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.

Your trekking team will wake you up early again (around 5:30-6 a.m.) with a hot drink to kickstart your day. After getting ready, you'll savor your last breakfast prepared by your local trekking chef.

The day’s hike begins with a 2-hour downhill trek offering unbeatable views of Machu Picchu, leading to the Hydroelectric Station. This station, constructed to harness the natural 300-meter waterfall, generates electricity for the Cusco region. The waterfall itself is one of the most impressive natural features in the area.

From the Hydroelectric Station, you’ll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sundial rock). Historically, this Inca stone, along with the legendary sundial rock in Machu Picchu, was used to mark the winter solstice, signaling the start of a new farming season for the Incas.

After exploring the Intiwatana, you’ll trek along a path that runs parallel to the train tracks for about 3 hours, leading to the town of Aguas Calientes, nestled at the base of the Machu Picchu Valley. This trail is of particular interest as it was the same route taken by American explorer Hiram Bingham when he rediscovered Machu Picchu.

During his expedition, Bingham encountered local farmer Melchor Arteaga, who eventually guided him to Machu Picchu. As you hike past Arteaga's farm, you’ll encounter diverse species of flora and fauna, including incredible birds such as Peru’s national bird, the Cock of the Rock, along with toucans, oropendolas, and parrots. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy your packed lunch.

Afterward, you’ll head to your hotel to enjoy a hot shower and may opt to visit the famous hot springs of Aguas Calientes (10 soles, not included). In the evening, you’ll be treated to your final dinner, prepared by your local trekking chef, giving you a chance to say your farewells.

Today is all about exploring the ancient marvel of Machu Picchu! To make the most of your visit, we recommend having an early breakfast before catching one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, which start running at 5:30 a.m. This early start allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. For those who are up for a challenge, there’s also the option to hike up the steep, switchback stairs and trail from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance gates of Machu Picchu.

The hotel will securely hold your bags while you explore Machu Picchu, so you’ll only need to take your backpack with essential items up to the site. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes.

Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to the best spot for watching the sunrise (weather permitting) and capturing stunning photographs. Following this, your local guide will take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel’s main sectors, offering rich insights into the history and culture of the Inca Empire.

After the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to relax and explore on your own. If you’ve arranged to hike Huayna Picchu* (which must be booked in advance as it sells out and costs $75 per person), your guide will direct you to the starting point. The round-trip hike will take no more than 2 hours.

For your return from Machu Picchu, we recommend heading back to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train’s departure. The return train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you at the station’s exit to drive you back to Cusco. The car ride will take about 2 hours, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Cusco that evening.