The day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers for a pre-trek briefing. This session provides all the key information you need, gives you a chance to ask questions, and ensures you're well-prepared for the journey ahead. You'll also receive the duffel bag in which you'll pack the belongings that porters will carry throughout the trek. Get ready—your adventure is about to begin! Walking distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) + 7 km (4.35 mi) - Duration: 4 hours & 2 hours - Maximum elevation: 4200 m. (13780 feet) - Your adventure begins early, with your guide picking you up between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. Once everyone is on board, you’ll set off on a scenic minibus ride, enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-covered Salkantay and Humantay mountains along the way. Your first stop is the charming town of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day. From there, the journey continues to Challacancha.

Around 9:30 AM, the trek officially begins as you set off from Challacancha toward Soraypampa base camp. This stretch takes you through scenic valleys and rolling landscapes. After approximately 14 kilometers of hiking, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa, where lunch will be served and where you’ll spend the night. Once at camp, you can drop off your gear and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll begin the climb to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon. The hike takes about an hour and a half, ascending to an impressive altitude of 13,845 feet (4,220 meters)—the highest point of the day and a highlight of the entire trek. After taking in the stunning views, you’ll make your way back to camp, a descent that takes under an hour.

Around 18:00 we will be back at the camp, where we will have tea together. Afterward, the cook will serve dinner at 19:30 and we will be able to retire to our cabins where we will have a well-deserved rest.