Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu Adventure
New
Set out from Cusco on a Salkantay trek over five days and return to Cusco – a journey that mixes high Andean drama with lush cloud forest. You’ll explore Inca sites such as Quillarumiyoc, Tarawasi and Llactapata – spot the snowy summits of Humantay and Salkantay – and cross lofty passes before descending to waterfalls, orchids and vivid birdlife. Evenings mean campfires and southern skies, with time to unwind in the hot springs at Colcapampa. Continue to Aguas Calientes by trail and a short train. Enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu with space to wander before rolling back through the Urubamba Valley.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
Standard accommodationStarts
CuscoEnds
CuscoMinimum Age
8 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Peru that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - bi-lingual (English & Spanish) guides for included sightseeing.Country
PeruMeals Included
Breakfast: 3, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 3Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 15
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Guide
Yes - bi-lingual (English & Spanish) guides for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max 15Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Group ToursPlaces You'll See
Cusco
Mollepata
Colcapampa
La Playa
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel to Mollepata
We set off very early from Cusco towards the small village of Mollepata, noted for its temperate climate and high jungle vegetation. En route we visit the archaeological complexes of Quillarumiyoc and Tarawasi and pause to admire views of the snow‑capped Humantay. We then continue to Soraypampa, where we begin our trek towards the Salkantay snow‑capped mountain. The trail leads us to the Soroycocha lagoon – our first campsite for the night.
Distance Mollepata – Soroycocha: 5 km. Walking time: 4 hours 30 minutes–5 hours. Maximum altitude reached: 4,485 m – 14,715 ft.
Day 2 - Cross the Salkantay Pass & Continue to Colcapampa
After a hearty breakfast at our Soroycocha camp, we set off to skirt the snow-capped Salkantaypampa massif, climbing steadily to Huayrapampa Pass at 4,600 metres. We then descend towards the Huayrapampa community for lunch before continuing along the valley to Colcapampa, where we make camp for the night. If you wish, you can unwind in Colcapampa’s hot springs.
Today’s walk covers approximately 12 kilometres from Soroycocha to Colcapampa. Expect 7.5–8 hours on the trail, with a maximum altitude of 4,800 metres / 15,478 feet.
Day 3 - Descend into the Jungle & Reach La Playa
We start the day with a cup of mate to wake up reinvigorated, then, after breakfast, continue our trek, descending from Colcapampa into the high jungle. As we lose altitude, we pass lush vegetation, waterfalls plunging up to 80 metres, and a variety of orchids, birds, insects and other native wildlife. We finish the day at our camp in Sawayaco.
Today covers roughly 14 kilometres from Colcapampa to La Playa. It takes around 7–7.5 hours on the trail, and reaches a maximum altitude of 2,840 metres – 9,317 ft.
Day 4 - Hike to Llactapata & Travel to Aguas Calientes
We set off very early from La Playa, hiking towards the village of Lucmabamba. We follow an ascending trail through the subtropical forest to reach the Inca complex of Llactapata – the Town of Heights – on the left bank of the Cusicacha River. From here we can glimpse part of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountain ranges. We then continue to the hydroelectric station, with views over the Urubamba River valley, completing the first stage of today’s journey – around 12 km, 6.5–7 hours, with a maximum altitude of 2,450 metres, 8,038 feet. From the hydroelectric station we take the train to Aguas Calientes – 11 km, about 35 minutes – for an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5 - Experience Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
We set out early for Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. With our guide, we visit the citadel’s terraces, stairways, ceremonial shrines and urban areas. You then have free time to wander at your own pace. At the arranged time, we return to Cusco by train and transfer to our hotel.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Peru to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?