Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
From USD 450 Per PersonTour Details
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Tour Style
Adventure
Altitude
4,700 m.a.s.l.
Group Size
2 - 12 people
Distance
43 km
Tour Overview
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N. Take us through marvelous Andean sceneries. We shall climb over snow crowned mountains, green valleys, and glacial rivers. Every day is an adventure, culture, and history, which presents the beauty of the Salkantay pass.
We will be passing through small villages that are still practicing traditional farming. Llamas and alpacas will emerge on the path and this will be an exciting addition to the walk. Once bare peaks turn lush under drifting mist, Andes rise anew as forested slopes where earth meets sky. Clouds settle among treetops, shaping scenes both calm and bold without warning. These highlands now breathe slowly beneath canopies that shift with light and shadow.
Footsteps crunch on the trail up Salkantay, air thinning past four thousand six hundred fifty meters. Vistas unfold without warning - sharp peaks cutting into the open sky. We will have breaks to have photographs, rest and listen to some stories on the history and geology of the area.
On our way down, the path winds through cloud forests consisting of rivers, waterfalls and other fascinating biomass. Camp nights are ideal to unwind and have delicious meals with the local flavor. The trip creates recollections of nature, culture and history that we will always remember.
Tour starts off in Cusco and they collect you at the hotel at a very early time that is around 4:30-5:00 in the morning. That looks pretty cruel, but I suppose it has to be so all day long.
We are moved along in our own carriage over these rolling valleys and all the Andean landscape. On the way, you go over small villages and it is intriguing to observe the classical farming in action, which in a way predisposes you to the hike. It is just that the scenery changes as you pass by.
At about 7:30 A. M. we reach Mollepata. This is our large breakfast with fresh fruits and some Andean cuisine and hot beverages to heat us up. Once you're done eating and feeling ready, the car takes us further to Soraypampa. Thats where the actual trekking starts, and the views are mostly these huge mountains, some with snow on top.
From Soraypampa at about 3,900 meters, we hike up to Humantay Lake, which is at 4,200 meters. It feels like a steady climb, but the lake at the end should be worth it.
The trail will cut through streams, highland grasslands and some wildlife such as condors and viscachas. We will take 1-1.5 hours of the lake, where we will explore the turquoise water of the lake and listen to the stories of the guide and then start walking to Quiswarniyoc campsite.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Elevation of the highest point: 4200 m above sea level.
- Minimum Elevation: 3,900 above sea level.
- Road: Soraypampa-Humantay Lake-Quiswarniyoc.
- Difficulty: Moderate
We will arise early in the morning to have breakfast in the campsite where we will have hot drinks and a healthy meal. The journey we will be heading to on the current day will be the Salkantay Pass, the extreme point of the trek at 4,700 meters. On our way, we will climb glaciers, rocky mountains, and panoramic mountains.
It will be difficult and satisfying and long steep cliffs will be found and spectacular panoramas of snowy mountains. We are going to have regular breaks to rest, take water and take pictures of the scenery. Once at the pass, we will view Andes in every direction which expands forever.
Coming down the pass, we will fall into fertile cloud forests, rivers and green belt. In the afternoon we shall arrive at Chawllay campsite and have hot meal and warm camp. It will be a cold yet so tranquil night that is good to sleep after the tiring walk.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 12 km
- Elevation Maximum: 4,700 meters above sea level.
- Minimal Elevation: 3,600 meters above sea level.
- Track: Quiswarniyoc to Salkantay Pass to Chawllay.
- Difficulty: Demanding
Our journey will begin with breakfast at Chawllay and we will be filling our daypacks. The route will pass through the tropical forests, waterfalls, and rivers. The road will be surrounded by banana, coffee, and fruit plantations.
In the ascent, we will take a break to get to know about local agriculture, as well as experience the tastes and views of the cloud forest. There will be rivers and bridges that will provide great opportunities in taking photographs. Wild animals like humming birds and orchids will help to make the hiking experience lively.
Afternoon will bring us to Hidroeléctrica and we will be able to ride on a small train or walk the tracks to Aguas Calientes town. We will receive our check in at our hostel, and have time to do whatever we wish to do, sleep, or visit the local market before dinner.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 16 km
- Maximum Elevation: 2000 m above the sea level.
- Minimum Elevation: 1,100 above sea level.
- Itinerary: Chawllay-Santa Teresa-Hidroeléctrica-Aguas Calientes.
- Difficulty: Moderate
We will rise early in the morning and have a short ride in a bus to Machu Picchu where we will be accessing with our already booked tickets. We are going to visit terraces, temples, the most popular Huayna Picchu and Sun Gate views.
We will have the history, architecture and religious meaning of the citadel presented to us by our guide. It will include approximately 2-2.5 hours of guided touring and the remainder of the day will be spent on photos and exploration. It will also offer some breathtaking scenery by the mountains and the blue rivers.
Taking a trip to Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where we will have lunch, and the train will drive us to Ollantaytambo. We shall arrive there, in our personal automobile, to Cusco, where we shall arrive about 6:30 P. M. still within the recollection of the hike, and with the picturesqueness of Machu Picchu.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Topography: 2,400 moral elevation.
- Minimum Elevation: 1,900 above sea level.
- Itinerary: Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu- Ollantaytambo- Cusco.
- Difficulty: Easy
What's Included:
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).
Clothes
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Lightweight and comfortable trousers
- Polos or breathable t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof or windproof jacket
Equipment
- Daypack (20–30 L)
- Rain poncho
- Trekking poles
Essential
- Cash (soles) and/or credit cards
- Insect repellent
- Passport or ID card (and digital copies)
- Personal care products
- Personal medications and basic first aid kit
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Recommended
- Energy snacks (bars, nuts, etc.)
- Headlamp or handheld flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Photographic Camera
- Portable charger
Tour Route Map
Tour starts off in Cusco and they collect you at the hotel at a very early time that is around 4:30-5:00 in the morning. That looks pretty cruel, but I suppose it has to be so all day long.
We are moved along in our own carriage over these rolling valleys and all the Andean landscape. On the way, you go over small villages and it is intriguing to observe the classical farming in action, which in a way predisposes you to the hike. It is just that the scenery changes as you pass by.
At about 7:30 A. M. we reach Mollepata. This is our large breakfast with fresh fruits and some Andean cuisine and hot beverages to heat us up. Once you're done eating and feeling ready, the car takes us further to Soraypampa. Thats where the actual trekking starts, and the views are mostly these huge mountains, some with snow on top.
From Soraypampa at about 3,900 meters, we hike up to Humantay Lake, which is at 4,200 meters. It feels like a steady climb, but the lake at the end should be worth it.
The trail will cut through streams, highland grasslands and some wildlife such as condors and viscachas. We will take 1-1.5 hours of the lake, where we will explore the turquoise water of the lake and listen to the stories of the guide and then start walking to Quiswarniyoc campsite.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Elevation of the highest point: 4200 m above sea level.
- Minimum Elevation: 3,900 above sea level.
- Road: Soraypampa-Humantay Lake-Quiswarniyoc.
- Difficulty: Moderate
We will arise early in the morning to have breakfast in the campsite where we will have hot drinks and a healthy meal. The journey we will be heading to on the current day will be the Salkantay Pass, the extreme point of the trek at 4,700 meters. On our way, we will climb glaciers, rocky mountains, and panoramic mountains.
It will be difficult and satisfying and long steep cliffs will be found and spectacular panoramas of snowy mountains. We are going to have regular breaks to rest, take water and take pictures of the scenery. Once at the pass, we will view Andes in every direction which expands forever.
Coming down the pass, we will fall into fertile cloud forests, rivers and green belt. In the afternoon we shall arrive at Chawllay campsite and have hot meal and warm camp. It will be a cold yet so tranquil night that is good to sleep after the tiring walk.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 12 km
- Elevation Maximum: 4,700 meters above sea level.
- Minimal Elevation: 3,600 meters above sea level.
- Track: Quiswarniyoc to Salkantay Pass to Chawllay.
- Difficulty: Demanding
Our journey will begin with breakfast at Chawllay and we will be filling our daypacks. The route will pass through the tropical forests, waterfalls, and rivers. The road will be surrounded by banana, coffee, and fruit plantations.
In the ascent, we will take a break to get to know about local agriculture, as well as experience the tastes and views of the cloud forest. There will be rivers and bridges that will provide great opportunities in taking photographs. Wild animals like humming birds and orchids will help to make the hiking experience lively.
Afternoon will bring us to Hidroeléctrica and we will be able to ride on a small train or walk the tracks to Aguas Calientes town. We will receive our check in at our hostel, and have time to do whatever we wish to do, sleep, or visit the local market before dinner.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 16 km
- Maximum Elevation: 2000 m above the sea level.
- Minimum Elevation: 1,100 above sea level.
- Itinerary: Chawllay-Santa Teresa-Hidroeléctrica-Aguas Calientes.
- Difficulty: Moderate
We will rise early in the morning and have a short ride in a bus to Machu Picchu where we will be accessing with our already booked tickets. We are going to visit terraces, temples, the most popular Huayna Picchu and Sun Gate views.
We will have the history, architecture and religious meaning of the citadel presented to us by our guide. It will include approximately 2-2.5 hours of guided touring and the remainder of the day will be spent on photos and exploration. It will also offer some breathtaking scenery by the mountains and the blue rivers.
Taking a trip to Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where we will have lunch, and the train will drive us to Ollantaytambo. We shall arrive there, in our personal automobile, to Cusco, where we shall arrive about 6:30 P. M. still within the recollection of the hike, and with the picturesqueness of Machu Picchu.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Topography: 2,400 moral elevation.
- Minimum Elevation: 1,900 above sea level.
- Itinerary: Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu- Ollantaytambo- Cusco.
- Difficulty: Easy
What's Included:
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).
Clothes
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Lightweight and comfortable trousers
- Polos or breathable t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof or windproof jacket
Equipment
- Daypack (20–30 L)
- Rain poncho
- Trekking poles
Essential
- Cash (soles) and/or credit cards
- Insect repellent
- Passport or ID card (and digital copies)
- Personal care products
- Personal medications and basic first aid kit
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Recommended
- Energy snacks (bars, nuts, etc.)
- Headlamp or handheld flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Photographic Camera
- Portable charger
Tour Route Map