Classic Salkantay Trek 4 days 3 nights

The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for 4 days and 3 nights trip is the second most popular route to Machu Picchu after the Classic Inca Trail and one of the most spectacular hikes in Peru and the world. It is also the most challenging and adventurous tour we offer at TreXperience. You will be able to see the Humantay Lake, snow-capped mountains, the cloud forest, coffee farms, learn Pachamanca cooking, and finish the trek at Machu Picchu.

Trip Details:

•  Duration: 4 Days / 3 nights
•  Hiking Distance: 50 km – 31 miles
•  Depart: Cusco
•  Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
•  Season: March to December
•  Destination: Machu Picchu
•  Type: Adventure – Camping – Hotel

Highlights of the Salkantay Trekking:

•  Book with Confidence and Flexibility, change dates at any time with no fees!
•  Complimentary airport Pick up and drop off in Cusco.
•  Visit Humantay lake and camp close to Salkantay Mountain (best campsites with no crowds).
•  Real camping experience with tents and hot showers to enjoy nature!
•  Visit organic coffee farms and participate in the preparation of a PACHAMANCA
•  Come back to Cusco on the Exclusive Vistdome Panoramic Train.
•  Support our Social Projects and empower local women

Price Per person:  550.USD  Book Now

To book the Classic Salkantay Trek, you need to make an initial payment of 50.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco with any credit card at no booking fees at all.

Student Discount:
All travelers under 17 will have a $35. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the 35$ discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.

 Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – SalkantayPampa (16km, 8hrs)
We pick you up in your hotel located in Cusco and travel for 3 hours to the trailhead. After breakfast, we hike for 3 hours following an ancient aqueduct until we arrive at Soraypampa, where we will have lunch. We hike for 2 hours to Humantay Lake (4200m) and camp near Salkantay Mountain at 3900 meters in the afternoon.

Day 2: Basecamp -Hayrajpunku – Collpapampa (18km, 9hrs)
Wake up with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy breakfast with the mountains, then hike up to Salkantay pass at 4630mts for 3 hours and two more down to lunch. The second part is a 3 hour downhill until the 2nd campsite at 2770 mts.

Day 3: Collpapampa – Hidroelectica- Aguas Calientes (16km, 8hrs)
Wake up in your tent, breakfast, and start hiking along the cloud forest for 3 hours visiting local villages, coffee farms, and prepare a unique Pachamanca Barbecue with your chef. After lunch, we will hike for 3-hrs from Hidroelectica to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu (Beat the crowds!) – 4hrs

After breakfast, we take the early buses up to Machu Picchu for the sunrise, visit the Sungate or Inca Bridge, and then we explore Machu Picchu with your guide. Once you finish, you will take the Panoramic train and bus back to your hotel in Cusco.

Included in the Salkantay Trek 4 days

• Pre-departure briefing at 6:00 pm the evening before your tour
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the trek.
• Experienced English-speaking Tour Guide
• 2 Nights camping in comfortable tents
• 1 Night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Camping equipment: tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
• Entrance ticket to Salkantay and Machu Picchu
• Duffle Bag for up to 8 kgs (17 lbs) for your stuff carried by our horses.
• Cargo Mules to carry food, equipment, and personal stuff
• Trekking chef to prepare meals (B, L, D)
• All meals Included except last day lunch (Veg, vegan, GF meals available)
• Snacks, drinkable water, and warm water to wash.
• First Aid Kit, Satellite Phones, Oxygen tank
• Vistadome panoramic train on the way back to Cusco

Not Included

• Sleeping bags, air mattress, or trekking poles (Can be rented from us)
• Last day Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña)  Ticket
• Tips for porters, chef, guides
• Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)

Other hikes after the Machu Picchu tour:

Huayna Picchu Mountain: The most famous mountain, takes 2 hours round trip and needs to be booked far in advance; 75.USD per person

Montaña Machu Picchu: The highest one, and it takes 3 hours round trip, also called Machu Picchu Mountain, need to be booked in advance; 75.USD per person

