Salkantay 4 days trek to Machu Picchu

4.8
(11 reviews)
Cusco, Peru

4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Portuguese and 2 more

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternative trekking routes to the Inca Citadel. Perfect for adventure seekers, this 4-day, 3-night trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, ancient Inca history, and unforgettable experiences.

Unlike the Inca Trail, it does not require a special permit, making it an ideal option for travelers looking for adventure, flexibility, and a unique way to reach Machu Picchu.

What's Included

Entrance fee to Machu picchu
Professional guide
3 nights accommodation
Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[3])
Dinner
Hotel pickup
Breakfast (Optional[3])
Breakfast
Food 3 breakfast, 3 lunches , 3 dinners )
Transport by private vehicle
Breakfast on the first morning
lunch on the last day after machu picchu
Return Train
Hotel drop - off

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

we are going to pick you up from your hotel

Drop-off point

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa.

    1 stop
  • 1
    Mollepata

    You will begin your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.. Travel through the beautiful Andean landscapes to Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast (not included) before continuing to Challacancha (3,380 m / 11,090 ft). From Challacancha, you will start your first hike through breathtaking mountain scenery until reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), where you will enjoy your first lunch and settle into your campsite. In the afternoon, you will hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,845 ft), famous for its turquoise waters and the stunning snow-capped Humantay Mountain. Your guide will share the history and natural significance of this incredible destination while you take time to admire the views and capture unforgettable photos. After returning to camp, you will enjoy tea time, dinner, and a well-deserved rest in your mountain huts, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Andes.

    6 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Soray pampa - Abra salkantay - Chaullay

    1 stop
  • 2
    Humantay Lake

    Today, you will experience one of the most spectacular days of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. After breakfast, you will hike through the stunning Andean landscapes, surrounded by breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. You will gradually ascend toward Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 ft), the highest point of the trek, where you will admire incredible panoramic views and learn from your expert guide about the sacred Salkantay Mountain, the ancient Inca civilization, and the cultural significance of this remarkable region. After celebrating this achievement, you will descend through diverse landscapes and enjoy a delicious lunch with tea or coffee. Your journey continues through the beautiful Andean valleys until reaching Chaullay, your second campsite, where you will relax and recharge for the next adventure.

    10 hours Admission ticket not included
  • Day 3

    chaullay - hidrolectrica - aguas calientes

    1 stop
  • 3
    Aguas Calientes

    You will begin the day with a breathtaking descent through the Andean cloud forest, entering one of the most biodiverse areas of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. As you leave the high mountains behind, the trail transforms into a lush jungle landscape filled with tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and incredible natural beauty. You will enjoy a scenic 3 to 4-hour hike to La Playa (Sayhuayaco), surrounded by vibrant flora and wildlife while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the Peruvian high jungle. After lunch, you will continue by vehicle to Hidroeléctrica and begin a scenic hike along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes. Following the route beside the Vilcanota River, you will enjoy beautiful views as you approach the gateway to Machu Picchu. You will arrive in Aguas Calientes around 5:00–6:00 p.m., check into your accommodation, and rest before the unforgettable highlight of your journey: exploring Machu Picchu.

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    aguas calientes - machu picchu - cusco

    1 stop
  • 4
    Machu Picchu

    You will start the day with breakfast in Aguas Calientes before heading to the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, the highlight of your 4-Day Salkantay Trek and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological destinations. You can reach the entrance by a scenic 1.5-hour hike or by bus (approximately $12), enjoying spectacular views of the cloud forest and Andean landscapes. With your professional guide, you will explore Machu Picchu, discovering its ancient temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and impressive Inca engineering while learning about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offer breathtaking panoramic views. After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Return transportation to Cusco is not included, allowing you to choose your preferred option. This marks the end of your unforgettable Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

    10 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Supplied by PERU TRAVEL COMPANY

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Additional fees
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 11 11 reviews
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