Classic Salkantay Trek 4-Day

5.0
(474 reviews)

4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Venture into the heart of the Andes on a 4-day Salkantay expedition to Machu Picchu, blending majestic scenery with genuine local encounters. Visit the turquoise Humantay Lake, cross the Salkantay Pass and descend into lush cloud forests. Enjoy a Pachamanca barbecue, tour an organic coffee farm and stay in exclusive accommodations: glamping, Andean huts and a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. A perfect alternative to the Inca Trail for active travelers seeking comfort, culture, and unforgettable views.

Why book with TreXperience?

- Travel with expert local guides backed by years of experience on the Salkantay route
- Hike to Humantay Lake and explore Machu Picchu
- Cross the Salkantay Pass and trek through varied Andean sceneries
- Stay in glamping tents, Andean huts and a 3-star hotel
- Experience tradition with Pachamanca barbecue & coffee farm visit
- Return in style on the Vistadome or 360° panoramic train
- Support local communities by contributing to a social project

What's Included

Satellite phone, first-aid kit and oxygen supply
One night glamping at Salkantay Camp and one night in Andean huts at Collpapampa
Cultural experiences: Pachamanca barbecue, cooking class and coffee farm visit
Entrance tickets for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, guided by a professional tour guide
All transportation: hotel pickup & drop-off, and return on Vistadome or 360° panoramic train
Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
Essentials provided: pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho and hand towels
One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast included
Dinner (Optional[3])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[4])
Breakfast
Duffle bag (up to 7 kg / 11 lb) for personal items, water and daily snacks
Pre-tour safety briefing held one day before departure
(Optional) Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Montaña or Waynapicchu, they should be booked ahead of time. If you have them, please let us know.
(Optional) Mattress, sleeping bag and trekking poles. We’re happy to offer guidance.

Meeting and pickup

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

We also offer early morning pickups from Airbnbs and other locations within Cusco’s Historic Center around 4:30 a.m.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Glamping

    6 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    Start the adventure with an early hotel pickup around 4:30 a.m. from Cusco and a scenic drive through the Andes landscapes

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Stop in this traditional town for a warm Andean breakfast at a local restaurant.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Meet your guide and trekking team, get ready with your gear, and begin the hike.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Humantay Lake

    Reach the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and perfect for photos.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Pause for a freshly prepared picnic lunch made with local ingredients. Continue for 2 hours through valleys and glaciers with stunning Andean views.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Stay in exclusive glamping domes with mountain views. Enjoy tea time, a hearty dinner, and stargazing in the clear Andean sky.

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

    3 stops
  • 7

    Start the day with hot coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a nourishing breakfast.

    Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Embark on a scenic two-hour ascent toward the highest point of the trek, where each step reveals sweeping vistas of towering glaciers, jagged peaks, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andean highlands. Pause along the way to take in the serene charm of a glacial lake nestled beside the trail. From the summit, begin a gradual three-hour descent through dramatic landscapes, eventually arriving at the welcoming lunch spot below.

    5 hours Admission ticket included
  • 9

    Continue another 3 hours as the terrain transforms from high-altitude landscapes to lush cloud forest filled with vegetation. Arrive at the charming village of Collpapampa in the cloud forest. Spend the night in cozy Andean huts, with dinner and the peaceful sounds of nature.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Lucmabamba – Pachamanca – Coffee Farm – Aguas Calientes

    4 stops
  • 10

    Enjoy breakfast in the green valleys of the cloud forest, surrounded by rivers and exotic plants.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Trek for about 3 hours until reaching this lush village known for coffee and fruit plantations. Participate in preparing a traditional Andean meal cooked underground with hot stones. Enjoy this hands-on culinary experience. Visit an organic farm, learn the coffee-making process from bean to cup, and taste freshly brewed coffee.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12

    Take a one-hour scenic drive to the Hidroelectrica station, surrounded by jungle landscapes. Hike for 3 hours along the tracks through valleys, rivers, and tropical vegetation.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Arrive at the base town of Machu Picchu. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Machu Picchu (Lost city of the Incas)

    5 stops
  • 14
    Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

    On our final day, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience; visiting Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas. We will go straight to the line to wait for the first bus going up to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Arriving as the sky brightens, with incredible views of the city along the way. On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is truly an unforgettable sight. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Montaña (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the Vistadome train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.

    4 hours Admission ticket included
  • 15

    Board one of the first buses and arrive at sunrise to see the citadel in the morning light.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Machu Picchu

    Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu alongside your expert guide, who will unveil the secrets of this ancient Incan masterpiece. If booked in advance, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the Inca citadel.After the tour, enjoy free time in town for lunch.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 17
    Ollantaytambo

    Travel back on the Vistadome or 360° train, enjoying stunning views through large glass windows.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Cusco

    Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our driver will take you to your hotel, marking the end of your Salkantay adventure.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Supplied by TreXperience

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