ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa

We begin early, with a 4:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. The drive takes us through traditional Andean towns such as Izcuchaca and Limatambo, offering a first glimpse into rural mountain life.

Breakfast in Mollepata

We arrive in Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. This is your chance to fuel up and prepare for the first hike of the adventure.

Drive to Challacancha & Trek Begins

After breakfast, we continue by vehicle for about 30 minutes to Challacancha, the official trailhead. Here, you’ll make final adjustments to your backpack before starting the trek.

The hike begins along an ancient Inca water channel, gradually ascending toward Soraypampa (3,869 m / 12,690 ft). This section takes approximately 3 hours and sets the rhythm for the days ahead.

Lunch at Soraypampa Panoramic Domes

Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at our Soraypampa panoramic domes campsite, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Afternoon Hike to Humantay Lake

In the afternoon, we continue with a 2.5-hour round-trip hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. Surrounded by glaciers and mountain scenery, the lake’s turquoise waters are one of the highlights of the Salkantay route.

Your guide will provide insight along the way, and you’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the landscape before returning to camp.

Evening at the Domes

Back at Soraypampa, enjoy tea time and dinner, then settle into your exclusive panoramic dome. With cozy beds and clear mountain skies, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge for the next day.

Day 1 Overview

• Distance: 10 km / 8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Exclusive panoramic domes

Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Collpapampa

You wake up surrounded by snow-covered peaks, deep in the heart of the Andes.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass

After breakfast, we begin the climb toward the Salkantay Pass, hiking for approximately 4 hours through high-altitude terrain. Along the way, we follow the famous “Seven Snakes” route, a winding mountain path that leads into one of the most sacred areas of the trek.

At the Salkantay Pass, we pause to take in the mountain scenery and learn about the spiritual importance of Apu Salkantay, one of the most revered Apus in Andean culture. After time for photos and explanations, we begin our descent.

From High Andes to Cloud Forest

The trail down toward Chaullay reveals a striking transformation in landscape — moving from stark, alpine terrain into the lush beginnings of the Amazon. This contrast is one of the most memorable transitions of the Salkantay route.

Lunch & Trek to Colpapampa

After a well-earned lunch and a short rest, we continue trekking toward Colpapampa, our exclusive campsite for the night. Surrounded by flowing waterways, this area feels peaceful and secluded.

Sky Domes, Sauna & Jacuzzi

Tonight, you’ll stay in our exclusive panoramic sky domes, one of the most comfortable glamping experiences on the trail. Unwind with sauna and jacuzzi access, enjoy afternoon tea, and relax before dinner.

As night falls, settle into your comfortable 3-star bed, resting beneath a sky full of stars — ready for the journey ahead.

Day 2 Overview

• Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Exclusive sky dome with sauna & jacuzzi

Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we travel by vehicle into the lush valleys of Lucmabamba, where the landscape shifts dramatically from high Andes to fertile jungle terrain. Our driver drops us at the start of an ancient Inca road, the gateway to today’s hike.

Inca Trail to Quelloqasa Pass

We begin a 3-hour uphill hike to Quelloqasa Pass (2,860 m / 9,380 ft). This section offers wide-open views over the Santa Teresa Valley, with the trail lined by avocado, banana, lime, and orange trees, as well as coffee plants and wild orchids.

At the pass, we take a well-earned break to enjoy the scenery before beginning our descent.

Llactapata Archaeological Site

Descending toward Llactapata (2,650 m / 8,690 ft), we arrive at a rarely visited Inca archaeological complex. With your guide, you’ll explore the site and learn about its strategic importance along the route to Machu Picchu.

Descent to the Aobamba Valley

From Llactapata, we continue a 2-hour descent into the Aobamba Valley, walking through coffee plantations and alongside towering waterfalls — one of the most scenic sections of the trek.

Train to Aguas Calientes

Reaching Hidroelectrica, we board the train for a short 30-minute ride to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft).

After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and a free evening to explore town or visit the hot springs, perfect preparation for your Machu Picchu visit the next day.

Day 3 Overview

• Distance: 15 km / 9 miles
• Time: Approx. 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: 3★ Hotel Fer Machu Picchu

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

After an early breakfast at 5:00 AM, we board one of the first buses at 5:30 AM for Machu Picchu, pre-arranged by your guide to maximize your time at the site.

Guided Visit of Machu Picchu

Upon arrival, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel. Your expert guide will lead you through the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, sharing insight into its history, architecture, and purpose — bringing the Lost City to life.

Free Time & Return Journey

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring on your own or simply take in the atmosphere.

In the afternoon, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then board your train to Ollantaytambo. At the station, a private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel.

Day Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Maximum Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,200 ft (Cusco)