Covid-19 measures to keep you safe during traveling

• Temperature checks for all travelers are mandatory.
• Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times
• High traffic places and equipment are sanitized regularly between use.
• Maximum eight people per group to reduce crowds
• Transportation and touristic sites capacity will be reduced to 50%
• Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided.
• 100% online payments with no booking fees at all
• Flexible bookings during COVID – 19 outbreak

Full Itinerary of the Classic Salkantay Trek 4 days 3 nights

Day 1: Cusco hotel – Humantay Lake – Salkantay basecamp (16km, 8hrs)

We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 am (depending on your location) and drive you to the trailhead. After breakfast, we will start a 3 hours hike to Soraypampa (3600 m), following an ancient aqueduct which supplies water to the farmers in the lower lands. Lunch is served in Soraypampa village by your trekking chef. After enjoying the well-deserved lunch, we will start a 2-hour climb to Humantay Lake (4200 m / 13779 ft). Along the way, you will see a variety of flora and fauna, such as the Andean goose (the love birds), deer, and vizcachas (which look a lot like a rabbit). Next, we will continue climbing for two more hours to reach Salkantay Pampa (3900 m/12795 ft). Once at the campsite, we will have the tents ready, have tea time, dinner, and afterward, we can stargaze before going to sleep.

Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m -/12795 ft
Highest altitude: 4200 m / 13779 ft
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Duration: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderat

 Day 2: Salkantay basecamp -Hayrajpunku – Collpapampa (18km, 9hrs)

We will wake you up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea. When exiting your tent, beautiful scenery consisting of vast plains and snow-capped mountain peaks is waiting for you. We will enjoy the breathtaking views of the highest mountains in Peru. After breakfast, we will start ascending to our trek’s highest point, the Salkantay pass (4630 m /15190 ft). At the summit, we will take the time to explore the fantastic landscapes, including a beautiful lake at the base of this majestic mountain. It will be another 3 hour downhill hike to the lunch place at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft) from the top. After lunch, we will start descending from the mountains into the cloud forest, experiencing one of the fastest temperature and weather changes. Along the way, we will see an abundance of different types of flowers, hummingbirds, and orchids until we arrive at Colpapampa, located at 2770 meters. This night we will stay next to a small village.

Campsite Altitude: 2770 m/ 9087 ft
Highest altitude: 4630 m/ 15190 ft
Distance: 18 km/ 14.91 miles
Duration: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

 Day 3: Collpapampa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (16km, 8hrs)

Day 3 is arguably the most beautiful of your Salkantay TreXperience! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will hike for about 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6600 ft). We will join a Pachamanca cooking demonstration and traditional cooking methods, vegetables, fruits with hot stones, and the underground. You will particiáte actively in preparing this unique delicacy. After lunch, you will visit an organic coffee farm and learn the process of harvesting to how to prepare your expresso. Next, drive for one hour to Hidroelectica and hike for 3 hours to Aguas Calientes, arriving at around 5 pm. Here we will have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a hotel.

Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6561 ft
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Duration: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City Of The Incas) 4 hrs

On our final day, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience, visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. We will go straight to the line to wait for the first bus to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will walk up with the city’s incredible views along the way. On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is truly an unforgettable sight. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.

Highest altitude: 2700m / 8858ft
Distance: 6km / 3 miles
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
Difficulty: Easy

Salkantay Trek 4 days Packing List

When you sign up for the Salkantay Trek, you will hike Peru’s second most popular hike and the most challenging trek to Machu Picchu. You will walk into the jungle from high altitudes. The terrain will considerably in a matter of hours and change due to unpredictable weather rains can take at any time, so you need to be prepared.

It is important to note that you will not take all your belonging on this journey. You will only need to take essentials for the 4-days trekking and leave the rest of your luggage in Cusco. We will provide a duffel bag to put 7 kg; it must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

You will also have a backpack. You must always carry all your daily necessities with you when hiking. We recommend a maximum weight of 5 to 8 kg.

