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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

★★★★★ 4 Days / 3 Nights
Code: SKT4-RG
Old Price: 630.00 USD
Price: 599.00 USD
Duration: 4D/3N
Full Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Style: Trekking
Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Accommodation: Camp
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Group Size: Min. 2 persons
Rating: 5

TRIP SUMMARY

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days Overview

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is a challenging high-altitude adventure designed for travelers who want to experience the principal landscapes of the Salkantay route in a shorter itinerary. The journey combines glacial mountains, turquoise lakes, Andean valleys, cloud forest scenery and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

During the trek, you will visit Humantay Lake, cross Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet and descend toward the warmer vegetation of the Santa Teresa Valley. The route then continues through Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes before concluding at Machu Picchu.

This Salkantay Trek 4 Days follows a faster and more physically demanding schedule than the five-day version. It is best suited to active travelers who have prepared for long hiking days, significant elevation changes and variable mountain weather.

Kantu Peru Tours coordinates the professional guide, transportation, campsites, meals, trekking support, hotel accommodation, train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance required for the journey. Shared and private departures are available according to confirmed availability.

Why Choose This 4 Day Salkantay Trek?

This four-day itinerary is designed for travelers who have limited time in Cusco but still want to experience the main natural attractions of the Salkantay route. It includes Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, the cloud forest, the Santa Teresa Valley and Machu Picchu in one carefully coordinated program.

Kantu Peru Tours organizes the transportation, accommodation, meals, camping equipment, professional guide and essential reservations required throughout the journey. You will also receive a pre-departure briefing and local assistance before and during the trek.

The itinerary includes Sky Camp in Soraypampa, Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa and a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. This combination provides an organized place to rest after each demanding hiking day.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You will travel through the Andean countryside toward Mollepata, where the group will stop for breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.

After meeting the trekking team and completing a final equipment check, you will begin walking toward Soraypampa. The trail follows a scenic mountain valley and sections of a restored water channel before reaching the Sky Camp at approximately 3,900 meters or 12,795 feet.

After lunch and time to settle into the campsite, you will begin the afternoon hike to Humantay Lake. The ascent leads to a turquoise glacial lake located at approximately 4,200 meters or 13,780 feet.

You will have time to appreciate the landscape and take photographs before returning to Soraypampa for dinner and your first night at Sky Camp.

Approximate distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Accommodation: Sky Camp

After an early breakfast, you will begin the most demanding day of the trek. The route gradually climbs toward Salkantay Pass, following a steep and winding high-altitude trail surrounded by mountains and glacial scenery.

After approximately three hours of ascent, you will reach Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet. From the pass, you can observe Salkantay Mountain and other peaks of the Vilcabamba range before beginning the descent.

The trail continues toward Huayracmachay, where you will stop for lunch. Afterward, you will descend into the cloud forest, where the landscape, vegetation and temperature begin to change significantly.

You will finish the day at Collpapampa, where dinner and the Mountain Sky View campsite will be waiting.

Approximate distance: 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
Walking time: 10–11 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Accommodation: Mountain Sky View

The third day begins with breakfast at the campsite. You will then follow a mostly descending trail through the Santa Teresa Valley, surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids and tropical vegetation.

Along the route, you may observe agricultural areas where coffee, bananas, avocados, granadilla and passion fruit are cultivated. The warmer climate and green landscape provide a strong contrast to the high-altitude environment experienced on the previous day.

After reaching La Playa, you will have lunch and participate in the coffee activity included in the confirmed itinerary. You will then travel by organized transportation to Hidroelectrica.

From Hidroelectrica, you will walk for approximately three hours along the railway route to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel, have dinner and prepare for the following morning’s Machu Picchu visit.

Walking time: Approximately 8 hours in total
Minimum altitude: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
Maximum altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

On the final morning, you will take the tourist bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your entrance time and assigned circuit will be confirmed according to official availability.

Inside the archaeological site, your professional guide will explain the history, architecture, terraces, temples, residential areas and engineering features included in the assigned route. The guided visit lasts approximately two hours.

After the tour, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch before boarding the scheduled train to Ollantaytambo.

A Kantu Peru Tours representative will meet you at the train station and provide transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.

Guided visit: Approximately 2 hours
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Return: Tourist train and transportation to Cusco

Included

Permits and Entrance Fees

  • Day 1: Entrance to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Trail.
  • Day 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu, Circuit 2 (subject to availability).

Services

  • Informative briefing meeting before the trek.
  • Experienced professional guide.
  • A duffel bag for your personal items.
  • Backpack cover and rain poncho.
  • Professional long-range walkie-talkies.
  • First aid kit.

Accommodations

  • Sky Camp: Stay in our exclusive igloos (Day 1).
  • Mountain Sky View: Stay in our premium domes (Day 2).
  • Restrooms: Shared restrooms at Sky Camp; private restrooms at Mountain Sky View.
  • Showers: Refreshing showers available at Mountain Sky View.
  • Dining and Kitchen: Spacious dining areas and fully equipped kitchens at each campsite.
  • Mule support: Mules carry all fresh cooking supplies and camping equipment.
  • Day 3: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (includes private bathroom, hot shower, breakfast, and luggage storage).

