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Every Day
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Cusco
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8
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60
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1 - 15
CAMPSITES AND HOTELS
Overview
El Salkantay Trek a Machu Picchu (4 Días) incluye todos los puntos destacados del Salkantay Trek de 5 días, solo que a un ritmo más rápido. Admirará nevados, lagos turquesas como la laguna Humantay y el lago Salkantay, y atravesará el bosque nuboso y la selva peruana. Es una de las caminatas más hermosas e interesantes del Perú.
Extras y Mejoras
- Mejora de hotel en Aguas Calientes: Háganoslo saber con anticipación para que podamos organizar todo por usted.
- Visita opcional de Huayna Picchu o Montaña Machu Picchu: $60.00 por persona. Háganos saber en el momento de la reserva, ya que requiere un permiso por separado.
- Bolsas de dormir: Disponibles para alquilar si no tiene una con usted ($15.00 por persona).
- Bastones de trekking: Disponibles para alquiler por $15.00 por persona.
Highlights
Highest Altitude:
4,650m / 15,200ft
Recomendado para:
Excursionistas moderados
Starting Altitude:
3,200m / 10,500ft
Hiking Distance:
60km / 37miles
Itinerary
We will pick you up between 4:30 am and 5:00 am to finally start our hiking adventure. After an approximately 2-hours drive, we will stop in Mollepata for a delicious breakfast, and then continue our journey to Challacancha (3800 m/12457 ft), which is the starting point of our hike. We will hike for about 3 hours towards the Soraypampa base camp, located at 3,900 meters (12,800 ft.) above sea level, and enjoy a nutritious lunch. We will then head towards the famous Humantay lagoon (4,220 m/ 13,850 ft) and admire the incredible views along the 1.5 hour walk. The landscapes are exuberant and full of colors according to the season of the year. You will be able to enjoy the green valleys full of vegetation and incredible sceneries offered by the Humantay and Salkantay Andes mountains, while our local guide will share his knowledge about the history and interesting facts. Besides, you will have enough time to explore this unique place on your own. We will descend to our base camp in Soraypampa where we will enjoy a hot cup of coca tea, and have a freshly prepared dinner by our cooks.
At 5:00 am, we will enjoy a large breakfast to ensure we have plenty of energy for our hike today. Starting our trek from Soraypampa, we will ascend for 3 hours to the highest point, Abra Salkantay, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped high Andes Mountains, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet). Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we will discover a beautiful small lake and then begin our descent towards Huarachmachay for 3 hours (3,800 meters / 12,470 feet). There, we will have lunch and continue our descent for 3 more hours until we reach our campsite in Collpapampa. We will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight, we will sleep in our comfortable domes at the campsite.
Hiking Distance: 22 km / 13.47 miles
After a rejuvenating night’s sleep and a nourishing breakfast, we start day 3 of our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We begin our 5.5-hour hike through the Peruvian jungle, traversing numerous ascents and descents. This section of the trek takes us through the cloud forest, where we will discover several plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados, as well as orchids and many natural plants used for medicinal purposes. We will arrive at our lunch point to rest briefly and, shortly after, take our transportation towards Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will walk for approximately 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the village at the base of the magnificent Wonder of the World. Tonight, we will stay overnight at a hotel.
Hiking Distance: 16 km/10 miles. After lunch: 11 km/7 miles.
We will wake up very early this morning for our visit to the famous Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. This complex is a jewel of Inca architecture, featuring a complete town with various quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. Rediscovered on July 24, 1911, by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu is now a Wonder of the World. We will have a guided tour to explore and learn about this remarkable site. After the tour, you will have free time to take photos and explore this magical place on your own.
For those who have chosen to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will do so at your designated time (1st group: 6am to 8am, 2nd group: 9am to 11am).
In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have time for lunch (not included), providing a great opportunity to explore the local restaurants. We will then board the train to Ollantaytambo, departing at 2:55 pm. On the way back, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo, our transfer staff will pick you up and drop you off at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
INCLUSIONS
📦 What Is Included?
🛏️ Accommodation
- Night 1 (Soraypampa): Stay in our stunning glass cabins for 2 people.
- Night 2 (Colpapampa): Sleep in private sleeping domes for 2 people.
- Night 3 (Aguas Calientes): A clean, safe 2-star hotel with Wi-Fi, private bathroom with hot water, and takeaway breakfast. (Option to upgrade available.)
🍽️ Meals
- Meals as per itinerary (4x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner).
- Professional cook and fresh meals prepared at campsites.
- Dining and kitchen tents provided.
- Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, and more (please inform in advance).
- Morning coca tea and boiled water for coffee/tea at campsites.
🚗 Transportation
- Private transport from Cusco to trek starting point.
- Transport from Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroeléctrica.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or car from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco.
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (Plaza Regocijo).
