Salkantay Trek 4 days
520 usd
- Cusco - molletapata - soraypampa - humantay - salkantay - Aguas Calientes - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Salkantay Trek (4 Days): The Ultimate Adventure to Machu Picchu
The 4-day Salkantay Trek is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. This unforgettable journey takes you through a stunning variety of landscapes—from lush tropical forests to towering snow-capped peaks.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
Majestic snow-covered mountains, including the sacred Inca peak, Apu Salkantay.
The vibrant subtropical jungle that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu.
A visit to the crystal-clear Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Andes.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek has fewer restrictions, making it the perfect alternative route to reach Machu Picchu. This hike blends adventure, history, and the best of Peru’s natural beauty into one extraordinary experience.
Ready to dive into this incredible journey? Let’s make it happen!
Salkantay 4 days
Summary
Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay lake – Salkantaypampa
- 04:30 a.m. – Hotel pickup in Cusco and departure toward Mollepata (approx. 3-hour drive)
- 07:30 a.m. – Breakfast in Mollepata
- 08:30 a.m. – Arrival at Challacancha, the starting point of the trek
- 09:00 a.m. – Start of the hike toward Soraypampa
- 12:30 p.m. – Arrival at Soraypampa and lunch
- 02:30 p.m. – Hike to Humantay Lake (approx. 1.5 hours)
- 04:30 p.m. – Return to Soraypampa
- 05:00 p.m. – Continue the hike to Salkantaypampa
- 06:00 p.m. – Arrival at the campsite, hot tea and dinner
- 08:00 p.m. – Rest in tents
02
Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Chaullay
- 05:00 a.m. – Coca tea and breakfast
- 06:30 a.m. – Begin the hike toward Salkantay Pass
- 09:30 a.m. – Arrival at Salkantay Pass (highest point of the trek)
- 10:00 a.m. – Descent toward Huayramachay
- 01:00 p.m. – Lunch in Huayramachay
- 02:30 p.m. – Hike through the high jungle toward Chaullay
- 05:30 p.m. – Arrival at the Chaullay campsite
- 06:30 p.m. – Dinner and rest
03
Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
- 05:30 a.m. – Coca tea and breakfast
- 07:00 a.m. – Hike to Lucmabamba via La Playa
- 12:30 p.m. – Arrival at Lucmabamba and lunch
- 02:00 p.m. – Transfer by vehicle to Hidroeléctrica
- 03:30 p.m. – Train ride to Aguas Calientes
- 04:30 p.m. – Check-in at the hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 07:00 p.m. – Dinner at a local restaurant
04
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cuzco
- 04:30 a.m. – Bus ride to Machu Picchu
- 05:30 a.m. – Entry to the archaeological site
- 06:00 a.m. – Walk to the viewpoint and guided tour (approx. 2 hours)
- 08:30 a.m. – Free time or optional hike to Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain
- 11:00 a.m. – Return to Aguas Calientes
- 01:00 p.m. – Train to Ollantaytambo
03:00 p.m. – Arrival in Ollantaytambo and transfer by bus - 07:30 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco and drop-off at your hotel
Additional hikes after the guided tour in Machu Picchu:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$65 per person:
You can hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views. The round-trip hike takes about 2 hours and must be booked well in advance. - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike – US$65 per person:
This is the highest mountain at Machu Picchu. The round-trip hike takes approximately 3 hours.
Itinerary
01
Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay lake – Salkantaypampa
Your trekking adventure to Machu Picchu begins today! Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., and together with the group, we’ll head to Mollepata (approximately a 3-hour drive). There, you’ll enjoy a nourishing breakfast before continuing for another hour to Challacancha (3,380 m / 11,090 ft)—the official starting point of our trek.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the Hornada Pata viewpoint, where the Mollepata and Challacancha valleys converge, offering a perfect scenic introduction to the Andes.
The hike begins with a beautiful trail through stunning valleys. After approximately three hours of hiking, we’ll reach our first stop at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,800 ft) around 1:30 p.m., where we’ll relax and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our trekking chef.
In the afternoon, we’ll set out on a 1.5-hour hike to visit the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,850 ft). With its mesmerizing turquoise waters and the towering Humantay glacier in the background, this is one of the most spectacular views in the Andes. After soaking in the scenery and snapping some unforgettable photos, we’ll descend back to Soraypampa.
From there, we continue to our campsite in Salkantaypampa, arriving around 6:00 p.m. Here, we’ll unwind with a hot cup of tea, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest in cozy tents beneath the Andean sky—ready for the challenging journey ahead.
Elevation Gain: 731 m / 2,398 ft
Elevation Loss: 388 m / 1,272 ft
Distance Hiked: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Starting Elevation: 3,920 m / 12,860 ft
Highest Point: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Hiking Time: ~5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Campsite Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,779 ft
02
Salkantaypampa – Salkantay pass – Huayramachay – Chaullay
We’ll start the day early with a gentle wake-up and a hot cup of coca tea at 5:00 a.m. After packing up and enjoying breakfast, we’ll begin the challenging ascent to the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,255 ft). This 3 km climb takes about 3 hours and winds through a rocky valley with incredible views of Salkantay Peak (6,217 m / 20,341 ft). Along the way, you might even spot chinchillas in their natural habitat.
