Salkantay Trek  4 Days – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu Details

Get ready for a high-altitude adventure along the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s top alternatives. We will explore dramatic landscapes, from snow capped peaks to tropical cloud forests with Xplore Machu Picchu. 

 

This route offers fewer crowds, more nature, and a rewarding challenge through the heart of the Cusco region. The Salkantay Trek 4 Days guarantees a full experience, blending culture, scenery, and physical achievement.

 

Our first stop will start in Mollepata, we plan to hike to Humantay Lake with a height of 3,900 meters, and camp under the stars. The nights at Sky Camp are cold but stunning, with full camping equipment included. Acclimatizing here helps for the higher altitudes ahead. We’ll relax and enjoy breathtaking views of towering glaciers and rugged mountain peaks.

 

Crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters of altitude we’ll reach the highest point of the trek. From there, we’ll descend into the cloud forest, a lush zone rich with waterfalls and exotic birds. A relaxing night at Collpapampa awaits at 2,850 meters above sea level, perfect for recovering energy. Nearby, the Cocalmayo hot springs offer a soothing soak if time allows.

 

The trail continues through Santa Teresa and the High Jungle toward La Playa. We’ll pass coffee farms, fruit plantations, and rivers. After lunch, we plan to follow the route to Hidroeléctrica, where a scenic train will take us to Aguas Calientes. We’ll spend the night near the base of Machu Picchu, ready for the final ascent.

 

On the last adventure, we’ll climb to Machu Picchu for a sunrise view of the Inca citadel. A professional guide will lead us through its sacred temples and terraces. After exploring, our last day we’ll begin returning to Cusco, satisfied and inspired. 

 

This trek to Machu Picchu requires moderate fitness and good preparation, especially during the dry season. We shall reserve our spot months in advance, especially in peak season. The Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable journey through dramatic landscapes, ending with the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu.

What Includes Our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu?

  • Transfer :From Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo
    From your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of the trek
    From the end of the trek to Ollantaytambo
    Return transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco after the tour
  • Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish) throughout the trek, assistant guide for groups larger than 8 travelers
  • Meals: Four breakfasts, three lunches, three afternoon snacks, and three dinners (vegetarian option available)
    Drinking water provided (except for the first 4 hours of the trek)
  • Camping equipment, including tents and inflatable or foam mattresses (shared by 2 people per tent)
  • Sky Camp accommodation for 1 night in Soraypampa
  • Sky View Campsite accommodation for 1 night in Collpapampa
  • One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • Kitchen equipment and expert chefs to prepare meals
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs for shared meals
  • Mules to carry camping and kitchen equipment plus up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings
  • Train ticket (Expedition or Voyager class) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
  • Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Entrance ticketTo Machu Picchu
    To Salkantay National Park
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen supply carried by the guide
  • All relevant agency services and logistical coordination

Then, What Is Not Included In our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu?

  • Walking sticks (available for rent at an additional cost of USD 20.00 per pair)
  • We offer sleeping bags for rent at USD 20.00 for the entire trek, since they are not included.
  • Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 (eat before hotel pickup in Cusco)
    Lunch and dinner on Day 4 (available in Aguas Calientes at your own expense)
  • Phone calls or personal communication services (no mobile signal in remote areas)
  • Any other services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions section
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not included—please arrange your own coverage)
  • Tips for guides, cooks, porters, or mule handlers (optional, but customary and appreciated)
  • Optional train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes on Day 3 (not included; available for an additional cost if needed)

