We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:20 a.m. and 4:50 a.m., then drive to the town of Mollepata (located at 2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), approximately 2 hours from Cusco. There we will take a short break of about 20 minutes to enjoy a delicious breakfast (included), and you’ll also receive your entrance ticket to the community and Humantay Lake (included).

We will then continue our journey to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek, located at 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet.

From here, we will hike for approximately 3 hours to reach our campsite at Soraypampa (Sky Lodge Salkantay Okidoki), located at 3,912 meters / 12,834 feet. Here we will have lunch while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, including:

• The Humantay Glacier (4,200 meters / 13,779 feet)

• The Salkantay Glacier (6,271 meters / 20,575 feet)

After a short rest, we will begin a 1.5-hour hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, where you will have time to explore and take photos. We will then return to the campsite for afternoon tea followed by a delicious dinner and rest in our cozy mountain lodges.

Sky Lodge Salkantay Okidoki

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayrapunku – Chaullay

Distance: 22 km / Approx. 9 hours of hiking

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We will wake you up early at 5:00 a.m., and serve a hearty breakfast at 5:30 a.m.. At 6:00 a.m., we begin our ascent toward the highest point of the journey: Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet).

The uphill hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain and surrounding Andean peaks. Upon reaching the pass, we’ll take part in a traditional Andean ceremony led by your guide — a spiritual offering to the Apus (sacred mountain spirits) in gratitude and respect.

After some rest and photos at the summit, we begin our descent to Huayramachay (3,912 meters / 12,834 feet), where a well-deserved lunch awaits.

The hike continues for another 3 hours through changing landscapes — from cold alpine zones to lush cloud forests — until we reach our second campsite in Chaullay (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), where we’ll rest and enjoy dinner surrounded by nature.

Day 3: Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes Town

Distance: 25 km / Approx. 7 hours of hiking

We’ll start the day early at 6:00 a.m., with breakfast served at 6:30 a.m.. Then, we begin our trek through the high jungle, a region rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of rivers and waterfalls, and you’ll have the chance to observe local flora and fauna, including orchids, coffee and coca plantations, as well as fruit trees like banana, papaya, avocado, and passion fruit. Keep your eyes out for wildlife such as hummingbirds, parrots, and even the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird.

After around 5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Playa Sahuayaco (2,064 m / 6,771 ft), where we’ll enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, a local transport (included) will take us on a 1.5-hour drive to the Hidroeléctrica station, the starting point of our final hike of the day.

From Hidroeléctrica, we will walk approximately 3 more hours along the train tracks, following the beautiful Urubamba River until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), also known as Machu Picchu Town.

Here, we’ll settle into our hostel accommodation, have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, and get a good night’s rest — because tomorrow is the highlight of our journey: Machu Picchu!

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Distance: 5 km / Approx. 1.5 hours of hiking

We will begin the day very early at 4:00 a.m. to ensure we reach Machu Picchu in time to witness the magical sunrise over the Andes.

The first part of the hike is a 30-minute flat walk, followed by a 1-hour uphill ascent to the main entrance of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). We expect to arrive around 6:00 a.m., giving us a perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and start our guided tour.

Our professional guide will lead you through the most iconic sectors of Machu Picchu during a 2-hour exploration, explaining the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

⚠️ Important: According to current government regulations, entrance to Machu Picchu is limited to a specific schedule, and the visit duration is controlled. Once the guided tour ends, you must exit the site.

After Machu Picchu:

You’ll return to Aguas Calientes to relax, have lunch (not included), and prepare for your return to Cusco. You have two options for the descent:

• Option 1: Hike down — a 1.5-hour walk back to town through the same trail.

• Option 2: Bus ride — a 30-minute descent by concessioned tourist bus (Price: $12 USD per person, not included).

Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have some free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a meal before taking the train or bus back, depending on your package.