Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
Level:
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights is one of the most exciting hikes in Peru, ideal for those seeking adventure, nature, and a connection with the Andes before reaching Machu Picchu. Unlike other routes, this trek combines the magnificence of the snow-capped Salkantay, considered one of the sacred mountains of the Incas, with a gradual transition to tropical landscapes filled with rivers, orchids, and coffee plantations. Each day, travelers discover the cultural and natural richness that makes this experience one of the most authentic in South America.
More than just a trek, the Salkantay Trek is a journey of contrasts: intense cold at high altitudes, humid heat in the jungle, clear skies for stargazing, and the final reward of contemplating the wonder of Machu Picchu. The tour is designed for those who want to experience the trek in a comfortable and organized way, with expert guides, all-inclusive meals, campsites or lodges, and the possibility of customizing the experience with additional visits such as Huayna Picchu.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAGOON
📅 Detailed Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon
The tour begins with hotel pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. in Cusco’s historic center. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll stop in Mollepata for breakfast and continue to Challacancha, at 3,800 meters above sea level (12,457 feet), where the hike begins. In approximately 3 hours, we’ll reach the first campsite, Soraypampa, located at 3,800 meters above sea level. Once settled in, we’ll enjoy lunch.
Next, we’ll head to Humantay Lagoon, known for its turquoise color, located at 4,220 meters above sea level. The hike will last approximately 1.5 hours and offers spectacular views. We’ll descend to our camp for dinner, an overnight stay, and a recharge for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 2 Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
✅ Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
On the second day, we’ll start at 5:00 a.m. with a hearty breakfast to recharge our batteries before setting off on the hike from our campsite in Soraypampa. Today, we’ll ascend to the highest point, the Salkantay Pass, located 3,650 meters above sea level. After a hike of approximately 3 hours, we’ll have the opportunity to admire the majestic views of the Andes mountains, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we’ll appreciate a beautiful lagoon before beginning the descent to Wacracmachay (3,800 meters / 12,470 feet), where we’ll enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we will descend for approximately 3 hours to our second camp in Colpapampa, where we will spend the night and have dinner.
The total hike for this day is approximately 22 km.
DAY 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
✅ Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
We begin our third day of hiking with a hearty breakfast at 6:00 a.m., before embarking on an approximately five-hour hike through the jungle, with ascents and descents. This section of the route takes us through the cloud forest, where we can admire coffee plantations, orchids, and various medicinal plants typical of this warm climate. Shortly after, we will stop for lunch and board our transport to Hidroeléctrica to begin the approximately 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes. Finally, upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.
The distance of this day’s hike is approximately 32 km.
DAY4 Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco
✅ Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco
And finally, the most anticipated day after four days of hiking arrives. This day, we wake up early to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu. We will first board the Consettur buses that will take us from Aguas Calientes to the entrance gate of Machupicchu, an approximately 30-minute trip.
Machu Picchu is considered a jewel of Inca architecture, with a complete settlement that includes different neighborhoods, plazas, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. The visit time is approximately two hours, accompanied by a guide.
After the visit, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch. Finally, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
And that’s the end of our adventure.
INCLUDES
✅ INCLUDES
- Pre-tour briefing in Cusco.
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (historic center) and transfer to Mollepata/Challacancha.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) throughout the tour.
- Specialized cook and cooking equipment.
- All meals during the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except the first breakfast and last lunch).
- Snacks, coca tea, and afternoon tea.
- Complete camping equipment: double tents, dining tent, and thermal insulation.
- Horses to carry up to 6 kg of personal luggage.
- Two nights in rustic cabins.
- One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (private rooms with bathrooms).
- Assistance with ticket purchase (ticket not included).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit and oxygen.
- Option 1: Hike to the hydroelectric plant + minibus.
NOT INCLUDED
❌ NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast (in Mollepata) and last lunch (in Aguas Calientes).
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes (optional, hike is possible).
- Entrance to Humantay Lake and Salkantay (approx. 20 soles total).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, with advance reservation).
- Transportation from the beach to the hydroelectric plant.
- Sleeping bag (rental available).
- Trekking poles (optional rental).
- Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional).
- Transportation from the beach to the hydroelectric plant (40 soles).
- Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers (volunteers).
- Personal expenses, additional snacks, bottled drinks.
RECOMMENDATIONS
⭐ Recommendations for the Salkantay Tour
- Physical preparation: This trek is moderate to demanding. It is recommended to prepare for long walks and weight-bearing stair climbs at least 2–3 weeks before the trip.
- Acclimatization in Cusco: Arrive in the city at least 2 days before the tour to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
- Appropriate clothing: Bring several layers (thermal shirts, fleeces, and waterproof jackets). The weather can change dramatically: extreme cold on the Salkantay Pass and humid heat in the jungle.
- Trekking footwear: Sturdy, waterproof shoes with good non-slip soles are essential to handle rocky terrain and muddy trails.
- Sun protection and insect repellent: Include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent for the jungle sections.
- Basic Equipment: Small daypack, rain poncho, headlamp, reusable water bottle or canteen, and trekking poles (recommended for descents).
- Cash: Some locals sell snacks, drinks, and handicrafts along the route, so it’s helpful to carry Peruvian soles in small bills.
- Important Documents: Have your passport or ID ready, as well as your entry ticket to Machu Picchu and, if applicable, to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Health and Safety: Bring a personal first-aid kit with pain relievers, altitude sickness pills (sorojchi pills), bandages, and prescription medications if needed.
- Respect for the Environment: Don’t leave trash, use reusable water bottles, and respect the flora and fauna along the way. Remember this is a sacred and natural route.
FAQ´S
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the Salkantay Tour
1. What is the difficulty of the Salkantay Trek 4D/3N?
The trek is considered moderate to demanding. It requires good physical condition, as you walk between 6 and 9 hours a day at different altitudes.
2. Is it necessary to acclimatize before the hike?
Yes. It is recommended to spend at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the tour to adapt to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
3. What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?
The ideal time is from April to October, during the dry season. During the rainy season (November–March), the trails may be more slippery.
4. What is the maximum altitude reached on the tour?
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m above sea level), where you can enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain.
5. What type of accommodation is included?
Depending on the operator, you will spend the night in organized camps, domes, or eco-lodges, and the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
6. What should I pack?
Light, warm clothing in layers, trekking shoes, a rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, a headlamp, and personal hygiene items.
7. Can I bring all my luggage on the trek?
No. Only a small carry-on backpack. The rest of your luggage can be left at your hotel in Cusco. Horses carry some of your equipment, but there is a weight limit.
8. Are entrance fees to Machu Picchu and the return train included?
Yes, the Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights package includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu, as well as the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and the bus transfer to Cusco.
