the campsite near Lucmabamba, where lunch is shared with the trekking team in a quiet and open setting. In the afternoon, the experience continues with a visit focused on local coffee and cacao, offering a closer understanding of how these products are grown and prepared in this part of the Andes. The rest of the day remains open for rest or a short walk around the area, with time to settle into the slower rhythm of the surroundings.

Dinner is served in the early evening, closing the day in a calm and comfortable atmosphere. The setting, now fully within the edge of the jungle, reflects a different pace—warmer, greener, and more connected to the daily life of the region.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4650 mt/15,255ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 15 km/ 9.3mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Rayampata (trail head): 3600mt/11,811ft
• Chaullay: 2900 mt/9,514 ft
• Lucmabamba (campsite):2000mt/6,561ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 1:00 pm

Day 04 :
LUCMABAMBA – INCA TRAIL – AOBAMBA VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES

The day begins with a relaxed local breakfast in Lucmabamba, surrounded by the warmer climate of the jungle edge. From here, the route shifts in character as the trail gradually ascends, following a lesser-used section of the original Inca Trail. The climb takes around three hours at a steady pace, moving through a landscape where stone paths, dense vegetation, and changing views reflect the presence of the ancient route.

Reaching the highest point of the morning offers a distinct moment in the journey. From here, there are distant views toward Machu Picchu, giving a first sense of its location within the surrounding mountains. There is time to pause and take in the perspective before beginning the descent toward the Aobamba Valley.

The trail continues down to the valley floor, where lunch is taken in a quiet setting near the river. In the afternoon, the journey follows the course of the Urubamba River for approximately three hours, gradually approaching Aguas Calientes. The path is more level, allowing a steady rhythm as the sound of the river accompanies the final stretch of the trek.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes is around 5:00 pm. After settling into accommodations, there is time to say goodbye to the trekking team, including the cooks who have accompanied the journey. Dinner is shared in town, followed by a final briefing and preparation for the visit to Machu Picchu the following day, closing this stage of the journey with a sense of transition.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 2700 mt/8,858ft
• Walking time: 9 hrs
• Walking distance: 24 km/ 14.9ft
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Lucmabamba (trail head): 2000mt/6,561ft
• Llactapata: 2700 mt/8,858ft
• Aguas Calientes (campsite):2070mt/6,791ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 4:30 pm

Day 05 :
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

The final day begins early with breakfast around 5:00 am, preparing for a timely ascent to Machu Picchu. Reaching the site in the early hours allows entry ahead of the main flow of visitors, offering a quieter moment to experience the setting as the light gradually reveals the surrounding mountains.

A guided visit of approximately two hours provides context and understanding of the site, focusing on its history, structure, and significance within the Andean world. After the guided portion, there is free time to explore at your own pace, allowing space to walk, observe, and take in the atmosphere without a fixed schedule.

Following the visit, the return to Aguas Calientes allows time for lunch before boarding the train. The journey follows the Urubamba River, moving from the dense vegetation of the jungle back toward the Sacred Valley, with changing views along the way. Arrival is in Ollantaytambo, where those staying in the valley can end their journey. The rest continue by road to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 6:30 pm, depending on train schedules.

Upon arrival, you are dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of the Salkantay 5 Days: From the High Andes to Machu Picchu—a journey defined by the gradual transition across landscapes, the people encountered along the way, and the quiet rhythm of the Andes.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderade
• Maximum altitude: 2400 mt/ 7,874ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km/ 4.9mi
• Aguas Calientes:2070mt/6,791ft
• Machupicchu: 2400 mt/7,874ft
• Cusco (final): 3350mt/10,990ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 6:30 pm
• Total distance: 75 km/ 46.6mi

Logistics

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
  • Private transportation (round trip)
  • Bus ticket for ascent to Machu Picchu
  • Duffle bag provided for personal gear during the trek
  • Pre-departure briefing

Professional Support Team

  • Experienced trekking chefs and porters
  • Full camp setup and logistics handled throughout the route
  • All equipment carried in and out, leaving no trace in the environment
  • Walkie-talkies for communication along the trail

Experience

  • Professional local guide with deep knowledge of the region (Walkie-talkies for communication along the trail
  • Guided trekking experience across all stages
  • Guided tour at Machu Picchu
  • Total walking distance 75 km/ 46.6mi 

Food

  • 5 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches prepared fresh along the route
  • 4 dinners prepared by the trekking team
  • Meals adapted to dietary restrictions when needed

Safety

  • First-aid kit carried by the guide
  • Emergency oxygen available during the trek

Added Value

  • Cultural and environmental interpretation integrated throughout the journey 
  • Small, carefully managed groups for a more personal pace 
  • Fully temporary expedition camps with no permanent infrastructure 
  • Route selection focused on low-traffic paths and a quieter experience of the Andes

Some elements are intentionally left flexible, allowing each traveler to adapt the experience according to personal preferences and needs along the journey.

