ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

We’ll kick off the adventure with an early pickup from your hotel, beginning a scenic 2.5-hour journey toward Mollepata. Upon arrival, you’ll fuel up with a hearty breakfast before continuing for another 40 minutes to Soraypampa, the official starting point of the trek.

From Soraypampa, the trail leads steadily upward toward the Salkantay Pass on a roughly 4-hour ascent. This stretch is famously known as the “Path of the 7 Snakes,” named for its winding, switchback design. Once at the pass, you’ll have time to rest, take in the dramatic mountain scenery, and celebrate reaching one of the trek’s highest points.

After enjoying the views, we’ll begin a 2.5-hour descent to Huayracmachay. By the time we arrive, our team will have lunch ready—perfect for recharging after the morning’s effort. The adventure continues with an additional 3-hour hike through changing landscapes until we reach Collpapampa. Here, a comfortable glamping site awaits, offering dinner, relaxation, and a peaceful night beneath the stars.

Optional Visit to Humantay Lake:
This add-on must be done by horseback because of the day’s tight schedule. The extra cost is USD 70. The route to the lake is stunning, featuring vibrant high-Andean scenery and abundant wildlife. The ride follows a loop that brings you back to the main trailhead.

Stats of the day

• STARTING ELEVATION: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• WALKING DISTANCE: 23.5 km / 14.6 miles
• HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
• MIN. ELEVATION: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• WALKING TIME: 10 – 11 hours
• DIFFICULTY: Challenging

Day 2: Collpapampa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

We’ll begin the second day with a warm wake-up beverage delivered to your room, followed by a nourishing breakfast before setting out. A short drive will take us down the valley to Lucmabamba, where today’s hike officially begins. From this point, we’ll ascend for about 3 hours toward Llactapata, an intriguing archaeological complex perched high on the mountainside. The trail features traditional stone steps leading up to the site, and upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with your first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu.

After exploring Llactapata, we’ll continue with a descent toward Hidroelectrica, where a well-deserved lunch awaits. Refueled and refreshed, we’ll follow the tracks for approximately 3 hours until reaching Aguas Calientes. Once in town, we’ll check in to your hotel and later enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Settle into the comfort of your room and rest well—tomorrow brings your long-anticipated visit to Machu Picchu.

Optional: If you prefer not to walk the 3-hour section from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, you may take the train instead for an additional USD 45.

Stats of the day

• MIN. ELEVATION: 2079 m / 6821 ft at Aguas Calientes
• STARTING ELEVATION: 2126 m / 6975 ft
• DIFFICULTY: Moderate to challenging
• HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2813 m / 9229 ft
• WALKING TIME: 9 – 10 hours
• WALKING DISTANCE: 20 km

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The long-awaited day is here! After breakfast, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the bus bound for Machu Picchu. Once inside the citadel, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour exploring its most significant sectors, including ceremonial temples, agricultural terraces, and historic plazas.

After the visit, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). Later, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco—bringing your journey to a smooth and memorable close.

Stats of the day

• DIFFICULTY: Easy