Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Your journey starts bright and early with a 4:30 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. We’ll drive you through scenic landscapes for about 3.5 hours to the trailhead, stopping in the town of Mollepata for a delicious breakfast. After fueling up, it’s time to hit the trail!

The first leg of the trek is a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa, passing by an ancient aqueduct that still provides water to local farmers. Once in Soraypampa, you'll be greeted by your trekking chef, who will have a freshly prepared lunch waiting for you.

After lunch, we’ll embark on a breathtaking 2-hour hike up to Humantay Lake, sitting at an impressive 4,200 m (13,779 ft). As you ascend, you'll take in the stunning Andean landscapes and might even spot local wildlife, like Andean geese, deer, and adorable vizcachas (similar to rabbits).

After marveling at the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, we’ll trek for another 2 hours to reach Salka-Glamp, your luxurious basecamp at 3,900 m (12,795 ft). Here, your glamping experience awaits. Enjoy tea time, a hearty dinner, and a peaceful night under the stars before resting for the next day’s adventure.

Key Details:

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Glamping at Salka-Glamp
• Difficulty: Moderate

Wake up to a delightful surprise as we bring a hot cup of coffee or coca tea right to your Glamping tent. As you step outside, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the vast plains and towering snow-capped peaks. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin a 2-hour hike to the highest point of the trek—the Salkantay Pass, sitting at an impressive 4,630 m (15,190 ft). At the summit, take your time to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and the serene beauty of a shimmering lake beneath Salkantay Mountain.

From the pass, we’ll begin a 3-hour descent to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where a delicious lunch awaits. After lunch, we’ll continue with another 3-hour hike down from the highlands into the cloud forest. This part of the trek offers a dramatic shift in weather and temperature, as well as a chance to spot vibrant flora, hummingbirds, and beautiful orchids.

By evening, we’ll arrive at Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), where you’ll settle into our cozy jungle huts. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing hot shower and, after a day full of adventure, unwind in a comfortable bed for a well-deserved night of rest.

Key Details:

• Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
• Trek Duration: 9 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Comfortable jungle huts

Day 3 is often considered the most beautiful part of your Salkantay TreXperience! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin a picturesque 3-hour hike down to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft), where a special treat awaits. Here, you’ll participate in preparing a traditional Pachamanca barbecue, a unique Peruvian feast where vegetables, fruits, and a variety of meats are cooked with hot stones buried in the ground. It’s not just a meal—it’s an immersive cultural experience!

After savoring this delicious lunch, we’ll head to an organic coffee farm. You’ll learn all about the coffee harvesting process and even get hands-on experience preparing your own espresso from freshly harvested beans—perfect for coffee lovers looking for an authentic experience.

Following our time at the farm, we’ll take a short drive to Hidroelectrica, where we’ll embark on a 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you’ll soak in the lush surroundings and feel the anticipation build as you get closer to Machu Picchu. We’ll arrive around 5:00 p.m., have a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant, and spend the night in a comfortable hotel to rest up for the next day’s adventure.

Key Details:

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch (Pachamanca), dinner
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Moderate

The final day of your TreXperience brings the moment you've been waiting for—the visit to the majestic Machu Picchu. We’ll start the day early, waking up around 5:30 a.m. to catch one of the first buses up to the citadel. As the sky begins to brighten, we’ll make our way to the upper terraces, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the ancient city. If the weather is clear, witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu is truly an unforgettable experience.

Your expert guide will lead you on a 2 to 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the history, culture, and significance of this awe-inspiring site. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore further on your own. If you’ve pre-booked tickets, you can also choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more stunning views.

After your adventure at Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). From there, we’ll take the panoramic Vistadome train back toward Cusco, enjoying beautiful views along the way. The TreXperience team will be waiting to transfer you safely back to your hotel, marking the end of your incredible journey.

Key Details:

• Tour Duration: 2–3 hours at Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast (at the hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy