Salkantay: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

1. Cusco: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

Your professional tour guide will pick you up at your homestay, hostel or hotel in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive in Mollepata where we will stop for breakfast and pick up water and snacks for the trek. After breakfast travel one more hour to Soraypampa. Once you arrive at this high mountain plateau you will be able to see the beautiful mountains Apu Salkantay 20400 feet (6230 meters) above sea level and Humantay 17225 feet (5250 meters) above sea level. After a short time preparing your day pack you will start the 2-hour trek to Humantay Lake. The way up to Humantay Lake is steep however your group is small and your guide will let you take your time to enjoy the trek.  Enjoy the views of Humantay Lake and enjoy an optional small climb above the lake to the right or left where you can enjoy a panoramic view.  Next, you will have the easy part of your trek. Go downhill to Soraypampa for another hour. Then you will take your private transportation back to Mollepata where a local lunch will be waiting for you. Once you finish your buffet lunch you will go back to Cusco arriving between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM at the drop-off near Plaza de Armas.

Cusco: Humantay Lagoon Full Day Tour with Meals

2. Cusco: Humantay Lagoon Full Day Tour with Meals

Start your day with an early morning wake up as you head out from Cusco to Mollepata to enjoy a delicious breakfast to set you up for the day ahead. After breakfast, journey on to Soraypampa and marvel at the stunning scenic views of the snow-capped mountains, including Salkantay mountain which sits 6230 above sea level. Next, begin the 3 km walking hike to Humantay Lagoon which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. At the Lagoon, gaze at the stunning waters and catch your break at you take in these beautiful once-in-a-lifetime views. On your travel back to Soraypampa, relax in your private transport and watch out for the views along the way then enjoy a tasty local lunch before returning to Cusco.

From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu

3. From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu

Walk the world-famous Inca Trail on this guided trek over 4 days and 3 nights. Follow an ancient footpath through the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu, passing magical cloud forests on the way. Enjoy scenic camping, tasty meals and the expertise of local guides and porters. Day 1 Start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo on the first morning. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet your team of guides and porters before an 82km drive to the trail’s starting point. Hike in 2 hour intervals, with regular stops to eat and take a break. The first night’s campsite will be at Ayapata with an elevation of 3300 meters. Relax here with a hot drink, dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 2 Wake up early for the trek’s longest day which will include the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 meters. Stop here to enjoy the spectacular views before you descend into the Pacaymayu Valley in time for lunch. Next, climb to the Inca site of Runcu Raccay where you can admire two huge waterfalls across the valley before another descent to the remote site of Sayacmarca. After a quick tour, take a short walk to the second campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the Vilcabamba mountains before dinner. Day 3 Start early again for the trail’s most beautiful day. Walk along gradual inclines as you approach the Cloud Forest and Salkantay, the second highest peak in the Sacred Valley. Then, begin the climb to the final peak, Phuyupatamarka, where you’ll get your first views over Machu Picchu. From here, it’s a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll camp in close proximity to Machu Picchu. Share a relaxed final evening with your guides and porters, and get an early night before your final day of exploring. Day 4 Get up at the crack of dawn to catch a stunning sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu. Trek down to the Sun Gate and make your way into the Lost City of the Incas, where your private tour of the ruins will begin. After the tour, head down to Augas Calientes by bus. Take a few hours here to explore the city, or optionally to climb Huayna Picchu, before catching the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From here, a driver will transfer you back to your hotel by bus.

