Salkantay Trek & Lost City

Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa. Arrive in Cusco before the tour, as you will be picked up from your accommodation early this morning to begin the journey into the Andes. We travel by tourist-class bus for 2 hours, through the highlands, stopping in the village of Mollepata at 2,900 metres, where there is time to stretch, pick up snacks, and experience local village life.

We then continue to Challacancha, where final trekking preparations are made before setting out on foot towards Soraypampa.

Our hike takes approximately three hours through open mountain landscapes surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival at Soraypampa Camp at 3,920 metres, we stop for lunch while taking in the views across the surrounding mountains.

Later in the afternoon, we continue with a hike to Humantay Lake. The trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain before reaching the turquoise glacial waters beneath the towering mountain backdrop. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours each way and rewards us with spectacular views across the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Back at camp, we enjoy dinner together before settling in for our first night in the Andes beneath a sky filled with stars at the highest and coldest campsite of the trek.

Soraypampa – Huayracpampa – Colcapampa. This morning, we begin our ascent towards Salkantay Pass at 4,650 metres, the highest point of the trek. Surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of Salkantay (6,267m) and Humantay (5,900m), we follow mountain trails with sweeping views across the Andes. Horses are available to rent for those who prefer support during the climb.

The ascent to the pass takes approximately four hours, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the dramatic mountain scenery. After reaching the summit, there is time to pause and appreciate the panoramic alpine views before beginning our descent.

We continue downhill for approximately two hours towards Huayracpampa, where we stop for lunch surrounded by changing scenery as the high mountain environment gradually gives way to greener landscapes.

In the afternoon, we trek for approximately three more hours towards Colcapampa or Challhuay at 2,900 metres, experiencing the transition into the rich biodiversity of the high jungle before arriving at camp for the evening.

Colcapampa – La Playa – Santa Teresa. After breakfast, we continue through the upper jungle along winding mountain pathways surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical scenery. Along the route, we cross streams and sections of the Santa Teresa River while passing waterfalls and fruit trees growing throughout the valley.

Around midday, we arrive at La Playa at 2,200 metres, where we stop for lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Later, we continue by road to the town of Santa Teresa at 1,700 metres, where you can enjoy scenic views before we settle into camp and take in the noticeably warmer climate of the lower elevations.

In the evening, you can opt to visit the Santa Teresa hot springs at an additional cost. The thermal waters provide a relaxing way to end the day after several days of trekking through the Andes.

Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes. After breakfast at approximately 8:00 am, we continue on a three-hour walk through the cloud forest surrounding Santa Teresa, following scenic trails lined with dense vegetation and mountain scenery.

After several hours of walking, we arrive at the hydroelectric station, where we stop for a box lunch beside the surrounding jungle landscape.

We then continue on a further three-hour walk along the railway tracks towards Aguas Calientes, with views of the valley and the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. If preferred, you can opt to take the train for this section at your own expense.

By evening, we arrive in Aguas Calientes, where there is time to relax and explore the town before dinner at a local restaurant ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco. We have an early start this morning and at approximately 5:30 am board one of the first buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving as the morning mist lifts around the ancient citadel.

Once inside, we enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour exploring the history, architecture, and sacred spaces of this remarkable Inca site while taking in panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.

After the guided visit, you will have free time to continue exploring Machu Picchu at your own pace. If pre-booked, you can also climb Huayna Picchu for elevated views across the citadel and surrounding peaks.

Later, you return by bus to Aguas Calientes before boarding the scenic train through the Andes to Ollantaytambo. From there, we continue by bus to Cusco, arriving at Plaza San Francisco at approximately 6:30 pm, where you can make your own way to the airport or your accommodation.