Along the Salcantay trail, you will journey through varied terrain both challenging and awe-inspiring. Up-close views of glacier mountain peaks, mysterious fog surrounding fields of boulders, and cattle drives through the most remote of mountain areas are sights that will only enhance the spectacular topography, lush vegetation, and intriguing archaeological areas that you will encounter. Locals, still proudly attached to their Andean heritage, will greet you along the way and give you a glimpse into their rarely seen world. Led by well-respected and extremely knowledgeable MLP guides, you are guaranteed personal attention and a commitment to safety. The staff at the MLP mountain-luxury lodges, situated in pristine locations along the trail, will welcome you warmly at the end of each day with the utmost in service and amenities.

Salkantay - A Lodge-to-Lodge Trek To Machu Picchu with Mountain Lodges of Peru

Mountain Lodges of Peru offers a unique take on adventure travel to Machu Picchu. Cultural immersion, lodge-to-lodge journeying, exploration of breathtaking landscapes…all resulting in a transformation of mind, body and spirit. Along the Salcantay trail, you will journey through varied terrain both challenging and awe-inspiring. Here is a brief day-by-day itinerary:

Day 0 - Evening briefing in Cusco Meet & greet with other guests where you receive important information for a great trekking experience.

Day 1 - Cusco to Salkantay Lodge Visit Inca ruins and the mountain village of Mollepata before embarking on your first trek on the Camino Real. Your destination: the welcoming Salkantay Lodge, named for the majestic peak at the head of the valley, where you’ll find jacuzzis, aperitifs, and a crackling fire in the fireplace. Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft) Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route) Hiking Level: Moderate

Day 2 - Hike to Humantay Lake Whet your appetite for trekking and scenery with an acclimatization hike from the lodge to glacier-fed Lake Humantay with views of Mt. Salkantay, a sacred mountain in Incan mythology. Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft) Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging

Day 3 - Crossing the Salkantay Pass Today’s the big day—we reach the trek’s highest point on the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m/15,213 ft). Take in views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction and the glaciated south face of Mt. Salkantay towering above. Overnight: Wayra Lodge (3,906 m/12,812 ft) Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including lunch) Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,640m/15,200 ft mountain pass

Day 4 - Descending into the cloud forest We begin our descent along the Salkantay River, where warm air starts rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. At Colpa Lodge, we’ll be greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian meal. Overnight: Colpa Lodge (2,870 m/9,414 ft) Trekking Time: 3–4 hours Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate

Day 5 - Following the Santa Teresa River Valley Today we hike through more populated rural areas, passing through banana, granadilla and avocado orchards. We’ll picnic by the river, and later tour a coffee plantation before arriving at Lucma Lodge, which is surrounded by its own avocado trees. Overnight: Lucma Lodge (2,135 m/7,003 ft) Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch) Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain)

Day 6 - first views of machu picchu from llactapata pass On our last trekking day, we hike along the Llactapata Pass and come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. Then we’ll make our way to the train bound for our ultimate destination: Machu Picchu. Overnight: Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft) Trekking Time: 4–6 hours Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging

Day 7 - Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary We will take an introductory two-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own or hike the steep Huayna Picchu for expansive views. Return to Cusco (3,360 m/11,021 ft)

Watch this short video to get a taste of the Salkantay Trek, and contact Jubilee Travel today to book.