Overview
OVERVIEW OF OUR 4 DAY SALKANTAY TREK
Join the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco, exploring Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, and the Peruvian jungle. Stay in comfortable accommodations, savor delicious meals, and learn about the region’s history and nature with experienced guides. Enjoy a unique and scenic journey to the Inca citadel.
This Salkantay Trek 5 days allows you to experience diverse landscapes, from snowy peaks to the lush Peruvian jungle, as you journey towards Machu Picchu. Highlights in this Salkantay Trek Tour include Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and the Inca site of Llactapata. The trek culminates with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Incan history. Join us solo, as a couple, or in a group for this unforgettable adventure.
DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SKY CAMP
Early in the morning after pick-up, you will have a 2-hour trip to Mollepata for breakfast. Then you will walk from Challacancha to Soraypampa, where you will have a delicious lunch. Then, you will visit the wonderful Humantay Lagoon and get back to the camp in Soraypampa.
Overnight in a Sky Camp of Soraypama.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will continue the walk until the highest point of the route between the mountains Salkantay and Humantay. After the Salkantay Pass, you will enjoy a delicious lunch in Huayraq Machay, which is surrounded by the valley. Then continue through the “Cloud Forest” ending in Collpapampa.
Overnight in a Sky View Campsite of Collpapampa.
DAY 3: COLLAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
We’ll start the day at 6:00 am with breakfast before a 5-hour hike through the Santa Teresa valley, enjoying rivers, orchids, and plantations. Upon reaching La Playa, we’ll have lunch and watch a coffee show. Afterward, we’ll take private transport to Hidroelectrica and hike to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Overnight in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Early in the morning, you will go by bus to Machu Picchu and then have a guided tour of 2 hrs approx., after that you will return to Aguas Calientes where you can have lunch, later you will board the train that will take you to Ollantaytambo from where our representative will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
End of our services.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is available in private service and shared service, depending on availability.
itinerary
4 DAY SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERAY
DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SKY CAMP
You’ll start the day early with a 4:00 am pickup, traveling in cozy transportation with blankets for extra sleep. After a quick stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast, we’ll head to Challacancha to begin our hike.
Meet the team, do a final equipment check, and hike for about an hour to Soraypampa (3,900 m) through a scenic valley, following a restored Inca water channel. Settle in at our exclusive Sky Camp, where you’ll enjoy your first lunch in the mountains.
In the afternoon, we’ll hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,200 m), with its turquoise waters shimmering against a glacier backdrop. The round trip is 3 km (1.86 mi) and takes about 3 hours—perfect for adjusting to the altitude.
Return to camp for a delicious dinner as the sun sets, then retire to your Sky Camp igloo. Through the glass roof, gaze at the stars and constellations, and wake up with Apu Salkantay watching over you.
Overnight in a Sky Camp of Soraypama.
- Difficulty: 4 out of 5 /Moderate to Challenging.
- Distance: 10 km approximately.
- Walking Time: Around 5 – 6 hrs approximately.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Min. Elevation: 3, 800 m / 12, 467 ft.
- Max. Elevation: 4, 200 m / 13, 780 ft.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA
You’ll wake up with the first light of day, greeted by the majestic Apu Salkantay, and enjoy a warm coca tea. After a nutritious breakfast, you’ll embark on a challenging 7 km trek, taking about three hours, to reach the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m/15,190 ft).
The ascent, known as the “path of the 7 snakes,” is steep and winding, but the reward at the top is a breathtaking view of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
After taking in the stunning scenery, you’ll begin a 7 km descent to Huayracmachay (3,850 m/12,631 ft) for a well-deserved lunch. The path is rocky and steep, but the views of the valley are unforgettable.
Following lunch, you’ll enter the “cloud forest,” trekking 9.5 km over three and a half hours. The landscape transforms dramatically from the Andes to the Amazon, with vibrant colors, unique fauna, and lush vegetation. After a long day of hiking, you’ll arrive at Collpapampa, where you’ll enjoy a hearty meal and rest at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.
Overnight in a Sky View Campsite of Collpapampa.
- Difficulty: 4.7 out of 5 / Challenging.
