Mindful Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Yoga (5 Days)

This journey combines dramatic Andean scenery with meaningful spiritual practices, creating a trek that is as reflective as it is adventurous. Along the route, you’ll encounter snow-covered peaks, turquoise lakes, lush tropical vegetation, wildlife, and fascinating Inca ruins. Highlights include the Humantay Lagoon, the cloud forest, the Peruvian jungle, and an authentic Andean Offering Ceremony led by a Q'eros Shaman, along with restorative yoga sessions designed to support your experience along the way.

Overview

Majestic mountains, sacred traditions, and yoga in the heart of the Andes

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Gratitude Ceremony – Humantay Lake

Your spiritual trek to Machu Picchu begins early with pickup from your hotel. After around a 3-hour drive to Mollepata, where breakfast is available but not included, you’ll continue for another hour to Challacancha (3380m / 11,090ft), the starting point of the hike. Along the way, you’ll pass the Hornada Pata viewpoint, with its split view over the Mollepata mountain valleys.

With an Andean shaman from Q'eros, you’ll take part in an ancestral blessing ceremony to set intentions for the trek. From there, a 3-hour walk leads through a scenic valley to Soraypampa campsite (3,900m / 12,800ft), where lunch will be served.

In the afternoon, the hike continues to the striking Humantay Lake. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach the lagoon (4220m / 13,850ft), known for its blue-green waters and the snow-capped Humantay peak behind it. It is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Andes.

Later, the team will set up camp and prepare dinner. To close the day, your yoga teacher will guide a yoga session with relaxation and stretching.

Day 2: Yoga & Cleansing – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

After breakfast, the day begins with a meditation session together with the Andean shaman and yoga teacher. This is the most demanding day of the trek, as you ascend to Salkantay Pass (4620m / 15,255ft), the highest point on the route. The three-hour climb reaches Abra Salkantay, where you’ll take in views of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (4,650m / 15,250ft). The Andean Q'eros Maestro will then lead a Cleansing and Flourishing ceremony.

Afterward, you’ll descend for three hours through the cloud forest and stop for lunch in Huarachmachhay (3800m / 12,470ft). The changing landscape is remarkable, shifting from snow-covered mountains to vibrant jungle filled with flora and fauna. The walk continues through the upper rainforest for 9 km until you arrive at Ccolpapampa campsite (2900m / 9,514ft), where you’ll spend the night, enjoy yoga, and have dinner.

Day 3: Collpapampa – Meditation – Lucmabamba

Following breakfast, the hike continues toward La Playa, following the Salkantay River through dense jungle. This 7-hour walk includes many ascents and descents as you move through the Peruvian jungle. Along the way, you’ll pass coffee plantations and local fruits and vegetables such as passion fruit, bananas, avocados, mangoes, and papayas. After approximately 16 km, you’ll arrive in Lucmabamba for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit a coffee plantation and learn about the coffee-making process from one of Peru’s leading specialists, from harvesting the beans to the cup. Later, there is time to rest at camp and take part in a mindful session with yoga, meditation, and stretching to support self-awareness and body awareness. Before dinner, you may also choose to visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths in Santa Teresa, which are optional.

Day 4: Mother Earth Offering – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

Today begins with sunrise in a rich natural setting of rivers, waterfalls, butterflies, citronella, orchids, rocky streams, and wide views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After breakfast, you’ll join your Andean shaman in a ceremonial gratitude offering to Mother Earth, a symbolic moment of connection and appreciation.

You’ll then walk part of the original Inca Trail, which once extended to Quito, Ecuador. After a 2.5-hour ascent, you’ll reach the archaeological site of Llactapata, where your local guide will share its history. From here, you can admire Machu Picchu Citadel from across the valley.

The descent continues to Hidroeléctrica for your final lunch prepared by the cook. Afterward, you’ll walk for another 2 hours to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Once there, you’ll have time to rest at the hotel and explore on your own before gathering for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and spending the night in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Rise early for your visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic Inca sites. This remarkable complex is considered a masterpiece of Inca architecture, with neighborhoods, plazas, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. After a guided tour with a local guide, you’ll have time to explore independently.

Later, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, which is not included, and board the train to Ollantaytambo/ Poray. Upon arrival at the station, transfer staff will meet you and take you back to Cusco.

What makes this Spiritual Salkantay Trek different from the classic one?

This version of the trek is designed to go beyond adventure, offering a deeper connection with nature and with yourself. Two elements make it especially distinctive:

• Mindful Yoga Sessions: A professional yoga teacher leads yoga sessions throughout the trek, combining meditation and stretching to support well-being, self-awareness, and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape.
• Andean Shaman from Q'eros Community: You’ll take part in authentic ceremonies led by an Andean shaman from the Q'eros community, including cleansing rituals and gratitude offerings rooted in ancient tradition.

In short, this trek blends the beauty of the Salkantay route with mindful practices and Andean spirituality for a transformative experience.

What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?

The ideal time for the Salkantay Trek is during Peru’s dry season, from April to October. These months usually bring clearer skies, comfortable temperatures, and less rain, making for the most scenic trekking conditions. If you prefer greener landscapes and do not mind occasional showers, the wet season from November to March offers a quieter and more lush experience.