Tour Details
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is an accessible hike for everyone, with no limitations or permits required (at least for now). Starting near the town of Mollepata, Cusco, and ending at Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient, off-the-beaten-path route in the same region as the Inca Trail, where you’ll see towering snow-capped peaks blending with lush cloud forest.
What’s included?
- ✅ Bus transfer from the 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 in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
What’s not included?
- ⛔ First breakfast.
- ⛔ Last lunch (in Aguas Calientes).
- ⛔ Sleeping bag
- ⛔ Entrance to the Lagoon S/20
- ⛔ Bus up and down from Machu Picchu town
- ⛔ Entrance to the hot springs
- ⛔ Extra expenses not mentioned
Important Recommendations
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.- ➡️ Bring a small backpack with clothes for the 4 days.
- ➡️ Personal hygiene items.
- ➡️ Wear comfortable shoes—trekking shoes are recommended.
- ➡️ Bring personal medicines and original passport.
- ➡️ Water bottle and purification tablets.
- ➡️ Rain gear in the rainy season (October to March).
- ➡️ Headlamp, camera, and batteries.
- ➡️ Warm clothing for the first and second day.
- ➡️ Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs).
- ➡️ Insect repellent.
- ➡️ Sunscreen.
- ➡️ Sun caps.
- ➡️ Toilet paper, small towel.
- ➡️ Snacks: cookies, chocolates, etc.
- ➡️ Trekking poles.
- ➡️ Bring a sleeping bag.
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco very early in the morning to start the trek.
Tour itinerary: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Humantay Lagoon – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Important: The tour includes transportation, full meals during the route, a specialized guide, and entrance tickets to the indicated sites.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcco Qasa – Humantay Lagoon – Soraypampa
Hike for 5 hours to the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m.a.s.l.) enjoying views of the Humantay snow peak (5,480 m.a.s.l.). In the afternoon, excursion to Humantay Lagoon with 1 hour ascent and 1 hour descent. At camp, tea time, dinner, and overnight.Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Total distance: 16 km.
DAY 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay
Ascent of 4 hours to the highest point of the tour: Salkantay Pass (4,600 m.a.s.l.), with views of Apu Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.). Descent to Huayraqmachay for lunch and continuation to Chaullay (2,750 m.a.s.l.) for the overnight.Estimated hiking time: 8 to 9 hours.
Total distance: 21 km.
DAY 03: Chaullay – Colpapampa – Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
Hike through the high jungle with orchids, waterfalls, and local wildlife. After lunch in Sahuayaco, drive to Hidroeléctrica and hike 2.5 hours to Aguas Calientes, where you will overnight in a hotel.Estimated hiking time: 7 to 8 hours.
Total distance: 19 km.
DAY 04: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early ascent to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise and a 2-hour guided visit of the citadel. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and bus transfer to Cusco.End of services.
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.
Practical Information
Tour Data
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Hiking distance: Approximately 72 kilometers in total
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 meters (Salkantay Pass)
- Difficulty: High – Requires good physical condition and prior acclimatization
- Minimum age: From 15 years old
- Maximum group: 12 people
What to Bring
- ID or passport
- Thermal and light layered clothing
- Windbreaker and rain jacket
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Camera
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Energy snacks
- Cash (Peruvian soles) for local purchases
Health Recommendations
- It is advisable to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days beforehand to acclimatize
- Stay hydrated throughout the hike
- Walk at a steady, appropriate pace
- Not recommended for people with heart or respiratory problems without medical authorization
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Avoid alcohol consumption the night before the tour starts
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need?
This trek is of high difficulty. Excellent physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are required due to distance, altitude, and changing weather.
What is the best time to do this trek?
The Salkantay Trek can be done year-round, but the dry season (April to October) offers better hiking conditions and clear views.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is advisable to book at least 2 months in advance, especially in high season (May to September), to secure train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu.
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The trek is not canceled due to rain. It is recommended to bring rain gear, a pack cover, and trekking footwear with good traction for safety.
Is the entrance to Machu Picchu included?
Yes, the tour price includes entrance to Machu Picchu and the return train ticket to Cusco.
Is acclimatization necessary before the trek?
Yes, it is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours beforehand to acclimatize to the altitude and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes all meals during the route, breakfast on the first day, lunches and dinners up to the night before the Machu Picchu visit.