- Distance: 23.5 km approximately.
- Walking Time: Around 10 – 11 hrs approximately.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Min. Elevation: 2, 900 m / 9, 514 ft.
- Max. Elevation: 4, 630 m / 15, 190 ft.
DAY 3: COLLAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
We’ll start the day at 6:00 am with a quick breakfast before embarking on a 5-hour hike through the stunning Santa Teresa valley. Along the way, we’ll enjoy lush landscapes, rivers, wild orchids, and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados, with opportunities to taste granadilla and passion fruit.
We’ll descend to the base of the mountains and cross the valley, surrounded by waterfalls, birds, and fruit trees. Upon reaching La Playa, we’ll savor a delicious lunch prepared by our chefs and enjoy a fun coffee show. Afterwards, we’ll take private transport to the Hidroelectrica train station. From there, we’ll hike alongside the tracks, surrounded by greenery and the Urubamba River. If you’re tired, you can opt for the train to Aguas Calientes for an additional US$ 37.00.
In this tropical paradise, we’ll see more plantations, vibrant plants, and a variety of birds, including the cock of the rock. After about three hours, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where a comfortable room with a hot shower, WiFi, and breakfast awaits you. In the evening, we’ll dine at a good restaurant and rest up for our final adventure to Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Overnight in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Difficulty:4.7 out of 5 / Challenging.
- Distance: 27 km approximately.
- Walking Time: Around 8 – 9 hrs approximately.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Min. Elevation: 1, 800 m / 5, 906 ft.
- Max. Elevation: 2, 950 m / 9, 678 ft.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today is the day you’ve been eagerly anticipating—the visit to Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World! You’ll start early to beat the crowds and experience the citadel in the peaceful morning light.
Once inside, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the most important sections of this ancient Inca site, including houses, temples, terraces, and crop fields. You’ll marvel at the Inca’s advanced engineering, from their mountain-side construction to their intricate water systems, which remain a mystery even today.
Fun fact: When Hiram Bingham first saw Machu Picchu, it was hidden under thick vegetation. Today, it’s a beautifully restored and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, cherished by people worldwide.
After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the 2:55 pm train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private bus will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 8 pm. You’ll finally rest your feet, but the rhythm of the Andes will stay with you for a lifetime.
Overnight in Cusco (On your own)
- Difficulty: 2 out of 5 / Easy.
- Walking Time: Around 2 – 3 hrs approximately.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Machu Picchu Elevation: 2, 430 m / 7, 972 ft.
- Cusco Elevation: 3, 399 m / 11,150 ft.
TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT:
- Expect to line up for buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, depending on the season.
- Follow the one-way circuit 2 at Machu Picchu with (Included) no re-entry unless your ticket includes Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Not included).
- Plan to visit Inti Punku or the Inca Bridge before your guided tour. Train availability varies by reservation time and season.
ADDITIONAL:
- If your train schedule allows, we recommend visiting the Chavez Ballòn Museum, which is the Machu Picchu’ site museum, from 12:00 noon, admission is free, to enter you must only show your passport.
- Another place you can visit is the Butterfly House, where you can appreciate the growth stages of a butterfly from being a cocoon to an adult butterfly. The entry price is S /. 10.00.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Include
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU INCLUSIONS:
Trvale services for the Salkantay Trek:
- Agency Services.
- Professional Guide (English and Spanish)
- Pre-departure Briefing
Transportation in the Salkantay Trek:
- Transfer Cusco – Challacancha.
- Transport from La Playa to Hidroelectrica
- Transfer Ollantaytambo Train Station – Cusco.
- Bus Ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- EXPEDITION Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Nights Accommodation in the Salkantay Trek 5 days:
- 01 night accommodation in the Sky Camp of Soraypama.
- 01 night accommodation in the Sky View Campsite of Collpapampa.
- 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance Tickets in the Salkantay Trek 5 days:
- Entrance ticket to Salkantay National Park.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Circiut 2.
Meals in this Salkantay Trek Tour:
- 04 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03-afternoon snacks, and 03 dinners. VEGETARIAN OPTION.
- Water (except for the first 04 hours of trekking).
- Wake up tea in the morning.
