Luxury Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Day Sky Lodge Dome Experience

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. We will travel approximately 2 hours to the village of Mollepata, where you will enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast before continuing for another hour to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.

Upon arrival, our trekking team — including the chef and horsemen — will organize and load all camping and cooking equipment while you prepare for the journey ahead. The hike begins with a gradual uphill walk through breathtaking Andean scenery. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, we arrive at Soraypampa, where a delicious lunch will be served with panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped peaks of Humantay Mountain (4,120 m / 13,500 ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,575 ft).

In the afternoon, we continue with an unforgettable hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its brilliant turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic glacier landscapes. After exploring the lake and taking in the incredible views, we return to Soraypampa, where you will spend the night in our exclusive Sky Lodge Domes. Located at approximately 3,800 meters (12,467 ft), this is one of the highest and most scenic campsites of the journey, nestled beneath the imposing presence of the sacred Salkantay Mountain.

Day 1 Details

• Total distance: Approximately 15 km / 9.3 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 7–8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Campsite altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

After an early breakfast at camp, we begin one of the most spectacular days of the journey. At approximately 6:30 a.m., we start our ascent toward the legendary Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft).

The hike takes around 4 hours uphill along breathtaking mountain trails surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery. As we approach the pass, you will be rewarded with extraordinary panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain rising on one side and the impressive Tucarhuay Mountain on the other. Due to the high altitude, there is occasionally snow in this area, creating an even more unforgettable atmosphere.

After reaching the summit, there will be time to rest, take photographs, and fully appreciate the beauty and spiritual energy of the Andes before descending along the same scenic route back to Soraypampa. Upon arrival, a freshly prepared lunch will be served while you relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.

In the afternoon, private transportation will take us back through the Sacred Valley region to our exclusive Huaypo Sky Lodge Dome, where you will spend the evening surrounded by peaceful landscapes and comfort after an incredible day in the mountains.

Day 3: Huaypo Sky Lodge – Short Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Your day begins very early in the morning with a departure at approximately 4:30 a.m. from Huaypo Sky Lodge Dome. We travel by private transportation to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we board the scenic train toward KM 104, the starting point of the legendary Short Inca Trail.

Upon arrival, we begin our unforgettable trek through lush cloud forests and ancient Inca pathways. The first section of the hike takes approximately 3 hours and leads us to the remarkable archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Inca ruins along the trail. Along the route, you will enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, subtropical vegetation, and stunning waterfalls cascading through the valley.

After exploring the site and enjoying lunch surrounded by nature, we continue hiking for approximately 2 additional hours toward the iconic Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. From here, you will experience your first panoramic view of the majestic Machu Picchu — an unforgettable moment and one of the highlights of the journey.

Finally, we descend by bus to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s guided exploration of Machu Picchu.

Day 3 Details

• Total distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 5–6 hours
• Highest altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Starting point: KM 104
• Ending point: Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will take the bus up to the majestic Machu Picchu for a guided exploration of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival at the main entrance, your original passport will be checked together with your entrance ticket, so it is essential to carry your physical passport with you.

As the morning sunlight begins to illuminate the ancient stone walls, you will witness the magical atmosphere of Machu Picchu emerging through the clouds — an unforgettable and truly breathtaking experience. Your guide will provide a fascinating introduction to the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.

During the guided tour, you will visit some of the most important sectors of the citadel, including the ceremonial temples, agricultural terraces, sacred plazas, and the royal residential area, while learning about the extraordinary engineering and cultural legacy of the Incas.

After the guided visit, you will have free time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and take photographs of the ancient sanctuary at your own pace. Travelers who have reserved additional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will receive directions from the guide to the corresponding trail entrance.

Once you have fully enjoyed the experience, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to relax, have lunch, or explore the charming town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the station and transfer you comfortably back to your accommodation in Cusco.

Day 4 Details

• Total distance: Approximately 4 km / 2.5 miles
• Estimated walking time: 1–2 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft