5-Day Salkantay Trek with SkyDomes

Full itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa (SkyDome)

5:00 a.m. – Hotel Pick-Up and Drive to Mollepata
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll embark on a scenic drive through the Andean countryside, passing the village of Mollepata, where you’ll stop for breakfast and prepare for the trek.

After breakfast, continue your drive to Challacancha, where the trek begins. Hike through breathtaking valleys, with views of snow-capped peaks and lush landscapes. You’ll arrive at Soraypampa in the afternoon, where your SkyDome accommodation awaits.

After lunch, take an optional hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake, located at the base of the Humantay Mountain. This short but steep hike rewards you with incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Return to Soraypampa for a hearty dinner and enjoy a night under the stars in your glass-roofed SkyDome with spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

• Elevation: 12,631 feet (3,850 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 5 miles (8 kilometers) | Optional Hike to Humantay Lake: 2 miles (3 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Overnight: SkyDome in Soraypampa

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa (SkyDome)

5:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Start of the Trek
Fuel up with breakfast as you prepare for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You’ll ascend to the highest point, the Salkantay Pass.

After a steep ascent, reach the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet (4,638 meters), with breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Take time to appreciate the beauty and snap some photos before descending into the cloud forest.

Enjoy lunch at Wayracmachay, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and continue your descent through varied ecosystems, from alpine terrain to lush forests.
Arrive at Colpapampa, nestled in a tropical cloud forest. Settle into your SkyDome, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Dinner will be served at camp.

• Elevation: 9,842 feet (3,000 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 12 miles (19 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Overnight: SkyDome in Colpapampa

Day 3: Colpapampa – Llucmabamba (SkyDome)

6:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Start of the Trek
Today’s hike takes you through lush cloud forests, where you’ll experience a dramatic change in scenery as you descend into the warmer, tropical regions of the Andes.

As you hike, you’ll pass waterfalls, rivers, and a wide variety of flora and fauna, including orchids and hummingbirds. The trail winds through plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados.

Arrive in Llucmabamba, a charming village, where you’ll visit a local coffee farm and learn about the traditional coffee-growing process. After the tour, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee before a delicious lunch.

Relax in your SkyDome at Llucmabamba, surrounded by lush greenery, or take an optional walk through the village to interact with locals.

• Elevation: 7,217 feet (2,200 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 9 miles (15 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Overnight: SkyDome in Llucmabamba

Day 4: Llucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes (Hotel)

5:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Hike to Llaqtapata
After breakfast, begin your ascent to the Llaqtapata Pass, where you’ll have a unique perspective of Machu Picchu from afar.

Arrive at the Llaqtapata ruins, an ancient Inca site that offers stunning views of both Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys. Your guide will explain the significance of this hidden gem, which is often missed by most visitors to the area.

Descend to the Hydroelectric Station, where you’ll enjoy lunch before continue hiking or boarding a train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. You can explore the town, visit the hot springs, or simply rest in preparation for your Machu Picchu visit the next day.

• Elevation: 6,561 feet (2,000 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 10 miles (16 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco

5:30 a.m. – Early Bus Ride to Machu Picchu
Wake up early for breakfast and take the bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to watch the sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.

Once inside, your guide will lead you on a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its temples, terraces, and plazas. You’ll learn about the history and significance of this world-famous archaeological site.

Optional Hike
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to hike the mountain on your own. For those who booked in advance, you can opt for an additional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views.

Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at a local restaurant (not included) or explore the town.
In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo and then take a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable Salkantay Trek adventure.

• Elevation at Machu Picchu: 7,972 feet (2,430 meters)
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Overnight: Cusco