Looking for an unforgettable adventure that blends breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ultimate comfort? The 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is your gateway to a life-changing experience through the heart of the Andes. Enjoy this exciting experience with comfortable tents, a Pachamanca barbecue, and a coffee tour, and return aboard scenic panoramic trains.
Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu combines adventure, comfort, and culture. Ranked among the world’s best hikes by National Geographic, this journey takes you through towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and lush cloud forests. End each day in cozy glamping tents, rustic Andean huts, and exclusive 3-star hotels, and visit one of the world’s most iconic sites, Machu Picchu.
If you're looking for an adventure that pushes your limits, fills you with wonder, and creates memories you'll cherish forever, the Salkantay Trekking 4 Days tour is the perfect choice. Get ready to challenge yourself, immerse yourself in nature, and discover the magic of the Andes!
Salkantay Trekking: Highlights of the Journey:
- Visit Humantay Lake: Hike to this stunning turquoise lake, surrounded by majestic peaks
- Unique Luxury Camping: Stay at the luxurious Salka-Glamp, with cozy tents and breathtaking mountain views.
- Authentic Andean Experiences: Savor a traditional Pachamanca barbecue, visit local coffee farms, and immerse yourself in Andean culture.
- Vistadome Train: Return in style on exclusive panoramic trains after exploring the World Wonder of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trail 4 Days at a Glance:
Day 1: Hike to Humantay Lake and camp at the luxurious Salka-Glamp, with cozy tents and breathtaking views.
Day 2: Cross the stunning Salkantay Pass, then descend to the cloud forest for a unique stay in rustic Andean huts.
Day 3: Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca barbecue, visit a coffee farm, and hike to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu, explore with a guide, and return on a panoramic Vistadome train.
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the world’s best trekking adventures! Book your 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu now and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- All transportation during the tour
- Professional Tour Guide
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
- Entry tickets to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
- Cargo mules to carry all the camping equipment
- Experienced chef to prepare meals
- 2-night camping in comfortable tents
- 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- All meals on the trail, except the last day lunch (all dietary needs covered)
- Water and daily snacks
- Pachamanca barbecue, cooking class, coffee experience
- Duffle Bag for up to 8 kg (17 lb) for your stuff
- First-aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen supply
- Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho, hand towels
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles
- Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña
Extra hikes after the Machu Picchu tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain - US$ 68 per person. The most famous mountain (2 hours round trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain - US$ 68 per person. The highest mountain (about 3 hours round-trip).
Both hikes require booking in advance.
Full Itinerary - Salkantay Trekking 4 days to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salka Glamp Campsite (16km, 8hrs)
Our journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. We can pick you up from any hotel near the center of Cusco, then drive for 2 hours to Mollepata for breakfast in a local restaurant.
After breakfast, we continue for 1 more hour to Challacancha (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet), the trailhead. Our expert tour guides will give you time to prepare, warm up, and begin the epic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The hike starts with a 3-hour walk to the famous Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Along the way, you will see various plants and animals, including Andean geese (the lovebirds) and vizcachas (which look like rabbits).
When you arrive at Humantay Lake, you can enjoy amazing views of Humantay Mountain and the turquoise lake, and explore the area. Next, descend to Soraypamapa, where our trekking chef will have a freshly prepared picnic lunch made with local products.
After lunch, you will begin a 2-hour hike to our campsite at Salkantaypampa. You will spend the night in our unique and exclusive Salka-Glamp Campsite (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where you’ll enjoy comfortable glamping tents, breathtaking mountain views of Salkantay, and the peace of the Andes. Relax with tea time and a delicious dinner, then step outside to admire the star-filled sky—an unforgettable way to end your first day on the trail.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Salka-Glamp Campsite
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salka Glamp Campsite – Collpapampa (18km, 9hrs)
The second day of the Salkantay Trekking is the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding, offering breathtaking views from the Salkantay Pass. The morning begins with a surprise delivery of hot coffee or coca tea, brought right to your tent. As you step outside, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of vast plains and snow-capped mountain peaks. After breakfast, we will begin a 2-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).
We will spend some time at the summit to soak in the majestic landscapes, including a stunning lake at the foot of Salkantay Mountain. From here, we’ll continue with a 3-hour downhill hike to our lunch place in Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).
Next, we’ll descend another 3 hours, leaving the highlands behind as we enter the cloud forest, experiencing one of the quickest changes in weather and temperature. We’ll arrive at Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), a small village surrounded by greenery and the gentle sounds of nature. Here, you’ll enjoy a night in comfortable Andean huts, offering a warm and authentic experience. Rest well in these charming accommodations and savor a peaceful evening surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the cloud forest.
- Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi
- Duration: 9 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Andean huts
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Collpapampa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (16km, 8hrs)
This is arguably the most beautiful day of your Salkantay TreXperience! After a hearty breakfast, we will hike for about 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft) and prepare a unique Pachamanca barbecue. This traditional Peruvian recipe consists of burying vegetables, fruits, and all kinds of meat with hot stones. You will actively participate in preparing this special delicacy. After lunch, you will visit an organic coffee farm where you can learn about the coffee harvesting process and, why not, prepare your own espresso with the beans.
Later, we will drive for one hour to Hidroeléctrica and hike for 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes, our last toil of the day! By 5:00 p.m., you’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you can unwind with dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel, resting up for your grand finale at Machu Picchu the next day.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,770 m /9,087 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas! (4 hrs)
Today we’re going to wake up bright and early as we get ready for the highlight of the Salkantay Trek—Machu Picchu. Around 5:30 a.m., we’ll head straight to the bus line to catch one of the first rides up to the citadel. As the sky begins to lighten, we’ll arrive at the entrance and make our way to the upper terraces, where breathtaking views of the ancient city await. If the weather is clear, you might even catch the sunrise.
