Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Four Days Three Nights

5.0
(5 reviews)
Cusco, Peru

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

This is one of the most stunning alternative treks to the Inca Trail, blending cultural and natural beauty in a truly unique way. The trail takes you through a vibrant landscape, rich in biodiversity, with a variety of ecosystems, fascinating flora, and diverse wildlife. Along the way, you'll encounter ancient Inca ruins perched high on mountains, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Machu Picchu from a more remote and tranquil perspective.

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Small-group Salkantay experience with personalized service
• Professional local guides & altitude guidance
• Quality camping & personal trekking equipment
• Water availability throughout the trek
• First-aid kit & oxygen carried by our guides
• Entrance fees included
• Comfortable transportation & train service
• Quality hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Carefully planned logistics for safety, comfort & a memorable experience
• Personalized assistance throughout the entire journey

What's Included

Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[3])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[4])
Breakfast

Meeting and pickup

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

Hotel pickup is included from hotels located in Cusco. Travelers will be picked up directly from their hotel by our driver in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. Please wait at the main entrance or designated pickup area of the hotel. Our driver or guide will identify themselves and confirm the traveler's name before departure. Travelers are kindly requested to be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – WAYRACMACHAY – LOS ANDENES

    1 stop
  • (Pass by)

    Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Mollepata (2,700m) for breakfast. After a short bus ride, we arrive at Soraypampa (3,800m), the trailhead. The trek starts with a gentle ascent, leading into a steeper climb through winding zigzags. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Salkantay (6,271m), the sacred guardian of the jungle. At the highest point of the pass (4,630m), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Sacred Mountains, Humantay and Salkantay. Here, you’ll add a pebble to the pile of stones, an offering to the Apus (mountain spirits) for a safe journey. You’ll also spot remnants of an ancient Inca trail, still visible as it stretches across the mountainside. After soaking in the views, we begin a gentle descent to our first campsite at Andenes (3,400m / 11,150ft), arriving in the late afternoon to rest and reflect on the day’s adventure. This day #1 we are hiking 14 km and 8 hours approximately.

  • Day 2

    LOS ANDENES – WAYRACPUNKU – LA PLAYA

    1 stop
  • (Pass by)

    Following an early breakfast, we will leave the beautiful pyramid shaped peak of Salkantay behind us. From now, the fauna and flora change as we enter the tropical cloud forest and discover its lush vegetation of wild orchids, bromeliads and beautiful birds. Continuing our descent through the groves of bamboos; going across some amazing untouched path where strawberries grow at your feet and passion fruit are above your head in a decor of begonias and purple orchids! After 5 hours hike we arrive at the hamlet of Wayracpunku for lunch, then we set out to La Playa (campsite) passing the Hamlet of Saint Ignatious where we see banana and avocado trees, as well as coffee plantations. Today we descent 300 meters approximately. This day #2 we are hiking 13 km and 8 hours approximately.

  • Day 3

    LA PLAYA – HYDROELECTRIC – MACHUPICCHU TOWN

    1 stop
  • Aguas Calientes (Pass by)

    Another early start gives us some amazing views over the valley. After 3 hours journey, we will arrive to an Incan remain named Llactapata which overlooks Machu Picchu. It is a magical view given to us that a majority of tourists will never see! A 2 hour downhill trail easily leads the hikers into a forest of increasingly thick vegetation to the hydroelectric power station lunch spot. Finally, we follow the railway heading up the Urubamba valley to our last destination at Aguas Calientes and stay overnight in a hotel. *Today we ascent 500 mts and decent 550 mts approximately. *Total distance hiking: 12 km (7, 50 miles) and 7 hours approximately.

  • Day 4

    MACHUPICCHU

    2 stops
  • 1

    Early start to Machu Picchu, means entering for the best photo opportunities. Following the guided tour, take the time to explore and wander around Machu Picchu by yourself. Make your way back down to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest and lunch. Finally, get the train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco. * Today we ascent and descent by bus 400 mts approximately. *The tour hike 2 hours and 30 minutes aprox. and 2 km.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Machu Picchu

    You will visit with our guide one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by National Peru Travel
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Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Archaeology Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Zombie
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 5 5 reviews
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