We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and have a beautiful scenic drive of 3 hours duration to Mollepata. At Mollepata we will have breakfast at one of the local houses. During this portion of the drive we will have our first views of the magnificent Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, as well as observe lush vegetation and the fields of local families growing potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, etc.

At this point we will arrive at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay trek, and meet our support staff, who will pack everything for the trek and load the equipment onto horses. We begin the hike with a gentle 2 hour climb to Salkantaypampa.  During this portion of the trek we will follow a little stream whose source is the Salkantay glacier.  We will also see the moraines and the glaciers of Apu Salkantay and Humantay mountains.

From Salkantaypampa we will hike steeply for 1 ½ hours until we reach Soyrococha, our lunch spot. After reaching this location we continue to climb steeply for 2.5 to 3 hours to the Salkantay pass where we will make small offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits). This is the highest point of the trek (4,600 meters/ 13,451 feet).

Our next task is a 2 hour downhill hike to Huayracmachay (3,800 m/12,464 ft), our camp for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4,600 m/ 13,451 f
• Minimum altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
• Distance to walk: 16 km
• Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging

We will wake up early and have breakfast. Today´s hike starts with a moderate 3 ½  hour climb through the rain forest until we reach the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m/8,856 ft), where we will have a thorough tour. This is the location where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu in the far distance.

Leaving Llactapata, we begin a 2 ½  hour descent to Hydroelectric, where we will have lunch. At 3 pm we will board the train for a 40 minute trip to Aguas Calientes.

On arrival at Aguas Calientes you will check into your accommodation. Dinner will be in a restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered: 13 km /8 miles
• Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Lowest elevation: 1,800 m /5,905 feet
• Highest elevation: 3,100 m /10,170 feet
• Area: Cloud Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Sights: Llactapata Inca Ruins, Machu Picchu

You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a very early bus (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site.

If you have elected to climb Machu Picchu mountain you will begin the hike at 10 AM. The ticket price for Machu Picchu mountain is not included in the price of your trek. If you are not climbing the mountain you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.

When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo.  From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Minimum altitude: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
• Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft