Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

• 4D/3N

Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Languages Español Inglés
Service type Not specified
Cancellation policy Non-refundable
Difficulty Not specified

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
FAQs
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About this activity

The 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Super Tour Machu Picchu cuts through altitudes between 3,000 m and 4,650 m. Salkantay Pass sits at the top, snow and uneven ground up there, temps can hit -5°C (23°F) before the descent drops toward warmer air around 2,000 m and 20°C (68°F). Guides run each section and the plan bends to the group’s pace when needed.

Nights in domes or lodges, beds, hot showers, covered from the elements. Meals are planned around what the body burns each day on trail. Luggage moves separately so there’s nothing extra to carry. Breaks are spread through each stage so performance doesn’t fall apart before the last day.

Trek closes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, access and schedules sorted in advance. History and layout of the site come up on the ground, time to move through the main areas without feeling rushed. Organization and safety hold through all four days, pass to the citadel.

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Itinerary

Day 01

Cusco to Humantay Lake and Quiswarniyoc Campsite.

We'll begin the tour with a pick-up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. in Cusco, followed by a 2-hour drive to Mollepata for a nutritious breakfast. We'll then continue to Challacancha, at 3,800 m, where our hike will begin. The route to Soraypampa, at 3,900 m, will take approximately 3 hours along progressively steep trails, allowing us to gradually acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying the Andean landscapes.

Upon arrival at Soraypampa, we'll enjoy a hearty lunch before ascending to Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,220 m. The ascent will take about 1.5 hours and offers breathtaking views of glaciers and mountains. We'll observe the changing vegetation and colors with the seasons, while our guide shares historical and natural facts. We'll have ample time to explore the lagoon and take photographs.

At the end of the visit, we will descend back to the campsite in Soraypampa. We will rest in panoramic domes equipped with heated beds and enjoy a hot drink along with a freshly prepared dinner. This first day will allow us to acclimatize to the altitude and prepare our bodies for the following days of intense trekking and unforgettable landscapes.

Day 1 Statistics:

Distance: 10 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,220 m
Minimum Altitude: 3,800 m
Route: Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 02

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

At 5:00 a.m., we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel our trek for today's hike. From Soraypampa, we'll ascend for 3 hours to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek, at 4,650 m (15,250 ft). There, we'll take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, while breathing in the pure mountain air.

We'll pass through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, where we'll discover a small, picturesque lagoon. Then we'll begin a 3-hour descent to Wacracmachay, at 3,800 m (12,470 ft), where we'll enjoy a restorative lunch. We'll continue descending for another 3 hours until we reach our campsite at Collpapampa.

Upon arrival, we'll enjoy hot tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. We'll rest in comfortable, mountain-equipped domes, ready to recharge and prepare for the next day. This day combines physical exertion, spectacular scenery, and altitude acclimatization.

Day 2 Statistics:

Distance: 22 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m
Minimum Altitude: 3,800 m
Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 03

Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes

We'll start the day with a nutritious breakfast before beginning our hike to Lucmabamba. We'll trek for approximately 5.5 hours through the Peruvian rainforest, with several ascents and descents that will allow us to appreciate the changing landscape. We'll walk through the cloud forest, where we'll discover coffee, banana, and avocado plantations, as well as orchids and medicinal plants. Every step will bring us closer to nature and allow us to enjoy the diversity of the Andean ecosystem.

Upon reaching our lunch spot, we'll take a break to recharge. After lunch, we'll board transportation to the Hydroelectric Plant and continue hiking for about 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. During this section, the trail follows the railway and rivers, offering spectacular views of the tropical surroundings. The hike combines flat sections with gentle ascents and descents, ideal for maintaining a steady pace.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. We'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, resting and preparing for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day. This day combines nature, adventure, and comfort, ending with a well-deserved rest.

Day 3 Statistics:

Distance: 16 km
Additional distance: 11 km from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes
Maximum Altitude: 2,060 m
Minimum Altitude: 1,550 m
Route: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 04

Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will wake up early to visit Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. We will take a guided tour through neighborhoods, plazas, terraces, and astronomical observatories, learning about its history and architecture. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the site and take photographs at your own pace.

If you choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu, you will do so at the assigned times, between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. These routes offer unique views of the citadel and its surroundings. Each step will allow you to appreciate the magnitude of the site and understand its historical significance.

In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and take the train back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m. During the journey, you will enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will board our transport to Cusco, concluding the experience safely and comfortably.

