Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Lodge to Lodge: 7 Days – Peru

The Salkantay Trek Lodge to Lodge is Peru’s most spectacular alternative to the Inca Trail — a 7-day guided hiking journey through dramatic Andean landscapes culminating at Machu Picchu.

This route takes you far beyond the typical trekking experience. Traverse high alpine passes beneath towering snow-capped peaks, descend through lush cloud forest toward the edge of the Amazon basin, and follow ancient Inca paths rarely seen by most visitors. Along the way, you’ll stay in exclusive mountain lodges, combining authentic adventure with exceptional comfort.

From turquoise Lake Humantay and the formidable Salkantay Pass (15,213 ft / 4,636 m) to the first rare southeast view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, each day builds anticipation for your final arrival at the Lost City of the Incas.

Unlike crowded routes, this lodge-to-lodge Salkantay experience offers small groups, expert local guides, immersive cultural moments, and thoughtfully prepared cuisine — including traditional Pachamanca and farm-to-table Andean meals.

For travelers seeking a physically rewarding trek without sacrificing comfort, the Salkantay Trek Lodge to Lodge delivers the perfect balance of challenge, culture, and refinement — ending with an unforgettable guided visit to Machu Picchu.

Seasonal Pricing (Please Inquire)

LOW SEASON
March 1st – March 31st
November 1st – December 14th

HIGH SEASON
April 1st – October 31st
December 15th – December 31st

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Cusco

Upon your arrival in Cusco, gather with your MLP guide and fellow travelers for a comprehensive trip briefing and an opportunity for questions and answers.

Meeting Time: 7 p.m.
Meeting Location: Cusco City

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Please keep in mind that we strongly advise arriving in Cusco at least 1 - 2 days prior to the departure date to acclimatize to the altitude and participate in the pre-trip briefing.

Please note that accommodation is booked on your own this night in Cusco City. Ask our travel team if you would like to have Cusco accommodations included in the package for an additional cost.

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa – Camino Real to Salkantay Lodge

Your lodge-to-lodge Salkantay Trek begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Travel through the Andean countryside to the archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc before continuing to the mountain village of Mollepata.

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at El Pedregal, a charming local farmhouse, where you’ll learn about traditional Andean agriculture and livestock. After lunch, drive to Challacancha, the starting point of your hike.

From here, follow the scenic Camino Real (Royal Path) on a gentle three-hour trek to Salkantay Lodge (12,690 ft / 3,869 m). Take in sweeping mountain views as you acclimatize before settling into your first mountain retreat for dinner and overnight.

Trekking Time: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge

Guests may opt to transfer directly to the lodge instead of hiking.

Day 2: Trekking to Lake Humantay

After breakfast, begin your ascent above Salkantay Lodge toward the breathtaking Lake Humantay. The steady climb takes about 1.5 hours, revealing sweeping views before the lake’s striking turquoise waters and the towering Humantay Glacier come into view.

At the lake, take time to rest, enjoy a snack, and soak in the stillness of this sacred Andean setting. You’ll also participate in a traditional ceremony honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth), a meaningful cultural experience in the high mountains.

Descend back to Salkantay Lodge for a hot lunch prepared by the lodge staff. The afternoon is at leisure — unwind with a massage, relax in the outdoor hot tub, or simply take in sunset views of the dramatic Salkantay Peak.

Trekking Time: ~4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690 ft / 3,869 m)

Optional Experiences (additional cost):
• Chakana Excursion – Horseback and hiking combination to a panoramic lookout over the Salkantay River Valley marked by an Inca cross (replaces lake hike). ~5 hours
• Afternoon Horseback Ride – Leisurely 2-hour ride through Soraypampa

Note: While optional, we strongly recommend the Lake Humantay hike to help prepare for the more challenging ascent on Day 3.

Day 3: Salkantay Pass Expedition

Today is the most challenging — and most rewarding — day of your lodge-to-lodge Salkantay Trek.

After an early start, begin the steady ascent toward Salkantay Pass (15,213 ft / 4,636 m). Trek around the base of Humantay Peak, crossing high plateaus scattered with massive boulders — remnants of the once fast-flowing Rio Blanco Valley. The final stretch climbs steep switchbacks to the highest point of the journey, where sweeping Andean views make the effort worthwhile.

From the pass, descend through dramatic alpine terrain dotted with stone formations often wrapped in mist. After lunch, continue through rolling countryside and marsh-like highland plateaus before arriving at Wayra Lodge (12,812 ft / 3,906 m), your welcoming mountain retreat for the evening.

Trekking Time: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Wayra Lodge

Day 4: Descending into the Enchanted Cloud Forest

After a relaxed breakfast at Wayra Lodge, continue your descent along the Salkantay River into the lush cloud forest. The landscape shifts dramatically as warmer air rises from the jungle below, bringing vibrant orchids, colorful butterflies, and increasingly verdant scenery.

Along the trail, you’ll pass rural Andean homes and farmland, offering a glimpse into daily life in the highlands. By midday, arrive at Colpa Lodge (9,414 ft / 2,870 m), perched on a scenic promontory at the meeting point of three rivers.

You’ll be welcomed with a traditional Pachamanca lunch — a classic Peruvian feast slow-cooked underground with hot stones. The afternoon is yours to unwind: relax in the outdoor hot tub, soak up the sun, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding green mountains.

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Colpa Lodge

Day 5: Exploring the Santa Teresa River Valley

Today’s hike follows the Santa Teresa River Valley along a gently rolling trail through fertile fruit orchards and across clear streams fed by glacier waterfalls. Take a break beside the river for a light snack before continuing for another hour to meet your support vehicle.

From here, enjoy a short transfer to the base of the Llactapata Inca Trail, where stone steps lead up to Lucma Lodge (7,003 ft / 2,135 m). After a well-earned lunch at the lodge, visit a nearby organic coffee plantation to learn about traditional cultivation methods and sample some of the region’s renowned coffee.

As the day unfolds, you’ll feel another shift in climate — warmer air and rising humidity signal your approach to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.

Trekking Time: ~5.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lucma Lodge

Day 6: Lucmabamba - The First Glimpse of Machu Picchu

After breakfast, depart Lucma Lodge and begin a 2–3 hour climb through the cloud forest along original Inca stone steps. A dense green canopy shades the trail as the distant sound of rushing water signals the river below.

Reach Llactapata Pass (8,974 ft / 2,736 m), where a rare southeast view of Machu Picchu reveals itself — a perspective few trekkers experience. Explore the nearby Llactapata ruins, an ancient Inca tambo overlooking the valley, before enjoying a scenic picnic lunch with panoramic mountain views.

From here, descend along a zigzagging trail through bamboo forests, orchards, and coffee plantations to the Aobamba River. Cross the bridge in celebration as you complete the final stretch of the trek, then transfer to Hidroelectrica for a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.

Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Partner hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,040 m)

Day 7: The Majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu

Your final day begins with an early morning bus ride up to Machu Picchu, arriving as the mist lifts over the ancient citadel. Enter the sanctuary and prepare to be awed by its masterful stonework — from the Watchtower and Temple of the Sun to the royal residences and sacred plazas.

Enjoy a two-hour guided tour that brings the history and mystery of the Incas to life. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Those who secure permits may hike Huayna Picchu (8,924 ft / 2,720 m) or opt for Machu Picchu Mountain (10,112 ft / 3,082 m) for sweeping views over the Urubamba Valley and toward the Amazon basin (additional cost; subject to permit availability).

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the scenic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. As you return to the city, the sense of accomplishment and quiet connection to the Andes lingers long after the journey ends.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: Mountain hike permits are limited and should be reserved in advance.

Additional Details:

Rates are per person based on shared accommodations
Requested Single Room: subject to a 50% supplement in addition to the standard retail cost/per person.
Single traveler willing to share: No additional charge at MLP Lodges. A supplementary charge will apply at our affiliate hotels in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
A non-refundable deposit of US$500.00 per person is required to confirm a reservation
We recommend arriving in Cusco 1-2 days prior to your departure date for altitude acclimatization

Additional Trip Info

Transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 2 and from Ollantaytambo back to hotel in Cusco on Day 8.
Six (6) nights lodging: Five (5) nights in MLP lodges and one (1) night in Aguas Calientes (Inkaterra Pueblo or similar)
All meals except breakfast on Day 2 and dinner on Day 8.
Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) from Day 2 to Day 8. Tours are led in English.
Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by pack horses/mules and/or porters.
Guided visit to Machu Picchu (including entrance fee and transportation to site).
Train service to Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo.
Filtered water, tea, coffee, juice and soft drinks at all lodges (alcohol, sports drinks, and bottled water not included).
All Meals and beverages including soft drinks and a house selection of beer, wine, and spirits at the MLP Mountain lodges only.
Gratuities for the staff at the lodges and the staff in the field. Note: Gratuities for your guide are not included and are at your discretion.