Highlights
- Follow a route linking Mollepata, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Salkantay Pass, Chaullay, Lucmabamba with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Llactapata, Machu Picchu, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for stone and packed-earth paths, steep high-altitude slopes, humid forest tracks and railway-side walking, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with Mollepata, Soraypampa-area settlements, Chaullay and Lucmabamba, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a pre-departure briefing that explains altitude, weather, equipment and the next stage’s physical demands.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Region | Cusco |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Cusco unless the final itinerary states another city |
| Maximum altitude | about 4,630 m / 15,190 ft |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Terrain | stone and packed-earth paths, steep high-altitude slopes, humid forest tracks and railway-side walking |
| Main transport | road transfer, supported trekking, optional local train segments, shuttle bus and tourist train |
| Accommodation | three trekking camps and one hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in a high Andean trek that finishes at Machu Picchu.
- Main places: Mollepata, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, cloud forest and Machu Picchu.
- Physical demand: challenging, with terrain including high-altitude trails, loose stone, forest paths and humid descents.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
An early road transfer crosses the Anta plains toward Mollepata, where the support team organizes breakfast and final supplies. The vehicle continues toward Challacancha, the usual starting area for the first walk. The trail rises gradually beside irrigation channels and open slopes toward Soraypampa. After lunch and camp setup, hikers with enough energy may continue to Humantay Lake. That optional ascent is steep and cold; moving slowly is more useful than trying to match another person’s pace. Back at camp, temperatures fall quickly after sunset beneath Humantay and Salkantay. Day highlight: Reach Soraypampa after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: private or shared tourist vehicle to the trailhead – Walking: about 10–13 km / 6–8 mi, depending on the Humantay side hike – Camp altitude: about 3,900 m / 12,795 ft – Terrain: packed earth, loose stone and a steep optional lake ascent – Meals: lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayraqmachay – Chaullay
This is the hardest day. The trail climbs through high puna toward Salkantay Pass, with cold wind, strong sun and thin air often present at the same time. The team keeps a measured rhythm and pauses before the final ascent. From the pass, ice, rock and the eastern slopes of Salkantay fill the horizon. A long descent follows to Wayraqmachay for lunch, then the landscape softens as grassland gives way to cloud forest. The final section can be wet and muddy before reaching Chaullay, where warmer air and thicker vegetation mark a major ecological change. Day highlight: Reach Chaullay after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 20–22 km / 12–14 mi – Highest point: about 4,630 m / 15,190 ft – Walking time: about 8–10 hours – Terrain: steep high-altitude trail, loose rock and humid descent – Camp altitude: about 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Chaullay – Collpapampa – Cloud Forest – Lucmabamba
The route follows a warmer valley through forest, streams and small farming areas. Coffee, fruit and flowering plants replace the sparse vegetation of the pass. The ground is less steep than the previous day but humidity, insects and occasional mud remain part of the walk. The guide can explain how local families manage coffee and other crops in the upper jungle. At Lucmabamba, the group settles into camp and prepares for the next morning’s ascent toward Llactapata. Day highlight: Reach Lucmabamba after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 15–18 km / 9–11 mi – Walking time: about 5–7 hours – Terrain: forest path, stream crossings, mud and village tracks – Climate: warm and humid – Camp altitude: about 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu Pueblo
A morning climb follows sections of an old path toward Llactapata. On a clear day, the viewpoint gives the first distant line of Machu Picchu across the valley. The descent toward Hidroeléctrica is steep in places and can be slippery after rain. After lunch, travelers continue beside the railway toward Machu Picchu Pueblo, or use an optional short train when arranged. The final walk is mostly level, shaded and humid. A hotel room, shower and briefing provide a practical reset before the Machu Picchu entry. Day highlight: Reach Machu Picchu Pueblo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 20–24 km / 12–15 mi when completed fully on foot – Walking time: about 7–9 hours – Terrain: forest ascent, steep descent and level railway-side path – Accommodation: hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo – Meals: breakfast and lunch; dinner according to the confirmed package
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The day follows the entry time and route printed on the Machu Picchu ticket. A shuttle bus usually carries the group from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the entrance, where the guide leads the confirmed circuit and explains the main sectors permitted on that route. Mountain tickets require separate timing and do not replace the need to respect the main circuit. After leaving the site, the group returns to town, boards the scheduled train and meets the road transfer at the arrival station for the final journey to Cusco. Day highlight: Complete the return to cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Guided entry: according to the ticket route and official time slot – Altitude: about 2,430 m / 7,972 ft – Transport: shuttle bus, tourist train and road transfer – Terrain: stone stairs and uneven paths – Meals: breakfast
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Sleeping bag rental: quoted according to temperature rating and route length
- Trekking-pole rental: quoted per pair
- Personal tent or single-room supplement: quoted on request
- Extra pack animal or porter service: subject to route rules and advance booking
- Panoramic train upgrade: quoted according to operator, route and departure
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or another mountain route: separate ticket, limited capacity and advance confirmation required
- Additional guided mountain route: quoted separately because the main guide service may not cover it
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability depends on the selected date, entry time and ticket route. Booking up to six months ahead is advised. A late booking may require a different route, time, train or extra night, and Andean Peru Treks cannot guarantee the traveler’s preferred option after official inventory sells out.
Health and Travel Restrictions
This route requires preparation and may involve high altitude, steep ascents, long descents, cold, heat, mud or remote terrain. It is not appropriate for an unassessed heart, respiratory, neurological or serious joint condition. Older travelers and anyone with a relevant medical history should obtain approval from their treating doctor. Pregnancy, recent surgery or an injury that changes balance or load-bearing must be reported before booking.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is three trekking camps and one hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses road transfer, supported trekking, optional local train segments, shuttle bus and tourist train.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Trekking support team appropriate to the route
- Meals stated in the final itinerary, prepared by the trekking cook when applicable
- Group camping equipment: tents, dining shelter, kitchen equipment and basic hygiene setup
- Boiled or treated water from the stated service day onward
- Duffel bag and permitted cargo allowance when stated in the booking
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Personal sleeping bag, trekking poles and inflatable mattress unless the package states otherwise
- Extra porter, pack animal or baggage above the confirmed limit
- Breakfast on the first day and meals after the final included meal, unless stated otherwise
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US $965 per person |
| 2 travelers | US $620 per person |
| 3 travelers | US $560 per person |
| 4 travelers | US $525 per person |
| 5 travelers | US $500 per person |
| 6 travelers | US $485 per person |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around stone and packed-earth paths, steep high-altitude slopes, humid forest tracks and railway-side walking, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through Mollepata, Soraypampa-area settlements, Chaullay and Lucmabamba, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Trekking meals: The cooking team works with safe food-handling procedures and varied menus. Dietary needs must be reported before departure; extensive private-menu customization may carry an added cost.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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