4 days / 3 nights
Cusco
April to October
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Salkantay Sacred Trek: A One-of-a-Kind Journey to Machu Picchu
A spectacular journey of glaciers, spirit, and ancestral connection
This Salkantay trek is a breathtaking adventure that connects us with Machu Picchu through landscapes that feel like dreams carved in stone and mist. The views are composed of ancient glaciers, sacred mountains, the mystical Humantay Lagoon, and lush vegetation that embraces the trail like a green song. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Andean world.
Munay Ana Travel offers more than a trip — it offers a ritual of reconnection.
Our approach is experimental and authentic, designed to step off the conventional paths, move away from superficial tourist activities, and embrace an immersive cultural environment that honors the land, memory, and spirit.
Enjoy the comfort of our service
Innovative cuisine, the warmth of our people, and a daily retreat to an Andean Shangri-La to restore body and mind make this experience a sacred refuge.
This once-in-a-lifetime physical, cultural, and spiritual journey will guide you along the Salkantay Sacred Trek to the legendary Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
We will cross the highest snow-capped peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, eventually reaching Llactapata, located behind Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, the path leads us to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the sanctuary, where history and nature embrace.
Thus concludes an unforgettable adventure, woven with footsteps that connect us to nature, culture, and history
Prices
Classic
Include:
- Transfer from Hotel to Challacancha
- Sky domes
- Entrance to Salkantay &
- Tour guide
- Meals (Opt. Vegetarian) Snacks
- RT bus Consettur
- Hotel 2* in Machu Picchu
- village One way Expeditions train
- Transport from Train station to cusco
- + Train Hidroelectric
- Train Hidroelectric to Machupicchu
Premium
Include:
- Transfer from Hotel to Challacancha
- Sky domes
- Entrance to Salkantay &
- Machupicchu.
- Tour guide
- Meals (Opt. Vegetarian) Snacks
- RT bus Consettur
- Hotel 2* in Machu Picchu
- village One way Expeditions train
- Transport from Train station to cusco
- + Train Hidroelectric
- Train Hidroelectric to Machupicchu
- + OW Vistadome Panoramic train service
- Rental of a pair of poles per day USD. 20
- Single Tent room USD. 65
- Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu USD. 80
- Sleeping bag per day & Person USD. 30
- Extra porter 15kg. USD. 80
DAY 1 | CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAGOON – LODGE DEL CIELO
Hotel pick-up will be around 4:00 AM, followed by a 2-hour private transfer to Mollepata. After a light breakfast (not included in the tour), we continue by car to Challacancha, where we’ll meet our horseman and pack horses.
Our trek begins here, walking toward our Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa. In the afternoon, after lunch, we ascend to visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon. After this sacred visit, we descend back to Soraypampa and spend our first night under a star-filled sky at our Sky Lodge.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Overnight: Lodge del Cielo
- Accommodation: Double occupancy (2 people of the same gender)
- Starting elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Maximum elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Campsite elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Hiking distance: : 10 km / 6.21 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
- Weather: Can be quite cold, wintry, or rainy at Salkantay Pass
Would you like me to translate and ritualize Day 2 next, or help format this into a bilingual ceremonial guide for your travelers? I’m here to keep weaving with you, Ana.
DAY 2 | SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – WAYRACMACHAY – COLLPAPAMPA – LODGE DEL CIELO
After breakfast, we begin the most challenging section of the trek, walking through the area known as Pampa Salkantay. We’ll then take the left side of the Salkantay Glacier, reaching the highest point of the journey around midday — the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Here, we’ll pause to take in the full grandeur of the region: its towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and deep ravines. We’ll feel the magic of the Andes. After a short break for photos, we begin a slow descent to Wayracmachay, where we’ll enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest.
We continue descending into the edge of the cloud forest, where breathtaking views unfold before us. From there, we make our way to our second Lodge del Cielo, located in Collpapampa. After a long and rewarding day, we’ll gather for dinner and spend our second night in the comfort of our mountain cabins.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Overnight: Cabins
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Rooming: occupancy (2 people of the same gender)
- Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Campsite elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Hiking distance: 22 km / 13.67 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 9–10 hours
- Weather: Can be quite cold, wintry, or rainy at Salkantay Pass
DAY 3 | COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – SANTA TERESA – HYDROELECTRIC STATION – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we begin our trek at 6:00 AM along the Inca Trail Network. This day will be unforgettable. We continue walking through the jungle, where the route reveals the rich flora and fauna of the region — especially coffee, tea, and passion fruit plantations.
The climate is mild and humid, creating a microclimate ideal for the growth of orchids, whose vibrant colors and varieties have been recognized by experts as among the most beautiful in the world.
After approximately 5 hours of hiking to La Playa, we continue by local transport to the Hydroelectric Station, where we’ll enjoy lunch and a brief rest.
From there, we walk along the railway path toward the town of Aguas Calientes. And finally — here we are! Prepare to enjoy a nourishing dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at our hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Overnight: Hotel stay
- Accommodation: Double occupancy (2 people of the same gender)
- Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Campsite elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Hiking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
- Weather: Can be warm or rainy in the cloud forest region
DAY 4 | THE GRAND DAY! THE WONDER OF MACHU PICCHU
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll take a 30-minute uphill bus ride to the citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving at the entrance and checkpoint.
Your guided tour will last approximately 2 hours, following either Circuit 2A or 2B (please check availability). Both circuits cover around 80% of the archaeological site, including many of its most iconic areas. In coordination with your guide, you’ll then be ready to return to Aguas Calientes. (Lunch not included.)
Later, it’s time to board the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station, where private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
- Starting elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Elevation at Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,872 ft
- Elevation at Huayna Picchu: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
- Elevation at Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Hiking distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Weather: Can be warm and rainy
Include
- Pre-departure briefing: You’ll meet your Salkantay guide and group at our office for an orientation before your trek begins. At this time, we’ll provide the duffel bags that will be carried by our horses. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM the evening before your journey begins. If you’re unable to attend at that time, please let us know so we can coordinate an alternative.
- Tourist transportation: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and travel in private transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay trek.
- Experienced Salkantay adventure guide: A certified, professional, English-speaking guide who grew up in this region and carries a deep passion for sharing their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings throughout the journey, and may even lead your group in ancestral ceremonies. They’ll ensure your safety, comfort, and well-being so you can fully enjoy your time along the Inca trail.
- Cultural guide for Machu Picchu: A certified, professional, English-speaking guide who will accompany you through the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Equipped with a basic emergency kit and oxygen tank, they are prepared to coordinate evacuation to a clinic if needed.
- Private camping equipment: Comfortable accommodations at our campsites. All gear — including tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, and more — is transported by our horsemen.
Lodging and Logistics
- Night 1: Relax in a soft bed at our Lodge del Cielo in the Soraypampa campsite, under the watchful gaze of the Apus, the sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. Spend as many hours as you wish gazing at the stars through your elegant glass ceiling.
- Night 2: Enjoy your second night at our Lodge del Cielo in the Collpapampa campsite. You’ll find a comfortable bed and a thick camping mattress at no extra charge. The campsite is surrounded by sacred mountains.
- Night 3: Your third night will be spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town. Hotel prices may vary depending on your expectations and budget.
- Important Note: It is uncommon for campsites, cabins, or hotels to change after confirmation. However, adjustments may occur due to government regulations, adverse weather conditions, or the physical condition of our travelers. Should any changes arise, Munay Ana Travel will inform you in advance and as promptly as possible.
- Camping Equipment
- Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear — all carried by our horses and riders.
Entrance Tickets Included
- Salkantay / Humantay Lagoon
- Inka site of Machu Picchu
Duffel Bag & Load Transport
- You’ll receive a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing the night before. You may pack up to 5 kg / 11.02 lbs of personal belongings, including your sleeping bag. This bag will be carried by our horses.
- On Days 1 and 2, our mules and horses will carry all camping equipment and your permitted personal luggage (5 kg / 11.02 lbs).
- On Day 3, your luggage will be transported by car or train to your destination until we arrive in Machu Picchu.
- Professional Trail Chef: A chef specialized in mountain cuisine, accompanied by an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals throughout the journey to replenish your energy each day.
You’ll never go hungry! - Mountain meals: Our cooks prepare the finest dishes in the heart of the Andes. If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), please let us know at the time of booking and inform your guide during the orientation meeting.
Meals Provided
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Daily refill of your empty water bottles (we recommend a 2-liter capacity)
- Morning tea wake-up (only at campsites)
- Afternoon tea time: Before dinner, our cooks will set a table with snacks
- Trekking snacks for each day
- Hygiene products: We provide a towel and eco-friendly soap for regular handwashing
Private Transportation
- Day 1: Pick-up from your hotel to Challacancha
- Day 2: Transport from La Playa to Hydroelectric Station
- Day 3: 5-hour hike to Playa Sahuayaco
- Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco (Expedition PeruRail service)
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo station
Luggage Transport
- Day 1: Your duffel (up to 5 kg / 11.02 lbs per person) will be carried by mules
- Day 2: Your bag will be transported by car and train
Entrance Tickets
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon
- Entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Additional
- Consettur bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu (round trip: ascent and descent)
Not Include
Equipment:
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
Meals not included:
- Day 1 – Breakfast in Mollepata
- Day 4 – Lunch and dinner in Cusco
- Train from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (If a traveler feels unwell after the hike, we recommend taking this train)
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Additional entrance tickets (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
Additional Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control
These may include:
natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes due to passenger health issues (illness or medical conditions), pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.