Recommended To Carry

  • Original passport (required for checkpoints, train tickets, and Machu Picchu entry)
  • Backpack (25L–30L) for day-use items (lightweight and comfortable)
  • Duffel bag (provided by the agency) for up to 7 kg of personal items carried by mules
  • Warm sleeping bag (can be rented if needed)
  • Trekking poles (must have rubber tips; highly recommended)
  • Comfortable hiking boots (broken-in, waterproof if possible)
  • Warm clothing (fleece, thermal layers, down jacket for cold nights)
  • Light clothing for lower elevations (t-shirts, breathable pants)
  • Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change rapidly)
  • Sun hat or cap and warm hat for early mornings
  • Gloves (useful for cold nights and early mornings)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is strong at high altitudes)
  • Insect repellent (especially for days 3 and 4 in the jungle section)
  • Headlamp or flashlight (plus extra batteries)
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters)
  • Snacks and energy bars (for long hiking days)
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper)
  • Small towel and swimsuit (for optional hot springs in Santa Teresa or Cocalmayo)
  • Medications prescribed by your doctor (include altitude sickness pills, if recommended)
  • First aid basics (blister pads, painkillers, personal medicine)
  • Camera or smartphone (to capture landscapes, Machu Picchu, and wildlife)
  • Extra cash (for snacks, hot springs, souvenirs, or tips)

Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu Itinerary

Day 1 of Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Sky Camp

We plan to leave Cusco early and drive toward Mollepata at 2,976 meters of altitude. The road offers amazing views of valleys and mountains. After breakfast in Mollepata, we will begin hiking to Soraypampa.

At 3,900 meters of altitude, Soraypampa marks the start of the high-altitude trek. We’ll continue hiking to Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters of altitude. The lake’s turquoise water and towering peaks will take your breath away. 

Its turquoise water contrasts with the snow-capped peaks above. We’ll have time for photos, rest, and mountain reflections. After descending, we plan to sleep in Sky Camp domes with incredible views of Salkantay. 

 

Dinner and coca tea will help us acclimatize and recover for tomorrow’s challenge. After visiting the lake, we will descend to Sky Camp and rest in glass domes. The night sky offers unforgettable stargazing. We will sleep under clear skies, hear no noise but the wind, and see snow-capped peaks all around.

Mollepata of Salkantay Trek

Soraypampa of Salkantay Trek

Sky camp of Salkantay Trek

Day 1 Stats:

  • Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level
  • Camp Altitude: 3,900 meters above sea level
  • Distance: 12 km 
  • Duration: 6–7 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2 of Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – Collpapampa

We’ll begin the day and rise early to start hiking toward the mighty Salkantay Pass. At 4,650 meters of altitude, this is the highest point of the trek. The pass offers dramatic views of glaciers and snowy ridges.

Then we’ll stop to rest and take photos at the summit. Afterward, we will descend to Chaullay, entering the cloud forest. The climate and landscape will change as we descend through dense green trails.

Later we’ll continue to Collpapampa at 2,850 meters above sea level, a tropical village. Optional visit to nearby hot springs will be available. This night offers warmth, vegetation, and a chance to relax deeply.

Optional visit to Cocalmayo hot springs may soothe tired legs. The contrast from icy peaks to jungle warmth is unforgettable. This day feels like hiking across multiple worlds in a single trek.

Chaullay

Day 2 Stats:

  • Maximum Altitude: 4,650 meters above sea level
  • Camp Altitude: 2,850 meters above sea level
  • Distance: 22 km 
  • Duration: 9–10 hours
  • Difficulty: Difficult – Challenging

Day 3 of Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu: Collpapampa – La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

We plan to continue our trek. We’ll trek through the vibrant High Jungle with views of coffee farms and banana trees. The terrain is green, humid, and bursting with birds and tropical flowers. through the high jungle, surrounded by coffee plants, banana trees, and orchids. 

The warm air and bird sounds will guide our descent to La Playa.

At La Playa, we intend to take a break and enjoy lunch with jungle views. After lunch, we’ll follow the trail to Hidroeléctrica. From there, we’ll take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.

From here, we’ll take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. This charming town offers offers comfort and a good rest and restaurants. We’ll prepare for our visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Dinner will be cheerful, and spirits will be high. We are one step away from our dream destination.

