Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco to Soraypampa
Your adventure starts with a hotel pickup in Cusco and you'll board a tourist bus heading into the highlands. The bus stops in Mollepata village so you can stretch your legs and grab some snacks before continuing to Challacancha where the trek officially begins. From there you'll hike for 3 hours through the Andean landscapes to reach Soraypampa Camp at 3,900m/12,795ft. After settling in, take a 1.5-hour side trek to see the turquoise Laguna Humantay before heading back for dinner and your first night under the stars.
- Meals
- Lunch (Hearty lunch at Soraypampa Camp surrounded by panoramic mountain scenery), Dinner (Delicious dinner at Soraypampa Camp)
Included Activities
- Trek from Challacancha to Soraypampa Camp (3 hours)
- Side trek to Laguna Humantay (approximately 1.5 hours each way)
Landmarks/POIs Laguna Humantay Mollepata - Day 2
Salkantay Pass Trek
Breakfast happens early in camp, then you tackle the main challenge: a 4-hour trek to Salkantay Pass at 4,650m/15,256ft, the route's highest point. You'll stand among snow patches with views of the towering Salkantay and Humantay peaks stretching out around you. After that you descend for 2 hours into greener terrain to Huayracpampa for lunch. The afternoon brings another 3 hours of trekking through transitioning landscapes as you enter the high jungle, and you'll reach camp at 2,900m/9,515ft by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast in camp), Lunch (Energizing lunch at Huayracpampa), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Salkantay Pass (4 hours)
- Trek descent from Salkantay Pass through changing landscapes (2 hours)
- Trek through high jungle to Challhuay or Colcapampa camp (3 hours)
Optional Activities
- Horse rental for gentler ascent to Salkantay Pass
Landmarks/POIs Salkantay Pass Salkantay Mountain Humantay Mountain - Day 3
Jungle Trails to Santa Teresa
After breakfast you trek through winding upper jungle pathways, crossing the Santa Teresa River and smaller brooks as you move through vibrant valleys. Along the way you'll see waterfalls and tropical fruit-laden trees. Stop at La Playa for a midday lunch, then continue with a scenic drive down to Santa Teresa town at the warmer elevation of 1,700m/5,577ft. Once at camp you can relax or optionally visit the rejuvenating hot springs to soothe your trekking muscles.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Energizing breakfast), Lunch (Delicious lunch at La Playa surrounded by jungle), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through upper jungle with river crossings (duration not specified)
- Scenic drive from La Playa to Santa Teresa town
Optional Activities
- Visit Santa Teresa hot springs (20 soles)
Landmarks/POIs Santa Teresa Hot Springs - Day 4
Cloud Forest to Aguas Calientes
Breakfast in Santa Teresa starts at 8:00 am, then you trek for 3 hours through lush cloud forest trails with river views below. You'll reach the hydroelectric station and have a box lunch amid the jungle activity. From there continue with a gentle 3-hour walk along the scenic railway path with Machu Picchu visible above, or take an optional train ride if you prefer a different perspective. Arrive in Aguas Calientes, unwind in this mountain town, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty mountain breakfast in Santa Teresa at 8:00 am), Lunch (Nourishing box lunch at hydroelectric station), Dinner (Delicious dinner at a traditional local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Trek through cloud forest from Santa Teresa to hydroelectric station (3 hours)
- Walk along railway path from hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes (3 hours)
Optional Activities
- Train ride from hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu - Day 5
Machu Picchu Sunrise to Cusco
Catch one of the first buses at 5:30 am to Machu Picchu, watching the ruins emerge as morning mist clears away. A 2-hour guided tour explores legends, hidden temples, and panoramic viewpoints. After that you can explore at your own pace or tackle the Huayna Picchu Peak hike for bird's-eye views of the site. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, board the scenic train through the Andes to Ollantaytambo, then continue by bus to Cusco, arriving at Plaza San Francisco around 6:30 pm.
Included Activities
- Bus transfer to Machu Picchu
- 2-hour expert-guided tour of Machu Picchu
Optional Activities
- Huayna Picchu Peak hike (48 soles, must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (48 soles, must be booked at least 1 week in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu Peak
