Your adventure begins before sunrise with a hotel pick-up in Cusco. The drive to Mollepata offers spectacular views of the Andes bathed in morning light, passing through traditional villages where locals tend their fields. After breakfast in Mollepata, continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), your first campsite and the highest campsite of the trek, with direct views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

After a freshly prepared lunch, begin an acclimatization hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). The trail ascends gradually, and as you reach the lake, the sight is simply breathtaking — crystal-clear turquoise water reflecting the white glaciers above. Your guide will explain the lake’s spiritual importance in Inca culture, and you’ll have time to take photos, meditate, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Return to Soraypampa for dinner, where your trekking team will welcome you with a warm drink. Tonight, you will sleep under a star-filled sky, with the sound of the wind echoing between the mountains.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Approximate walking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) – 3 hours

Wake up early to the crisp mountain air and enjoy a hot breakfast while watching the first rays of sunlight touch the snow-covered peaks. This is the most challenging day of the trek, so pace yourself as you begin the steady climb toward the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft).

The ascent takes you through dramatic Andean landscapes — rugged cliffs, rocky trails, and glacial streams — until you stand at the pass, surrounded by a panorama of towering mountains. From here, the sacred Salkantay Mountain feels close enough to touch. Your guide will share legends about the mountain’s role as an Apu, or sacred protector, in Andean spirituality.

After a well-earned rest, begin the descent toward Wayracmachay, where the vegetation slowly begins to change. Continue walking into the upper cloud forest until you reach Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), your campsite for the night. The warmer climate here is a welcome change, and you can relax with a hearty dinner prepared by your chef.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate walking distance: 22 km (13.6 miles) – 9 hours

Today’s trek is a feast for the senses. After breakfast, set off along a gentle downhill path through the lush cloud forest, passing Collpapampa, a small rural community where life moves at a tranquil pace. Along the way, you’ll see cascading waterfalls, tropical flowers, and fields where locals grow coffee, cacao, bananas, and avocados.

The sounds of nature accompany you — the rushing of rivers, the call of exotic birds, and the occasional rustle in the undergrowth from small forest animals. By midday, you will arrive at La Playa (2,200 m / 7,217 ft), a warm subtropical valley. This is the perfect place to relax, sip freshly brewed local coffee, and perhaps interact with villagers to learn about their agricultural traditions. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate walking distance: 16 km (9.9 miles) – 6 hours

After breakfast, begin the uphill hike to Llactapata, a fascinating Inca site perched on a ridge with an unforgettable front-facing view of Machu Picchu. Few travelers see this perspective, and it is a moment to savor. Your guide will explain the possible role of Llactapata as a ceremonial site connected to the citadel.

After exploring, descend through lush vegetation to Hidroeléctrica for lunch. From here, you can choose to take the train (optional) or enjoy a leisurely walk along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River and surrounded by steep green mountains. In the evening, check into your hotel and have dinner in town (not included), while you prepare for the grand finale tomorrow.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Approximate walking distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) – 8 hours

The day you have been waiting for has arrived. Wake up early and board the first buses up to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise over the citadel. As the mist slowly lifts, the ancient city reveals its stone temples, terraces, and sacred plazas.

Your guide will lead you through the highlights — Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, and Intihuatana — sharing the history, engineering marvels, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, with pre-booked tickets).

In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and then a private transfer back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast