Colcapampa on the Salkantay Trek

Colcapampa combines a distinct role on the Salkantay Trek with a striking landscape that shifts from the Andes toward warmer, more tropical areas. The Aguas Termales Collpapampa hot springs are also nearby. This means trip planning can focus on both the trekking stage and the surrounding natural scenery; the similar-sounding place names are worth distinguishing clearly.

A stop on the Salkantay Trek

The second campsite on the Salkantay Trek is in Colcapampa, at an elevation of about 3,000 m. On the Salkantay–Santa Teresa Trek, the second day runs from Soraypampa to Colcapampa, giving the place a specific position in this itinerary. Campsite arrangements may vary by tour operator, and the trekking schedule can also change. If you want to plan other parts of your trip around this day-by-day sequence, check the itinerary with your chosen tour operator.

Changing landscapes along the route

On the way to Colcapampa, the Salkantay Trek follows the course of the Río Salkantay; the campsite is surrounded by striking Andean scenery. From Colcapampa, the trek continues toward the Ceja de la Selva and a warmer, more tropical climate. When comparing itineraries, this transition is a tangible difference between the Andean stop and the route’s onward direction toward the tropical zone.

One Salkantay trekking route runs from Colcapampa via Playa Sahuayaco and Santa Teresa to Colcamayo; the exact order may vary by tour operator. On the trek via Playa Sahuayaco and Santa Teresa, Andean landscapes, tropical flora, and a variety of bird species are part of the natural setting.

Hot springs nearby

The Aguas Termales Collpapampa hot springs are nearby, about half a kilometer before the village of Collpapampa. The spellings Colcapampa and Collpapampa are similar; the distinction is useful for orientation: Colcapampa refers to the stop on the trek, while the springs bear the name Collpapampa. They are volcanic in origin and lie where the Salkantay and Totora rivers meet; their water flows into the Río Salkantay. The water temperature is given as 30 to 40 °C and may vary. If the temperature matters for your visit, check for up-to-date information in advance.

Places to consider when planning your trip

A 2024 project study puts the road section between Sahuayaco and Colcapampa in the Santa Teresa District at 13.7 km. For orientation, this road distance can be distinguished from the trekking stage: while the second day of the Salkantay–Santa Teresa Trek runs from Soraypampa to Colcapampa, the figure refers to a road section between Sahuayaco and Colcapampa. This distinction helps avoid treating the road distance and the day’s route as the same stretch. When looking for a vacation rental in Colcapampa, the key choice is therefore specific: would you prefer a location connected to the trekking stage, or are you planning your stay with the hot springs near Collpapampa in mind?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lamay, Calca, Sicuani, Oroya, Yucay, Urubamba, Huarocondo, Ollantaytambo.

For the broader travel overview: Cuzco.