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Duration
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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 filled with discoveries and excitement. Imagine breathing the pure Andean air while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the region, sharing moments and experiences with local communities along the way.

Salkantay is a sacred mountain and the highest peak of the Vilcabamba range, reaching 6,271 m (20,570 ft). It is one of the most emblematic summits in the Cusco region of Peru, believed to awaken the spirits of the Apus, such as Mount Tucarhuay and Mount Humantay. Its landscapes offer breathtaking natural scenery — imposing snow-covered peaks, dense tropical forests, and highland plains 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 for reaching Machu Picchu. Its combination of geographic diversity, physical challenge, and cultural connection has earned it a place among the 20 BEST HIKES IN THE WORLD, offering a truly unique experience for those seeking adventure and authenticity every step of the way.

Highlights

  • Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Chaullay – Soraypampa

    • Departure from Cusco at 5:00 AM, passing through Mollepata and Chaullay.

    • Spectacular views of the 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 the campsite under a starry sky.

    • Hiking time: 6–7 h | Weather: Cold.

  • Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

    • Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,600 m), the highest point of the trek.

    • Unique panoramic views of Mount Salkantay and surrounding glaciers.

    • Descent toward Chaullay (2,800 m), crossing a lush cloud forest.

    • Hiking time: 9 h | Weather: Cold at the pass, warm upon reaching the jungle.

  • Day 3: Chaullay – Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

    • Entry into the high jungle with waterfalls, fruit trees, and bird watching.

    • Visit Lucmabamba for a Coffee Tour: cultivation, roasting, and tasting.

    • Transfer to Santa Teresa, then to Hydroelectric, and train to Aguas Calientes (option to walk along the railway).

    • Hiking time: 5 h | Travel time: 1h 30 min + 1h by train | Weather: Warm.

  • Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

    • Early bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 m) for a 2–3 hour guided visit.

    • Tour through temples, plazas, and terraces of the Inca citadel.

    • Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

    • Return to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Cusco.

    • Hiking time: 2 h (optional) | Weather: Mild to warm.

🌍 Travel Itinerary

📅Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Chaullay – Soraypampa

We begin our journey early in the morning. At 5:00 AM, we depart from Cusco toward 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’ll meet our guides and muleteers, who will accompany us throughout the hike. The trail takes us through spectacular valleys with panoramic views of the majestic Humantay (5,217 m.a.s.l.) and Salkantay (6,264 m.a.s.l.) mountains — two sacred peaks that captivate with their grandeur and spiritual significance. After a steady ascent, we arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l.), where our cook team welcomes us with hot herbal drinks and a comforting lunch. After a short rest, we venture to the Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m.a.s.l.), a stunning natural wonder with turquoise crystal-clear waters. At night, enjoy a revitalizing dinner at the campsite, where the altitude rewards us with a spectacular starry sky.
  • Weather: Cold.
  • Travel time: 4 hours.
  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.

📅Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

After a nutritious breakfast, we 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 scenery is breathtaking, blending towering glaciers, rugged hills, and vast valleys. From the top of the pass, we enjoy unique views of Mount Salkantay, regarded by the Andean communities as an ancestral protector. After crossing this challenging section, we begin our gradual descent toward Chaullay (2,800 m.a.s.l.), where the vegetation changes dramatically as we enter a lush cloud forest filled with biodiversity.
  • Weather: Variable (cold at the pass, warm upon reaching the jungle).
  • Hiking time: 9 hours.

📅Day 3: Chaullay – Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

The sunrise in Chaullay welcomes us with a tropical atmosphere. After breakfast, we enter the high jungle — an area filled with fruit trees, crystal-clear waterfalls, and abundant birdlife, including colorful parrots and hummingbirds. Along the way, we reach Playa and Lucmabamba (2,000 m.a.s.l.), where we experience cultural immersion with local families. Here, we participate in a Coffee Tour, learning about the traditional process of cultivating, roasting, and tasting organic coffee. Afterward, we take transportation to Santa Teresa and continue to the Hydroelectric station, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes. Alternatively, those who wish may hike along the railway for approximately three hours.
  • Weather: Warm during the day, mild at night.
  • Hiking time: 5 hours.
  • Travel time: 1h 30 min (La Playa – Hydroelectric).
  • Train time: 1 hour.

📅Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The most awaited day has arrived! Early in the morning, after breakfast, we take the tourist bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l.) — a 25-minute ride. Upon arrival, we enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour 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 unparalleled view. Optionally, adventurers can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both offering breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel. After the visit, we take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation takes 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 choose to hike up).
  • Travel time: 30 minutes by bus.

Includes

  • Pre-departure briefing session.
  • Transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa.
  • Accommodation in camping 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 ticket 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.
Recommendations
  • Mochila cómoda con cubierta impermeable.
  •  Bolsa de dormir adecuada para bajas temperaturas.
  •  Calzado de trekking resistente.
  •  Ropa adecuada para climas fríos y cálidos.
  • Gorro, bloqueador solar y repelente de insectos.
  •  Botella de agua y snacks energéticos.
  •   Cámara fotográfica y linterna con baterías extra.
  •   Pasaporte original y dinero en soles para gastos personales.
Nota: Debido a las condiciones climáticas cambiantes en la ruta, es recomendable llevar ropa extra para mantenerse seco y abrigado.

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.

Why choose Machu Picchu Wayna?

  • ✅ 100% authorized and reliable local agency
  • ✅ Authentic and personalized experiences
  • ✅ Responsible and sustainable tourism
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