Meals

  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (Vegetarian options available).
  • Purified water provided for the hike.
  • Wake-up tea served at your tent/dome each morning.
  • Tea time or Happy Hour every afternoon.
  • Daily snacks along the route with a personal cloth bag.

Transportation

  • Day 1: Hotel pickup in Cusco and transport to Challacancha.
  • Day 3: Private transport from La Playa to Hidroelectrica.
  • Day 4: Consettur bus ticket (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu).
  • Day 4: Train ticket (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
  • Day 4: Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Luggage Transport: On Days 1 and 2, mules carry up to 5 kg (11 lb) of your personal items. On Day 3, your duffel bag is transported by van and train.

Not Included

NOT INCLUDED IN OUR SALKANTAY TREK:

  • Sleeping bag (Available for hire: $20.00 USD).
  • Hiking poles (Available for hire: $20.00 USD).
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($75.00 USD).
  • Day 4: Return Consettur bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (downhill).
  • Day 4: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco.
  • Day 3: Optional train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes ($50.00 USD).
  • Travel insurance (Highly recommended).
  • Gratuities for the guide, cook, and muleteers (Tips).
  • Personal expenses and services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.

Recommendations

  • Bring your passport or identity document (DNI) (the same with which the reservation was made).
  • Wear trekking shoes.
  • Bring waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
  • Bring warm jacket.
  • Wear T-shirts (quick dry)
  • Wear comfortable trekking pants, shorts.
  • Bring hat and gloves.
  • Bring extra cash (Soles).
  • Bring a 70 L backpack, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
  • Bring your camera and extra batteries.
  • It is only allowed to carry 7 kilos of luggage on the train.
  • Book your tickets to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in advance.
  • Bring personal medications
  • Bring a bottle of water and snacks.
  • Bring toiletries amd hand sanitizer
  • Bring flashlight with extra batteries

Prices

Group Service Price Click to Book
Price per Person
Regular Service $599.00 USD BOOK NOW

 

Private Service Price Click to Book
Price per Person
Group of 2 Persons $699.00 USD BOOK NOW
Group of 3 Persons $649.00 USD BOOK NOW
Group of 4 Persons $599.00 USD BOOK NOW
Group of 5 Persons $549.00 USD BOOK NOW
Group of 6 Persons $519.00 USD BOOK NOW
Group of 7+ Persons $509.00 USD BOOK NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

The four-day trek is considered moderate to challenging. It includes long hiking days, steep ascents and descents, changing terrain and elevations above 4,600 meters. Good physical preparation and proper acclimatization are necessary.

The highest point is Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet above sea level. It is reached on the second day.

Yes. The first day includes an afternoon hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake before returning to Sky Camp.

The four-day trek follows a faster itinerary and combines more distance into fewer days. The five-day trek provides a more gradual pace and includes additional time along the route. The four-day option is recommended for fit travelers with limited time.

Yes. The tour includes an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. The specific circuit and entrance time depend on official availability when the reservation is processed.

The itinerary includes Sky Camp in Soraypampa, Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa and one hotel night in Aguas Calientes.

The program includes four breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, daily snacks and drinking water during the trekking route. Lunch and dinner on the final day are not included.

The current program allows approximately 5 kilograms or 11 pounds of personal luggage per traveler. You must carry your own daypack with water, sun protection, rainwear and personal items.

Solo travelers may join an available shared departure. The standard group service requires a confirmed minimum number of participants. Private service can also be requested.

Travelers generally prefer months with more stable and drier conditions. However, mountain weather can change throughout the year, and rain, cold temperatures or reduced visibility may occur during any departure.

Spending at least two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure is recommended. Light activities during this period can help you adjust before beginning the high-altitude trek.

No. The standard itinerary includes the walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. An optional train may be requested for an additional cost, subject to availability.

Charging availability may be limited at the campsites. Bring a fully charged portable power bank and conserve battery during the trekking days.

The guide may adjust the itinerary when weather, trail conditions or safety considerations require a change. Any operational modification will prioritize traveler safety.

Final

Experience four days of high-altitude mountains, turquoise lakes, cloud forest trails and Andean landscapes with a local team organizing your transportation, campsites, meals, trekking support and Machu Picchu visit.

Contact Kantu Peru Tours to confirm your preferred departure, current price and available Machu Picchu circuit. Reserve your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days in advance and prepare for one of the most rewarding trekking experiences from Cusco.

from

599.00 USD

per person

  • Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Group: Min. 2 persons
  • Level: Moderate to Challenging
Prices Contact via WhatsApp Download PDF

Why choose Kantu Peru Tours?

  • Local agency in Cusco since 2016
  • Certified professional guides
  • Best direct price guarantee
  • 24/7 support in English and Spanish
  • Flexible payment and cancellation
from $599.00 USD
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