8-Day Salkantay Trek Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Day 1 · CUSCO NAVEL OF THE WORLD

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   Qorikancha

   4 hours

   Upon arrival at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a member of the Inkayni Peru Tours team. We’ll escort you to your accommodation, a charming lodge located in Cusco 3,400 meters (11,000 feet). This day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon and get to know your surroundings.

   In the afternoon, meet your expedition group for a briefing about the incredible adventures ahead.

Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

Day 2 · MARAS, MORAY AND CHINCHERO

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   Cusco

   Passing by

   Our adventure begins as we ascend to the high plains, stopping first at Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft), a sacred Inca site known as the birthplace of the rainbow. Here, we’ll visit its colonial church, built upon ancient Inca foundations, and explore its archaeological remains. We’ll then head to a local textile center, where Andean artisans will share the ancestral art of weaving, using minerals, plants, and seeds to create stunning natural dyes.

   Continuing through rolling hills, we’ll reach Moray (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), a fascinating complex of circular terraces once used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas. Nearby, we’ll visit the Maras salt mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), a breathtaking landscape of thousands of salt pools that have been harvested by local families for centuries.

   In the afternoon, we will board our private transport back to Cusco, enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley at sunset

Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

Day 3 · FIRST DAY TREK: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA (L)(D)

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   Salkantay Trail

   6 hours Admission included

   Your trekking adventure begins early in the morning as we leave Cusco around very early, heading to Mollepata (9,514 feet / 2,900 meters). After a quick stop for last-minute supplies, we’ll continue to the trailhead at Sayapata, where our support team will prepare the horses and mules to carry equipment.

   Around 9:00 a.m., the trek officially starts, taking us through lush valleys and offering stunning views of Salkantay Mountain (20,574 feet / 6,271 meters). As you ascend, feel the crisp Andean air and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this remote region. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at a scenic spot along the trail before continuing toward Humantay Lake, a dazzling turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

   Return to your camp at Soraypampa, where your tents and a hearty dinner await. As the stars illuminate the sky, take a moment to reflect on the incredible day you’ve just had.

Campsite.

Day 4 · SECOND DAY TREK: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY

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   Salkantay Trail

   8 hours Admission included

   After an energizing breakfast, prepare for the most challenging but rewarding day of the trek. Departing around 7:00 a.m., we’ll ascend to the Salkantay Pass (15,092 feet / 4,600 meters), the highest point of the journey. Feel the exhilaration of reaching this majestic spot, surrounded by towering peaks like Humantay and the snow-covered Apu Salkantay, revered by locals as a sacred protector.

   After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll descend to Huayracmachay (12,140 feet / 3,700 meters) for lunch, where the landscape begins to shift dramatically. From icy peaks to lush cloud forests, the trail offers a kaleidoscope of ecosystems. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Challway, a tranquil campsite nestled in the Andes. Enjoy dinner and rest up for another unforgettable day.

Campsite.

Day 5 · THIRD DAY TREK: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

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   Salkantay Trail

   6 hours Admission included

   Wake up to the soft glow of sunrise and begin your trek through the cloud forest, a region alive with cascading waterfalls, exotic birds, and fruit-bearing trees. Along the way, pass through Collpabamba, often called the “Cloud Forest Edge,” where you might spot the vibrant Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird.

   After lunch at Playa Sahuayaco, continue to Lucmabamba, your final campsite and the starting point of the Inca Trail to Llactapata. Spend the evening relaxing at camp, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Campsite.

Day 6 · FOURTH DAY TREK: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

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   Salkantay Trail

   7 hours Admission included

   Your morning begins with a two-hour ascent to Llactapata (8,858 feet / 2,700 meters), an archaeological site offering a rare vantage point of Machu Picchu from afar. Take time to explore this hidden gem and reflect on the Inca civilization’s ingenuity before descending to Hidroelectrica, where you’ll stop for lunch.

   The final leg of the day is a scenic three-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner with your group and rest up for tomorrow’s visit to the iconic citadel.

Golden Sunrise Hotel*** or similar.

Day 7 · FIFTH DAY TREK: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

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   Salkantay Trail

   7 hours Admission included

   The day begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the morning buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures.

   If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters or 8,924 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters or 10,111 feet) for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings.

   After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco.

Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

Day 8 · FREE DAY-FLY TO LIMA

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   Stop 1

   Passing by

   Free morning to relax. In the morning or afternoon, we’ll transfer you to the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport for your departure to Lima, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.