Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days, exploring some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes Peru has to offer! From the majesty of snow-capped mountains to the lush vegetation of the Amazon jungle, every trail you walk will be full of discoveries and emotions. Imagine breathing the pure air of the Andes while immersing yourself in the cultural richness of the region, sharing experiences and moments with the local communities you meet along the way.
Salkantay is a revered mountain and the highest peak of the Vilcabamba range, reaching 6,271 m (20,570 ft). It is one of the most iconic summits in the Cusco region of Peru, recognized for awakening the spirits of the Apus, such as Nevado Tucarhuay and Nevado Humantay. Its landscapes offer breathtaking natural scenery: towering snow-capped peaks, dense tropical forests, and highlands covered with vegetation and flowers of countless shapes and colors.
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most fascinating and challenging hiking routes in Peru, considered an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. Its combination of geographical diversity, physical demand, and the opportunity to connect with Andean culture has placed it among the TOP 20 BEST HIKES IN THE WORLD, providing a unique experience for those seeking adventure and authenticity in every step.
Highlights
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Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Chaullay – Soraypampa
Departure from Cusco at 5:00 AM, passing through Mollepata and Chaullay.
Spectacular views of Humantay (5,217 m) and Salkantay (6,264 m) mountains.
Ascent to Soraypampa (3,900 m) with lunch and hot drinks.
Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m), famous for its turquoise waters.
Dinner and overnight at campsite under a starry sky.
Hiking time: 6–7 h | Weather: Cold.
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Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,600 m), the highest point of the trek.
Unique panoramas of Nevado Salkantay and surrounding glaciers.
Descent to Chaullay (2,800 m) through a cloud forest.
Hiking time: 9 h | Weather: Cold at the pass, warm when arriving in the jungle.
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Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Entry into the high jungle with waterfalls, fruit trees, and birdwatching.
Visit to Lucmabamba with a Coffee Tour: cultivation, roasting, and tasting.
Transfer to Santa Teresa, then to Hydroelectric, and train to Aguas Calientes (optional walk along the train tracks).
Hiking time: 5 h | Transport time: 1h 30 min + 1h by train | Weather: Warm.
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Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 m) for a 2–3 h guided tour.
Visit of temples, plazas, and terraces of the Inca citadel.
Optional: hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Return to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, and transport back to Cusco.
Hiking time: 2 h (optional) | Weather: Mild to warm.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Chaullay - Soraypampa
We begin our journey very early in the morning. At 5:00 AM, we will depart from Cusco towards the starting point of the trek, passing through the charming town of Mollepata (2,800 m.a.s.l.) before reaching Chaullay (3,400 m.a.s.l.). Here, we will meet our guides and horsemen, who will accompany us on the hike. The trail will take us through spectacular valleys, with panoramic views of the impressive Humantay (5,217 m.a.s.l.) and Salkantay (6,264 m.a.s.l.) mountains, two sacred peaks admired for their majesty and spiritual significance. After a steady ascent, we will arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l.), where our kitchen team will welcome us with hot drinks and a comforting lunch. After a short rest, we will venture to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m.a.s.l.), a natural wonder with turquoise crystal-clear waters. In the evening, we will enjoy a revitalizing dinner at the campsite, where the altitude will reward us with a spectacular starry sky.- Weather: Cold.
- Transport time: 4 hours.
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
After a nutritious breakfast, we will prepare for the most demanding challenge of the trek: the ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,600 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the route. Throughout the hike, the landscape is breathtaking, combining massive glaciers, steep hills, and vast valleys. From the top of the pass, we will enjoy unique views of Nevado Salkantay, considered an ancestral protector by the Andean communities. After crossing this challenging point, we will begin the gradual descent to Chaullay (2,800 m.a.s.l.), where we will notice a drastic change in vegetation as we enter a cloud forest full of biodiversity.- Weather: Varied (cold at the pass, warm upon arrival in the jungle).
- Hiking time: 9 hours.
Day 3: Chaullay - La Playa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
The sunrise in Chaullay will welcome us with a tropical atmosphere. After breakfast, we will enter the high jungle, an area full of fruit trees, crystal-clear waterfalls, and a great diversity of birds, including hummingbirds and colorful parrots. Along the way, we will arrive at La Playa and Lucmabamba (2,000 m.a.s.l.), where we will experience cultural immersion with local families. Here, we will take part in the Coffee Tour, where we will participate in the artisanal process of growing, roasting, and tasting organic coffee. Later, we will take transport to Santa Teresa and continue to the Hydroelectric station, from where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. Alternatively, those who wish may choose to walk along the train tracks, a journey of approximately 3 hours.- Weather: Warm during the day, mild at night.
- Hiking time: 5 hours.
- Transport time: 1h 30 min (La Playa – Hydroelectric).
- Train time: 1 hour.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
The most awaited day has arrived! Very early in the morning, after breakfast, we will board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l.) on a 25-minute ride. Upon arrival, we will have a guided tour of 2 to 3 hours, exploring the main temples, plazas, and terraces of the Inca citadel. This historic sanctuary, surrounded by mountains and mist, offers a mystical atmosphere and an incomparable view. Optionally, adventurers may climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both offering impressive panoramic views of the citadel. After the tour, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where there will be time for lunch and to stroll around the town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, transport will take us back to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable expedition.- Weather: Mild in the morning, warm in the afternoon.
- Hiking time: 2 hours (optional if you decide to hike up).
- Transport time: 30 minutes by bus.
What’s Included?
Included
- Pre-departure briefing session.
- Transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa.
- Accommodation in tents and hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Cooking equipment and specialized cook.
- Horsemen and mules to carry equipment and luggage (up to day 3).
- All meals during the trek (except lunch and dinner on the last day).
- First aid kit.
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Return transportation to Cusco.
Not Included
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Optional train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Other services not specified in the program.
Recommended to Bring:
- Comfortable backpack with a waterproof cover.
- Sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures.
- Durable trekking shoes.
- Clothing suitable for both cold and warm climates.
- Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Water bottle and energy snacks.
- Camera and flashlight with extra batteries.
- Original passport and cash in soles for personal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Previous experience is not mandatory, but it is advisable to be in good physical condition, as the route includes long hikes and demanding ascents, especially on the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m). A light workout before the trip can help you enjoy the experience more.
The climate varies according to altitude and day: from cold in mountain areas and glaciers, to warm in the high jungle. It is important to wear layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and sunscreen. Temperatures can range from 0°C at high altitudes to 25°C at low altitudes.
Generally, the tour includes transportation, guides, food, camping equipment and entrance fees to Machu Picchu. The traveler should bring personal items such as sleeping bag, appropriate clothing, insect repellent, headlamp and cash for extra expenses or tips.
