Following our Salkantay Trek breakfast, we will begin our walk at around 6:30 am. This day will be the longest, with the first four hours being uphill to reach the highest point of the trek (4650m/15200ft), which is located halfway between the two massive mountains of Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. The views of the two snow-capped mountains from the pass are truly incredible, and there is even a possibility of seeing snow.

After taking a well-deserved rest at the pass, we will continue our trek (now downhill) through a stunning cloud forest until we reach Huayracpunku, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking towards the start of the jungle until we reach our second camping spot for the Salkantay Trek at Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).

Day 2: Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)

Following breakfast, we will begin our walk at 6:30 am, through the upper jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and various small streams, until we reach La Playa after approximately 6 hours of walking.

During this day, we will pass through valleys and enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, and plants. Once we reach La Playa, we will have lunch, rest, and set up our camping site.

As an optional activity, in the afternoon, there is a chance to visit the hot springs of Colcalmayo for an additional cost. The details of the cost can be discussed once you arrive at La Playa.

Day 3: Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.)

We will start our day with breakfast at 8am, and then depart from our Lluscamayo campsite. We’ll ascend on an authentic Inca Trail to the Llactapata ruins, where you’ll have an opportunity to view Machupicchu from afar. It’s one of the most stunning vistas to behold.

Then we will proceed through various crop plantations like coca and banana until we arrive at the hydroelectric station. After lunch, we will continue walking along the train tracks for about two and a half hours until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes.

Here, we will stay overnight in a hostel. While in Aguas Calientes, you can enjoy the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) which will be a real treat after completing the Salkantay Trek.

Day 4: Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hostel(aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)

On this important day of the Salkantay trek, we will wake up very early at around 4 am, have breakfast at 4:30 am and begin our hike up to Machu Picchu, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the first bus at 5:30 am (a 25-minute ride) to reach Machu Picchu and witness the majestic city at sunrise.

Your guide will provide a walking tour that lasts approximately 2 hours, after which you can explore the mysterious city on your own.

For those still full of energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft), which takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. Once you have enjoyed Machu Picchu, you will need to descend to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus back to Cusco.

For those returning by bus, you will need to walk back from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica to catch the bus back (you must arrive between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm).

Day 5: Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)