SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

The spirit of Salkantay and Machu Picchu!

4 Days / 3 Nights

Home » Tours in Peru » Treks to Machu Picchu » Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

Altitude

4,630 m / 15,190 Feet

Departure

Daily Departures

Physical Level

challenging

Accomodation

3 to 5 star hotel

Group Size

2 persons to 15

Trip Style

Hike and adventure

TRAVEL DESCRIPTION

The 4-day Salkantay trek with Illa Kuntur Travel is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy Andean and jungle landscapes, from tropical rainforest to towering snow-capped mountains. Along the route, we will pass sacred mountains and the subtropical jungle surrounding Machu Picchu. On the first day, we’ll explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon with its brilliant turquoise color. Next, we’ll visit the impressive Salkantay snow peak before arriving at the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.

HIGHLIGHTS

Camping off the traditional path with fewer people, giving you control of your journey and the best views of these incredible mountains.
Hike at the base of the great Salkantay glacier and reach the long-awaited Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Visit Humantay Lagoon and the breathtaking Sacred Valley.
Guided by professional bilingual guides (Spanish/English).
Trekkers will see snow-capped peaks, colorful valleys, waterfalls, streams, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forests.
The 4-day, 3-night Salkantay trek itinerary takes you through stunning landscapes to the majestic Machu Picchu.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Day 01

Cusco | Mollepata | Soraypampa | Humantay Lagoon

On the first day, we’ll visit the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru. We’ll also get our first views of the towering Salkantay glacier.

Day 02

Salkantaypampa | Salkantay Pass | Wayracmachay | Chaullay

This day we’ll hike at the foot of the Apu, the jungle guardian Salkantay, and take part in a small offering of gratitude.

Day 03

Chaullay | Collpapampa | La Playa | Hydroelectric | Aguas Calientes

This day features a gentle hike through the thick jungle with spectacular views of the Sacred River.

Day 04

Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu | Ollantaytambo | Cusco

Visit Machu Picchu with your expert guide, who will provide a unique experience in the hidden city of the Incas. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco.

Interested in learning about Salkantay trek tour prices? Contact us for more details and special offers.

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco | Mollepata | Soraypampa | Humantay Lagoon

The 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m. We will then head toward Mollepata on a drive of approximately 3 hours. In Mollepata, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing for another hour in our transport to reach Soraypampa, our starting point.
At Soraypampa, we’ll have a tasty lunch and then begin the ascent to Humantay Lagoon, known as the jewel of the area, on a mountain hike lasting about two hours (or less, depending on your pace).
Once at the lagoon, you’ll have free time to explore, take memorable photos, and admire its unmatched beauty. Then, following the guide’s instructions, we’ll return to our camp in Soraypampa to enjoy a delicious dinner.
You’ll spend the night at the Sky Lodge, a unique accommodation with a spectacular view of the imposing Salkantay snow peak. If the weather permits, you’ll enjoy a starry night—an unforgettable and unique experience.
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- HIKING DISTANCE: (6 kilometers / 3.72 miles) – (6 to 7 hours)
- ALTITUDE: (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) – (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Sky Lodge in Soraypampa.

Day 02: Salkantaypampa | Salkantay Pass | Wayracmachay | Chaullay

On the second day, we will wake up early for a strengthener before starting the hike towards the snow-capped Salkantay, the highest point of our adventure at 4,620 m / 15,255 feet above sea level. Today’s route is 7 km, which we hope to complete in about 4 hours, surrounded by the impressive Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo mountains.
Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most important Inca deities, known as “Apu Salkantay”. The climb to the top will be the most challenging part. After this, we will descend along a winding path for 3 hours until we reach Huayracmachay, where our cooks will wait for us with a lunch in the middle of the mountain.
In the afternoon, we will cross the cloud forest in approximately 3 more hours (9 km) until we reach Challway (2900 m – 9514 ft), our second base camp. As night falls, we will enjoy a delicious dinner before resting for the next day of our adventure.
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate, Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 21 kilometers / 13.04 miles) – (8 to 9 hours)
- ELEVATION: (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) – (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp.

Day 03: Chaullay | Colpapampa | The Beach | Hydroelectric | Hot Waters

After a comforting night and a pleasant sharing with the group and the guide, we will start our day at 5:30 am with a delicious breakfast. Then, we will embark on a walk to “La Playa” through a tropical path that borders the Salkantay River. Along the way, we will make brief stops to taste fresh fruits and vegetables from the region, such as passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange and papaya.
We will travel a distance of 16 km in approximately 7 hours until we reach Lucmabamba, a picturesque coffee growing town where we will find basic services and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
In the afternoon, we will embark on a transportation trip to Hidroeléctrica. We will continue our adventure walking for 3 more hours following the train route, until finally arriving in Aguas Calientes. In this cozy town, we will have time to rest and relax before the exciting visit to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, that awaits us the next day.
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate.
- WALKING DISTANCE: (25 kilometers / 16.77 miles) (8 to 9 hours)
- ELEVATION: (2000 m / 6562 ft) – (2,040 / 6,693ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 04: Hot Waters | Machu Picchu | Ollantaytambo | Cusco

This day will be quite special, without a doubt, it was worth the effort of these last 4 days. Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head with our guide to the bus station to begin the ascent to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. There, we will have a 2-hour guided tour, exploring and getting to know each of its sectors in depth.
At the end of the guided tour in Machu Picchu, those who have entrance tickets will be able to ascend the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. The visit time will be approximately 3 hours, during which you will enjoy the incredible panoramic views of Machu Picchu from different angles.
After marveling at the majesty of Machu Picchu and having captured the iconic photographs, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will board our return train to Ollantaytambo and then retorn to Cusco.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- WALKING DISTANCE: (02 kilometers / 1.60 Miles) – (2 to 3 hours)
- ELEVATION: (2,648 m / 8,694 ft) – (2,720 m / 8,922 ft)

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TRAVEL?

Included

No Included

Packing List

Safety and sanitary requirements

Included

No Included

Packing List

Safety and sanitary requirements

Recommendations

Do hikes with weight
Walk long distances (spend a whole day in the mountains).
Walk slowly
Sleep in height
Do breathing exercises
Weigh your gear before you go
Eat properly (garlic pills, coca tea)
Train cardio
Sleep well
Hydration

TRAVEL PRICES

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS Price Per Person - From 2 people
GROUP SERVICE FROM 2 PEOPLE	US$ 595.00
PRIVATE SERVICE FROM 2 PEOPLE	REQUEST QUOTE