Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Details of the experience

Duration:

5 Days / 4 Nights

Difficulty:

Moderate to challenging

Maximum Altitude:

15,091 ft (Paso Salkantay)

Max Group:

Maximum 16 people

Transport:

Tourist transport Cusco – Mollepata – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco; tourist train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo

Tickets:

Incluye entradas.

Itinerary

Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer by tourist transportation to Mollepata, where we will enjoy breakfast. Continuation to Marcco Qasa, the starting point of the trek.
A progressive hike with spectacular views of the Andes until reaching the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), located at the foot of the Salkantay glacier.
Tea time, dinner, and overnight stay at the campsite.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Approximate distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)

After breakfast, the hike begins toward the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), one of the most iconic landscapes of the tour. Free time for photographs and an explanation from the guide. Return to the Soraypampa campsite for lunch. Free afternoon to rest and acclimate.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Approximate distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)

The most challenging day of the trek. A gradual ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), the highest point of the journey, offering spectacular views of the Apu Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).

Descent toward Huayraqmachay for lunch, followed by a continuation to the Chaullay campsite (2,750 m / 9,022 ft).

Hiking time: 8–9 hours
Approximate distance: 13 miles (21 km)

A hike through the high jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls, orchids, and local wildlife. After lunch in Sahuayaco, a vehicle transfer to Hidroelectrica followed by a walk of approximately 2.5 hours to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay overnight in a hotel.

Very early departure to ascend to Machu Picchu and enjoy the sunrise. A guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the main sectors of the Inca citadel. Free time for photographs. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by tourist bus to the city of Cusco. End of services.

Includes

Bus transfer from your hotel in Cusco – Mollepata.
Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
Meals (03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, and 03 dinners).
Horses (for equipment only).
Train tickets from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
Entrance ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent.
Tents.
01 night at a hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Does not include

Not Included

First breakfast.
Last lunch (in Aguas Calientes).
Sleeping bag.
Entrance fee to Humantay Lake (S/20).
Bus tickets up and down from Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes).
Entrance fee to the hot springs.
Extra expenses not mentioned.

Recommendations

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimate to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Carry a small backpack with clothes for the 4 days.
Personal toiletries.
Wear comfortable shoes; trekking boots/shoes are recommended.
Carry personal medications and your original passport.
Water bottle and purification tablets.
Rain jacket or poncho during the rainy season (October to March).
Flashlight, camera, and extra batteries.
Warm clothing for the first and second days.
Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs).
Insect repellent.
Sunblock or sunscreen.
Sun hats.
Toilet paper and a small towel.
Snacks: Cookies, chocolates, etc.
Trekking poles.
Bring a sleeping bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the tour includes full meals during the trekking days, with hot meals served at the campsites and established points along the route. This allows you to maintain the energy necessary to tackle the demanding trekking days until reaching Machu Picchu.

The most demanding section takes place on the second day, during the ascent to the Salkantay Pass, located at an altitude of 4,650 meters (15,255 ft). This day features the highest elevation and the greatest incline of the journey, so good prior acclimatization and a steady walking pace are recommended.

During the tour, you spend two nights in campsites located in Soraypampa and Chaullay, while the third night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. This combination allows you to live the trekking experience while resting properly before visiting Machu Picchu.

Yes, Humantay Lake is part of the first day’s itinerary. From the Soraypampa campsite, an additional hike is made to visit this turquoise-colored lake, considered one of the most impressive natural attractions of the Salkantay trek.

Yes, the tour includes a specialized guide throughout the entire route and a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the fourth day, featuring an approximately two-hour tour of the citadel’s main sectors before the return to Cusco.