Drinking Water

  • Water is not included, but it is available for purchase along different points of the route, often from local families and small communities.

Travel Insurance

  • Strongly recommended for all participants, covering trekking activities and potential travel disruptions.

Personal Expenses

  • This includes additional snacks, beverages, or local products purchased along the trail, such as coffee, fresh fruits, or small items offered by communities along the way.

Additional Snacks or Beverages

  • While meals are provided, any extra items outside of the planned service can be purchased independently. 

Final Lunch in Aguas Calientes

  • The final lunch after visiting Machu Picchu is not included, allowing flexibility to choose according to individual preferences.

Optional Services

  • Horse support (if required for personal assistance)
  • Trekking poles (rental available)
  • Sleeping bag (rental available)
  • Single accommodation upgrade (for travelers requesting private arrangements) 
  • Additional entrance tickets (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability)

Tips for the Team

  • All members of the trekking team receive fair and consistent payment. Tips are not mandatory, but they are an important and meaningful way to recognize the effort and dedication of the guides, cooks, and porters. If you feel the experience has been positive, tipping is a personal gesture that is always appreciated and directly supports the people who make the journey possible.

Trip Info

  • Andean Expedition Camps and Hotel
  • Cusco
  • Cusco
  • Professional local guide with deep knowledge of the region
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
  • 4650 mt/15,255ft
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

What to Bring

Essentials

  • Passport (student ID if applicable)
  • Cash in Peruvian soles
  • Personal medication

Clothing (Layer System)

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Warm jacket (essential for high-altitude nights)
  • Mid-layer (fleece or insulated layer)
  • Trekking pants
  • Thermal base layer

Footwear

  • Hiking boots, well broken-in and suitable for uneven terrain

Protection

  • Hat and gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip balm

Personal Gear

  • Daypack (20–30L)
  • Water (minimum 2 liters recommended)
  • Camera or phone

Optional

  • Trekking poles
  • Rain poncho
  • Personal snacks
  • Power bank

Request Your Date & Join a Group

To ensure the best experience and keep our trips personal, you can submit a non-binding request for your preferred date here. As soon as enough travelers join, we will confirm your trip and get everything ready for your adventure.


Related trips you might interested in

While other destinations face the saturation of mass tourism, Choquequirao remains in a state of absolute stillness. Our route connects...

, 6 Days - 5 Nights
S/.5

From this point, the landscape opens wide. Inti Punku was not a passage, but a place of observation and ceremony,...

4 Days - 3 Nights
S/.5

This is not a trail designed for tourism, but a living landscape. You walk alongside local families, herds of alpacas,...

, 4 Days - 3 Nights
S/.5

Along the way, alpacas, llamas, and sheep move across open grazing lands, guided by families who work these elevations year-round....

1 Day
S/.5

1

Food Experience

Meals along the route are prepared with local ingredients sourced from the Sacred Valley and surrounding Andean regions. Our cooks are trained to prepare a variety of authentic dishes from the deeper traditions of Peru, including meals such as lomo saltado, ceviche, and pachamanca, adapted to the conditions of the trek. Each preparation is thoughtful and purposeful—providing the energy needed for the journey while offering a genuine connection to local culinary traditions.

2

Safety Approach

Preparation begins before the trek, with a detailed briefing where participants are invited to ask questions and fully understand the journey ahead. During this meeting, guides share final recommendations, outline daily expectations, and review key aspects of the route before departure. A participation agreement is also completed at this stage.

Throughout the trek, experienced guides continuously assess weather, terrain, and group condition. Decisions are made based on safety and real-time conditions rather than fixed schedules, allowing the journey to adapt responsibly as it unfolds.

3

Philosophy

We practice a form of tourism that is both ethical and sustainable, grounded in respect for local communities and the environment that surrounds them. For us, true luxury is found in experiencing nature in its purest state, without altering it—arriving, understanding, and leaving without impact.