SALKANTAY TREK + LLACTAPATA TREK – 5 DAYS

Your day starts early at 5:00 AM with a warm coca tea to help with altitude adjustment, followed by breakfast at 5:30 AM. The trek begins around 6:00 AM, heading toward the Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters, the highest point of the route. The 3 to 3.5-hour uphill hike includes regular breaks for rest and acclimatization.

At the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and may participate in a traditional ritual to honor the Apus, the mountain spirits. After spending about 30–45 minutes at the top, the descent begins with a 2-hour hike to Wayracmachay, where a well-earned lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, the trek continues with a 2.5 to 3-hour descent through changing landscapes, transitioning from highland to the edge of the Amazon. The day ends at the Chawllay campsite (2,900 meters), where dinner is served and you’ll rest in your mountain hut.

🗓️ Day 2 Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Max Altitude: 4,700 m (Salkantay Pass)
• Hiking Distance: 22 km (approx. 14 miles)
• Trekking Time: 9–10 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m
• Weather: Cold in the morning, warm at lower altitudes
• Note: This is the most difficult but most scenic day of the trek, offering unforgettable views and a deep connection with the mountains.

The day begins at 5:30 AM with wake-up tea and breakfast at 6:00 AM. The trek starts around 6:30 AM from Chawllay to Lucmabamba, a gentle 4-hour hike through the scenic Santa Teresa Valley, rich in flora and fauna.

Upon arriving at Lucmabamba, you’ll join a local coffee tour, learning the full process from bean to cup, and tasting freshly brewed coffee. You also have the option to enjoy the Salkantay Zipline, adding adventure to your cultural experience.

Lunch and overnight stay take place at the exclusive Star Domes, glass-domed accommodations with panoramic views. The afternoon is free, with the option to visit the Santa Teresa hot springs (approx. 40 soles extra), a perfect reward after three days of trekking.

Dinner is served around 7:00 PM, followed by a briefing for Day 4, which leads to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu.

🗓️ Day 3 Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Star Domes (Glass Domes)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Hiking Distance: 15 km (approx. 10 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,000 m
• Weather: Hot and humid by day, chilly at night
• Note: A relaxing day with cultural experiences, optional zipline, and a visit to the rejuvenating hot springs – a unique Amazonian blend of adventure and comfort.

The day begins at 6:00 AM with breakfast at 6:30 AM, followed by a 3-hour uphill hike on a well-preserved Inca trail to the Llactapata archaeological site. From there, you’ll enjoy a unique and stunning view of Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu from a different angle. After exploring the ruins, you begin a 2-hour descent to Hidroeléctrica, the steepest downhill segment of the trek.

At Hidroeléctrica, you’ll have lunch and time to rest before the final stretch: a 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, relax, and enjoy a final dinner in town around 7:00 PM, while preparing for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

🗓️ Day 4 Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Hiking Distance: 24 km (approx. 15 miles)
• Trekking Time: 8–9 hours
• Max Altitude: 2,700 m (Llactapata)
• Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m
• Weather: Hot
• Note: A rewarding day of Inca history, jungle landscapes, and panoramic views, ending in the comfort of a hotel as you prepare for the highlight of the trek: Machu Picchu.

The final day is dedicated to exploring the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. Your entry time depends on the schedule on your ticket, so it’s essential to be at the main gate on time.

🏞️ Getting to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes, you can:

• 🚶 Walk (1.5 hrs): Flat 30-minute walk to the checkpoint, then a 1-hour uphill hike (approx. 1,700 steps).

• 🚌 Bus (30 min, $12 USD): Frequent departures starting at 5:30 AM. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

🗺️ Guided Tour

At the entrance, you’ll join your group for a 2-hour guided tour, following the specific circuit assigned to your ticket. The guide will explain the history, architecture, and importance of the site, with time for photos.

⛰️ Optional Hikes

If you booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll begin your 3-hour hike after the guided tour. These must be reserved in advance.

🚆 Return to Cusco – Two Options

Option 1: Return by Train

• Return to Aguas Calientes (walk or bus)

• Take a train to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs), then a tourist van to Cusco (2 hrs)

• Arrive in Cusco between 7:00–8:00 PM

Option 2: Return by Car via Hidroelectrica

• Walk 3 hours from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica

• Be there by 2:30 PM to take the only car at 3:00 PM

• Arrive in Cusco around 10:00–10:30 PM

Important: This option is only possible if your entry time to Machu Picchu is between 6:00–9:00 AM. Otherwise, you’ll need to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes at your own expense.