Nevado Salkantay - Aguas Calientes 5 Days / 4 Nights

A 5-day, 4-night trek through the heart of the Andes — crossing the dramatic Salkantay mountain, discovering authentic Andean villages, and arriving at the legendary Machu Picchu at sunrise. Breathtaking landscapes, living culture, and one of the world's greatest UNESCO Heritage sites, all in one unforgettable adventure.

The highest peak in the Peruvian Andes’ Vilcabamba mountain range, Salkantay is famous for its proximity to Machu Picchu and its incredible alternative trekking route to the ancient site. To take the route known as the Salkantay Trek, hikers begin at Cusco and make their way through a snowy mountain pass before descending into lush jungle, and then arriving at the most sought after destination in South America. This alternative has many advantages, such as its significantly lower number of hikers, a quick and easy booking process (it is even possible to book on the day), and even arguably better scenery. The trail includes an option to pass the exquisite bright blue Humantay Lagoon, and the wonderful rock-sculpted thermal pools known by many as the best on the continent, with spectacular views of the mountains.

Day 1 Cusco to Collpapampa

We leave Cusco at after breakfast in a private transportation and cross the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. We leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River, we come to the charming village of Mollepata in the subtropical 2800m/9184ft, overlooking citrus growing areas where flocks of parakeets screech overhead. We continue to Challacancha, where we meet our trail crew and pack animals. Together we start following the paths of the locals on a soft beautiful and easy ascent in Salkantaypampa at the base of the beautiful Salkantay Mountain.  We continue an ascend to the beautiful Lake Humantay where we will enjoy the scenery and return to rest in our camp in Soraypampa. 

Overnight : Soraypampa

Located in Cusco, Peru, Soraypampa, at an altitude of 3,900 meters, is the first rest stop en route to Machu Picchu. The camp features small huts with skylights, allowing guests to enjoy stargazing in comfort. With a short hike, guests can reach the Humantay Lake, which offers a profound sense of tranquillity and beautiful scenery.

Nevado Salkantay

As previously described

After breakfast we start hiking for two  hours towards the massive ice-covered south face of Salkantay — which as one of the great peaks of the Andes, at 6271m/20,570ft — fills the skyline ahead of us as we make camp to reach our lunch spot in Soyroccocha. After lunch we start a 1,5- hour ascent, which brings us up to the Salkantay Mountain Pass (4750m) where we will make small offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits), besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range with the south face of Salkantay towering above us, we may also observe chinchillas and towering above us, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we start descending towards the bromeliad and fern filled cloud forest. Along the route, we can see the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. A long though easy descent along the Salkantay River, brings us late afternoon to  Collpapampa (2890m/9479ft), a beautiful spot with some natural hot springs to relax in. we then continue to the Sahuayaco Campsite for the night. 

Overnight: Sahuayaco Campsite

Nevado Salcantay

As previously described

After breakfast, we take an easy walk in the increasingly lush vegetation along the Santa Teresa River. Coffee and passion fruit plantations and waterfalls are part of the scenery. We pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, the bustling small town of La Playa where we will stop for lunch. and finally our third camp at Lucmabamba (2,100m/6888ft). Flocks of parrots fly over the banana coffee, and avocado plantations. The exuberant local flora is habitat of the somewhat elusive spectacled bear. Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Lucmabamba Campsite

Situated in the village of Lucmabamba, the Lucmabamba Campsite is conveniently close to the remains of an ancient Inca trail. The campsite features 16 dome-shaped camps with beds, surrounded by a tropical forest. Guests are served breakfast and dinner, and enjoy seamless access to coffee, banana and passion fruit plantations.

Aguas Calientes, officially Machu Picchu Pueblo, is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, cradled within the lush cloud forests of the Andes. Perched along the Urubamba River, the town is encircled by towering cliffs and dense jungle vegetation, with a central creek dividing it and crossed by quaint pedestrian bridges. Established as a gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins 9 kilometres away, Aguas Calientes emerged alongside the rail line in the early 20th century to accommodate travellers. Today, it thrives as a tourist hub, featuring pedestrian-friendly streets, a variety of hotels, restaurants, and artisanal markets. Visitors can unwind in the town’s natural thermal baths, which inspired its name, or embark on riverside and jungle trails offering stunning vistas. Just beyond the town, the Mandor Valley entices visitors with its tranquil trails and a stunning waterfall cascading through a lush jungle setting teeming with diverse flora.

After breakfast, we start climbing for 2-3 hours up to El Mirador or Abra Q'elloqasa (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas, the legendary Machu Picchu. The different angle will be later on noticeable on your pictures. We enjoy a last lunch in nature at the lookout point of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain. After resting we enjoy the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. A 2-hour descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations brings us to the hydroelectric plant of Machu Picchu from where we board the local train that takes us to Aguas Calientes (short, scenic 40-minutes train ride). Accommodation in selected hotel (at additional cost). Meals: B, L

Overnight: Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu, located in Aguas Calientes, Cusco, offers dog-friendly accommodation near the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The hotel's rooms and suites come equipped with safes, TVs with satellite channels, ceiling fans, free Wi-Fi and telephones. Guests can conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant. The hotel also offers a laundry service, currency exchange, a massage service and 24-hour reception.

Alternate: El Mapi ByInkaterra

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the hustle and bustle of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and glimpse a peculiar perspective. Discover an efficient, lively and people-friendly atmosphere; you are welcomed along with other global guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most distinguished destination, the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.

El MaPi offers cozy and serene accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), incorporating stylish, casual design with the essential comforts. With simple, functional concept in mind, our rooms have eco-friendly amenities, creating a healthier, restorative environment for you during your stay in Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, we take the bus shuttle up to Machu Picchu. You have the option to get up extra early to be among the “lucky” few that get in to climb the Huayna Picchu peak for an amazing overview and yet a different angle of Machu Picchu. Otherwise we enjoy a full guided tour of the Inca Citadel, visiting its most notorious features and taking time to explore it on our own. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement lunch will be up top at the restaurant of the Sanctuary Lodge by Orient Express. In the afternoon, we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall. Meals: B, L

• Train : Train

• Departure Platform: Aguas Calientes

• Arrival Platform: Poroy Train Station

Qinti :

📞 51961763936

reservas@q-inti.com

Contacto : Lesly Pastor

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu:

📞5151211017

🗺️ E - 34, Imperio de los Incas

Soraypampa:

🗺️Soraypampa Camp