Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu Via Humantay Lake

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake⌄

   The day begins with early hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to Mollepata for breakfast and then on to Challacancha, where the Salkantay Trek officially starts. The hike leads through beautiful Andean landscapes to Soraypampa, where lunch is served at the base camp, before continuing with an afternoon hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, allowing time for photos and exploration, and ending with dinner and overnight at the camp under the Andean sky.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: camp

2. 2Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Huayracmachay – Chaullay⌄

   The day begins with sunrise views of the Salkantay Glacier at Soraypampa, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare for the most challenging ascent of the trek. The hike climbs steadily for 3–4 hours to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route, offering spectacular views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains, with time to rest and take photos at the top. Afterward, the trail descends to Huayracmachay for a hot lunch, then continues through cloud forests, waterfalls, and lush vegetation toward Chaullay, where the day ends with dinner and overnight rest at the camp.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

3. 3Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu Pueblo⌄

   The day starts in Chaullay with breakfast before descending through warmer, greener landscapes toward La Playa, passing small villages, rivers, and bridges as the scenery shifts from the Andes to the tropical jungle. After a short rest, the journey continues by vehicle to Santa Teresa, where lunch is served and there is an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs. The route then continues by transport to Hydroelectric, followed by an easy walk along the railway beside the Vilcanota River to Machu Picchu Pueblo, arriving in the evening for hotel check-in, dinner, and a briefing for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Camp

4. 4Machu Picchu - Cusco⌄

   The day begins early in Machu Picchu Pueblo with breakfast at the hotel before taking the official bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Upon arrival, a guided tour of approximately two hours explores the main sectors and highlights of this iconic Inca site. After the visit, the group returns by bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where there is free time for lunch and last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, the journey continues by train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco, arriving in the evening and marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

   Meals: Breakfast