La Playa Salkantay

Day 3 Stats:

  • Maximum Altitude: 2,850 meters above sea level
  • Minimum Altitude: 2,000 meters above sea level
  • Distance: 16 km 
  • Duration: 8–9 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4 of Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

Our tour will start the day early and ascend to Machu Picchu by bus or on foot. The mystical citadel will appear as morning mist lifts above the mountains. 

A professional guide will lead us through temples, towers, and ancient plazas. The sunrise over the Inca citadel will amaze us. We plan to enter with our guide for a complete historical experience.

The guided tour will explore temples, terraces, and sacred plazas. We will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana. The view of Machu Picchu from the high platforms is unforgettable.

After the guided tour, we may explore freely or relax in the lower areas. Later, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes. A train will take us back to Ollantaytambo, and then a vehicle will return us to Cusco.

In Aguas Calientes, we’ll enjoy a quiet morning. Later, we’ll return by train and vehicle to Cusco. Our adventure ends with hearts full of stories and minds rich with memories.

This Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu blends high-altitude trekking, cloud forest, ancient trails, and cultural wonder. We must prepare physically and book months in advance to secure our spot. This trek is ideal for those who seek both challenge and reward.

Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek

Day 4 Stats:

  • Maximum Altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level
  • Distance: Varies depending on chosen route
  • Duration: 4–5 hours at Machu Picchu
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Photos

Salkantay Trek
Gallery

FAQs

1How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 4 Days?

The trek is challenging due to long distances and high altitude. We require a good fitness level, but we do not ask for any technical hiking skills.

2What is the highest point of the trek?

We will reach the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, the highest altitude of the entire trek.

3Do we need to acclimatize before the trek?

Yes, we strongly recommend staying in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least two days before starting the trek.

4Will we experience altitude sickness?

It’s possible, especially at higher elevations. We suggest bringing prescribed medication and drinking coca tea regularly.

5What type of accommodation do we provide during the trek?

We’ll spend the night in mountain camps (Sky Camp and Sky View), one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and one night at a jungle campsite.

6Are meals included on the trek?

Yes, we will receive 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 afternoon snacks. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

7Is drinking water provided?

Yes, we will have boiled or filtered water starting from the second half of Day 1. Bring a refillable bottle.

8What do we carry during the trek?

We’ll carry only a small daypack. Mules will carry up to 7 kg of our gear in a provided duffel bag.

9Is travel insurance required?

It’s not mandatory but highly recommended. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

10Can we visit the hot springs?

No. The visit to the hot springs at Cocalmayo near Santa Teresa on Day 2, depends on group timing and interest.

11Can we rent trekking equipment?

Yes, we can rent sleeping bags, trekking poles, and other equipment from the tour operator before the trek begins.

12Is the entrance to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, the tour includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and the round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and the site.

13Can we climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

We must request and reserve the spaces early, since availability runs out fast. We’ll request and reserve them early, since spaces fill quickly.

14What type of train will we take?

We’ll take the tourist train.

3 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Franceso G.

Solo Traveller

Unforgettable Trek Through the Andes!
The Salkantay Trek blew us away! From snow-capped peaks to the jungle, every day felt like a different adventure.
Our guide was fantastic and always made sure we felt safe and informed. Machu Picchu at the end was the perfect reward.

May 6, 2025

Juan L.

Solo Traveller

Professional, Friendly, and Scenic from Start to Finish
Everything was perfectly timed, and we never felt rushed. The guides were passionate and shared so much about the culture and environment.
I especially loved the hot springs, perfect after a long hike. Highly recommend it!

April 9, 2025

Daniel R.

Solo Traveller

The Salkantay Trek was demanding, but every step was worth it. The views of the snow-capped mountains, the turquoise lagoons, and the jungle were simply spectacular. Sleeping under the stars and waking up surrounded by nature was magical. Our team was professional and very caring, always looking out for us. Ending up in Machu Picchu after all that trek was exhilarating. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

December 5, 2024