From Cusco: Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train

4. From Cusco: Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train

Make the most of your time in Peru with a 4 or 5-day hike along the famous Salkantay Trek. Take in panoramic views of Humantay Mountain, enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and watch the sunrise at Macchu Picchu. Campsite accommodation and transfers are included. Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Laguna Humantay - Soraypampa After getting picked up from your accommodation in Cusco, drive through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo before arriving at Mollepata, where you can buy a light breakfast and water. Continue to Challacancha, where the 3-hour walk to Soraypampa begins. Stop for lunch and then walk around 1-2 hours to the Humantay Lagoon. Return to Soraypampa and overnight at camp with tent and dinner. Day 2: Soraypampa - Soyrococha - Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Chaullay Wake up with the first light of the day at 5:30 AM and have a quick breakfast. Start your walk to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4650 meters/15255 feet), where you can appreciate the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. The downward hike is snake-shaped, leading to the Huayracmachay camp, where you will stop for lunch. At the end of this exceptional hike, arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 meters/9514 feet) for a break from a long day of hiking. Enjoy dinner at the camp before heading to your tent for the night. Day 3: Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Lucmabamba - Santa Teresa (optional Cocalmayo) After breakfast, hike to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa Valley where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, board a bus to the camp in Santa Teresa, where you can enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, which have medicinal and therapeutic waters. Enjoy dinner at the camp before heading to your tent for the night. If you choose the 4-day option, you will be taken by bus to Hydroelectric right after your lunch. From there, start a walk on the train tracks through the native jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3-hour trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, enjoy free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. Day 4 for 5-day option: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes After breakfast, start the 3-hour walk to the Hydroelectric through the valley floor. Upon arrival, recharge with lunch. You can add on a zip line adventure after breakfast; in this case, after the activity, you will be taken to the beginning of the trail to Aguas Calientes at Hydroelectric. From Hydroelectric, hike on the train tracks through the jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3-hour trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. Day 4 for 4-day option / Day 5 for 5-day option: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco Get up early to start the trek to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. After a steep 1.5-hour walk, be rewarded with views of the sunrise from the Inca citadel before the crowds arrive (you can replace the hike with a bus ride for an additional cost if required). Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and the surrounding sites. Enjoy free time to take photos and look around the citadel. If you choose one of the add-on hikes to the mountains, you will split ways with the group to go by yourself to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Leave Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes (walking or by bus, depending on what you choose). Once in Aguas Calientes, board your train to Ollantaytambo, and take a minivan from there to Cusco. Arrive back in Cusco around 9:30 - 10:00 PM. The drop-off will be in Plaza San Francisco in the historic center, near the Plaza de Armas.

Lima: 9-Day Peru Express with Ica, Cusco, and Puno

5. Lima: 9-Day Peru Express with Ica, Cusco, and Puno

Day 1: Arrival in Lima, City Tour Your tour will begin as you are picked up from the airport, it is advisable to arrive in the morning. In the afternoon, you will take a city tour. That evening you will stay at the Miramar Hotel or similar in Lima. Day 2: Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina with Buggies and Sandboarding Visit the Ballestas Islands and Candelabrum, before a wine and Pisco demonstration in Ica city. Later that day, take part in riding buggies and sandboarding in Huacachina. That evening you will once again stay at the Miramar Hotel or similar in Lima. Day 3: Arrival to Cusco On your third day, you will arrive in Cusco, you will be transferred to the hotel then will have a free day for acclimatizing or visiting some places around the Cusco historical center. That evening you will lodge in the Ayni Cusco Hotel or similar. Day 4: Chinchero, Maras, and Moray in the Sacred Valley of the Incas Begin with a visit to the Chinchero textile center, before moving onward to the archaeological sites in Chinchero and Moray. Following that, you will tour the salt mines in Maras before taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, lodging at the Golden Sunrise Hotel or similar in Aguas Calientes. Day 5: Machu Picchu Inca Citadel On day 5 you will explore the breathtaking Machu Picchu, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the world. Following a full day at this sacred site. In the afternoon, take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and arrive in Cusco by transportation, you will overnight at the Ayni Cusco Hotel or similar. Day 6: Humantay Lake On your sixth day, you will trek to Humantay Lake, which is close to the snowy Salkantay mountain, you will be able to know the first camp of the famous Salkantay trek. That evening you will once again lodge in the Ayni Cusco Hotel or similar. Day 7: Rainbow Mountain Trek to Rainbow Mountain, which is very close to the highest mountain of Cusco: the Ausangate Mountain, this is a famous place around Cusco. Following your day of hiking, you will return once more to the Ayni Cusco Hotel or similar overnight. Day 8: Route of the Sun On day 8 you will take a bus tour between Cusco and Puno. Throughout this journey, you will visit the Andahuaylillas Chapel, Raqchi Archaeological Complex, La Raya Pass, and the Lithic Museum of Pukara. That evening you will stay at the Qalasaya Hotel or similar. Day 9: Titicaca Lake and the Uros and Taquile Islands On the final day, you will take a speed boat tour of Lake Titicaca, before exploring the Uros and Taquile Islands. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the airport where your tour will conclude.

