Salkantay via Llactapata.

What the experience is like

Itinerary

1. Day 1 · 7 km · 4 h · 3,850 m

   Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

   Early departure toward Mollepata and Soraypampa. In the afternoon we climb to Humantay Lake. Night in domes or tents with a view of the snow-capped peak.

2. Day 2 · 22 km · 10 h · 4,650 m

   Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

   Zigzag climb up to the Salkantay pass, facing the glacier. Long descent toward the Huaracmachay valley and the cloud forest.

3. Day 3 · 16 km · 6 h · 2,100 m

   Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba

   We walk along the Santa Teresa river among banana groves and orchids. Afternoon at a coffee farm and an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs.

4. Day 4 · 18 km · 7 h · 2,700 m

   Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

   Climb along the Inca trail up to Llactapata, from where you see Machu Picchu head-on. Descent to Hidroeléctrica and a walk beside the railway to Aguas Calientes. Night in a hotel.

5. Day 5 · Guided visit · 2 h

   Machu Picchu – Cusco

   First bus to Machu Picchu and guided visit. Free afternoon in Aguas Calientes and return train to Ollantaytambo with transfer to Cusco.