Famous Treks of Cusco
From the original royal stone road of the Inca Trail to the untamed wilderness of Choquequirao and the high glaciers of Salkantay. Handcrafted private guided expeditions operated with ethical porter standards and mountain safety.
4 DaysClassic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
5 DaysSalkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
4 DaysChoquequirao Lost City Expedition
4 DaysLares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs
4 DaysAusangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Expedition Route Overview
An epic transition across five distinct ecological life zones. Begin in the icy shadow of sacred Mt. Salkantay (6,271m), ascend to the turquoise gem of Humantay Lake, cross the dramatic Salkantay Pass at 4,630m, and plunge into lush subtropical cloud forests filled with waterfalls, hummingbirds, and organic coffee plantations before arriving at Machu Picchu.
Drive from Cusco across scenic South Valley farmlands to Mollepata for a warm breakfast. Continue to the Soraypampa trailhead (3,900m). In the afternoon, embark on the acclimatization hike up to the emerald-turquoise waters of Humantay Lake under Mt. Humantay's glaciated face. Return to Soraypampa camp for hot tea, stargazing, and a gourmet dinner.
The monumental summit day. Begin with hot coca tea in your tent before ascending the trail to Salkantay Pass (4,630m). Marvel at Mt. Salkantay (6,271m) towering overhead. After paying respects to the mountain Apus, begin a dramatic 1,700-meter descent as icy terrain yields to blooming cloud forest. Camp at Chaullay.
Follow the rushing Santa Teresa River through bamboo groves, fruit orchards, and cascading waterfalls. Spot hummingbirds, parrots, and native orchids along the route. Arrive at La Playa, where we visit an organic coffee farm to pick, roast, and brew fresh beans before dinner.
Hike along an original Inca stone road through lush hillsides. Enjoy a panoramic distant glimpse of Machu Picchu from Llactapata pass. Descend to Hidroeléctrica for a fresh lunch, then walk along the subtropical railway trail surrounded by sheer canyon cliffs to the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes. Overnight in a comfortable boutique hotel.
Take the morning shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu Citadel. Explore the sacred Intihuatana stone, Sun Temple, and Royal Quarters on a comprehensive 2.5-hour tour with your private guide. Free time to soak in the atmosphere before descending to town. Board the scenic Vistadome/Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and private vehicle transfer to Cusco.
Why this route is legendary:
Included in Your Private Expedition
Not Included
The Auqui Signature Standard
We operate small-footprint private expeditions with superior campsite locations, nutritious gourmet meals crafted from organic local ingredients, and generous horse luggage allowances.
Ethical Porter Treatment
Fair wages, warm equipment, insurance, and strict weight regulations strictly observed on every trail.
Chef-Crafted Mountain Menus
Warm, multi-course nutritional meals utilizing Andean superfoods (quinoa, native potatoes, fresh trout).
Satellite SOS & High-Flow Oxygen
Pulse oximeter daily altitude checks and medical-grade oxygen canisters carried on all expeditions.
Native Quechua Historians
Bilingual certified guides born in Andean villages with deep ancestral knowledge of Incan cosmology.
Cusco Trekking Comparison Matrix
Compare duration, elevation, permits, and difficulty to choose the perfect route for your fitness and travel style.
| Route Name | Duration | Distance | Max Altitude | Difficulty | Finish Point | Permits Needed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 43 km (26.7 miles) | 4,215 m | Challenging | Machu Picchu | Yes (4-6 mos ahead) | $890 |
| Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 60 km (37.2 miles) | 4,630 m | Challenging | Machu Picchu | No strict permits | $695 |
| Choquequirao Lost City Expedition | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 64 km (39.7 miles) | 3,033 m | Demanding | Choquequirao Citadel & Apurímac Canyon | No strict permits | $690 |
| Lares Cultural Trek & Hot Springs | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 33 km (20.5 miles) | 4,450 m | Moderate | Machu Picchu | No strict permits | $720 |
| Ausangate 7 Lakes & Rainbow Mountain | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 52 km (32.3 miles) | 5,036 m | Demanding | Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain & Pacchanta | No strict permits | $650 |
The Auqui Expedition Standard
Every detail of your journey is managed with uncompromised attention to guest safety, authentic cultural immersion, and deep respect for the Andean ecosystem.
Ethical Porter Protection
We believe in human dignity on trail. Our porters receive fair wages, warm footwear, sleeping tents, insurance, and adhere to strict load limits.
Nutritious Andean Cuisine
Personal chefs accompany every expedition. Enjoy hot multi-course meals prepared fresh using organic Andean quinoa, fresh vegetables, and local trout.
Satellite & Medical Safety
We carry satellite communications for emergency SOS, high-flow medical oxygen canisters, and daily finger pulse oximetry monitoring.
Native Storytellers
Certified guides born in native Quechua communities, fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, sharing living Andean folklore and history.