MACHU PICCHU &
THE SALKANTAY TREK

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive in Cusco 
Welcome to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, set high in the Andes at 3,350m. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel near one of the city’s historic main squares.
In the evening, meet your guide and fellow trekkers for a welcome briefing, followed by dinner at a local restaurant where you can sample traditional Peruvian cuisine. 

Day 2 - Acclimatisation
It may feel like a slow start to the expedition, but this day is simply reserved for shaking off the travel and acclimatising. Going from home to 3,350m is going to be a shock to your body! This day is dedicated to acclimatisation, so take things slowly, stay hydrated, and rest as needed. If you’re feeling comfortable, enjoy a gentle stroll through Cusco’s atmospheric streets for your first taste of Peruvian culture.
 
Day 3 - Explore the Sacred Valley
Today you’ll explore the Sacred Valley, a vital region of the Inca Empire for agriculture, politics, and spirituality. Visit the impressive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where you’ll discover ancient terraces, temples, and cobbled streets that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The evening is free to relax, enjoy dinner, and get an early night before the trek begins.

 
Day 4 - Trek to Humantay Lake (4,200m)
An early start (05:00) marks the beginning of your trekking adventure. Travel towards the Salkantay route with a brief stop in Mollepata for an optional second breakfast, before continuing to Challacancha, the trek start point.
From here, trek through a beautiful glacial valley towards Soraypampa (3,900m), your first campsite. After lunch and some rest at camp, head out on an afternoon hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. Though short, the steep terrain and altitude make this a challenging ascent. At the lake, take time to enjoy the vivid turquoise waters beneath the Humantay Glacier before returning to camp for dinner and a restful night.
 • Driving: approx. 3.5 hours • Hiking: 4–5 hours • Distance: 10km • Elevation: +420m / –420m • Max altitude: 4,200m
 
Day 5 - Soraypampa to Huayracmachay via the Salkantay Pass (4,630m)
After an early wake-up and a warming cup of coca tea, set off on the most demanding day of the trek. The steep climb to the Salkantay Pass rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views and a close-up perspective of the imposing Salkantay Mountain. At the pass, learn about the spiritual importance of Apu Salkantay and take part in a traditional offering ceremony.
From here, begin the descent to the campsite at Huayracmachay.
Please note: Depending on group pace, acclimatisation, and weather conditions, your guide may opt to continue descending to Collpapampa. This adds distance and time today but allows for a shorter, lower-altitude trek tomorrow and improved sleep.
 • Hiking: 6–8 hours • Distance: 12km • Elevation: +830m / –710m • Max altitude: 4,630m
Possible extension: +9km / +3–4 hours (descent to Collpapampa)
 
Day 6 - Descend into the cloud forest to Lucmabamba (2,000m)
Today brings a dramatic change in scenery as you descend from the high Andes into lush cloud forest. Follow the Santa Teresa River past waterfalls, dense vegetation, and avocado and banana plantations. After lunch in Collpapampa, continue to Lucmabamba, where camp is set on the land of a local farmer.
In the afternoon, visit his coffee plantation and sample freshly brewed local coffee. Time permitting, you may also choose to visit the nearby Santa Teresa hot springs (optional, payable locally).
• Hiking: 9–10 hours • Distance: 21km • Elevation: +50m / –1,870m • Max altitude: approx. 3,850m
If Day 5 is extended to Collpapampa, today’s hiking distance and duration will be approximately half of the above.
 
Day 7 - Trek to Aguas Calientes via Llactapata
After breakfast, begin your final day of trekking with a steady ascent along a section of the original Inca Trail. Reach Llactapata, an important archaeological site with views across the valley towards Machu Picchu, before descending to Hidroeléctrica and boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.
• Hiking: 6–7 hours • Distance: 13km • Elevation: +870m / –880m • Max altitude: 2,700m • Train: approx. 30 minutes
 
Day 8 - Machu Picchu
An early start allows you to experience Machu Picchu in the quieter morning hours. Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel before returning to Aguas Calientes and continuing back to Cusco by train and private transfer. In the evening,  we will enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
 • Hiking: 2–3 hours • Distance: 3.5km • Elevation: +296m / –296m • Train: approx. 2 hours • Driving: approx. 1.5 hours

Huayna Picchu Extension: 
Huayna Picchu, also known as Wayna Picchu, is the dramatic peak that rises steeply behind the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This striking mountain forms the iconic backdrop seen in countless images of the site and is an unmistakable feature of its world-famous landscape.
The hike to the summit is steep and exhilarating, with narrow stone staircases – often referred to as the legendary “Stairs of Death” – adding an element of adventure. Along the route, you’ll pass ancient Inca terraces, ceremonial temples, and pockets of lush vegetation, including delicate orchids. The reward for your efforts is a series of breathtaking panoramic views, offering a unique and unforgettable perspective over Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys. 

If you wish to do this extension it costs approximately £60, and we must be notified as soon as possible so we can pre-book. There are only a few hundred permits a day for this climb, so there is no guarantee. 
Extension Stats: Hiking: 2–3 hours • Distance: 2-5km • Max Altitude: 2,693m


Day 8 - Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey home.