Salkantay trek 4 days 3 nights
Discover the majesty of the Andes with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days. This challenging trek will take you through breathtaking mountain scenery, lush jungles and unique archaeological sites, culminating in the iconic Inca citadel. Accompanied by expert guides, live an unforgettable experience in the wilderness, book your adventure now and explore the Salkantay route!
Summary
- Day 1:
- Start in Soraypampa: The trip begins with transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek.
- Humantay Lagoon: Acclimatization hike to the beautiful Laguna Humantay, with breathtaking views of the turquoise lake and surrounding peaks.
- Camping in Soraypampa: Return to Soraypampa to spend the night in a campsite under the impressive Apu Salkantay.
- Day 2:
- Salkantay Pass: Ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, offering spectacular views of snow-capped Salkantay.
- Descent to Chaullay: Descent into the Chaullay valley, passing through diverse microclimates and changing landscapes.
- Camping in Chaullay: Overnight camping in the Chaullay region.
- Day 3:
- High jungle: Hike through the high jungle, passing through coffee plantations, fruits and exuberant flora.
- Llactapata: Visit the ruins of Llactapata, with views of Machu Picchu from a unique perspective.
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Continuation of the descent until arriving in Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a hotel.
- Day 4:
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu: At dawn, take a bus to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the citadel and learning about its history.
- Free time and return: Free time to explore before returning to Aguas Calientes, and then by train and transportation to Cusco.
Places you will visit
The best of Salkantay trek 4 days
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1
Adventure and challenge: A demanding but rewarding tour, with spectacular views and diverse landscapes.
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2
Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass: Two highlights of the trek, offering some of the most impressive views of the Andes.
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3
Llactapata Ruins: An opportunity to see Machu Picchu from a different and lesser-known angle.
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Full experience: From snow-capped peaks to rainforest, archaeological and cultural sites.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
We will start our day by picking you up at your hotel at around 5:00 a.m. Then, we will embark on a bus ride of approximately 3 hours to reach Anta – Mollepata. Along the bus ride, you will be treated to majestic views of the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica, which the Incas considered sacred gods. In addition, you will admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the highlands and the fertile colorful valleys.
After about two hours of travel, we will make a first stop in the village of Mollepata, where you will have access to restrooms and the option to enjoy a light breakfast. We will continue our journey to Challacancha, which is the starting point of our trek. There we will meet our support team, organize the necessary equipment, including horses and mules, and hold an introductory meeting. Around 9:30 a.m., we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, which is located at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level. The first part of the trail is a paved rock road. On the way, you will be able to contemplate the ancient water channel that still provides water to the current inhabitants. We will walk approximately 9 kilometers in three hours to reach Soraypampa, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. This place will also be our base camp.
After lunch and some rest, we will continue hiking to the Humantay Lagoon, which is located at 4200 meters above sea level. This hike, of approximately 5 kilometers, will take about 3 hours in total (round trip). Once we reach the lake, we will be able to admire the Humantay glacier and enjoy an impressive sunset. Soraypampa is located in the middle of the glacial valleys, where the absence of ambient light makes it a perfect place to observe the constellations in the sky.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3850 meters above sea level / 12,631.2 ft.
- Minimum altitude: 2850 meters above sea level / 9,350.4 ft.
- Distance traveled: 14 kilometers / 8,500 miles.
Day 2 Soraypampa – Paso Salkantay – Huayramachay – Chaullay
You will receive an early call at 5:00 a.m. with a cup of coca tea delivered directly to your tent. We will then quickly pack up, enjoy breakfast and immediately begin the hike to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, which is located at 4620 meters above sea level. The distance to be covered is 7 kilometers, and we estimate that it will take approximately 4 hours to reach the summit. During the ascent through the rocky valley, you will be able to observe the impressive Salkantay peak and even spot chinchillas on the trail (at 6217 meters above sea level). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo.