Cuzco: Salkantay Trek 5-Day Andean Machu Picchu Expedition

6. Cuzco: Salkantay Trek 5-Day Andean Machu Picchu Expedition

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Laguna Humantay – Soraypampa Embark on a captivating journey as we pick you up from your respective hotels or locations in Cusco around 5:00am Depart from Cusco at 5:30 am and start the trek from Mollepata. Enjoy a scenic hike with views of the majestic Humantay snow-capped peak. Visit the beautiful Laguna de Humantay and learn about the area from our professional guide. Have "tea time" at Soraypampa camp and stargaze to learn about Andean astronomy. Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay Trek to the highest point of the tour, Salkantay Pass, and admire the stunning views. Descend to Huayraqmachay and continue to the town of Chaullay, experiencing ecological and geographical changes. Observe diverse flora, fauna, and bird species along the way. Day 3: Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba Explore the high jungle area as you descend through Colpapampa and Sahuayaco. Witness hot springs, orchids, and waterfalls while observing the climate and vegetation change. Arrive at Lucmabamba, enjoy lunch, and have free time to explore the surroundings. Day 4: Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes Hike to hydroelectric and continue walking to the town of Aguas Calientes. Optional visit to Mandor botanical gardens and waterfalls along the way. Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco Early morning hike to Machu Picchu for a memorable sunrise experience. Guided tour of the main temples and palaces within the citadel. Explore Machu Picchu at your own pace and consider climbing Huaynapicchu (optional). Return to Cusco by train and car, arriving around 8:00 pm. Note: This itinerary is a condensed version with less than 300 words.

Salkantay Trek 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

7. Salkantay Trek 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and hike along the same paths they used to trek through the mountains centuries ago. Get back to nature and experience amazing views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andes. Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Markhuq’asa - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Salkantaypampa (L, D) Depart Cusco and journey to Markhuq’asa for the start of your trek to Soraypampa, 3,850 meters above sea level. Stop for lunch at the base camp and then go on a round-trip hike to Humantay Lake. Then continue to the Salkantaypampa base camp to spend the night. Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa (B, L, D) Hike to the highest point of the trail at Salkantay Pass and get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains before a 2-hour downhill hike to the camp for lunch. Then, enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle on a hike through what is know as the cloud forest. Look for native wildlife on the way to the village of Collpapampa, where you will spend the night. Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa (B, L, D) After breakfast, take an easy hike to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley and marvel at the waterfalls and wild orchids. Encounter coffee, banana, and avocado plantations, and get the chance to sample the local coffee at an organic coffee farm. After a typical lunch in La Playa, here you will have the option (at an extra cost payable onsite) to visit the hot thermal springs and abundant birdlife. Return to the campsite for an overnight stay. Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D) On this day, in Santa Teresa, you can choose to visit the zipline, rafting, or canopy at an extra cost payable directly on-site. Then, you will head to Hidroelectrica, passing through waterfalls coming from the glaciers and fields of cocoa and coffee. After a nourishing lunch, begin a 2-hour walk to Machu Picchu Pueblo, known as Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can go to your hotel to shower and relax before dinner. After dinner, get some rest before the early morning climb up to Machu Picchu the following morning. Day 5: Machu Picchu (B) Explore Machu Picchu in the early morning before the crowds arrive. You can choose to hike uphill to the ruins or take the bus for an additional charge. Benefit from a 2-hour guided tour on arrival and learn more about the temples, palaces, priest houses, and more. Take the train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon and then catch the bus back to Cusco for drop-off at your hotel or hostel on arrival.

From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake 2-Day Tour

8. From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake 2-Day Tour

Day 1 – Humantay Lake Have a morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and continue on a 2-hour ride enjoying the beautiful landscapes until reaching Soraypampa. Enjoy breakfast prior to the trailhead. Begin your adventure along a photogenic path called the “Camino Real,” as you gain altitude. Continue for another hour and a half, ascending 360mts/1,200 feet in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, you'll gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier. The hike is dominated by Salkantay Peak, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering more than 6,000mts/20,600 feet with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 5,900mts/19,412 feet, is also within view. Once on the shores, enjoy, relax, and take pictures. When ready to hike back, descend to Soraypampa for lunch. After lunch, it’s time to take the transportation back to Cusco downtown arriving in the late afternoon. Day 2 – Rainbow Mountain Today, you'll visit the trendy Rainbow Mountain, famous for becoming viral on social media. Located in the southeast of Cusco in the middle of the Andean mountain ranges. After a morning pick-up from your hotel, venture on a 3-hour drive passing valleys, rivers, mountains, and some smaller communities. Reach Hanchipacha, to enjoy breakfast, then head to the starting point which is already at 4900 meters above sea level. From here you will hike uphill for about 45 minutes to the highest point of the excursion at 5000 meters. Pass the unique formations of the rainbow mountain range and enjoy the breathtaking views at the snow-capped Ausangate, the second-highest in Peru. Once on top of the viewpoint, you'll have the Vilcanota Mountain range in front of you. Have all the time to rest and take pictures. After the exploration, back to Cusipata and enjoy a rewarding lunch. Take the bus to return to Cusco arriving in the late afternoon.

