Salkantay Trek 4D/3N
Salkantay Trek 4 Days: From the Glaciers to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 4 days route is a spectacular hike beside the majestic Salkantay peak. Along the way you visit Humantay Lake and then cross a mountain pass at 4,600 meters before descending into the cloud forest. Finally, you end the adventure with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
A sacred mountain on the way to Machu Picchu
Summary
Trip overview
The Salkantay Trek is considered one of the best hikes in the world and, therefore, the main alternative to the Inca Trail. The route skirts Salkantay, one of the most important sacred mountains in the Andes. Then it descends into the cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the Salkantay Trek 4 days itinerary, you first visit the turquoise Humantay Lake. Next, you cross the Salkantay pass at 4,600 meters among glaciers. Afterwards, you walk through valleys with waterfalls, coffee plantations and tropical vegetation. Above all, the contrast of landscapes in such a short time is what makes this route unique.
Finally, on the last day you visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide. Unlike the Inca Trail, no trail permit is required. As a result, it is an excellent option for travelers who book with less notice.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
Transfer to the mountains and hike up to Humantay Lake.
We pick you up very early at your hotel and drive to Mollepata for breakfast. Then we continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), at the foot of Salkantay. After settling into camp, we hike up to Humantay Lake (4,200 m a.s.l.), whose turquoise waters lie at the foot of the peak of the same name. Later, we return to Soraypampa for dinner and rest.
Day 2
Salkantay pass and Chaullay
The most demanding day, among glaciers and valleys.
We start early on the climb to the Salkantay pass (4,600 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the route, with close-up views of the glacier. At the top, we have time to rest and take photos. Then we descend through the Huayracmachay valley, where the landscape changes from Andean puna to cloud forest, until we reach the Chaullay campsite (2,900 m a.s.l.). Overall, the day covers about 22 kilometers and 8 to 9 hours of hiking.
Day 3
Santa Teresa Valley, Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes
Hike through the cloud forest to the town of Machu Picchu.
First, we walk through the Santa Teresa River valley among waterfalls, coffee plantations, fruit trees and tropical vegetation to La Playa. From there, we transfer to Hidroeléctrica. Then, in the afternoon, we walk alongside the railway with Machu Picchu mountain in sight. Finally, we reach Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4
Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Guided tour of the Inca citadel and return to Cusco.
Early in the morning, you take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel. Afterwards, you go down to Aguas Calientes. Later, in the afternoon, you take the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transportation to Soraypampa
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Cook, horseman and pack horses for the equipment
- Transport of up to 5 kg of personal belongings by horse
- Double tents or domes, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Meals during the trek as per itinerary
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Riding or emergency horse
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for guides, cook and horseman
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 25 to 35 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
- Thermal clothing, warm jacket and gloves
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
- Original passport
Weather
The route crosses very different climates. In Soraypampa and at the Salkantay pass, nights are very cold and it can snow, while the cloud forest is hot and humid. Therefore, bring clothing for both extremes.
Best season
The trek operates all year. However, from April to October the weather is drier and views of the mountain are clearer. In contrast, from December to March rain can make the trails more slippery.
Acclimatization
It is essential to spend at least two days in Cusco before starting the hike, because you will be above 4,000 meters on the first and second days.
Recommendations
Bring insect repellent for the cloud forest area. We also recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites and hotel
Two nights camping in tents or domes and then one night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Transportation
Transfer from Cusco to Soraypampa, then to Hidroeléctrica, and finally the return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Return train
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo when the visit to Machu Picchu ends.
Meals
Meals prepared by our cook during the trek, with vegetarian options on request.
Support team
Guide, cook, horseman and pack horses that carry the camping equipment, so you only carry a daypack.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek 4 days route is a demanding hike because of the altitude and the length of the stages, especially on the second day. No technical experience is required; however, good physical condition and prior acclimatization are essential.
Do I need a permit like on the Inca Trail?
No. The Salkantay Trek does not require a trail permit. You only need the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is included and, therefore, must be booked in advance.
Who carries the luggage?
The horses carry the camping equipment and up to 5 kg of your personal belongings. As a result, you only carry a daypack.
Is there a riding horse option?
Yes. You can rent a riding horse for the most demanding sections, especially the climb to the Salkantay pass.
What is the difference with the 5-day version?
Compared with this Salkantay Trek 4 days itinerary, the 5-day version includes a night at a coffee farm and a visit to the archaeological site of Llactapata. Therefore, it has shorter stages and a more relaxed pace.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service, upgrade the accommodation or include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, although this is subject to availability.
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