Salkantay is considered the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca gods known as “Apu Salkantay”. Reaching the top is the most challenging part of the entire hike, but you will feel very rewarded! The next 3 hours will be dedicated to the descent along the snake trail, which follows a rocky and gravel road until we reach Huayracmachay, where we will have our lunch. In the afternoon, we will advance to the upper part of the cloud forest, also known as “cloud forest”. We will walk 9 kilometers in 3 hours to reach the village of Challway (2900 meters above sea level), which will be our base camp. During the second half of the day, as we descend, we will be able to admire the dense forest decorated with colorful orchids and native plants. Most of the year, the climate is warm and pleasant in this area.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping.
- Maximum altitude: 4650 meters above sea level / 15,255.9 feet.
- Minimum altitude: 2900 meters above sea level / 9,514.4 feet.
- Distance traveled: 21 kilometers / 13,048.8 miles to Chaullay.
Day 3 Chaullay – Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
Around 5:30 a.m., you will be awakened with a cup of coca tea. Then, you will enjoy breakfast and begin the hike directly to the beach, through thick jungle and following the banks of the Salkantay River on a gently sloping trail. Along the way, we will stop at several family-run farms to enjoy local fruits and vegetables, such as passion fruit, bananas, coffee, avocados, mangos, oranges and papayas. If we are lucky, we may spot the famous bird known as the “cock of the rock”.
The total distance of the trail will be 16 kilometers, and we estimate that it will take about 7 hours to reach Lucmabamba, which will be our base camp. Lucmabamba is a small village surrounded by coffee plantations and offers basic facilities such as toilets, electricity and options for shopping and souvenirs. After lunch, we will take a local bus for about an hour until we reach Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will continue walking along the train tracks until we reach Aguas Calientes. Once in town, we will check into our hotel, go out for dinner and spend the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Lodging: Camping.
- Maximum altitude: 2900 meters above sea level / 9,514.4 feet.
- Minimum altitude: 2100 meters above sea level / 6,889.8 feet.
- Distance traveled: Approximately 27 kilometers / 16,941.9 miles.
Day 4 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The fourth day is the most magical of all: Machu Picchu day. We will wake up at 3:30 a.m., very early, to catch the first bus that will take us to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over the ruins.
Your guide will spend about 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu. You will then have time to explore the ruins on your own and, if you have booked this option, you can hike to Huayna Picchu (which requires a separate entrance ticket costing $15 per person). Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will board a bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Tour: Visit to Machu Picchu.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing at 6:00 p.m. the night before your tour.
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning to begin the hike.
- English speaking tour guide with extensive experience.
- 2 nights stay in comfortable tents during the camping.
- 1 night in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes: One night accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs and kitchen utensils.
- Entrance tickets to Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
- Duffle bag with a capacity of up to 8 kg (17 pounds) for items carried by our horses.
- Pack mules to carry food, equipment and personal belongings.
- Trekking cook in charge of preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- All meals are covered, with the exception of lunch on the last day (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available).
- Snacks, drinking water and warm water for washing up.
- First aid kit, satellite communication devices and oxygen supply.
- Expedition train back to Cusco
Not Included
- Sleeping bags, inflatable mats or hiking poles (available for rent at our offices).
- Tips
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Other payments not mentioned in the inclusions
Packing List
Money
Personal Documents
Sunscreen
Hat
Water
Camera
Sunglasses
Shirt
How to book the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
To RESERVE your place in the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days with MACHU PICCHU ANDEAN, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the “BOOK NOW” button: and our booking application will open.
- Select your departure date: Choose the day that best suits your schedule for the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days.
- Provide Personal Information: Fill in the necessary information for each participant, making sure the information is accurate and complete.
- Payment: The final step is to make your payment. You can pay conveniently using your credit or debit card.
Once we have confirmed your reservation, we will send you a confirmation to make sure everything is well organized. Rest assured that all assigned start dates are guaranteed.