From Cusco: Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour | Breakfast + Lunch |

9. From Cusco: Humantay Lagoon 1-Day Tour | Breakfast + Lunch |

The journey begins at your hotel in Cusco. Our transfer will visit you very early between 4:00 and 5:00 in the morning. We will embark on a approximately two and a half hour car ride to the town of Mollepata in the province of Anta, where we can enjoy a delicious breakfast and gather the necessary provisions. After breakfast, we will continue our journey for about an hour and a half by car. The road we will take is a dirt road until we reach the community of Soraypampa, located at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level. During the trip, we will see beautiful landscapes and the impressive "Salkantay" snow-capped mountain. From Soraypampa, we will start a 2 km hike. The path is ascending and it will take us around 1 and a half to two hours, during the hike, we will witness panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, stunning natural landscapes, and a great diversity of flora and fauna until we reach the "Humantay Lagoon" at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. The "Humantay Lagoon" has a turquoise color due to the minerals at the bottom, and you can see the reflection of the sky in its waters. The lagoon is fed by the glaciers of the mountain and is considered a natural jewel. In addition to enjoying the Humantay Lagoon, we will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, such as the Salkantay snow-capped mountain, which was considered the most sacred mountain during the Inca times, a millennial space in honor of Pachamama, Mother Earth. Once you reach the lagoon, you can take part in a ceremony by placing stones to express gratitude for your arrival in this magical place. Our guide will accompany you around the lagoon and share other interesting information. After our visit, we will descend on foot to the community of Soraypampa, where we will enjoy a delicious Andean lunch. After lunch, we will begin the return journey to the city of Cusco. Our tour ends at approximately 6:30 in the evening, conclude our one-day hike to the Laguna Humantay.

Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Tickets

10. Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Tickets

The Salcantay Mountain is one of the most beautiful in Peru and is considered sacred by local villagers. Spend five unforgettable days hiking alongside the majestic mountains, taking time to enjoy each magical location and feel the energy through meditation, yoga and exercise. As a final treat, you will join the Inca Trail for a short section before arriving at Machu Picchu via the stunning Llaqtapata. On Day 1, after a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a 4-hour walk up to Soyrococha (4400 m / 14430 ft) where a chef will be waiting to serve you lunch. You will continue climbing for one more hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4650 m/ 15255 ft). From the top it will be another 3 hour downhill hike to the campsite at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft). Your tent, a snack and a hot drink will be waiting for you. You will then have some time to rest and have dinner before a well-earned nights sleep. On Day 2, you will be woken bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. You will spend 9 hours on this trek. On Day 3, you will trek for 9 hours once more and arrive at Llaqtapata, an Inca ruin located in front of Machu Pichhu. On Day 4 you will trek for 6 hours to Aguas Calientes and spend a night in a hotel before finally spending Day 5 with a visit to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own. Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes and then take the train and bus back to Cusco. The team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Salkantay

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 66 reviews

We booked with Haku travel but was transferred to a trek with Marvelous adventure, so we can t say anything about Haku travels' tours, only the booking part. We got booked on the cheapest Machu Picchu circuit and not the same circuit or entrance time as the rest of our Group and guide through 4 days, so that was a big disappointment. We only got our tickets the night before our Machu Picchu day. Also the communication was not great in advance, but they answered pretty quickly. All in all we had a good trek but that was thanks to our great guide from Marvelous adventure. We recommended booking at an Office in Cusco rather than online if you want the better and cheaper deal and to be certain about the specifics of your trek. Be sure to request the circuit and entrance time you wish for!!

Although only 1-1.5hrs, this is a tough hike because it is a vertical climb for almost the whole way. But once you get to the top, the view is stunning! I recommend bringing cocoa sweets and drinking lots of water to help adapt to the altitude. It gets very cold too - bring layers including a beannie. The food is plentiful, and the buffet lunch was particularly great - even for me as a vegan. The car ride is a bit rough because of the poor condition of the road, but it's only about 1hr of the 3hr trip. 10/10 would recommend.

It was nice trip ... the hike is NO JOKE.. it's definitely a difficult hike despite of level of fitness ... there's horses you can rent to get you up there but it's definitely something to consider . I did more than half but the higher you go the more difficult it gets, so towards the end, I had to pay for a horse .. but it was an amazing hike once you actually make it up

Beautiful views at the top, a tough walk but well worth it. We were some of the first people to the top and I’d recommend trying to do the same if you are fit enough Food was lovely in my opinion compared to other tours. Our guide Tupac was class, probably has better English than me and let us go at our own pace while explaining stuff at the top. Highly recommend

Super amazing trip! Self-paced hike with an incredible view. Breakfast and lunch buffets were also good and at a beautiful place