Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Glamping - 5 Days

The day starts very early, with hotel pickup in Cusco around 4:00–4:30 AM. We will head towards Mollepata, passing through towns like Anta and Limatambo, enjoying views of the valleys and Andes. After about 2 hours, we will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata, then continue another hour to Challacancha, the start of the trek, where you will have time to get organized. The first section is a gradual 1.5 hour uphill trek, perfect for acclimatization, until arriving at Soraypampa to stay at the Glass Cabañas, where a freshly prepared lunch will be served. In the afternoon, a 1.5 hour hike to Humantay Lagoon awaits, starting easy and becoming steeper near the lagoon. Enjoy the turquoise waters and glacier at 5,960 m, take photos, and soak in the scenery. Return to Soraypampa around 4:00 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore. In the evening, join a Peruvian cooking class, enjoy dinner, and spend your first night at the Glass Cabañas under the stars.

After a hot breakfast and refilling water bottles, we start the hike to Salkantay Pass. The trek begins with a moderate uphill on a defined trail. After 2 hours, we reach Salkantay Pampa (4,100 m / 13,450 ft) to rest and enjoy glacier views. Then we climb about an hour on a steep zigzag path to Soyrococha, beneath Salkantay peak, where our chef serves a freshly prepared lunch. After lunch and refilling water, we continue for about an hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the trek’s highest point. Here we honor Pachamama and admire the snow-capped peaks and the Andes’ majesty. We descend for 2.5 hours to the green valley. Our destination is Wayracmachay camp (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we settle in the Glass Domes. Evening includes dinner and a cozy night under the starry sky.

This day brings a dramatic change of scenery as we leave the high Andes and enter the lush high jungle, full of warm breezes, tropical vegetation, and wildlife. We start early with tea delivered to your room and breakfast, then pack snacks and fill water bottles before beginning the hike. The trail is mostly downhill. After about 2 hours, we reach Rayanpata, where the jungle begins, with warm air and tropical scents. A short break allows time to hydrate and enjoy the forest sounds. We continue 2 more hours to Colpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) for a jungle-inspired lunch prepared by our cook. After lunch, we hike approximately 4 more hours along narrow jungle paths, seeing waterfalls, orchids, and coffee fields, until arriving at Loreta, home to the unique Hobbit House. This eco-lodge has hot showers, soft bedding, and a magical forest environment — the perfect place to rest and enjoy the jungle sounds at the end of the day.

Today is dedicated to culture, history, and nature as we follow the original Inca paths and glimpse Machu Picchu from a rare viewpoint. Breakfast is at the Hobbit House in Loreta under a lush canopy of trees, followed by a 30-minute drive to Lucmabamba to begin the hike. The uphill trek along a well-preserved Inca Trail takes about 4 hours, through forests of coffee, bananas, and avocados, with ancient stonework. We reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,861 ft), an archaeological site with panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Your guide provides a short tour. Then we descend 1.5 hours to Hidroelectrica for a freshly prepared lunch—the last with the trekking crew, a chance to tip or thank them. From Hidroelectrica, a 3-hour walk along the railway tracks through Machu Picchu canyon lets you spot orchids, butterflies, and possibly the Andean cock-of-the-rock, monkeys, or spectacled bears. Arrival at Aguas Calientes, check-in, hot shower, and rest for exploring Machu Picchu the next day.

Today is the pinnacle of your Salkantay Trek, as you will be fully immersed in the legendary Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we’ll take one of the first buses to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Your guide will assist with entry (ticket + passport required) and the tour will begin. We recommend booking 4–5 months in advance to secure the best route, Circuit 2, perfect for views and a fully guided tour.

First, we’ll visit the upper part of the citadel for the famous postcard view, ideal for photos before most tourists arrive. Then, the guided tour will cover the main highlights, explaining Inca architecture, history, spirituality, and engineering.

If you booked Huayna Picchu Mountain, your guide will lead the optional 2-hour hike afterward, offering spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley.

After the visit, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, with free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a local lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll take the train to Ollantaytambo (usually the 2:55 PM service, subject to availability), where a private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:30–8:00 PM.