You can now go on a great tour through the snowy Salkantay to one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World – Machu Picchu. We Highly Recommend to do this package that involves all the best Cusco, Peru Destinations.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay trek as one for the 25 Best Treks in the World.

(Exploring Humantay Lake and Hiking on Original Inca Trail to LLactapata Incan Site) Where you will see Machupicchu. A great Alternative Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu by Hiking and glamping in Eco Sky Dome National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay trek as one for the 25 Best Treks in the World. Mount Salkantay (or Nevado Salkantay / Salcantay) is one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco region and the highest mountain on the Vilcabamba Mountain range.

Hikkers on the Salkantay trail spend a day approaching the mountain from the south and then another day in close proximity to the mountain as they scale the Salkantay Pass, which at 4,600m provides amazing views into the valley below. Salkantay trek of 4 days and 3 nights is a great adventure that will allow you to appreciate Andean and lush green mountains (Cloud forest), streams, rivers and hot springs that will help you relax your body after the physically taxing walk. You can also feel the temperature change along the hiking mountain paths of the tour of Salkantay. You can also enjoy some snow in one of the highest points of the road, 4,630 mts/15, 228 feet above sea level. Finally, the last day (the fifth day) you will enjoy the Grand tour of Machu Picchu City.

STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 10:30 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco
HIKING DISTANCE: 20km
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Salkantay Trek requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days befor we begin the Salkantay Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha (for our Passengers and staff) Tourist Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Bus back to Cusco
ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 nights in Green Eco Dome ( Private Campsite of Domes at Soraypampa and Loreta La Playa ), 1 night in the hotel (Aguas Calientes), 04 nights in Cusco (at Quechuas Guesthouse B&B Private shower and Bathroom)
MEALS: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 2 tea times + wake-up teas
MACHUPICCHU: Machupicchu entrance fee Included.

Day 01: Arrive Cusco & Cusco City Tour (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisaq, Ollantaytambo & Chincheros (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
Day 03: Rainbow Mountain Ausangate Mountain (Overnight Hotel Cusco).
Day 04: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 05: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmacha – Chaullay – La Playa Loreta
Day 06: La Playa Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata incan site – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Day 07: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Day 08: Transfer Hotel to Airport or Terminal (End of the Service)

Why Choose Quechuas Expeditions?

We are 100% Peruvian Company (The Best Local Tour Operator)
We have the best top GUIDES in the Region
We have the best Cheffs/ Cooks
We have our own private campsites SKY LODGE DOMES (And we work with responsability protecting the natural area) Exclusive Salkantay Campsites for our passengers only
We are a reliable and certified company
Small Groups and Memorable Lifetime Experiences 100% Guarantee
We have special Itinerary to avoid the crowds and so many surprises to make your SALKANTAY trip memorable!!!

Sleep in comfort under the stars in our Ecofriendly Sky Green Eco Domes located in private campsite at Soraypampa and Loreta Campsite. Best Campsites Along the the Salkantay Trek.
02 Nights: Private Soraypampa and Loreta Playa Campsite at our Green Eco SKY DOME
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Hotel
Visit Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake
Hike the Original Inca Trail to LLactapata Incan site to see Machupicchu.
Enjoy the scenic views of Salkantay Snow Mountain
Make a small ritual for the Andean gods and learn about Incan religion
Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced top guides
Eat delicious, freshly prepared Peruvian cuisine (Buffet Peruvian Style Food)
Hike through the different types of landscapes and Sceneries, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys
Reach 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in elevation along the Salkantay Pass
Explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area with expert and knowledgeable tour top guides
Hike one of National Geographic’s 25 “World’s Best Treks”

Please, Note: We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

Please Note: For travellers who don’t have many days to hike, or for those who doesn’t feel fit enought to hike the Salkantay of 4 days. We have a great alternative salkantay trek and Humantay lake of 3 days conecting to machupicchu by train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. or salkantay and humantay lake 2 days sleeping in our domes.(Click here to see more info)

Private Tourist Transportation To Mollepata and Extra 1 hour minutes to get Challacancha better views and skip the dusty road. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
Private Transportation back from Soraypampa to Cusco and then Ollantaytambo/where we take the train to Aguas Calientes
Expeditions Train From Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Round Trip)
Machupicchu Entrance fee and Visit of Machupicchu
Rainbow Mountain Tour Includes all (Transportation, Breakfast, Lunch, Guide and entrance fees)
Sacred Valley and City Tour Includes Bus, Guide and Lunch.
01 Night Hotel Overnight in Aguas Calientes
04 Nights in Cusco Hotel Overnight in Aguas Calientes
English – Spanish speaking guide for 2 days on Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English Second Guide Over 16 people Group
2 Nights in Dome at SORAYPAMPA CAMPSITE and LORETA LA PLAYA( Twin bed room, Matrimonial bed room, 3 beds room, 4 beds room Accomodation)
Day 1: Soraypampa Campsite at our Geodesic dome
Day 2: Loreta La Playa Campsite at our Geodesic dome
Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas Expeditions every month)
Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months)
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
Food service in the campsites (2 breakfast,2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
Salkantay Trek & Humantay entrance fees, valid for 3 days
Insurance policy of life for porters and cooks.
Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco(2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the salkantay trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Trail)
Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
Pre trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on 1st Day and Lunch Dinner on day 6
Salkantay Entrance Fee (10 soles)
The Cuzco Visitor’s Ticket (known as Boleto Turistico – Tourist Pass 130 soles) – which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco.16 Places aprox.

DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)

UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$20. Please send us a a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

UPGRADES:

Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$30 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
MachuPicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$30 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bed room (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS

Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
(Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip

ADITIONAL INFO:

BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

Sleeping Bag (Goose down)

$25

Walking Poles

$20

Day Back Pack (30-40 Liters)

$20

Huaynapicchu Mountain (See Availability)

$70

Machupicchu Mountain(See Availability)

$70

Upgraded Vistadome (First Class Train))

$45

Upgraded to 3 stars hotel (Night 4)

$40

Hotel Quechuas Guesthouse before Hike

$25

Hotel Quechuas Guesthouse After Hike

$25

Day 1
Day 1
Cusco City Tour (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)
Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (No meals included)
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day 2
day 2
Sacred Valley of the Inkas (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)
Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley visiting: the colorful Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color and tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills on the free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km (19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley and followed by Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied of the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant and after we explore Ollantaytambo we return to cusco stopping in chincheros
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Day 3
Day 3
Rainbow Mountain Ausangate Mountain (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)
We will pick you up early from your Cusco hotel and set out on a drive through the South Valley. The drive to the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3 hours long. Once we reach the Inkintuyoc bridge, we will have a fueling continental breakfast. We then start off on our hike, following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by literally herds of alpacas and llamas. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will hike through villages and interact with the local residents. We will stop for a deluxe box lunch along the trail. Back on the trail, we encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. This includes potato fields and unique fauna. We have the prospect of seeing chinchillas and vicunas. Vicunas are the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru. Many red mountains are also a highlight of this portion of the hike. After a total hike of approximately 5 hours, we finally reach our destination, what we came to see….the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 4 to 5 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return. We will embark on the 3 hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is between 4 and 5 PM aprox.
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day 4
day 4
Salkantay Day 4: Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
We pick you up from your hotel Between 4:30 a.m to 5:00am to drive for about 2 hours to Mollepata where we stop to have breakfast. Then we keep driving 1 hour to Challacancha where start our Salkantay trek. As soon as we are at Challacancha while you get ready to walk. The cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get Soraypampa where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! After Lunch We will begin our Hike up to Humantay Lake, and hen back to Soraypampa our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped – mountain of Cusco.

1ST DAY: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7- 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)
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Day 5
Day 5
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – Loreta La playa coffee camp
After having our Salkantay Trek early breakfast we start walking about 6:00 am, because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach Chaullay Where we take our Local transportation for 1 hour to Get our La Playa Loreta Coffe Campsite. The Reason we stay at this campsite is because the next day we will climb up to a mountain where you will find one of the most beautiful inca trail site which is known as Llactapata. You will also see Machu Picchu City from this point.

2ND DAY: Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)
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Day 6
Day 6
Loreta La playa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
We will have breakfast at 6:00am and leave our camping spot of La Playa Loreta. We walk up on a original Inca Trail to Llactapata site where you will get a chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful place to see Machupicchu) then We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station for Lunch. And after the lunch we keep walking about two and half hours till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek.

Please note: (For those who dont want to hike via this trail. There is a chance to take a bus to Santa Teresa and do an adventure sport of zip lining and Canopy and then transfered to hydroelectric station for Lunch and meet the group.) This has an extra Price of US$40 per person.

3RD DAY: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hotel (aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)
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Day 7
Day 7
Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco!!!
Salkantay trek important day! We wake up early morning about 4am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and Start to walk up to Machupicchu which takes 1 and half hours up to machupicchu. But there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30am to Machupicchu. (it takes 25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying machupicchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.