What they think of us
ExcelenteA base de 29 reseñas
Verificada
Joaquin carrasco2024-11-11Muy recomendado El tour de 1 día a Warapukara con Machu Picchu Andean fue una aventura emocionante. Exploramos ruinas incaicas impresionantes y disfrutamos de paisajes naturales espectaculares. Nuestro guía fue muy conocedor y apasionado, lo que hizo que la experiencia fuera aún más enriquecedora. La organización fue impecable y se adaptaron a nuestras necesidades. Recomiendo a Machu Picchu Andean para cualquier tour en Perú. ¡Una experiencia inolvidable en Warapukara!Verificada
Ani M2024-11-11Maravilla experiencia Machu Picchu Andean nos brindó una experiencia verdaderamente inolvidable en nuestro viaje a Machu Picchu. La atención personalizada, la organización impecable y la pasión por la cultura incaica de nuestro guía fueron destacados. Se adaptaron a nuestras necesidades y preferencias, haciéndolo sentir como un tour privado. La energía y el paisaje de Machu Picchu son indescriptibles. Recomiendo a Machu Picchu Andean para cualquier tour en Perú. ¡No te pierdas la oportunidad de visitar Machu Picchu con ellos! ¡Fue una experiencia que recordaremos por siempre!Verificada
Henry S2024-08-16Viaje en familia Ha sido una experiencia unica en familia y totalmente inolvidable. Tanto por los guias como los lugares turísticos y la pasión que te dedican, contando toda la historia y sus anécdotas. No hemos tenido ningún inconveniente, una experiencia muy recomendable.Verificada
Lilian B2024-07-28Pesima experiencia La peor experiencia, no te responden rapido a las dudas que tienes, al principio te responden maravillas y te envian fotos, despues que ya realizas un adelanto te dejan en visto y no se comminican contigo te dejan solo en el aire, llegaron tarde a mi recojo ni siquera me dieron la bienvenida, me mandaron un taxi, me dieron un hotel que ni quedamos. Pesima experiencia con esta agencia. me hizo pasar mala experiencia, tener cuidado con ellos.Verificada
Stephanie P2024-05-25Son mis favoritos Muy muy contenta con el servicio, son súper puntuales y la atención es muy cálida! Es la segunda vez que los elijo para hacer los tours por Cusco, y una vez más me siento feliz de haberlo hecho. Hasta la próxima Perú! 🇵🇪🫶🏻Verificada
Liset E2024-05-23Experiencia inolvidable Todo estuvo muy bien nuestros guías fueron la onda y el hotel super limpio y cómodo y que te digo de los paisajes hermosos lo vuelvo a repetirVerificada
Alejandra E2024-05-23Mi mejor cumpleaños Fue una experiencia inolvidable los guías muy, lindos y atentos, la verdad si regreso y más por que fui a celebrar mi cumpleañosVerificada
I Ping K2024-05-23Una agencia a la medida del viajero Tenía comprado las entradas de Machu Picchu, lo que la agencia acomodó la programación según lo solicitado, muy flexibles desde el inicio hasta el final fue con un acompañamiento personalizado.Habíamos organizado una de las excursiones a la montaña de los siete colores y como el city tour de Cusco ya el mal de alturas me ha afectado, nos han cambiado la excursión por otra sin problema, muy flexibles en la acomodación del viaje.Muy recomendable!Verificada
Stephanie V2024-05-23Cusco 4 días Muchas gracias a Yhoner y a su equipo por crear una linda experiencia de viaje. Organizaron desde el recojo, hoteles, tours y comidas. Los tours estuvieron muy buenos y completos. Muchas gracias por la organización y su amabilidad. Lo recomiendo!Verificada
Wilmer A2024-05-17Excelente Mi visita fue increible concer cada lugar fue increible Machupicchu Montaña de colores lugares increibles con un clima muy bonito y los guias muy preparados recomiemdo a machupicchu andean el señor Yhoner me atendio muy bien
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October, when there is less rain and hiking conditions are ideal.
What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?
The climate can vary, but is generally cool in the morning and warm during the day. The rainy season is from November to March.
Price

Get a Question?
- info@machupicchu-andean.com
- +51 966 738 928
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