Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

We begin early with pick up from your hotel in Cusco and a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata (2,900 m), where we stop for breakfast to fuel the adventure. From there, we continue another 40 minutes to Soraypampa, the official starting point of the trek.

Path of the Seven Snakes / Seven Snakes Trail

From Soraypampa, the trail climbs steadily for about 4 hours toward the Salkantay Pass, following the famous “Path of the Seven Snakes”, a series of winding switchbacks carved into the mountainside. At the pass, take time to rest, take photos, and absorb the dramatic Andean scenery as you stand at one of the highest points of the trek (4,650 m / 15,255 ft).

Descent to Collpapampa

After the pass, we begin a 2.5-hour descent to Huayracmachay, where lunch will be waiting. Refueled, we continue hiking for another 3 hours through changing landscapes, descending into greener terrain until reaching Collpapampa.

Sky Domes at Collpapampa

Further along the route, the Sky Domes at Collpapampa offer a completely different atmosphere, surrounded by cloud forest and the Santa Teresa Valley.

These domes offer:

• Private rooms with private bathrooms
• All meals included in our panoramic dining room
• Sauna and jacuzzi access
• Wi-Fi

The ideal campsite to recover after a demanding day of trekking. It’s a unique opportunity to deeply relax while immersed in one of the most lush landscapes in the Salkantay region.

Optional: Humantay Lake (Horseback)

Due to the long hiking day, the Humantay Lake visit is optional and done on horseback only.

• Additional cost: USD 70
• Highlights: High-Andean scenery, wildlife, and a scenic loop returning to the main trail.

Day 1 Snapshot

• Starting Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass / Apacheta Pass)
• Campsite Elevation: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
• Minimum Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Distance: 23.5 km / 14.6 miles
• Walking Time: 10 to 11 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2: Collpapampa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

The morning begins with a warm wake-up drink delivered to your room, followed by a nourishing breakfast. A short drive takes us down the valley to Lucmabamba, where today’s hike officially begins.

Llactapata & First View of Machu Picchu

From Lucmabamba, we hike uphill for about 3 hours along original Inca stone steps to reach the Llactapata archaeological complex (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). This elevated site offers a rare and memorable moment, your first distant view of Machu Picchu, seen directly across the valley.

After time to explore the ruins and enjoy the scenery, we begin our descent toward Hidroelectrica, where a well-earned lunch will be waiting.

Walk to Aguas Calientes

In the afternoon, we follow the railway tracks for approximately 3 hours, surrounded by lush vegetation, until reaching Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we check in to your hotel and later enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Rest well tonight as tomorrow is your long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu.

Optional Train Upgrade

Prefer to skip the final walk? You may take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes instead.

• Additional cost: USD 45

Day 2 Snapshot

• Starting Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft (Collpapampa)
• Highest Elevation: 2,813 m / 9,229 ft
• Minimum Elevation: 2,079 m / 6,821 ft (Aguas Calientes)
• Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
• Walking Time: 9 to 10 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The long-awaited moment has arrived. After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you and escort you to the bus up to Machu Picchu.

Guided Visit of the Citadel

Inside the sanctuary, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour covering Machu Picchu’s most important sectors on Circuit 2 (2A or 2B):

• Ceremonial temples and sacred plazas
• Agricultural terraces and irrigation channels
• Classic panoramic postcard viewpoint

Your guide will bring the site to life, explaining its history, symbolism, and Inca engineering.

Return Journey

After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, concluding your journey in comfort.

Optional Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD

You can upgrade your return train to the Vistadome train for $67 USD per person, which offers larger comfortable seats, panoramic windows with a glass ceiling for enhanced views of the Sacred Valley, a light snack, and a live cultural show on board. This train runs from Aguas Calientes to Poroy, and we will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco.

Day 3 Snapshot

• Highest Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,690 ft (Aguas Calientes)
• Distance: Minimal walking (exploration-focused)
• Difficulty: Easy

Return Journey & Train Logistics

After your guided tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, board your return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to drive you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.

Important Return & Train Details:

• Standard Expedition Train (Included): Departs Aguas Calientes at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM. Combined with our private van transfer from Ollantaytambo, you will arrive back at your Cusco hotel between 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
• Adjustments for Extra Mountain Hikes: If you add the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb, we automatically adjust your departure and secure a later Expedition train (3:20 PM or 3:22 PM) to ensure you aren’t rushed.
• Optional Vistadome Upgrade ($67 USD): Enjoy panoramic glass ceilings, leather seats, light snacks, and an onboard live performance. Departs at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM (or 3:20 PM / 4:43 PM if you are doing an optional mountain hike).