Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

INTRODUCTION:

The 4-day Salkantay trek is ideal for adventurers who enjoy diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to towering snow-capped peaks. Along the journey, you’ll traverse breathtaking snowy mountains, witness a sacred Inca peak, and explore the subtropical jungle beneath Machu Picchu. A highlight of the trek is the stunning, crystal-clear Humantay Lake. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay route has fewer restrictions, offering an alternative and more flexible path to reach Machu Picchu.

Pre-trek briefing:
You will have an exhaustive information session with your guide 1 day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights. Your guide is allowed in your hotel and can take this opportunity to ask questions and make final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

The adventure starts early, with a hotel pickup at 5:00 am followed by a 4-hour drive to Mollepata, offering stunning views of the Salkantay and Veronica mountains. After a stop in Soraypampa for breakfast and preparation, the trek to Humantay Lake (4200 m) begins, lasting around 3 hours round trip. After admiring the glacial lake, the journey continues to Salkantaypampa for an overnight stay under a clear, starlit sky.

Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Hiking Time: ~5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Campsite Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,779 ft

Meals:Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4150 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl
Distance Travelled: 11km approx

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Ccollpampa

The day starts at 5:00 am with coca tea before a challenging ascent to the highest point of the trek—Salkantay Pass (4620 m / 15,255 ft). The steep 3 km climb takes around 3 hours, offering breathtaking views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo peaks. After reaching the summit, a 3-hour descent follows to Huayracmachay for lunch. The trek then continues into the cloud forest, surrounded by vibrant orchids and lush vegetation, ending at the campsite in Challway Village (2900 m).

Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Hiking Time: ~10 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft

Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

The morning begins at 5:30 am with breakfast, followed by a scenic hike through the jungle, along the Salkantay River, and past local farms growing coffee, bananas, and avocados. The trek reaches Lucmabamba (16 km / ~7 hours), where lunch and a coffee-tasting session await. From there, a local van transports the group to Hydroelectric, where a train ride (45 minutes) leads to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Day four is the most special: the visit to Machu Picchu. We will start early by taking the bus to the citadel. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, we will present our passports before ascending to the main viewpoint, the perfect spot for capturing the iconic Machu Picchu photo. Then, we will follow Circuit 2.

For approximately two hours, the guide will explain the most important aspects of the site. Those who have booked access to Huayna Picchu (an additional $65 entrance fee) will have the option to hike it. Finally, we will return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cusco, arriving at the hotel around 7:30 pm.

Communication & Safety: A satellite phone is available for emergencies in areas without signal. Guides are equipped with radios and a first aid kit, including basic medications and an oxygen tank.
Accommodation & Transport: A 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, private transport from Cusco to Challacancha and from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco, as well as train tickets from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu are also included.
Entrance Fees: Access to Salkantay Mountain, Machu Picchu (Circuit 2), and Humantay Lake.
Guides & Staff: A professional, English-speaking guide, a trained cook, and support staff, including horsemen to carry trekking gear and up to 7 kg of personal belongings per traveler.
Camping Equipment & Comfort: Spacious three-person tents for two travelers, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, a foam mattress, and a large dining tent with all necessary utensils. Hygiene products, such as water for handwashing and paper towels, are also provided.
Meals & Beverages: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners with vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. Daily boiled water for refilling bottles, wake-up tea, an afternoon “happy hour” with hot drinks and snacks, as well as a daily snack bag.
Extras: A large duffel bag for personal belongings, a plastic poncho for heavy rain, and a rain cover for backpacks.

Lunch on the fourth day in Aguas Calientes.
Personal trekking gear (backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bags). Rentals available.
Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen.
Emergency horse for unforeseen situations.

Identification: Original passport and ISIC international student card (if applicable).
Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes and a pair of sandals.
Clothing: Warm layers such as thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, and socks, along with waterproof gear like a poncho. Lightweight clothing including socks, trousers, shorts, and t-shirts.
Sun & Insect Protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Hydration: Durable water bottles (e.g., Nalgene).
Health & Comfort: Basic medications, walking sticks, swimsuit, towel, and personal hygiene items.
Food & Energy: Personal snacks for extra nourishment during the trek.

PRICE: 560 USD per person

Discounts:

Student Discount: US$20.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount. Please send all to info@cachilifeperu.com
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:

The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy

Rentals:

Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00

EXTRA INFORMATION:

DIETARY NEEDS
Yes, we do cater to any dietary restriction. We have had many people join our trips who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and have various other intolerances and/or allergies. Just inform us well in advance of your specific needs!