Machu Picchu

 

At Casa LENA, we like to experience Machu Picchu as the natural conclusion of a journey through the Andes. That’s why our website features a three-day itinerary that combines Humantay Lake, Abra Salkantay and Machu Picchu into one unforgettable adventure.

Traveling this way allows you to gradually move from the high mountains into the cloud forest, making the journey itself just as memorable as the final destination.

3-day Salkantaytrek to Machu Picchu

We start our trip at 10:00 a.m. and drive for about two hours to the small village of Soraypampa. After lunch, we begin our hike to Humantay Lake (4,300 m).

Humantay Lake is one of the most iconic glacial lakes in the Peruvian Andes. Fed by the melting ice of the Humantay Glacier, its turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped peaks, making it one of the most photographed landscapes in the Cusco region.

Depending on the pace of the group, the hike takes between one and two hours.

In recent years, Humantay Lake has become one of the most popular destinations in the region. To avoid the busiest hours, we deliberately leave Curahuasi later in the morning and visit the lake in the afternoon, after most of the large tour groups have already returned to Cusco. This allows us to enjoy a much quieter atmosphere while experiencing the same breathtaking scenery.

The following morning, we set off early for the hike to Abra Salkantay (4,650 m), the highest point of the Salkantay Trek. The gradual climb takes around three to four hours and leads us through spectacular mountain scenery to the foot of the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m).

After taking in the spectacular views, we continue our trek down the eastern side of the mountain, where the landscape gradually transforms from high Andean grasslands into lush cloud forest before reaching Chaullay. From there, we continue by vehicle to Santa Teresa, where we spend the night in a comfortable natural lodge.

On the third day, we travel to Hidroeléctrica and follow the scenic railway track on foot to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. After lunch, you can either hike the original Inca stairs or take the shuttle bus up to the archaeological site.

After exploring the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, we return to Aguas Calientes, where there is time to enjoy a snack before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.

Your journey can end in Ollantaytambo, or we drive back to Cusco or Curahuasi.

For those who prefer, horses can be rented in Soraypampa to assist with the climbs.

Explore more of the Salkantay region!

1 or 2-day Salkantay

Experience the spectacular hike to Abra Salkantay (4,650 m) and admire one of the most sacred mountains of the Andes. A perfect option for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Salkantay region in a single day.

→ Discover the 1 or 2-day Salkantay itinerary

1 or 2-day Humantay Lake

Short on time? Our one-day Humantay Lake tour starts from Curahuasi and is carefully timed to visit the lake in the afternoon, after most of the large tour groups have already left, allowing for a quieter experience.

→ Discover the 1 or 2-day Humantay Lake tour

Good to know

During our multi-day journeys, we stay in small locally owned lodges, allowing us to experience the mountains at a relaxed pace while supporting local communities.

Because every group is different, we do not work with fixed itineraries. We are happy to adapt the route to your travel plans, interests and level of acclimatization.

Tours can start in Curahuasi or Cusco and can easily be combined with other destinations, such as the Rainbow Mountains, Waqrapukara, the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, Choquequirao, or the Manu rainforest.