The standard route on the mountain is the Northeast ridge. Accessing the route typically involves three days of travel from Cusco. The climb involves about 1,800 m (5,900 ft) of vertical gain, on glacier, snow, ice, and some rock.
Day |
Altitude |
Distance |
| 1 |
Cusco – Soraypampa |
- Starting Elevation “Mollepata” . 9,515 feet (2900 meters)
- Campsite Elevation “Soraypampa” – 3850 meters / 12631ft
- Considered : Moderate
The area : Andes
|
- Total distance 15 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time 7 - 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point 3,800 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude 3,800 m (aprox.)
|
| 2 |
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass - Challway |
- Highest Elevation “Salkantay pass” – 4600 meters /15090 ft
- Campsite Elevation “Challway” – (3000m/9842f)
- Considered : Difficult
The area : Andes, Salkantay Glaciar
|
- Total distance 16 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time 6 - 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point 2,750 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude 1,600 m (aprox.)
|
| 3 |
Challway – Santa Teresa |
- Starting Elevation . “Challway” – (3000m/9842f)
- Campsite Elevation “Santa Teresa” – 1811 meters / 7055 ft
- Considered : Moderate
The area : Cloud Forest
|
- Total distance 16 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time 6 - 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point 2,750 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude 1,600 m (aprox.)
|
| 4 |
Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes |
- Walking Distance – 15km / 9 miles
- Starting Elevation “Santa Teresa” – 1811 meters / 7055 ft
- Hotel Elevation “Aguas Calientes” – 2050 meters / 7986 ft
- Considered : Moderate
- The area : Cloud Forest
|
- Total distance 7 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time 2 - 3 hours
- Maximum altitude point 2,700 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude 2,700 m (aprox.)
|
| 5 |
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco |
- Machupicchu Inca City 7,972' (2,430 m)
- Huaynapicchu sacred Mountain 8,924' (2,720 m)
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