Exploring Inca Heritage & Mountain LandscapesCusco → Mollepata → Challacancha → Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)Day 01
The adventure begins early with a prompt 4:00 AM pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. A comfortable private transport will take you on a scenic drive to the village of Mollepata, where you'll pause for a quick but hearty Andean breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the official trailhead. This initial drive eases you into the stunning mountain environment, setting a tranquil mood for the journey ahead.
The trek starts gently from Challacancha, leading you along an ancient, refurbished Inca channel for approximately three hours until reaching Soraypampa. Upon arrival, a delicious lunch is served at the exclusive Sky Camp, offering a first taste of our superior camping experience. The afternoon is dedicated to a challenging but rewarding three-hour round-trip hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, where the turquoise glacial waters offer spectacular views of the surrounding ice-capped peaks.
Returning to the Sky Camp at Soraypampa, you'll have time to relax before a well-deserved dinner. The day concludes with an unforgettable night spent in a cozy igloo dome, gazing up at the incredible star-filled Andean sky, fully prepared for the trek’s biggest challenge tomorrow.

Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass → Huayracmachay → CollpapampaDay 02
Today is the most demanding but arguably the most spectacular day, starting before dawn with a steady ascent towards the highest point of the entire route: the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,200 ft). The climb offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and presents truly inimitable, close-up views of the colossal Apu Salkantay Mountain—a sacred deity to the local people.
After capturing the panoramic views from the pass and catching your breath, the trail transitions into a long, dramatic descent. This descent leads you away from the high-altitude, barren plains and into the vibrant cloud forest, a sudden and welcome change in ecosystem. Lunch is served along the trail at Huayracmachay, providing a necessary break as you continue into the warmer and lusher scenery.
The path continues to wind down, revealing the rich biodiversity of the high jungle. Your day concludes at the Collpapampa Mountain Sky View camp, where exclusive, comfortable cabins await. After dinner, the warmer air and the sounds of the jungle replace the high-mountain silence, preparing you for the final push toward the historical wonder.

Collpapampa → La Playa → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas CalientesDay 03
Waking up to a much warmer, tropical climate, you begin the five-hour hike through the fertile Santa Teresa Valley and the upper jungle. This section is a feast for the senses, passing thriving plantations of coffee, exotic bananas, and wild orchids, where your guide will explain the region's rich agricultural tradition.
Lunch is provided at La Playa, including a fascinating and authentic coffee demonstration from local farmers. Following the meal, a private transportation service will take you to Hidroeléctrica. From this point, you will embark on a relatively flat, scenic walk of approximately three hours along the train tracks, surrounded by dense jungle, directly to the bustling town of Aguas Calientes, nestled beneath Machu Picchu.
After checking into your comfortable hotel, the evening is dedicated to relaxation. A celebratory dinner at a local restaurant is included, allowing you to reflect on the challenging trek and prepare your mind for the culmination of the journey: the magnificent Inca citadel tomorrow.

Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo → CuscoDay 04
The most anticipated day has arrived: the ascent and in-depth exploration of the magnificent Machu Picchu Inca Citadel. You'll wake early to catch one of the first buses (or you can walk) up the winding road to the World Heritage Site, aiming to witness the mystical sunrise over the terraces and temples. Your expert guide will lead you through a comprehensive tour, explaining the site's history, architecture, and spiritual significance.
Following the guided exploration, you will have time for personal reflection and photography before taking the bus (or walking) back down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you'll have a final lunch (not included) and time to gather your belongings. In the afternoon, you board the scenic expedition train to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, our private transfer will be waiting to ensure a comfortable and direct final drive. This last leg takes you straight back to your accommodation in the city of Cusco, concluding your incredible, challenging, and spiritually rewarding Salkantay Trek adventure.