What will you put on the daypack?

The original passport must always be kept in a safe pocket, and it is best to put it in a plastic bag or keep it dry in a waterproof case.

Plastic poncho, TreXperience will provide you with a plastic poncho. You still need a rain jacket and weatherproof gloves.

Sunscreen, you will hike in open spaces exposed to direct sunlight; make sure you bring the correct sunscreen or buy it in Cusco before heading for the trek.

Toilet paper, you will find locals’ restrooms; they usually charge, and you will need small coins, always bring toilet paper in your backpack.

Insect repellent, after the second day, you will hike in the jungle. You need insect repellent and always wear long sleeves.

1 rain jacket, 1 warm/winter jacket. The jacket must always be carried in the backpack. The temperature in the first 2 mornings will be freezing. You will start hiking all your layers; then, you will start taking them off and putting them in your backpack when you warm up.

Snacks, the average trek time per day is about 8 hours; you will consume a lot of energy; besides the meals and snacks we provide, we recommend bringing energy bars, granola, chocolate, and candies.

In the water container, you need to bring water for the first half of the day, and then provide you with water after the first lunch; however, you need to have a container of at least 2 liters: Camel bag, reusable bottle.

Flashlights or headlights must always be in your backpack; you will need them to walk around the campsite and use the restroom. The headlights are better to have hands-free.

Hat, sunhat during the day, and something warm at night. In addition, it is also recommended to use gloves at night and in the morning.

Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the strong sunlight in Salkantay.

Extra cash, we recommend bringing about 600 soles (200.USD) to Salkantay Trek; make sure to have some small coins, this is emergency money, and you will not spend all of it. You will need to use the toilet, buy souvenirs, buy drinks or snacks, and tip if you find it convenient.

For personal medication, bring band-aids, Diamox, Pepto, ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness medicine, and feminine products.

Camera or mobile phone to take pictures.

What will you put on the duffle bag?

On the first night of the Salkantay period, the sleeping bag will freeze below 0 degrees Celsius; you will need a suitable sleeping bag that can withstand -10 degrees Celsius. You can bring your own or rent it from us.

Hiking boots, we strongly recommend that you wear hiking boots instead of sports shoes.

Sandals: After a long hike, you need to wear light clothes at the campsite.

5 pairs of wool hiking socks, comfortable for hiking.

4 pairs of light socks to use after the hike.

5 pairs of underwear, just in case, please bring more in case they get wet

2 or 3 pairs of breathable hiking pants for Ladies’ leggings are also perfect.

1 type of sports pants, suitable for evening and early morning

5 T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts are better,

Wet wipes, tissues, and a small towel

Swimwear is optional because you can visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

Trekking poles, you can bring your own, or you can rent them from us.

Air mattress, We provide foam mattresses; however, you can bring or rent an air mattress for more comfort.

Salkantay Trek 4 Days FAQs

What is Salkantay?

Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region, with 6,271m / 20574 feet. It is located in the Vilcabamba Mountains, 60 km northwest of Cusco in the central Peruvian Andes. Salkantay means “wild mountain” and has been considered by the locals as a sacred god that controls the weather and fertility since the Inca era.

What is Salkantay Trek?

Salkantay’s proximity to Machu Picchu and ancient trails make it a perfect alternative route called Salkantay Trek. This trek can be completed in a 4 0r 5 days hike to Machu Picchu.

How long does Salkantay trek?

Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on the itinerary or the operator you choose. The most popular trips are 4 days and 5 days. Shorter than 4 days may bring great challenges, and trips longer than 5 days usually include city tours in Cusco or Sacred Valley Tours.

Is the Salkantay trek worth it?

The Salkantay route is not only the most popular hiking route to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail. This trek also provides various experiences for travelers, from high mountains with cold temperatures to a high jungle called “cloud forest.” These extremely diverse landscapes will provide hikers with rare opportunities to experience different scenery, climate, weather and have the opportunity to arrive at Machu Picchu before sunrise.

How high is Salkantay Trek?

