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

Price - Salkantay Trekking 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Price per person:

• From US$ 500 -  Adults
• From US$ 460 -  Children and students

Booking and Payment

• Deposit: US$ 200 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Student Discount

• US$ 40 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.

Similar tours you might be interested:

• Luxury Salkantay Trek
• Ultimate Salkantay 5 days
• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days
• Rainbow Mountain 1 day

Packing List - Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 4-Day

The 4-day Salkantay Trek is Peru’s second most popular route to Machu Picchu. You’ll hike from high-altitude plains into lush rainforest. Expect big changes in terrain and weather: sun, wind, cold, and rain, all in a single day. Be prepared for anything.

You won’t be able to bring all your belongings on the trail. Pack only what’s essential for the 4 days. The rest can stay in Cusco. We’ll provide a 7 kg (15 lb) duffel bag, where you must fit your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

You’ll also carry a daypack with everything you need during the day.

Essentials

• Original passport: Required for Machu Picchu. Keep it safe and dry in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
• Student ID: Only if you booked with the student discount. Send it to booking@trexperienceperu.com to confirm eligibility.
• Backpack: We recommend a 25-35 liter a maximum weight of around 5–8 kg, lightweight, for carrying all your essentials.
• Water container: Camelbak or bottles totaling 2 liters. Insulated ones help keep water cool.
  Hiking boots: Lightweight and waterproof. Break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.

What to pack in the daypack

• Plastic poncho: Provided by TreXperience, but also bring a rain jacket and waterproof gloves.
• Sunscreen: High UV protection. Buy it in Cusco if needed.
• Toilet paper: Local restrooms may charge. Bring small coins and your own paper.
• Insect repellent: After day 2 you’ll be in the jungle. Use repellent and long sleeves.
• 1 rain jacket, 1 warm jacket: The first 2 mornings are very cold. Layer up and adjust as you hike.
• Snacks: You’ll burn a lot of energy. Bring granola bars, chocolate, or candies.
• Water container: Carry enough for the morning. We’ll refill it after lunch daily.
• Flashlight or headlamp: Needed at campsites and restrooms. Headlamps keep hands free.
• Hat: Sunhat for the day, warm hat for the night. Also pack gloves.
• Sunglasses: Essential for strong sun in high-altitude areas.
• Extra cash: ~600 soles (US$200) in small bills and coins. For toilets, snacks, tips, or emergencies.
• Personal medication: Band-aids, ibuprofen, Diamox, Imodium, Pepto, feminine products.
• Camera or phone: To capture every moment.

What to pack in the duffel bag

• Sleeping bag: Must resist down to -10°C. You can bring your own or rent it from us.
• Sandals: For relaxing at camp after hiking.
• Wool Hiking socks (5 pairs): Warm and comfortable for trekking.
• Light socks (4 pairs): To wear at camp after the hike.
• Underwear (5 pairs): Bring extra in case they get wet.
• Breathable hiking pants (2–3 pairs): Ideal for the trail; leggings also work well.
• Sports pants (1 pair): For evenings and cold mornings.
• T-shirts (5): Long-sleeved ones are better for the sun and bugs.
• Wet wipes, tissues, and a small towel
• Swimwear (optional): In case you visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Trekking poles: You can bring your own or rent them from us.
• Sleeping pad: We provide foam pads, but you can bring or rent an air mattress for more comfort.

Check out our full guide: SALKANTAY TREK PACKING LIST 

Travel Information - Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu

The 4-Day Salkantay Trek is a shorter, more efficient version of the classic 5-day route. Our itinerary takes a quieter path, with the first night spent near the impressive Salkantay Mountain. You’ll enjoy 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel before reaching Machu Picchu.

Here’s everything you need to know before your adventure: distance, altitude, weather, difficulty, and more.

Campsites and Accommodation

• Night 1: Luxury camp near Salkantay Mountain. We use yurt-type tents with a capacity of up to 5 people.
• Night 2: Rustic camp in Collpapampa
• Night 3: 3-star Hotel in Aguas Calientes

All camps are fully set up for you, so you can just rest and enjoy. If you prefer more privacy, we can provide a personal tent or upgrade your hotel in Aguas Calientes for an additional cost. Contact us for more information.

Pachamanca Barbecue

On Day 3, you’ll take part in a traditional Pachamanca, an Andean-style barbecue where meats and vegetables are cooked underground over hot stones. All tools are provided, and you’ll help prepare the meal with your group. It’s a fun cultural experience you won’t want to miss.

Coffee Experience

Also on Day 3, we visit a local coffee farm near Lucmabamba in Santa Teresa Valley. You’ll learn about organic Peruvian coffee, try roasting and grinding your own beans, and taste a fresh cup with the grower.

Return by Panoramic Train

After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Cusco on the Vistadome or 360° train, which features large windows for enjoying the views along the way. Depending on availability and departure time, you'll board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Salkantay Trekking 4 Days - FAQs