The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most rewarding adventure journeys — a 7-day lodge-to-lodge experience that follows a historic section of Inca trail through dramatic Andean landscapes, cloud forests, high mountain passes, and lush valleys on the way to Machu Picchu.

For travelers seeking a more immersive alternative to the classic route, this trek offers the rare opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Andes without giving up comfort. With Mountain Lodges of Peru, each day on the trail ends with warm hospitality, gourmet meals, and the comfort of thoughtfully designed mountain lodges.

Created from the vision of our founder Enrique Umbert Sr., this journey was designed for travelers who want to go deeper into the Andean wilderness while still enjoying a premium trekking experience.

A Lodge-to-Lodge Trek Designed for Adventure and Comfort

What makes The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu unlike any other trek in Peru is the balance between challenge and comfort. Over the course of the journey, travelers cross diverse ecosystems, trek over high-altitude mountain passes, visit remote communities, and experience the changing landscapes that lead toward Machu Picchu.

This is trekking in Peru elevated — adventurous, authentic, and deeply comfortable.

Salkantay Lodge: Where the Journey Begins

Located in Soraypampa at 12,690 feet / 3,869 meters, Salkantay Lodge is the first overnight stop on the journey. Set beneath the sacred peaks of Salkantay and Humantay, it offers a powerful introduction to the high Andes.

From here, travelers can hike to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, one of the most beautiful natural highlights of the route. After the hike, the lodge offers time to relax, acclimate, and take in the mountain views before the more demanding stages of the trek begin.

Wayra Lodge: Crossing the High Andes

After crossing the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at over 15,000 feet, travelers arrive at Wayra Lodge, located in the remote mountain setting of Wayraccmachay.

Its name means “wind” in Quechua, a reflection of the powerful landscape that surrounds it. After one of the most challenging and memorable days of the journey, Wayra Lodge offers a warm and quiet place to recover while surrounded by the raw beauty of the Andes.

Colpa Lodge: Entering the Cloud Forest

As the trail descends into greener landscapes, Colpa Lodge welcomes travelers into the cloud forest at 9,414 feet / 2,870 meters. Set at the confluence of three rivers, the lodge marks the transition from high-altitude mountain scenery to a warmer and more tropical environment.

One of the highlights of this stop is the traditional Pachamanca lunch, a Peruvian meal cooked underground with hot stones. It is a memorable way to experience local culinary traditions after days of trekking

Lucma Lodge: The Final Lodge Before Machu Picchu

Located in Lucmabamba at 7,003 feet / 2,135 meters, Lucma Lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation, fruit orchards, and the warm air of the high jungle.

From here, travelers continue toward Llactapata Pass, where the first distant views of Machu Picchu appear. This moment creates a powerful sense of anticipation before the final arrival at the ancient citadel.

Why Choose The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

For travelers seeking a more meaningful way to reach Machu Picchu, The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and discovery. This lodge-to-lodge journey takes you far beyond the ordinary, through high Andean landscapes, cloud forests, ancient trails, and remote mountain settings, while giving you the comfort of warm hospitality, gourmet meals, outdoor jacuzzis, massages, and expert guidance throughout the experience.

More than a trek, it is a deeply rewarding journey designed for travelers who want to feel connected to the Andes before arriving at Peru’s most iconic destination. By the time you reach Machu Picchu, the citadel becomes more than a place to visit — it becomes the powerful reward at the end of a path filled with challenge, beauty, and transformation.

Ready to experience The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? Contact us and let our travel specialists help you plan your journey.