Tour Details:
Embark on the Salkantay Adventure – 4 Days in Sky Domes to Machu Picchu, an unforgettable journey that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. This alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and comfort, all while avoiding the crowds and permits required for other routes.
From the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to the towering snow-capped peak of Salkantay Mountain, you’ll trek through high-altitude passes, cloud forests, and lush jungle terrain. At night, rest in our exclusive Sky Domes, where you can stargaze from the comfort of your bed while surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Along the way, explore hidden Inca sites, pass through traditional Andean villages, and end your adventure with a guided tour of the legendary Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Highlights:
- Trek through stunning landscapes including snow-capped mountains, cloud forests, and lush high jungle.
- Marvel at the incredible views of Salkantay Mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes.
- Visit the spectacular Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise glacial waters.
- Spend your nights in luxurious Sky Domes, offering comfort, panoramic views, and a unique connection with nature.
- Discover Andean culture and native flora, including orchids, coffee plantations, and medicinal plants.
- Relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs after a long day of hiking (optional).
- Explore Machu Picchu with a professional guide and enjoy the most iconic views of the Inca citadel.
- A perfect alternative to the Inca Trail—no permits required and fewer crowds.
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Your Salkantay adventure begins early, with pick-up from your hotel between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM. We’ll drive for about 2 hours to the town of Mollepata, where we’ll stop to enjoy a delicious breakfast and stretch our legs.
We then continue to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the official starting point of our trek. From here, we begin a scenic 3-hour hike toward our base camp in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), where a nutritious lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, we head toward the stunning Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,850 ft) on a 1.5-hour uphill hike. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of green valleys, glacial rivers, and the towering Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Our expert guide will share fascinating insights about the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Once at the lagoon, you’ll have plenty of time to rest, explore, and take in the tranquil beauty of this sacred place before we descend back to Soraypampa.
At our exclusive Sky Dome campsite, you’ll be welcomed with a warm cup of coca tea and a freshly prepared Andean dinner. Rest comfortably in your panoramic glass-roof dome as you fall asleep under the stars.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Max Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,850 ft
- Accommodation: Sky Dome at Soraypampa
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
We’ll start the day early with a wake-up call at 4:30 AM, followed by a hearty breakfast at 5:00 AM to fuel up for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
At 6:00 AM, we begin our ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the entire route. This 3-hour uphill hike offers spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. At the summit, we’ll take time to rest, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and absorb the energy of the Andes.
We then begin our descent through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, where we’ll encounter a small glacial lake and fascinating high-altitude ecosystems. After a 2-hour descent, we arrive at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) for a well-deserved lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue descending for another 3 hours into the lush high jungle, where the landscape transforms dramatically. The temperature becomes warmer, and the vegetation more abundant as we reach Collpapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), our campsite for the night.
Here, you’ll be welcomed with tea time and a delicious hot dinner. You’ll spend the night in our comfortable domes, surrounded by the sounds of the Peruvian cloud forest.
- Hiking Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
- Max Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
- Accommodation: Dome at Collpapampa
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Lucmabamba – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
After a rejuvenating night in our jungle domes, we’ll begin the day with a freshly prepared breakfast. Then, we’ll start our 5 to 6-hour hike along a scenic route through the high jungle. This part of the trail features a mix of gentle ascents and descents, surrounded by lush cloud forest, coffee plantations, and tropical fruit trees.
Along the way, our guide will explain the traditional uses of native plants and you’ll witness local agricultural life up close. We’ll pass through various small communities and have opportunities to learn about coffee cultivation and taste fresh local produce.
Around midday, we’ll arrive at Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll stop for lunch and a short rest. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey with a 3-hour walk along the train tracks, a flat and scenic path bordered by towering cliffs and the Urubamba River, until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft).
Upon arrival, we’ll check in to a comfortable 3-star hotel and have time to shower and relax. In the evening, we’ll meet for dinner at a local restaurant and receive a detailed briefing about the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Max Elevation: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for—the magical visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
We’ll wake up early around 4:30 a.m. to enjoy a light breakfast before beginning the 1.5-hour hike up to the citadel. For those who prefer, there is an optional bus service available from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu (30-minute ride, $12 USD not included).
At the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, you’ll need to present your original passport, Machu Picchu ticket, and Student ID if applicable. From there, we continue the final ascent to the main entrance of the sanctuary, arriving around 6:00 a.m. to be among the first visitors of the day.
Once inside, your professional guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour through the most iconic areas of Machu Picchu, including temples, plazas, and astronomical centers. You’ll also have time to enjoy the panoramic views and take the classic postcard photo.
After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore on your own or, if you have reserved in advance, hike either Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hrs) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hrs) (not included, limited availability, $70 USD).
Once finished, return to Aguas Calientes to retrieve your luggage and enjoy lunch (not included). Later, we’ll board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. depending on your schedule.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles (approx., if walking up and down)
- Max Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)
- Transport: Expedition train + private vehicle to Cusco
Included / Excluded
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco.
- Professional bilingual guide throughout the trek.
- Complete camping equipment.
- First Aid Kit and emergency oxygen supply.
- 24/7 customer service support.
- Comfortable sky domes with inflatable mattress, blankets, and pillows.
- Duffel bag to carry your personal belongings and sleeping bag (carried by horses).
- Rain cover for your backpack.
- Personal hygiene products.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- All meals during the trek: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (freshly prepared by a mountain chef).
- Wake-up tea and afternoon tea time (hot drinks and snacks).
- Daily snacks on the trail.
- Boiled and purified drinking water throughout the trek.
- Horses to carry personal gear (Days 1 to 3).
- Team of muleteers and porters.
- Entrance ticket to the Salkantay Trek.
- Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Expedition class train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4).
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Breakfast in Mollepata on the first day.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, must be booked in advance).
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (if you choose not to hike; optional $12 USD).
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the staff (guide, cook, muleteers).
What to Bring:
- Original passport (required for trail checkpoints)
- Valid student ID (if applicable, for potential discounts)
- Warm sleeping bag (rated to at least -8°C / 17°F)
- Sturdy hiking boots (well broken-in and waterproof)
- Layered clothing for variable temperatures, especially at night
- Insulated jacket, thermal base layers, and trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and a warm hat for cold nights
- Rain poncho and/or waterproof rain jacket (especially important in rainy season)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
- Plastic bags to organize items and protect from moisture
- Garbage bags to line your backpack and keep items dry
- Toiletries, biodegradable soap, toilet paper, and a small towel
- Bathing suit (for optional hot springs visit)
- Reusable water bottle (optional: water purification tablets or filter)
- Personal first-aid kit and any prescribed medications
- Small whistle for emergency signaling
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Extra cash for snacks, souvenirs, and optional tips
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended; available for rent)
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
