Day 1 | Horseback Riding to Humantay Lake to Soraypampa Sky Domes
We depart Cusco at 4:30 am, traveling through the Anta plains toward the high valley of Soraypampa, gateway to the Salkantay region. Breakfast in Mollepata. On arrival at base camp at 3,900 meters, our horses and experienced arrieros prepare the equipment for the first riding stage.
The Experience: Ride steadily toward Humantay Lake, one of the most striking alpine lakes in Peru. The trail climbs gradually through open mountain terrain until brilliant turquoise waters appear beneath Humantay Glacier at 4,200 meters. Arriving on horseback allows you to reach this viewpoint without the usual uphill hike that day trippers from Cusco do. You have one hour to explore and photograph the lake. We return to Soraypampa by hiking downhill.
The Night: Check into your private Sky Dome at the foot of the glaciers. Enjoy chef prepared dinner and watch sunset illuminate the glaciers before a clear Andean night filled with stars. Queen bed, electric blanket and private toilet inside.
Stats: Activity Horseback and Hiking | Riding time 1 to 1.5 hours | Max altitude 4,200m at Humantay Lake
Day 2 | Salkantay Pass Ride and Trek to Colpapampa
After breakfast we saddle up again for the most iconic segment of the entire route.
The Experience: Ride through high Andean valleys toward legendary Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, highest point of the Salkantay trail. Prayer flags mark the summit where massive glacial walls surround you and the scale of the Andes becomes clear. We do a small Apacheta ceremony to thank the mountains. From here the journey changes character. We begin trekking descent, leaving alpine puna behind and entering greener valleys where waterfalls, orchids and cloud forest vegetation appear. Horses carry your duffel, you carry daypack only.
The Stay: By afternoon we arrive at our Colpapampa Sky Domes camp at 2,850 meters deep in the cloud forest zone. Relax with hot shower and enjoy our hot tub and sauna before dinner in the panoramic dining dome while sounds of jungle replace silence of high mountains.
Stats: Activities Horseback plus Trekking | Distance 15 to 18 km total | Max altitude 4,630m at Salkantay Pass
Day 3 | eBike Adventure to Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Today we trade boots for wheels.
The Experience: After breakfast we meet our electric mountain bikes and begin scenic ride through lush Santa Teresa Valley. The eBike allows us to cover distance efficiently while enjoying ride through coffee plantations, fruit orchards and warm jungle air. This section reveals a completely different Andes, vibrant, humid and alive with tropical vegetation. We arrive at Lucmabamba, a small agricultural community known for coffee farms. We taste fresh coffee with local families.
Optional Afternoon: In the afternoon you can visit famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs where steaming natural pools overlook the Urubamba River Valley, perfect recovery after three active days. Then we walk or drive to Hidroelectrica and take the train to Aguas Calientes where we sleep in a hotel.
Stats: Activity Electric mountain biking | Distance 20 to 25 km riding | Max altitude 2,800m
Day 4 | Machu Picchu to Return to Cusco
Final day begins early as we take bus 30 minutes up to Machu Picchu with your guide.
The Experience: Enjoy 3 hours guided exploration of the citadel visiting its temples, agricultural terraces and ceremonial plazas while learning about engineering and spiritual vision of Inca civilization. Your ticket is Circuit 2A or 2B which gives you classic photo from Guardian’s House. After tour those who booked extra hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain do it now without guide.
Important 2026 and 2027 Info: Hiking to Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is available since June 1st 2024 and costs 55 USD per person if you want to add it. Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how far in advance you book. You can upgrade to Vistadome Train for 2:55 pm, 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm or 4:43 pm for 67 USD. Early trains can be organized at booking time. Our package includes Circuit 2A or 2B as long as tickets are available, we guarantee Circuit 2 if you book 4 months ahead.
The Return: In the afternoon board Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo where private transport waits for final journey back to Cusco. Evening arrival around 8:00 pm.
Stats: Activity Guided cultural visit | Guided tour 2.5 hours in Machu Picchu | Return to Cusco evening
