Luxury Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu

Luxury Salkantay – Trek Itinerary

Day 1:Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

🌟 A Special Adventure Awaits You!
Embark on a luxurious journey through the Andes, exploring breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ancient history.

Morning: Cusco to Soraypampa & Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins with a delicious breakfast (or a box breakfast from your hotel). Our expert local guide will meet you and escort you in private, comfortable transportation for a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Soraypampa (3,920 m / 12,860 ft.).

💧 Optional Excursion: Humantay Lake
If you wish, you can take an optional 3-hour round-trip hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise gem nestled among the snow-capped peaks. Just inform your guide in advance!

Midday: Trekking Through the Andean Valley

Your trek begins with breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft.) and Humantay (5,862 m / 19,232 ft.) mountains. After about 3.5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Salkantaypampa (4,154 m / 13,629 ft.), where a sumptuous gourmet lunch prepared by our private chef awaits you.

Afternoon: Luxury Trek to Salkantay Pampa

Following lunch, we continue for 2.5 hours to our exclusive luxury campsite at Salkantay Pampa (4,100 m / 13451.44 ft.).

🚿 Unwind in Comfort:

• Indulge in a hot shower before dinner
• Enjoy a rejuvenating massage in nature
• Relish a gourmet organic dinner, expertly crafted by our specialized chef
• Sleep comfortably in a heated bedroom tent, under the mesmerizing starlit Andean sky

Technical Information

• Trek Start Time: 9:30 AM
• Arrival at Campsite: 5:00 PM
• Minimum Altitude: Soraypampa (3,920 m / 12,860 ft.)
• Maximum Altitude: Salkantay Pampa (4,100 m / 13451.44 ft.)
• Distance Covered: 7 km / 4.4 miles (~6 hours of walking)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Meals Included: Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner

DAY 2: Salkantay Pampa – Salkantay Pass – Chawllay. 

Start your day with a breathtaking journey through the Luxury Salkantay Trek, surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. After an energizing breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m / 15,216 ft.), where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft.). Celebrate this incredible milestone with a champagne toast.

For experienced hikers, an optional 1-hour round trip to Salkantaycocha offers a chance to witness the vibrant endemic flora and fauna.

Descend for 3.5 hours to Wayracmachay (3,906 m / 12,815 ft.), where a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef awaits. Then, continue a 4-hour scenic trek through lush cloud forests, passing through Andenes and Chaullay, home to wild orchids, bromeliads, and diverse plant species.

Upon arrival at our luxury Collpapampa campsite (2,870 m / 9,416 ft.), unwind with a hot shower and a relaxing massage. End your day with a delectable gourmet dinner served by our dedicated team, before drifting into a peaceful sleep beneath the starry Andean sky.

Technical Information:

• Wake-up time: 05:30 AM
• Trek start time: 07:00 AM
• Arrival at campsite: 05:30 PM
• Minimum altitude: Collpapampa campsite (2,870 m / 9,416 ft.)
• Maximum altitude: Salkantay Pass (4,638 m / 15,216 ft.)
• Distance covered: 17 km / 10.6 miles (~9 hours hiking)
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner

DAY 3: Chawllay –  La Playa – Coffe Tour

Awaken to the serene beauty of the Peruvian Cloud Forest, surrounded by lush nature and the soothing sounds of the Andes.

Start your morning with a nutritious breakfast, fueling you for a spectacular 5-hour hike through one of the most scenic days of the trek. As we descend into the dense cloud forest, marvel at the breathtaking biodiversity—vibrant orchids, bromeliads, and exotic flora create a mesmerizing landscape.

Continue through a hidden valley filled with coffee, cacao, and fruit plantations, passing through the charming farming villages of Wiñaypoco (2,650 m / 8,694 ft.) and Lluscamayo (2,420 m / 7,939 ft.). Along the way, we’ll meet local Peruvian families and gain insight into their traditional way of life.

Finally, we arrive at Playa Sahuayaco (2,100 m / 6,890 ft.), where our attentive staff welcomes you with a gourmet lunch. Afterward, enjoy a hot shower and a soothing massage to revitalize your body.

Next, embark on a private coffee plantation tour, led by our knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the aromatic essence of freshly roasted coffee, learning about its cultivation and savoring its rich, distinct flavors.