It is important to note the difference between the 6,271m / 20574ft of Salkantay Mountain with the Salkantay Pass, located at 4630m / 15190ft.

•  First campsite: 3900 m/12795 ft
•  Second campsite: 2770 mt  / 9087 ft
•  Last night at Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6561 ft

How cold is the Salkantay trek?

This trek provides a variety of landscapes and different ecosystems and temperatures. The weather fluctuates throughout the year. If you hike in the dry season (April to October) or the rainy season (November to March), the temperature will rise slightly during the rainy season and summer in the southern hemisphere.

Day 1: On the first day of the trek, the maximum temperature during the day is 18°C/64°F and the temperature at night drops below 0°C/32°F. It is important to wear warm clothes.

Day 2: The second day offers two completely different climates. In the first part, you will hike through the Salkantay Pass. This is the most difficult part of the hike, usually sunny. However, if it rains, the temperature will drop below freezing, and you need to wear a jacket, hat, and gloves.

In the second part of the day, the temperature will rise as we go below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will begin to descend very quickly to the second campsite located in Cloud Forest. The temperature during the day is 24°C / 75°F and the temperature at night is 10°C / 50°F.

Day 3: On the third day, you will hike through the tropical cloud forest all day long. You will need to wear light clothes to protect yourself from the sun, mosquito repellent, and a lot of water. The night temperature may be around 10°C/53°F

Day 4: On the 5th day, you will visit Machu Picchu, a tropical mountain forest with a warm and humid climate.

How much does the Salkantay trek cost?

Price is one of the most important factors to consider; you will never choose the lowest price because they have hidden costs and will pay more or a bad experience. The normal price of the Salkantay trek is between 450.USD and 650.USD. This fee should include a 3-star hotel, catering, porters, and all means of transportation, as well as an excellent English-speaking guide.

It is important to book your tour with a reputable company. This is a hiking trip on high altitude, slippery terrain, and you should completely trust the company and the guide.

TreXperience provides experienced guides, professional chefs, and comfortable camping equipment. In addition, we also provide coffee tours, Pachamanca cooking, and panoramic trains on the last day to go back to Cusco.

How to prepare for Salkantay Trek 4 days?

Salkantay Route is feasible for anyone; however, you need a moderate fitness level to complete the trek. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but you can live an active life. If not, you will need to prepare before you travel to avoid bad experiences.

You do not need to train months in advance. However, you must occasionally hike for about an hour or two hours and increase the frequency and duration of the trip as you get closer and closer to the starting point of the tour. A few hours of exercise in the gym, jogging, or spinning will also help.

We recommend hiking on weekends or at least twice a month (including uphill) hikes.

Is there a problem with altitude sickness? How to avoid altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone, whether they are professional hikers or not. Here are some suggestions to avoid altitude sickness:

Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek; this will help you adapt to the altitude before the trek; in the first few days, you should do some effortless activities or not include a few hours of hiking: we recommend You take a city tour of Cusco, a tour of the Sacred Valley or Maras Moray.

You should avoid excursions such as Rainbow Mountain, which includes hiking at high altitudes.

Please bring high-altitude medicine such as Diamox or other medicines recommended by your doctor.

During the first few days in Cusco, please eat, light up and drink plenty of water. Coca tea will help.

Where can I book the Salkantay Trek in Cusco?

Machu Picchu is the most important tourist destination in South America and Peru; we have limited access to this sanctuary. We have 2 train companies. Aguas Calientes Town or Machu Picchu Pueblo is a small town that receives thousands of tourists. Taking these factors into consideration, you must always book your itinerary in advance.

Booking the tour as early as possible will allow us to choose the best train schedule, the best hotel, and the best Machu Picchu admission schedule.

When is the best time to hike Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to hike the Salkantay trek and visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, the dry season, April and November are “strapless” months, and the weather is expected to increase.

January and February are the months to avoid such trekking because it is a rainy season, and there is a risk of landslides. During these months, we recommend that you take the Lares trek.