20+ Years of Experience
ISO 9001 Certified
Locally Based in the Sacred Valley
The Route at a Glance
The full Salkantay highlights in a compact format. Efficient and active, with fewer stops along the way. Best for fit travelers who want the essentials in less time.
- Distance
- 44.17 km
- on foot, days 1, 2 and 3
- Duration
- 4 days
- 3 nights
- Start
- 3,826 m a.s.l.
- Humantay Lake trailhead
- Highest point
- 4,631 m a.s.l.
- 15,193 ft · Salkantay Pass
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Trek Highlights
- Visit Humantay Lake and camp at Soraypampa.
- Cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,631 m a.s.l.
- See Machu Picchu from the Llactapata viewpoint.
- Tour Machu Picchu with your guide on day 4.
Day 1 of 4
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 Salkantay, 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 Salkantay 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 4
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
The hardest day: over the Salkantay 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 Salkantay and climb along the left side of Umantay, next to Salkantay, to the pass—the highest point of the trek, at 4,631 m a.s.l. From here you see Salkantay (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
- Salkantay Pass at 4,631 m a.s.l.
- Views of Salkantay, 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 4
Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
A morning drive, a walk through coffee farms to a first view of Machu Picchu and a night in a hotel.
We start the day with a drive of about 2.5 hours from Chaullay down to Lucmabamba, a community that shows us how organic coffee is grown. From there we walk through coffee and tropical fruit plantations to 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
- Drive from Chaullay down to Lucmabamba, about 2.5 hours.
- 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.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 4 of 4
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
A guided visit to Machu Picchu, then the train back.
After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. Explore the magnificent Inca citadel, discover its fascinating temples and ancient structures, and learn about the history and ingenuity of this extraordinary place.
The Machu Picchu entrance circuit is subject to availability at the time of booking. Depending on ticket availability, your visit may follow Circuit 1, 2, or 3, each offering a different perspective and route through the ancient citadel.
If you’d like to make your visit even more memorable, you can add the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain hike (please ask us for availability and pricing).
After your visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. We also recommend adding a lunch experience at one of the town’s carefully selected restaurants. Please ask us for details and pricing if you’d like to include this option.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
Highlights
- Bus up to Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of the citadel, about 2 h.
- Optional Huayna Picchu hike.
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Return to Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. Our preferred departure is at 1:37 p.m. (subject to availability). Passengers must be at the train station 30 minutes before departure for boarding. Ask us about later departures, which may be available.
Approximate schedule:
- 1:07 p.m. – Arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station.
- 1:37 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. – Expedition train, Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- 3:05 p.m. – Private transfer to your hotel: about 1 hour to the Sacred Valley or 2 hours to Cusco.
Upgrade Your Machu Picchu Train
Your program includes a standard panoramic train. Upgrade it for more windows, an open-air car or onboard entertainment.
Included
Expedition or Voyager Train
Comfortable seats and large windows. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Upgrade
Vistadome Train
Enjoy larger panoramic windows, comfortable premium seating, and onboard entertainment.
Upgrade
Vistadome Observatory Train
Everything in the panoramic experience, plus an open-air observatory car with unobstructed views.
Upgrades apply to the return train or the round trip, depending on your program. Price per person, subject to availability. Departure times depend on the train you choose and are confirmed when you book.
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)
- 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 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 Salkantay 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 …”