20+ Years of Experience
ISO 9001 Certified
Locally Based in the Sacred Valley
The Route at a Glance
- Distance
- 44.17 km
- on foot, days 1, 2 and 4
- Duration
- 5 days
- 4 nights
- Start
- 3,826 m a.s.l.
- Humantay Lake trailhead
- Highest point
- 4,631 m a.s.l.
- 15,193 ft · Salcantay Pass
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Trek Highlights
- Visit Humantay Lake and camp at Soraypampa.
- Cross the Salcantay Pass at 4,631 m a.s.l.
- See Machu Picchu from the Llactapata viewpoint.
- Tour Machu Picchu with your guide on day 5.
Day 1 of 5
Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
An early drive to Mollepata, then a hike to Humantay Lake and your first camp.
We leave Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. by tourist bus and drive to Mollepata (2,900 m a.s.l.), with panoramic views of Salcantay, the snow-capped mountain range and the Apurímac River valley. There we meet our support team and load the gear onto the mules. We walk to Cruz Pata (3,200 m a.s.l.) and then climb to Humantay Lake. On the way down we pass Andean communities such as Challacancha, where we stop for lunch. We continue to the Soraypampa camp, where we have dinner and spend our first night.
Highlights
- Views of Salcantay on the drive to Mollepata.
- Hike to Humantay Lake.
- Andean communities such as Challacancha.
- Dinner and first camp at Soraypampa.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 2 of 5
Soraypampa – Salcantay Pass – Chaullay
The hardest day: over the Salcantay Pass and down toward the jungle.
After a good breakfast we set off early on the most demanding day of the trek. We cross Pampa Salcantay and climb along the left side of Umantay, next to Salcantay, to the pass—the highest point of the trek, at 4,631 m a.s.l. From here you see Salcantay (6,264 m a.s.l.), known as the second highest peak in the Cusco region, along with the Umantay and Huayanay mountains. We have lunch after crossing the pass and then descend, passing Huayrac Machay, to the Chaullay camp (2,920 m a.s.l.), where we spend the night.
Highlights
- Salcantay Pass at 4,631 m a.s.l.
- Views of Salcantay, Umantay and Huayanay.
- Lunch after crossing the pass.
- Descent to the Chaullay camp.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 3 of 5
Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Lucmabamba
A scenic drive down the valley, a soak in the Cocalmayo hot springs and a night in Lucmabamba.
After a hearty breakfast we continue down the valley by vehicle, through La Playa, to the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa. The drive takes about 3.5 hours. Along the way you see fields of coca, the leaf our Andean ancestors considered sacred, which grows in tropical areas today. After the hot springs we drive back to Lucmabamba, about 1 hour, to rest for the night.
Highlights
- Drive down the valley, about 3.5 hours.
- Coca fields along the way.
- Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa.
- Drive back to Lucmabamba to rest, about 1 hour.
Day 4 of 5
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
A walk through coffee farms, a first view of Machu Picchu and a night in a hotel.
We start the day on foot in Lucmabamba, a community that shows us how organic coffee is grown. Walking through coffee and tropical fruit plantations, you reach the Llactapata archaeological site (2,590 m a.s.l.), where the viewpoint gives an exceptional angle on Machu Picchu. A path of flowers and orchids then leads down to the Acobamba River, and a metal bridge near the hydroelectric plant takes you across. From the Hydroelectric station we walk on to Aguas Calientes, or you can take the 3:30 p.m. train (optional, extra cost). Along the way you see waterfalls fed by glaciers. In the afternoon we reach Aguas Calientes, where you sleep in a comfortable hotel. Dinner is not included, but we can arrange an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Highlights
- Organic coffee in Lucmabamba.
- Llactapata viewpoint over Machu Picchu.
- Walk from Llactapata to the Hydroelectric station and on to Aguas Calientes.
- Flowers and orchids on the way down to the Acobamba River.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 5 of 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
A guided visit to Machu Picchu, then the train back.
After breakfast at the hotel, a bus takes us up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of about 2.5 h through the citadel. You can add the optional Huayna Picchu hike or an optional lunch—just ask us. Please be at the Aguas Calientes train station at 2:50 p.m. for the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, from 3:20 to 5:05 p.m., followed by a transfer to Cusco.
Highlights
- Bus up to Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of the citadel, about 2.5 h.
- Optional Huayna Picchu hike.
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking.
Sun and rain
- Sun hat and warm hat
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof poncho
- Warm jacket, scarf and gloves
- Insect repellent (minimum 20%)
Daypack essentials
- Water (two 600 ml bottles)
- Snacks
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Headlamp or flashlight, with spare batteries
Documents and health
- Documents (original passport; ISIC card if you are a student)
- Personal medication
Camera and power
- Camera / phone
- Power bank
Your sleeping bag and trekking poles are included. Also bring several pairs of socks, sandals for resting, a small towel, binoculars if you like, and a swimsuit for the hot springs in Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes. Pack your clothes and sleeping bag in plastic bags to keep them dry. Bring cash in soles and/or US$, also for tips.
On the trail
Food and dietary needs
Vegetarian options are available on this trek. Moreover, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available on request with advance notice. Please tell us about any food allergies when you book, so we can confirm what we can arrange for you.
Traveling responsibly
We buy local products whenever we can, to support the local economy. In addition, on the trail we take care to recycle, reuse and avoid single-use plastic.
Our muleteers and mules
On this trek our muleteers carry the camping equipment and your large backpack with pack mules. They work under the same conditions as our porters on other treks, except for the 20 kg weight limit that applies to porters:
- Food: meals provided throughout the trek.
- Equipment: uniform provided.
- Animal care: load protectors on every mule.
- Shelter: accommodation for all our staff.
That is why your large backpack is limited to 6 kg (13 lb).
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
This is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to the Salcantay Trek.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”