Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge trek to Machu Picchu – premium adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Meet your guide and private transfer from airport to Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco. Free day to rest and acclimatize.

• Overnight in Cusco
• Meals: none

Day 2: Cusco to Soraypampa

Morning pick-up and drive to Quillarumiyoc and Mollepata, with farm-to-table lunch at El Pedregal. Continue to Challacancha and hike along the “Camino Real” (~3 hrs, easy–moderate) to Soraypampa.

• Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m).
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 3: Hike to Lake Humantay

Morning ascent (~4 hrs roundtrip, moderate) to turquoise Lake Humantay for views and Pachamama ceremony. Afternoon at leisure (jacuzzi, massage).

• Overnight at Salkantay Lodge.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 4: Crossing the Salkantay Pass

Early start, ascend to Salkantay Pass (4,636 m / 15,213 ft) via Rio Blanco valley (~6 hrs, challenging). Picnic lunch en route, then descend to Wayra Lodge (3,906 m).

• Overnight in Wayra Lodge (3,906m)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 5: Into the Cloud Forest

Descend along Salkantay River valley (3–4 hrs, easy–moderate) to Colpa Lodge (2,870 m). Lunch Pachamanca style. Afternoon at leisure (jacuzzi, relaxation).

• Overnight in Colpa Lodge (2,870m)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 6: Santa Teresa River Valley to Lucmabamba

Rolling hike (5–6 hrs, moderate–challenging) through orchards and waterfalls to Lucmabamba. Visit organic coffee plantation.

• Overnight at Lucma Lodge (2,135 m).
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 7: Llactapata Pass to Aguas Calientes

Climb original Inca steps (~3 hrs, moderate–challenging) to Llactapata ruins with panoramic Machu Picchu view. Descend to Hydroelectric, then scenic train to Aguas Calientes.

• Overnight at partner hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 8: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Early bus to Machu Picchu for guided tour (2 hrs). Optional hike Huayna Picchu* or Machu Picchu Mountain*. Afternoon train Ollantaytambo + transfer to Cusco.

• Overnight at Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  

Day 9: Farewell!

Private transfer to airport.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Airport transfers in Cusco
• 8 nights’ accommodation (2 in Cusco + 5 in lodges + 1 in Aguas Calientes)
• All meals except Day 1 (none) & Day 9 (breakfast only)
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Train + bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
• Luggage transport by mules/porters
• Use of jacuzzis, massages (some at extra cost)
• All entrance fees (archaeological sites + Machu Picchu)

• International flights
• Travel insurance (required)
• Single supplement
• Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain permits (extra cost, limited availability)
• Personal expenses (snacks, laundry, tips, drinks)

• Trekking boots (broken in)
• Trekking poles
• Warm layers (fleece, down)
• Waterproof jacket/poncho
• Quick-dry trekking pants/shirts
• Hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Daypack (20–30 L)
• Reusable water bottle/hydration pack
• Headlamp
• Personal meds & toiletries

Weather & Climate Conditions

• Andean Highlands: Cold nights 0–5 °C / 32–41 °F, while days are usually sunny and range between 15–20 °C / 59–68 °F. Layering is essential to manage the strong contrasts.
  
• Cloud Forest & Jungle: Warm, humid, and lush. Daytime temperatures average 25–30 °C / 77–86 °F, with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers or mist. Nights are milder (18–22 °C / 64–72 °F).
  

Seasonality: The dry season (Apr–Oct) is the most stable, with clearer skies and easier trekking. The wet season (Nov–Mar) brings heavier rains and higher river levels, but also greener valleys and richer wildlife.

• 2 nights Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco
• 1 night Salkantay Lodge (Soraypampa)
• 1 night Wayra Lodge (Wayraccmachay)
• 1 night Colpa Lodge (Collpapampa)
• 1 night Lucma Lodge (Lucmabamba)
• 1 night Partner hotel (Aguas Calientes)

Fly into Cusco (CUZ).

• Private airport transfers included (arrival & departure).
• Overland transfers + train Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo included.

Before the Trip

How do I get to Cusco?

International flights land in Lima. From there, domestic airlines connect to Cusco. If you arrive late at night, staying in Lima overnight is recommended before continuing your journey.

Can you help with hotels and extra travel plans?

Yes. We can help arrange accommodations in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, and organize add-on trips
to destinations like Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, or other regions in Peru, just contact our adventure specialists.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and should cover adventure activities, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.

How should I prepare physically?

For treks like Salkantay or similar routes, good physical condition is important. We recommend cardio training and doing practice hikes beforehand. Spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco also helps a lot.

What’s the weather like?

The dry season (April to October) brings sunny days and cold nights, sometimes below 0°C. The rainy season (November to March) can bring muddy trails and cloudy conditions. Pack layers and waterproof gear.

How can I avoid altitude sickness?

Spending at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your adventure helps. Stay hydrated
and rest well. For more serious symptoms, oxygen and medical support are available.

How much luggage can I bring?

For multi-day hikes, you'll carry a small daypack while your main bag is transported. For experiences involving train travel to Machu Picchu, the luggage limit is 8 kg
(17 lbs), so pack light.

Is the electricity compatible with my devices?

Most outlets in Peru use 220V. If your devices are made for 110V only, bring a converter to avoid damage.

During the Trip

What kind of terrain should I expect?

You’ll hike through diverse terrain—mountains, cloud forests, valleys, and Inca trails. Some paths may be steep, rocky, or muddy. Good hiking shoes are essential.

Is ground transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation is included throughout the experience, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.

What should I know about money?

The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (S/). US dollars are widely accepted in some places. Bring clean bills and expect ATMs in Cusco to accept Visa or MasterCard.

Are tips included?

Tips for lodging and logistics staff are usually included. However, tipping your guides is customary. A suggested amount is $5–10 per day, depending on the experience.

Will I have cell service or Wi-Fi?

In remote areas, cell service is limited. Some accommodations have Wi-Fi, but it may be slow or
inconsistent. Disconnecting is part of the experience.

What happens in case of an emergency?

We follow strict safety protocols. Our guides are certified in wilderness first aid and carry medical kits, oxygen, and communication equipment like radios or satellite phones when necessary.

After the Trip

Can I share my experience?

Absolutely! Tag us or use our hashtag to inspire others to live their own adventure.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.