Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu, visiting the Humantay Lake, breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers, and following in the footsteps of the Incas along the off the beaten path to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is Listed among the 25 best hikes globally by National Geographic Travel Magazine and undoubtedly one of the best alternative treks in Cusco. You'll encounter lakes, glaciers, many different landscapes, orchids, coffee farms, and venture into the dense cloud forest. The best choice, if the Classic Inca Trail is sold out, and you want to be off the beaten path.
Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Basecamp.- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am and journey to Soraypampa (3870 m / 12696 ft). After breakfast, You'll hike for 2 hours up to Humantay Lake. Explore the beautiful views. Then, another 4 hours to the Campsite at Salkantaypampa (4000 m /13123 ft).
Day 2: Basecamp - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa.- Wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee or tea. Then, hike for 2-hours to the highest point of the trek at Salkantay Pass (4630 m / 15190 ft); once reaching the top, you'll take some time to explore and enjoy the views of the snowcapped peaks. From here, descend for 2 hours to the second campsite at Collpapampa (2800 m / 9186 ft).
Day 3: Collpapampa - Lucmabamba - Llaqtapata.- After breakfast, continue for 3 hours downhill through the Salkantay River Valley, passing waterfalls and varied flora and fauna. Lunch is a special Pachamanca underground barbecue followed by a coffee tour. After lunch, you'll hike for 3 hours up along an ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata. Camp in front of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Llaqtapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes.- Today, you'll wake up, open your tent and see Machu Picchu. After breakfast, You'll start an easy 2 hours downhill to Hidroelectica and then head to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you'll visit the Sundial, Mandor farms, and hike around Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel.
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco.- Discover Machu Picchu with an exclusive guided tour of the citadel before the crowds arrive. Your expert tour guide will take you to the most beautiful places in Machu Picchu for about 3 hours. In the afternoon, board the Visatdome panoramic train back to Cusco.
Optional hikes after Machu Picchu guided tour:
Huayna Picchu Mountain – Needs to be booked far in advance, takes 2 hours round trip, $75 extra per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain – Needs to be booked in advance, takes 3 hours round trip, $75 extra per person.