Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights is one of the most popular and scenic alternative treks to the classic Inca Trail. It takes you through diverse landscapes, from the towering Salkantay Mountain to lush cloud forests and finally into the dense tropical jungle surrounding Machu Picchu.
Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to connect with local Andean communities. This trek is perfect for those seeking an adventure off the beaten path, offering a more tranquil and immersive experience in nature, making it a highly recommended option for any hiker or nature lover.
Embark on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights and experience one of Peru’s most scenic and diverse trekking routes. From the majestic Salkantay Mountain to the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu, this journey offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure. The Salkantay Trek is an unforgettable journey for those looking for a challenging trek that also offers incredible cultural and natural beauty.
You will have thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations. We will start the day with picking you up at your hotel or hostel at 05:00 am. We’ll drive for around 3.5 hours, crossing Anta, Mollepata and end up at Challacancha. Through the windows of the bus you can clearly see the white snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Huamantay. But also the spectacular scenery of the higher situated areas and the lower valleys with colorful landscapes. After two hours driving there will be a quick stop in Mollepata town. At Mollepata there are toilet facilities, souvenirs shops and an optional short breakfast. When this short break is over we will soon continue to Challacancha, which is the start of our trail. There we will meet with our support staff. The staff will organize all the equipment, horses and mules. Around 9:30 am. we will start our trek to Soraypampa (3800 m.a.s.l/12,46 ft). The first section of the path is a hike over a few deep valleys. At some parts of the trail the old water channel can still be seen. The channel still supplies water to the farmers in the lower valleys. The beginning of the trek is 7km (4.35miles) hiking in 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will have our lunch at the basecamp. After the lunch and a quick nap we continue hiking up to the Humantay Lake (4200 m.a.s.l/13,77 ft). This is a 5km (3.1miles) round trip which we will walk in a total of 3 hours. At the Humantay Lake the bottom of the glacier can be seen, and also the most spectacular views of the background with the valley at sunset. Soraypampa is located in the middle of the glacier valleys and at night the sky is so immensely clear that we can really appreciate the stars, constellations and even shooting stars. After an early wake up with the first daylight at 05:30 am. and a quick breakfast we soon start hiking up to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4617 m.a.s.l/15,14 ft). The distance is a 7km (4.34miles) tough ascent in 3 hours, between the rocky valley bottom and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6200 m.a.s.l/20,34 ft). When we finally reach the top we can and definitely will appreciate the spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo. The Salkantay Mountain is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the Inca Gods called “Apu”. After reaching the top of the pass there is a 5km (3.1miles) and 2 hours downhill hike towards the camp for our lunch. The walk downwards is on a serpent shape trail and a rocky gravel path to get to the Huayracmachay lunch spot. In the afternoon we will enter the upper part of the amazon jungle, which is also called “the cloud forest”. This is a 10 km (6.2miles) hike in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick forests. This Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights is truly beautiful, there are decorated the hills with colorful sceneries and a lot of wildlife and native plants. The forests are most times of the year warm or have a temperate temperature. When finishing this magnificent hike we finally arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 m.a.s.l/9,514 ft), our base camp in the jungle. At 6:00 am. we will start our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We will be hiking approximately 6 hours. During the hike we’ll see: waterfalls, wild orchids, but also coffee, banana and avocado plantations. Here you can taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit. We will see a village called Colpapampa, also called the “forest cloudy brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rocks” this bird is the national bird of Peru. After lunch at La playa, we will catch a local transportation to the Hidroelectrica train station. Here you will have two options: 1) If you are exhausted you may take the train to Aguas Calientes. 2) If you are still eager to hike you may walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. Once in Aguas Calientes we will go to the accommodation which is included in the tour. At 7:00 pm. we will have dinner at a local restaurant. All the expenses in Aguas Calientes are covered by the company. Including: breakfast, lunch, dinner and the overnight at a hotel. Optional: Train ride from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes ($38.00). On our last day, you will get up very early to visit one of the 7 wonders of the World ¨Machu Picchu¨. At 5:30 am. We will go directly to the line to wait for the first buses to Machu Picchu. We will arrive at the gate when the sky lights up and ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, while taking in the impressive views of the city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is magnificent; This moment is unforgettable. Our tour guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour, where we will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. If you have booked Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price). Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
Hiking to Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights offers flexible departures any day of the week, from March through January. However, please be aware that the trek is not available during the month of February, as it is the rainy season. *A minimum of 3 participants is required to operate the tour. However, we guarantee that your group will be capped at a maximum of 8 people for a more personalized experience. Private tours are available and priced by party size. Important: The price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules, so there is no need to hire an additional porter. Hotel Upgrades: Train Upgrades: 1. How difficult is the hike? 2. When is the best time to hike the Salkantay? 3. What is the most challenging section of the hike? 4. Is altitude sickness a concern? 5. What happens after I make the deposit? 6. Do I need to request a horse for my backpack? 7. What should I bring for the trek? 8. What is the accommodation like? 9. What type of food is provided? 10. Is a sleeping bag included?
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Booking: Cancellations: ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE. Inca Trail Tours: Medical Information: Tours and Treks: Delays: Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!Overview
Overview:
Itinerary
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing:
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Chaullay.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Includes
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Not Included:
Bring for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights:
Price
Group Price:$509USDPer person
Private Tour:
Discounts:
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Upgrades:
Rentals:
FAQ's
FAQs – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights
The Salkantay Trek is challenging but manageable for moderately fit individuals. It spans 72 kilometers (45 miles) and is more demanding than the Inca Trail. Proper acclimatization in Cuzco for at least 2 days is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
The best time is during the dry season, from April to November. The trek is busiest from June to September, with May and October offering optimal weather conditions.
The Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,000 feet) is the toughest part, marked by cold temperatures and high altitude. Altitude sickness may occur but usually subsides after descending.
Yes, altitude sickness is common at high elevations. Spend at least 2 days in Cuzco to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Symptoms like dizziness and fatigue should be reported to your guide.
Once the 40% deposit is made, we’ll confirm your booking and assist with accommodation options in Cusco. Final payment is due two weeks before the trek, and we’ll provide all necessary details to prepare you for the hike.
If you feel unsure about carrying your pack at high altitude, it’s best to request a horse in advance to ease the load.
Essentials include a good daypack, original passport, warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy trekking boots, sleeping bag (can be rented), and personal medications. We provide boiled water and meals during the trek.
Accommodation consists of community campsites with composting toilets and solar showers for the first two nights. The final night is spent in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes.
We provide high-energy meals including pasta, rice, chicken, eggs, oatmeal, and fresh vegetables. Vegetarian options are available if requested at the time of booking.
Sleeping bags are not included, but you can rent one for approximately $20. Foam mats are provided, and trekkers may bring their own self-inflating mat for extra comfort.Terms & Conditions
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
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