Day 4 Statistics:

Distance: 6 km walking at Machu Picchu
Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m
Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m
Route: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Difficulty: Easy

What's included

Inclusions

Hotel delivery and receipt in Cusco 4:30-5:00 A.M.
Cusco to Soraypampa (trek starting point).
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) during the trekking and Machu Picchu sightseeing.
The service of duffle bags up to 7kg of personal items, which horses carry.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners all the time as well as vegetarian and vegan versions of meals throughout the trek (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners).
Breakfast for the journey every morning.
Moderation: mountain camps, panoramic cabins, and hostel in Aguas Calentes.
Muleteers and horses to carry the camping gears and luggage.
Preparation of team and kitchen facilities of all meals.
Admission fee to Machu Picchu and guided tour.
Guides also provided first aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Landscapes and attractions on the road.

What's Not Included

Travel or medical insurance.
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Entrance ticket to Humantay Lagoon (Day 1, foreigners, 20 soles, locals, 10 soles).
Bottled water (purchase or use water filter/purification pills along the trail).
Guidelines to guides, drivers and staff.
Individual costs (souvenirs, beverages, Wi-Fi, hot showers in camps).

Tour Policies

Initial Deposit:

To guarantee your reservation for a tour or package with Super Tour Machupicchu, a non-refundable initial deposit is required. The amount of this deposit varies depending on the selected itinerary.

Payment can be made via PayPal or credit/debit card. Please note that a 5% service fee will be applied to card payments, and an 8% fee will be applied to PayPal transactions.

By proceeding with the reservation, you confirm that you have read, understood, and fully accepted our Terms and Conditions.

Reservation Confirmation:

Your reservation will be considered confirmed and binding once Super Tour Machupicchu has received all your information and verified your deposit. At that moment, a legally binding contractual agreement will be established between both parties, marking the official beginning of your next adventure.

Shared Responsibility:

All individuals included in the reservation are jointly responsible for the agreement with Super Tour Machupicchu. The person signing the contract represents each individual listed in the reservation, meaning all parties are informed and agree to our Terms and Conditions.

Required Information for Reservation:

Along with the non-refundable deposit, it is essential to provide the following personal details during the reservation process:

Full name
Passport or ID number
Gender
Nationality
Date of birth

These details are crucial to ensure your experience with Super Tour Machupicchu is safe, organized, and memorable.

Recommendations

Clothes

Enough underwear and socks

Trekking shoes or boots

Warm jacket

Equipment

Daypack (20–30 L)

Essential

Cash (soles) and/or credit cards

Passport or ID card (and digital copies)

Personal medications and basic first aid kit

Reusable water bottle

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N?

The trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights, covering approximately 65 kilometers on foot through diverse landscapes and mountain trails, offering a full trekking experience.

What do you consider as the peak of the trek?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, reaching 4,700 meters above sea level, providing stunning mountain views and a true challenge for trekkers.

What is the level of difficulty in the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is demanding and requires good physical fitness, as it involves long walking days and high-altitude sections that test endurance.

Are there food and drinks during the tour?

Yes, the tour includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, all carefully prepared with vegetarian and vegan options to sustain energy during the hike.

Is a guide provided?

Yes, a certified bilingual guide accompanies the trek and the Machu Picchu tour, offering detailed explanations and ensuring safety along the route.

Is accommodation included?

Yes, accommodations include mountain camping during the trek, panoramic cabins on scenic spots, and a hostel stay in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

Is it necessary to bring all my luggage?

No, you only need to carry essential items in a small backpack; horses transport up to 7 kg of personal belongings plus your sleeping bag.

Included in the price are Machu Picchu tickets?

Yes, the price includes tickets for Machu Picchu according to your chosen circuit, along with a guided tour inside the archaeological site.

When is the most appropriate time to do the trek?

The ideal period is during the dry season, from May to October, when clear skies and stable weather make trekking safer and more enjoyable.

Can children join the trek?

Yes, children and older travelers are welcome, although proper acclimatization to the altitude is recommended for a safer and more comfortable experience.

What shall I have to bring on the journey?

Bring a daypack with water, snacks, layered clothing, a raincoat, hiking boots, and a camera, ensuring comfort and readiness for changing weather.

How do we return to Cusco?

After visiting Machu Picchu, travelers return to Cusco by train or car, typically arriving in the early evening after a scenic and relaxing journey.

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