Reaching the pass is a major achievement. From the summit, you’ll take in panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo—a moment you won’t forget. After a short rest and photos at the top, we’ll begin our descent: a 3-hour hike down a rocky trail to Huayracmachay, where we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue with a 9 km trek (approximately 3 hours) as we enter the lush cloud forest. The climate becomes noticeably warmer and the landscape transforms into a vibrant, green paradise filled with orchids and native plant species. Our day ends at the Challway campsite (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), a small village surrounded by nature.
We’ll relax with tea, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest under the stars, recovering from this incredible day of contrasts—from icy peaks to warm, jungle-like forest.
Elevation Gain: 562 m / 1,843 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,900 m / 6,233 ft
Distance Hiked: 18 km / 11.18 miles
Hiking Time: ~10 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,779 ft
Highest Point: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
03
Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
We’ll start the day at 5:30 a.m. with a warm cup of coca tea, followed by breakfast. Then we’ll begin our hike toward La Playa, trekking through the lush jungle and walking alongside the Salkantay River. Along the way, we’ll pass through local villages and have the chance to taste fresh fruits like passion fruit, bananas, avocados, and mangoes. With a bit of luck, you may spot the colorful Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird.
This day’s trek covers 16 km (approximately 7 hours) until we reach Lucmabamba, where we’ll enjoy lunch and sip on freshly brewed locally produced coffee. Lucmabamba is surrounded by coffee plantations and provides basic amenities such as restrooms, electricity, and small shops.
After lunch, we’ll take a van to Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at a 3-star hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest in comfort—ready for the final and most anticipated day: Machu Picchu.
Elevation Gain: 229 m / 751 ft
Elevation Loss: 999 m / 3,277 ft
Distance Hiked: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Starting Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
04
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cuzco
The final day is the highlight of the entire journey: Machu Picchu. We’ll wake up early to catch one of the first buses to the entrance of the citadel. After passing the security checkpoint and showing your passport, we’ll walk up to the guardhouse, the classic viewpoint where you can take iconic, postcard-worthy photos of Machu Picchu.
Your guide will lead a 2-hour tour through the site, explaining the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this ancient Inca wonder.
If you’ve purchased Huayna Picchu tickets, you’ll have the option to hike this iconic peak for a spectacular view over the entire citadel (additional cost: $65).
Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
Included
🚐 Transportation & Transfers
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Morning pickup from your hotel on the day the trek begins.
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Private transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
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Train ride from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes.
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Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
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Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
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Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
🏞️ Machu Picchu Entry & Guided Experience
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Admission ticket to Machu Picchu included.
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Private guided tour of the archaeological site led by a certified professional guide.
🧭 Professional Guide
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Experienced, English-speaking guide accompanying you throughout the entire trek.
⛺ Camping Gear & Logistics
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Full camping setup, including dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen tent, and toilet tent.
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Comfortable foam sleeping mattress and pillow provided.
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Boiled water available daily for drinking and basic washing.
🐴 Pack Animals & Support
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Horses and mules provided to carry camping equipment and personal items.
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A pack horse allotted for up to 7 kg of your belongings (extra clothing, sleeping bag, etc.).
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An emergency horse available in case of illness or injury to ensure all participants can complete the trek.
🏨 Accommodation & Meals
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One night in Aguas Calientes in a private room with an en-suite bathroom.
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Special celebratory dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
🩺 Safety & Emergency Equipment
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Complete first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
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Spacious, high-quality tents (two travelers per four-person tent).
Not Included
- Sleeping bag rental (US$20) – Warm and hygienic bags are available if you prefer not to bring your own (rated for –15°C).
- Air mattress rental (US$20) – Optional Therm-a-Rest-style inflatable pads for extra comfort during camping nights.
- Trekking poles rental (US$15/pair) – Adjustable professional poles to reduce impact on knees and support balance.
- Optional upgrades:
Vistadome Train (US$65) – A premium train with panoramic windows, onboard service, and entertainment for a more luxurious return trip.
Huayna Picchu Mountain (US$70) – A challenging but rewarding climb inside Machu Picchu with spectacular aerial views (must be booked in advance).
Single room supplement – For travelers who prefer their own private hotel room.
- Tips for staff – Gratuities for your guide, cook, and horsemen are not included. Tipping is optional but highly appreciated as a token of thanks for their hard work.
Packing List SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS TO MACHUPICCHU
🎒 What to Bring With You
Original passport (the same one you used when booking the trek)
Valid student ID, if you booked with a student discount
Small, comfortable daypack
Reusable water bottles with 2–3 liters of capacity
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
Sleeping bag (available for rent)
Headlamp – absolutely essential
Toilet paper
🧳 What to Pack in Your Duffel Bag
We’ll provide you with a duffel bag during your pre-departure briefing, along with a pack horse that will carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal gear.
