Salkantay Lodge: Trek to Machu Picchu

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 

Challenge yourself and follow the road less traveled to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilisation and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come. 

ITINERARY 

The day before the trek, meet your guide and fellow travellers at 7pm in Cusco for a 45 minute general trip briefing. It is recommended you arrive in Cusco at least 1-2 days prior to the departure date to acclimatise to the altitude.

Day 1 - The Way to Soraypampa 

After an early breakfast, we visit the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch comes a scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha. Here you will begin your hike to the flagship Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). The trekking time is approximately 3 hours, easy to moderate. 

Day 2 - Hike to Lake Humantay

After breakfast, begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind Salkantay Lodge. An hour and a half later, your hard work will be rewarded with a first glimpse of the lake’s glistening turquoise waters and the Humantay glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honour “la Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset. Trekking time is approximately 4 hours, moderate. 

Optional Activities: Chakana excursion (subject to additional cost): Horseback/hiking combination up the steep hills adjacent the lodge. The destination is a dramatic lookout point over the Salkantay River Valley marked by an oversized Inca Chakana (cross). This excursion will replace the hike to the glacier lake. Duration: Approximately 5 hours (1.5 — 2 hours on horseback) Horseback riding (subject to additional cost): After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. 

Day 3 - Crossing the Salkantay Pass

After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay where we overnight (3,906m). Trekking time is approximately 6 hours, challenging.

Day 4 - Descending into the Cloud Forest

After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colourful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately midday, you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. 

The Colpa staff will greet you with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you. Trekking Time is approximately 4 hours, easy to moderate. We overnight at Colpa Lodge (9,414’ / 2,870m). 

Day 5 - Following the Santa Teresa River Valley

Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. Rest alongside the river for a trail mix, then continue hiking for one more hour before you are met by a vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. Enjoy a great lunch at the lodge and afterwards, visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. Trekking time is approximately 5.5 hours, moderate to challenging. We overnight at Lucma Lodge (7,003’ / 2,135m). 

Day 6 - First Views of Machu Picchu

After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travellers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu. Trekking time is approximately 4–6 hours,  moderate to challenging. We overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,693’/2,040m). 

Day 7 - The Citadel of Machu Picchu

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the Royal Inca residences, among others. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Following a two-hour guided tour, you'll have the option to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that span from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home.