As the sun sets, return to our luxury campsite, where our talented chef prepares an exquisite Peruvian gourmet dinner using the freshest local ingredients. This final evening with our View Peru team is a time to celebrate your achievements on the Luxury Glamping Salkantay Trek. Raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure before resting under the starry Andean sky.

Technical Information:

• Wake-up time: 05:45 AM
• Trek start time: 08:30 AM
• Arrival at campsite: 01:30 PM
• Minimum altitude: Playa Sahuayaco campsite (2,100 m / 6,890 ft.)
• Maximum altitude: Collpapampa campsite (2,870 m / 9,416 ft.)
• Distance covered: 15 km / 9.3 miles (~5 hours hiking)
• Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner

DAY 4: Playa Sahuayaco – LLactapata – Aguas Calientes.

Prepare for the final stretch of the Luxury Glamping Salkantay Trek, a day filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and the first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

The day begins early with a succulent breakfast at 5:00 AM, fueling your energy for this rewarding adventure. Afterward, a private 20-minute ride takes us to Lucmabamba (2,062 m / 6,765 ft.), where we step onto an authentic Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the ancient civilization.

Hiking to Llactapata Ruins & Machu Picchu Views

Embark on a 3.5-hour uphill hike to the Llactapata ruins (2,736 m / 8,976 ft.), a mystical site covered in lush, endemic vegetation. Upon arrival, enjoy a unique perspective of Machu Picchu, visible from this secluded vantage point.

Indulge in a gourmet lunch at Llaqtapata Lodge Viewpoint (2,570 m / 8,432 ft.), where you'll marvel at breathtaking views of the snow-capped Veronica and Vilcanota mountains.

Descending to Aguas Calientes

After lunch, descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric train station (1,771 m / 5,810 ft.), where we take a short rest. From here, you have two options:
🚆 Board the train for a 45-minute scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, or
🥾 Continue hiking for another 2 hours to reach the town on foot.

Finally, we arrive at Aguas Calientes (2,070 m / 6,791 ft.), where your guide will escort you to your luxury hotel, offering world-class amenities to relax and recharge.

Before enjoying a delectable dinner, coordinate with your guide the exact pick-up time for tomorrow’s unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu. Then, unwind and sleep in ultimate comfort, preparing for the grand finale of your journey.

Technical Information:

• Wake-up time: 04:30 AM
• Trek start time: 06:00 AM
• Arrival in Aguas Calientes: 05:00 PM
• Maximum altitude: Llaqtapata archeological site – (2736 masl / 8976.4 ft.)
• Distance covered: 22 km. /13.7 mi. (8.5 hours walking approx.)
• Difficulty: Challenging.
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner (only included with your hotel accommodation in luxury and premium categories).

DAY 5: Aguas Calientes To Machu Picchu & Return To Cusco (B, L) | A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Today, your dream becomes reality as you explore the majestic Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel shrouded in mystery and breathtaking beauty.

Early in the morning, your expert guide will meet you at your luxury hotel and walk with you to the bus station, where you'll board the shuttle to Machu Picchu for a 25-minute scenic ride up the mountain.

Exploring the Enigmatic Machu Picchu

Upon arrival, the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft.) will unfold before your eyes—an awe-inspiring reward for your trekking journey. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating theories, history, and secrets behind this ancient wonder. Stroll through its stone terraces, temples, and sacred sites, taking in the incredible energy and capturing stunning photos.

🧗 Optional Adventure: If you're feeling adventurous, embark on a challenging hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu from above.

🍽️ Luxury Dining Option: For a truly indulgent experience, enjoy a gourmet à la carte Peruvian lunch at the prestigious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, offering exceptional flavors with a view.

Return to Cusco in Comfort

After an unforgettable visit, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board your luxury train—choose between the Vistadome for panoramic views or the Hiram Bingham for an elegant, first-class journey.

Upon arrival at Poroy Station, our View Peru Representative will meet you and transfer you in a private vehicle to your hotel in Cusco, where you can relax after this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Technical Information:

• Pick-up time: 07:00 AM
• Tour start time: 08:00 AM
• Arrival in Cusco: 09:56 PM
• Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes (2,070 m / 6,791 ft.)
• Maximum altitude: Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft.)
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Meals included: Breakfast and lunch