Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Ultimate Trek to Machu Picchu – Cusco, Peru

EXPERIENCE:

Discover Peru’s wilderness on a 5-day hike finishing at Machu Picchu. Enjoy traditional Peruvian meals, get panoramic views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains, and go on a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Day 1
Begin your walk towards Soraypampa with panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay mountains. At midday, enjoy a classic Peruvian lunch. After lunch, continue hiking upwards toward Humantay Lake. After arriving at the lake, relax and enjoy dinner at camp.

Day 2
As you hike, the natural surroundings will change drastically from barren alpine to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, start the most challenging part of the trek. Enjoy breathtaking views from the endpoint of Salkantay, the surrounding peaks, and the valleys below.

Day 3
After a night’s sleep, wake early to start your trek through the high jungles. After about 5 hours, arrive at Playa Sahuayaco near the town of Collpabamba. Traverse the “eyebrow of the Amazon,” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, and diverse flora and fauna manifest in abundance.
In the afternoon, arrive at the town of Lucmabamba, your last campsite, and the beginning of the Inca Trail to Llactapata.

Day 4
In the morning, gradually hike upwards for about 2 hours to the archeological site of Llactapata, an impressive center with connections to Machu Picchu and Sayacmarka. Explore this beautiful Inca site before descending to the Hydro-Electrica (hydro station), which takes roughly 1.5 hours.

Day 5
On your last day, begin early and catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to avoid the main crowds and see the citadel during the first rays of morning light. Begin with a guided tour of the most important locations, altars, and constructions around Machu Picchu.
As you explore, learn about the history of this place and the people who lived here from your guide. In the afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo and then by car to Cusco.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Hike up and over Salkantay Pass for breathtaking views of the valley below
Stay with a family in Lucmabamba to learn about their local coffee farm
Benefit from a small group of not more than 10 people

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