This weight allowance includes your sleeping bag and sleeping pad, so plan on having around 4 kg available for clothing and essentials.
Recommended Clothing and Gear:
2 t-shirts
2 pairs of hiking pants
4 sets of underwear
3 pairs of hiking socks
Swimsuit (optional for hot springs)
2 warm layers (fleece or thermals)
Warm jacket – temperatures drop to about 3°C (37°F) at the second campsite
Waterproof gloves
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quick-dry towel (we provide small ones, but you may want a larger one)
Small soap bottle
Power bank (there is no electricity along the trek)
Plastic bags to keep your gear organized
Cold-weather sleeping bag (rated for below-freezing temperatures; available for rent)
🧼 Toiletries
Face moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
Small first-aid essentials (band-aids, blister care, etc.)
🎒 What to Carry in Your Daypack During the Trek
We recommend a 30–40L daypack, as larger backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Everything else stays in your duffel at camp.
Water (bring enough for the morning; we’ll provide boiled water starting at lunch)
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Headlamp
Warm hat
Rain gear
Fleece or warm layer
Snacks like chocolate, nuts, granola bars
Rain poncho
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper + small trash bag
Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Salkantay Trek 4 Days Price
$520 USD
SALKANTAY TREK PRICES
| Type | Price per person (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Group Tour (with 3★ hotel) | $520 | 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Group Tour (without hotel) | $500 | Book your own hotel |
| Minimum | 2 trekkers | To open a new group |
| Single travelers | — | May join an existing group |
- Includes extra pack horse (up to 7 kg) + duffel bag
- Large 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers
PRIVATE TREK PRICES
| Number of Trekkers | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 Trekkers | $670 |
| 3 – 4 Trekkers | $620 |
| 5 – 6 Trekkers | $570 |
| 7 – 8 Trekkers | $520 |
- Without hotel in Aguas Calientes: $20 USD discount per person
DISCOUNTS
| Category | Discount (USD) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Students (18–25 yrs) | $30 | Valid student card (name, photo, university, expiration date) |
| Under 18 yrs | $30 | Passport copy required |
| Under 11 yrs | $40 | Passport copy required |
EXTRAS
| Extra Service | Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping Bag | $20 | Clean and warm |
| Air Mattress | $20 | Therm-a-rest style |
| Walking Poles | $15 | Professional, adjustable pair |
| Personal Tent | $30 | For single trekkers only |
| Additional Night in Aguas Calientes | From $60 | Based on availability |
| Vistadome Train Upgrade | $65 | Return to Cusco (Poroy) 4:43 pm |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | $70 | Optional hike (guide not included) |
| Single Supplement (3★ hotel) | $40 | For solo travelers |
- Huayna Picchu hike is done after your Machu Picchu tour. A guided option is available upon request for an additional fee.
Important information
How difficult is the 4-day Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging, mainly due to the altitude and the length of the hikes. The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) above sea level. You don’t need to be an athlete, but good physical condition and preparation are essential.
What is the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trek?
The best season is during the dry months, from April to October. May, June, and September offer the most favorable conditions: clear skies, green landscapes, and optimal hiking weather. It’s best to avoid January and February due to heavy rains and possible trail closures.
Do I need a permit for the Salkantay Trek?
No special permit is required for Salkantay, unlike the Classic Inca Trail. However, entry to Machu Picchu does require a ticket, which should be booked in advance. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, those tickets are also limited and must be reserved early.
Do I need to book a tour or can I go on my own?
While it is technically possible to do the trek independently, booking an organized tour is highly recommended. Tours usually include transportation, meals, a professional guide, camping equipment, and logistics—making the experience safer, more comfortable, and stress-free, especially considering the altitude and weather changes.
How can I physically prepare for the trek?
It’s recommended to do some prior hiking and cardiovascular endurance training. Arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek is essential for acclimatization. Walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and pack proper gear to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Where do you sleep during the trek?
Overnights are typically spent at organized campsites, many featuring pre-set domes or tents. Some agencies offer accommodations in Sky Domes or Eco Domes on the first or second night, and a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes on the final night.
Does the Salkantay Trek include entry to Machu Picchu?
That depends on the agency. Most reputable tours include the Machu Picchu ticket, return transportation (train and bus), and optionally, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain access. Always double-check what’s included in your package.
Is the Salkantay Trek safe?
Yes, it’s safe when done with a responsible tour operator. Guides are trained for emergencies and carry first aid kits. It’s important to follow your guide’s instructions and respect the natural environment at all times.
What’s the difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?
The Salkantay Trek is a more physically demanding alternative and doesn’t require a special permit. Its landscapes are more rugged and diverse, passing through glaciers, high jungle, and remote villages. The Classic Inca Trail, by contrast, is more archaeological and regulated, with limited daily entry and numerous ancient ruins along the route.
gallery photos of salkantay trek 4 days
Salkantay Trek 4 days
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Trip Details
- Tour Type: Group
- Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
- Activity: Trek
- Group Size: 5 - 10
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Languages: Spanish, English
- Distance Trip: 50 km