Once on site, your guide will lead a 2 to 3-hour exploration through the main areas of Machu Picchu, including many insights about its history and significance. After the tour, and if you’ve booked in advance, you have the option to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for extraordinary panoramic views.
When you’re ready, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes on your own for lunch (not included) and finally take the panoramic train and bus ride back to Cusco. Upon arrival, the TreXperience Team will be waiting at the station to transfer you to your hotel.
- Tour Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 4-Day Packing List
The 4-Day Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu is Peru's second most popular trek to Machu Picchu. You will hike from high-altitude plains into the rainforest. The terrain will differ significantly within hours due to altitude variations and unpredictable weather. Rain might occur at any time, so you must always be prepared.
You must understand that you cannot bring all your belongings on this expedition. Take only the essentials for the 4-day trek; leave the rest of your stuff in Cusco. We will provide a duffel bag with a weight capacity of 7 kg (15 lb); your sleeping bag and air mattress must fit.
In addition, you'll have a daypack. When hiking, you must always bring all of your daily necessities. We suggest a maximum weight of around 5–8 kg in your daypack.
What to pack in 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 waterproof case.
- Plastic poncho: TreXperience will provide you with a plastic poncho. You still need a rain jacket and waterproof 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 on the trek.
- Toilet paper: You will find local restrooms; they usually charge, and you will need small coins. Always bring toilet paper in your backpack.
- Insect repellent: You will hike in the jungle after the second day. You need insect repellent and should always wear long sleeves.
- 1 rain jacket, 1 warm/winter jacket. The jacket must always be carried in the backpack. The temperature on the first 2 mornings will be freezing. You will start hiking with all your layers, removing them 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.
- Water container: You need to bring water for the first half of the day, and then you will be provided with water after the first lunch. However, you need a container of at least 2 liters (such as a Camelbak or a reusable bottle).
- Flashlights or headlights must always be in your backpack; you will need them to walk around the campsite and use the restroom. Headlights are better for keeping your hands free.
- Hat: A sunhat for daytime and something warm at night. It is also recommended to use gloves at night and in the morning.
- Sunglasses protect your eyes from the intense sunlight in Salkantay.
- Extra cash: We recommend bringing about 600 soles (US$ 200) on the Salkantay Trek; make sure to have some small coins. This is emergency money, and you will not spend all of it. You must use the toilet, buy souvenirs, drinks, or snacks, and tip if convenient.
- Personal medication: Bring band-aids, Diamox, Pepto, ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness medicine, and feminine products.
- Camera or mobile phone to take pictures.
What to pack in the duffel bag
- Sleeping bag: On the first night of the Salkantay trek, temperatures can drop below 0°C; you will need a suitable sleeping bag that can withstand -10°C. You can bring your own or rent it from us.
- Hiking boots: We strongly recommend wearing hiking boots instead of sports shoes.
- Sandals: After a long hike, you should 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 pair 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 rent them from us.
- We provide foam mattresses; however, you can bring or rent an air mattress for more comfort.
Price of the Salkantay Trekking 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Price per person:
- From US$ 550 - Adults
- From US$ 410 - Children and students
To book the Classic Salkantay Trek, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
Student Discount:
US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 receive a US$40 discount. If you are 25 years old or younger when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please email us to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu:
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, the name, and the photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
Similar tours you might be interested:
Salkantay Trekking 4 Days FAQs
What is Salkantay?
Salkantay is a majestic mountain in the Cusco region, standing at 6,271m (20,574 ft). It’s part of the beautiful Vilcabamba range in the Peruvian Andes and is located about 60 km northwest of Cusco. Known as the "wild mountain," it holds sacred importance, believed by locals to influence the weather and fertility since the Inca era.
What is the Salkantay Trekking 4 days to Machu Picchu?
The Salkantay Trekking is an incredible hiking route to Machu Picchu. It’s a scenic and adventurous alternative to the Inca Trail, offering a journey through stunning mountains, valleys, and cloud forests. The trek typically takes 4 or 5 days to complete.
How long is the Salkantay Trail?
Most hikers complete the Salkantay Trail in 4 or 5 days, depending on the itinerary. A 4-day trek is perfect for those with limited time, while the 5-day option offers a more relaxed pace and additional stops.
Is the Salkantay Trekking worth it?
Absolutely! The Salkantay Trekking is one of the best ways to experience Peru's diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush cloud forests. It’s a challenging but rewarding adventure, and arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise is an unforgettable moment.
What is the highest point of the Salkantay route?
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630m (15,190 ft). For reference:
- First campsite: 3,900m (12,795 ft)
- Second campsite: 2,770m (9,087 ft)
- Last night in Aguas Calientes: 2,000m (6,561 ft)
How cold does it get on the Salkantay Trail?
Temperatures vary throughout the trek. Nights can drop below freezing at higher altitudes, especially at the Salkantay Pass. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) in the mountains to 24°C (75°F) in the cloud forest. Packing layers is key for staying comfortable.
How much does the Salkantay Tour cost?
Prices for the Salkantay Tour 4 days range from USD 550 to USD 650. This typically includes accommodation, meals, professional guides, transportation, and entry to Machu Picchu. Choose a reputable tour operator to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
How can I prepare for the Salkantay Trek?
Moderate fitness is needed for the Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu. Regular hiking, jogging, or gym workouts a few weeks before the trip will help you build stamina. Staying active and acclimating to the altitude in Cusco for a couple of days before starting is highly recommended.
What about altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is common but manageable. Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before your trek to acclimate. Stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid overexertion. Consider bringing altitude sickness medication like Diamox and sipping coca tea to help with symptoms.
When is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek?
The best time is from April to November during the dry season. April and November offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Avoid January and February due to heavy rain and potential landslides.