👥 Local Guides & Team
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, with an assistant guide for groups over 12.
- Horses and horsemen to carry camping gear, food, and kitchen equipment.
- Experienced guides (minimum 3 years) with first aid kits and oxygen.
- Duffel bags (up to 5kg per person) provided for personal items.
📝 Additional Services
- Briefing: Pre-tour meeting in Cusco (5:00-7:30 pm the day before departure).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Salkantay included.
TWO DIFFERENT WAYS TO RETURN TO CUSCO
SALKANTAY BY TRAIN
Choosing this option allows you to spend more time exploring Machu Picchu, as the train departs around 2:55 pm. If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we highly recommend this option to give you the extra time you’ll need.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, our staff will meet you at the station exit and drive you back to Cusco. The car ride to Cusco will take about 2 hours, with arrival near the main square around 7:00 pm.
SALKANTAY BY CAR
Opting for this route gives you less time to explore Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll be pressed for time.
To take this option, you must leave Machu Picchu by 10:30 am at the latest and walk 3 hours back to Hidroeléctrica along the railway tracks, as there is no car road. You will meet the car in Hidroeléctrica at 2:00 pm. This option is a longer trip, taking approximately 6 hours to reach Cusco.
If you’re considering this option and plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend staying one more night in Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco by car on the 6th day to fully enjoy your experience.
If you are a student, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.
To be able to receive the discount, please sent us after your booking a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport. We can help you check if all the requirements are fulfilled. It must be an original student ID, given from the university in PVC material and include university information, personal student information, student picture, expiration date valid only for one year, and must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu.
You also need to bring your original student card with you the day you visit Machu Picchu. You will also need to bring the card with you and verify it at the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
On the 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll experience many of the same breathtaking landscapes as the 5-Day Trek. The key difference is that on Day 3, instead of staying at the Cocalmayo campsite, we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This makes Day 3 more challenging, as it includes a 3-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. On Day 4, you’ll visit the Machu Picchu site.
In contrast, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek offers a more relaxed pace. On Day 3, we stay at the Lucmabamba campsite, allowing time to unwind and even visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (this activity is not included). On Day 4, we explore the remarkable archaeological site of Llactapata, walking part of the original Inca Trail, which is not covered in the 4-Day trek. We then continue to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes, with the visit to Machu Picchu scheduled for Day 5.
One personal daypack (a 30 to 50 L backpack is sufficient). Before your trek, we will provide you with an extra duffle bag from our office to carry your extra clothes and personal items (max. 5kg).
Reusable water bottle
Small coins in Peruvian Soles (Bathrooms are free at the campsites but cost 1 Sol along the route. Keep small change on hand for water bottles, snacks, and toilet paper.)
Rain jacket or rain poncho
Strong footwear (Waterproof trekking boots recommended.)
Sleeping bag (also available for rent)
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Clothes for the entire trek:
Two long-sleeve trekking shirts
Two short-sleeve shirts
Leggings or trekking pants
Shorts
Four pairs of underwear
Sweatpants for the night
Three pairs of hiking socks
A rain poncho
An insulated jacket
Gloves
Beanie
A hat with a brim
Hiking boots
Bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Additional snacks (we supply you with plenty of food already)
Original passport (mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu)
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving to Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.
Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.
The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional add-ons that you can choose to purchase besides the Machu Picchu visit that is already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your Machu Picchu visit to see the Inca Citadel from the top.
Please send us an email asking about availability. Then, if available, you can select which mountain you would like to climb when you make your reservation online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are an additional 60 USD.
What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen behind the ruins in all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is an approximately 45 minute climb with more ruins at the top and offers an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
The Inca Trail is more crowded than the Salkantay Trek because it is an original trail of the Incas and one of the most famous hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but is therefore a lot more expensive than the Salkantay Trek.
On the Salkantay Trek you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, whereas the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain sceneries. Many trekkers consider the Salkantay Trek to be a bit more strenuous than the Inca Trail because the general altitude is higher.
The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for everybody who doesn’t like crowded paths and enjoys different landscapes during the trek.
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departuer at 5:00 pm, please stop by our office located in Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify last questions you may have.
In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable weather, so please come prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, and rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes Moutnains, the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).
During the rainy, warmer season temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, with a high chance of rain and wind at the Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may feel a lot colder to you.
During the dry season the weather is sunny and clear, and on average 20° C / 70 °F during the day but much colder at night, around -3 °C / 26 °F.
Also, after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate – these humid temperatures are consistent throughout the year.
We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes with rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups and fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have a lot of vegetarian travellers and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater for or all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.
Previous hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to support hikers of all fitness levels and experience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Most importantly, make sure to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.
Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.
Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.
🧳 Personal Gear
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
(Shirts, Pants, Socks, Jacket, etc.)
your comfort