- Tea Time or Happy Hour in the afternoon.
- Snacks.
Equipment for the Salkantay Trek Cusco:
- Camping equipment: Inflatable mattresses or mattresses (Therm A Rest or Rei), spacious EUREKA tents (02 people per tent)
- Kitchen equipment and expert chefs.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Mules for transport of kitchen and camping equipment and up to 7 kilos of your personal items.
- First aid Kit.
- Oxygen.
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU:
- Walking sticks (20.00 USD).
- Sleeping bag (20.00 USD.
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch and dinner Day 4.
- Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes Day 3.
- Phone calls.
- Any other service not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
OPTIONAL
Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: an additional 65.00 USD per person (Needs to be booked several months in advance)
packing list
PACKING LIST FOR SALKANTAY TREK:
- 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
FAQS
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE SALKANTAY TREK?
The best time is during the dry season, from May to October. The rainy season (November to April) can make trails slippery and challenging.
WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?
The trek involves challenging hikes at high altitudes. A good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended.
IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS A CONCERN?
Yes, altitude sickness can occur. It’s important to acclimate in Cusco before starting the trek, stay hydrated, and listen to your body during the hike. Therefore I suggest you check our traditional tours to acclimatize.
ARE THERE FACILITIES FOR CHARGING ELECTRONICS DURING THE TREK?
Charging facilities are generally not available on the trek. Bring extra batteries or a portable power bank. However, you will have this service in all the campsites.
WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION CAN I EXPECT?
Accommodations range from camping in Sky Camp and Mountain Sky View domes to lodges and hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Ensure you have sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures.
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER?
Safe drinking water is usually provided or can be treated with purification tablets. Always follow guide instructions regarding water sources.
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE BEFORE WE START THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS?
Many hotels and hostels offer free store service. If they do not, we can store your things in the office as long as you list the belongings you are leaving. we will store your belongings until you come back from the Salkantay Trek 4 days.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Additional costs may include optional activities, tips for guides and staff, and personal expenses. Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain may also be extra.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?
Acclimate to high altitude in Cusco, train for physical endurance and ensure you have the appropriate gear and vaccinations. Follow any additional advice from your tour operator.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER OR TRAIL CLOSURES?
In adverse weather conditions or if trails are closed, the tour operator may adjust the itinerary or provide alternative arrangements. Flexibility and understanding are key.
HOW DO I GET FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO TO CUSCO AFTER THE TREK?
After taking the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, our representative will transport you back to Cusco.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION DURING THE TREK?
Guides are trained in first aid and can provide initial care. For serious issues, evacuation procedures are in place, but it’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
WHY BOOK WITH KANTU PERU TOURS?
- Kantu Peru Tours is a Cusco travel agency that operates all the packages directly. We don’t give commissions to travel agencies or other third parties that inflate the costs.
- The staff that works with us are professional and responsible. Before they start working with Katu Peru Tours, we have a training course about customer service.
- We have all the tourist permissions and certificates, granted by the Municipality of Cusco, and the Minister of Peru (DICETUR – MINCETUR), which guarantees us to operate in Cusco and the sacred valley of Machu Picchu.
- Our Customers are our best guarantee. You can see and read our customer’s reviews. Click HERE
- If you want to get more information you can contact 👉 HERE 👈
Tour Price
“Ask first for availability 24 hours before the tour date, otherwise we can not ensure availability”
GROUP SERVICE |
PRICE PER PERSON
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| REGULAR SERVICE | Before: $499.00 USD
Now: $479.00 USD |
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PRIVATE SERVICE |
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| Per Group of 2 Persons | Before: $719.00 USD
Now: $699.00 USD |
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| Group of 3 Persons | Before: $669.00 USD
Now: $649.00 USD |
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| Per Group of 4 Persons | Before: $619.00 USD
Now: $599.00 USD |
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| Group of 5 Persons | Before: $569.00 USD
Now: $549.00 USD |
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| Per Group of 6 Persons | Before: $539.00 USD
Now: $519.00 USD |
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| Group of 7 to + Persons | Before: $529.00 USD
Now: $509.00 USD |
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