7-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu through Glaciers and Jungles

7 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through Peru's most stunning landscapes, from towering snow-capped peaks to lush jungles, on the legendary Salkantay Tr...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Salcantay · Languages: English, Spanish

Know before you go: Altitude: Up to 4,630 m - arrive 1-2 days early to acclimatize.; Fitness: Moderate to challenging; train with hiking and stairs.; Weather: Freezing nights, warm days - pack layers and rain gear.; Packing: 7 kg limit for mules; rent gear in Cusco.; Money: Bring 300-500 PEN ($80-130) for tips and extras.; Health: Altitude pills, insurance, and hydration are key.; No-nos: Drones, single-use plastics, and unnecessary valuables.

About Salcantay

Peru

Salcantay

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What's Included

Standard category hotels (2.5-3 stars)
Campsites
All guided tours (English-speaking guide)
According to the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Private transportation (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
Peru Rail train ticket in Expeditions class: Ollanta / Aguas Calientes / Poroy
Group tour activities with shared transportation

Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the program
Meals not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses & tips
Alcoholic beverages
International airport fees, if applicable

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Cusco and Acclimatization in the Inca Capital

Begin your Peruvian adventure in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a warm cup of coca tea to help you adjust to the altitude. Spend the day relaxing or exploring the city's vibrant streets, where colonial architecture blends seamlessly with ancient ruins. Optional: Join an afternoon tour to uncover Cusco's secrets, including the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán fortress and the golden Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha). Rest at your comfortable hotel, ready for the trek ahead. Meals included: -/-/- Overnight: Cusco
2

Day 02

From Mollepata to Humantay Lake and Soraypampa Camp

Embark early as you journey through the Andes, passing quaint villages like Mollepata. After a light breakfast, meet your support team in Challacancha and hike to Soraypampa, your first campsite. Take on a challenging ascent to Humantay Lake, a glacial jewel nestled beneath snow-capped peaks. Its surreal turquoise waters and sacred energy make every step worth it. Descend for a hearty dinner under the stars at Lodge Del Cielo.Difficulty: ChallengingMaximum elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 feetCamp elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 feetWalking distance: 12 km / 6.21 milesHiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours Difficulty: Challenging Maximum elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 feet Camp elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 feet Walking distance: 12 km / 6.21 miles Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours Meals included: B/L/D Overnight: Campsite
3

Day 03

Cross Salkantay Pass and Descend into the Cloud Forest

Today's is the toughest yet most rewarding leg. Trek through Pampa Salkantay, reaching the pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), where the glacier's grandeur will leave you breathless, literally and figuratively. Soak in panoramic views of rugged peaks before descending into the cloud forest. Witness the landscape transform as you arrive in Chaullay, where warmer temperatures and lush greenery welcome you.Difficulty: ChallengingMaximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 feetCamp elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 feetWalking distance: 24 km / 13.67 milesHiking time: Approximately 10 hoursWeather: It can be quite cold and wintry, or rainy at the Salkantay Pass Difficulty: Challenging Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 feet Camp elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 feet Walking distance: 24 km / 13.67 miles Hiking time: Approximately 10 hours Weather: It can be quite cold and wintry, or rainy at the Salkantay Pass Meals included: B/L/D Overnight: Campsite
4

Day 04

Into the Jungle Through Coffee Trails and Orchid Valleys

Hike through the Inca Trail Network into the jungle's embrace, surrounded by coffee plantations, passionfruit vines, and rare orchids. Opt for a coffee tour to learn about local bean-to-cup processes, or zip-line over the canopy for adrenaline thrills. End at Lucmabamba's Sky Lodge, where the microclimate's magic lulls you to sleep.Difficulty: ModerateMaximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 feetCamp elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 feetWalking distance: 18 km / 11.18 milesHiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hoursWeather: It can be hot and rainy Difficulty: Moderate Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 feet Camp elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 feet Walking distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours Weather: It can be hot and rainy Meals included: B/L/D Overnight: Campsite
5

Day 05

Llaqtapata Ruins and First Views of Machu Picchu

An early start leads you to Llaqtapata, an Inca site offering a sneak peek of Machu Picchu across the valley. Descend to Hidroeléctrica for lunch, then stroll along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Soak in the hot springs (optional) or explore this charming town before your big day.Difficulty: ModerateOvernight: Accommodation in Aguas CalientesMaximum elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 feetMachu Picchu citadel elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 feetWalking distance: 25 km / 15.53 milesHiking time: 6 to 7 hoursWeather: It can be hot and rainy Difficulty: Moderate Overnight: Accommodation in Aguas Calientes Maximum elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 feet Machu Picchu citadel elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 feet Walking distance: 25 km / 15.53 miles Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours Weather: It can be hot and rainy Meals included: B/L/D Overnight: Aguas Calientes
6

Day 06

Sunrise at Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

At dawn, ascend to Machu Picchu by bus. A 2-hour guided tour reveals its temples, terraces, and the Intihuatana sundial, all shrouded in morning mist. After free time to photograph the citadel, return to Cusco by train and transfer, reminiscing about this Wonder of the World.Difficulty: EasyElevation: 2400 m / 7872 feetWalking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 milesWalking Time: 5 hoursWeather: Can be hot and rainy Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 2400 m / 7872 feet Walking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles Walking Time: 5 hours Weather: Can be hot and rainy Meals included: B/-/- Overnight: Cusco
7

Day 07

Departure from Cusco

Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Cusco Airport. Depart with a heart full of Andes highs, jungle whispers, and the indelible magic of Machu Picchu. Meals included: B/-/-