Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu - Best trek in Peru

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
3 stops
1
The day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers for a pre-trek briefing. This session provides all the key information you need, gives you a chance to ask questions, and ensures you're well-prepared for the journey ahead. You'll also receive the duffel bag in which you'll pack the belongings that porters will carry throughout the trek. Get ready—your adventure is about to begin! Walking distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) + 7 km (4.35 mi) - Duration: 4 hours & 2 hours - Maximum elevation: 4200 m. (13780 feet) - Your adventure begins early, with your guide picking you up between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. Once everyone is on board, you’ll set off on a scenic minibus ride, enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-covered Salkantay and Humantay mountains along the way. Your first stop is the charming town of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day. From there, the journey continues to Challacancha.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Humantay Lake
Around 9:30 AM, the trek officially begins as you set off from Challacancha toward Soraypampa base camp. This stretch takes you through scenic valleys and rolling landscapes. After approximately 14 kilometers of hiking, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa, where lunch will be served and where you’ll spend the night. Once at camp, you can drop off your gear and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll begin the climb to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon. The hike takes about an hour and a half, ascending to an impressive altitude of 13,845 feet (4,220 meters)—the highest point of the day and a highlight of the entire trek. After taking in the stunning views, you’ll make your way back to camp, a descent that takes under an hour.
5 hours • Admission ticket not included
3
Around 18:00 we will be back at the camp, where we will have tea together. Afterward, the cook will serve dinner at 19:30 and we will be able to retire to our cabins where we will have a well-deserved rest.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Soraypampa - Salkantay Passage - Huayracmachay – Colpapampa
2 stops
4
Walking distance: 22 km (13.67 mi) - Duration: 10 hours - Maximum elevation: 4630 m. (15190 feet) - Day two begins early with a 5:00 AM wake-up and a warm cup of tea before setting off on a challenging 3-hour ascent. This day takes you to the highest point of the entire trek—Abra Salkantay, sitting at a breathtaking 15,190 feet (4,630 meters) above sea level. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of deep valleys and the towering, snow-covered peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. The beauty is overwhelming—you won’t know where to look first!
4 hours • Admission ticket included
5
After soaking in the stunning high-altitude scenery, the landscape begins to change as you descend into greener, more humid environments. A 3-hour hike brings you to Huayracmachay, where a well-earned lunch awaits. Then, you’ll continue downhill for another 3 hours to reach Colpapampa, your second campsite. Here, you’ll enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest. Howlanders Tip: In Colpapampa, you can enjoy a hot shower at a local home for just 10 soles—a small luxury on the trail!
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Colpapampa -Sahuayaco Beach - Santa Teresa - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
2 stops
6
Maximum elevation: 2800 m. (9185 feet) - You’ll rise early once again and, after breakfast, begin a 5-hour hike through the lush Peruvian jungle. This part of the trek immerses you in vibrant natural beauty—crossing rivers, passing waterfalls, spotting wild orchids, and walking through coffee and banana plantations. Now in the high jungle, the warmer and more humid climate offers a welcome contrast to the cooler mountain days behind you. After a well-deserved lunch, a short drive will take you to Hidroeléctrica. From there, you'll hike approximately 3 hours along the scenic railway path toward Aguas Calientes. This final stretch is peaceful and picturesque, leading you right to the gateway of Machu Picchu. ⚠️ Note: During this leg of the journey, you’ll need to carry your own belongings, as horses cannot access this section.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes)
Once in Aguas Calientes you will have free time to rest or walk around the town before dinner. On the third night of the Salkantay Trek, we will stay in a hostel with a private room and bathroom. It will be time to go to bed early and recharge your batteries, because the next day one of the most special moments of our trek awaits us, the imposing fortress of Machu Picchu!
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Machu Picchu - Cusco
2 stops
8
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Hiking distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) - Highest elevation: 2400 m (7875 feet) - It’s the final day of your Salkantay adventure! You’ll start with a hearty breakfast, including juice, fruit, and a snack to keep your energy up. At the time given by your guide—based on your scheduled entrance to Machu Picchu—you’ll begin the journey to the citadel. You can either hike the nearly 2-hour uphill trail or opt for the bus ride to the entrance. Hikers: If you choose to walk, you’ll begin between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, depending on your assigned time slot. Note: The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is not included, but tickets are available for purchase in town. Once inside the iconic Inca citadel, you’ll dive into its rich history with a guided tour. Your guide will explain the architecture, sacred sites, terraces, temples, and urban design that make Machu Picchu a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, you’ll have time to wander and take in the mystical beauty on your own.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Following your visit, you'll head back down to Aguas Calientes—either by foot or bus. There, you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included) or explore the town a bit more. In the afternoon, you’ll board the scenic tourist train to Ollantaytambo, a 1.5-hour ride along the beautiful Vilcanota River—often considered one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. Once in Ollantaytambo, a shuttle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco’s city center. We hope this unforgettable trek has left you inspired by the natural and cultural wonders of Peru!
6 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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