4TH DAY: Total distance: 6 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hour
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
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Day 8
Day 8
Cusco – Airport
Early Morning we tranfer to the Cusco airport to take a flight ( End of the Service)
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Day 1

Cusco City Tour (Overnight Hotel in Cusco)

Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (No meals included)

Quechuas Expeditions Peru

21 reviews

Quechuas Expeditions is a travel agency in cusco which its first objective is the conservation the Inca Culture and the ecological preservation of the planet. Our tours are extremely flexible according to what the client wishes to get out of his/her trip. They range regular between 4 to 8 days in length, but it can be extended for more days. Quechuas expeditions have professional multilingual guides (including the manager), local guides working as tour assistants who also participate in the expeditions, professional cooks

We ended up doing the 3 day / 2 night Inca Trail Challenge that Quechas Expeditions offers and it was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Fernando, our guide, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about everything historical and technical. He made sure we were well equipped and comfortable the whole journey, and helped make this a unique experience we’ll remember forever. Armando “Taco”, our chef, would not be out of place at any of Peru’s finest restaurants. The food was plentiful and genuinely full of flavor, and each meal was unique. The food never went to waste when we couldn’t finish either. Lastly, the porters were top notch. The crew was extremely professional and polite, their hard work made all the difference. Even with the fast-paced 3 day hike, they kept up without any complaints! We also did the Hauyna Picchu Mountain hike once we were at Machu Picchu. It is a very steep, rather difficult hike especially once you have already done multiples days before. Took about 1.5 hours in total but we were moving quick. The top is a very rewarding review of Machu Picchu and I would recommend it to anyone that wants a little extra challenge. I would 100% recommend Quechas Expeditions to anyone considering the Inca Trail hike, and if we ever return we will certainly do another experience through them!

By Joseph M for 3 Day Inca Trail to Machupicchu KM 82 Challenge on Feb 04, 2025

Our Guide, Belisario, was phenomenal. His knowledge and personal service all along the way, made this an unforgettable experience. The food was superior, and our itinerary allowed us to travel this trail completely by ourselves with a peaceful serenity. Top Notch!!

By Carrie H for 3 Day Inca Trail to Machupicchu KM 82 Challenge on Nov 12, 2024

AMAZING time on this ATV tour. It started with a quick lesson on the quads and then a drive through town to see to Morays. After that, we had transportation to the Salt Museum and then the Salt Mines. It was a great way to explore these two sites!

By Kelly S for PAYMENT FOR ATV TOUR X7 TRAVELERS on Oct 07, 2024

Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes is a great, once in a lifetime trip! However, we strongly advise booking with a different travel company. We encountered several administrative mistakes from this company, including many things advertised in the package on their website that were either misrepresented or never delivered. They messed up our tickets getting into the Machupicchu trail and gave us tickets with different people's information causing a 2.5 hour delay that the guide has to sort out. When this was brought to their attention they denied responsibility and blamed it on other issues when it was very very clearly their administrative issue (they handed us the envelope with the tickets in them and neglected to double check they were correct the day before we embarked on the trek). They also did not arrange the private transportation that we purchased in the package from Ollantaytambo station after the trek back the hotel. They again denied responsibility for this and argued with us trying to claim that that wasn't included in what we purchased. We were stuffed into a public car with other people which was an uncomfortable experience and it was very clear the company neglected to arrange the taxi for us beforehand. We had to send them screenshots of the package advertised on their website detailing what was included in the package we bought that clearly said private transportation for this leg of the trip. Most of the experience was good but these were 2 huge issues that we do not think is acceptable for a travel company that deals with Machupicchu travelers daily should be having. Additionally, our experience in dealing with them afterwards was not great as they would not communicate with us for several days and would deny responsibility for what happened. After agreeing to compensate us with a partial refund, I had to follow up and remind them for weeks to send the refund they offered us and agreed on.

By Phoenix T for 2 Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu km 104 with hotel on Sep 08, 2024

Great tour company! Transportation and pick up was easy. The sky dome's were beautiful, clean, and spacious. My husband is 6.6 feet tall and had a lot of room to walk around. Great view of the mountains. So grateful our dome had a private shower! Ronaldo was a great tour guide, and always made sure we were happy and feeling well. The cook made delicious soups, gave us big portions, and offered a variety of things to eat. Could not have asked for a better experience and would recommend to all.