Salkantay Nevado Trek to Machu Picchu – 7 Days

On arrival to Lima you’ll transfer directly to Cusco, by domestic flight. If it’s a late arrival into Lima then you can overnight here and transfer to Cusco the following morning.

You’ll leave your lodging early on, and a short three hours later arriving in Mollepata where we disembark for a warm breakfast. When ready, hopping back into our truck, Peruvian-style.

The road is carved along a steep hill with scenic views en route to Soray Pampa. Soray Pampa is located at the foot of two large mountains and is where we’ll spend the night in a newly-built wood cabin or camp.

After a short rest, we grab our day packs and go on an amazing hike up to a glacier lake that will test your lungs, warm you up, and pay off with amazing views.

We’ll return to camp tired yet satisfied, ready for a great dinner and a good night’s rest. Tomorrow is a big day!

Waking up early at the foot of Salkantay mountain is breathtaking. A hot breakfast awaits, which you’ll enjoy while the horses are being loaded up with your gear. The Salkantay trek starts early and climbs gradually toward the pass.

You’ll take breaks, when needed, and provide plenty of water and snacks. The views are dramatic, and it’s a great feeling and a privilege to be so close to such beauty. After a few hours, we arrive at the pass (4660m). The air is thin and the weather unpredictable, so we won’t linger too long.

You may have the chance to witness small avalanches in the surrounding mountains, and you’ll be able to capture some great photos before beginning the descent. The downhill is long and steady, and the views are just as stunning. It’s a beautiful hike through the high Andes and the variety of vegetation, birds, and views makes it one of the best in the world.

After around 9 hours (including breaks), you’ll arrive at a camp called Chaullay. It’s located at the end of the Salkantay Valley and connects us to La Playa, Santa Teresa, and our goal—Machu Picchu. Dinner is served, and the remainder of the evening is yours to relax!

After an early morning breakfast, you’ll head on your way. Today we hike along the Salkantay river to La Playa. The hike is through a high cloud forest, and the views, the warmth, the birds, and the plants are varied and brilliant.

The hike is between four and five hours and lunch is waiting for you at the end. After lunch, you’ll get a rest as you go by car to your camp.

After dropping off our bags we rest up and enjoy the day. Machu Picchu gets closer and closer.

Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy a breakfast sourced from local foods in the area, such as plantains, yuca or avocados (depending on the season). Today, you hike towards Machu Picchu via a section of the ancient Inca trail.

The trail leads you up and over a pass from where you’ll have spectacular views of the ruins and the peaks of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. The ruins of Llactapata are less visited and you will see few people here while you gaze at Machu Picchu from a distance. Enjoy the solitude, as tomorrow there may be around 2000 people with you in Machu Picchu.

After the ruins, hike twenty minutes to a small lodge where we’ll have a freshly cooked lunch. After a great meal, descend towards the river and arrive in time for the 3 pm or 4:35 train. Time to sit back and enjoy the view.

Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel before providing a quick briefing for the day ahead and your tour of Machu Picchu. Tonight, you will dine in style in one of the best local restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

Be sure to go to bed early tonight, so you can get an early start tomorrow.

If you’re up bright and early, you’ll get to see the sun lighten up Machu Picchu. Follow a hiking trail up to the sanctuary for an early view and to avoid the crowds. You’ll have a fully guided tour, and for those who have requested it, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is on the list.

Enjoy your time here. Explore the ruins, have a snack, take some photos, or take a nap on the terraces.

At the end of your time exploring, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and wait for your return train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo where transport will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.

Today is your last day in Peru! You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport, where you will transfer to your international departure. ¡Buen viaje!