Salkantay Trek 4 Day to Machu Picchu

The 4-Day Salkantay Trek adventure begins very early with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. We will travel for approximately two hours to the picturesque village of Mollepata, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of one of the best trekking routes in the Peruvian Andes.

Our hike begins with a trek of about 3 hours through stunning high-mountain scenery—surrounded by snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and Andean valleys—until we reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). At this base camp, we will enjoy a lunch prepared with fresh, nutritious ingredients to replenish our energy.

In the afternoon, we will hike for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,845 ft), considered one of Cusco’s most impressive natural destinations. Its turquoise waters, fed by the melting snow of Mount Humantay, create a unique landscape that makes it one of the most photographed spots in Peru.

Along the way, you can admire the majestic Humantay and Salkantay mountains, vast valleys covered in vegetation, and a wide diversity of Andean flora. Our professional guide will share information about the region’s history, geography, biodiversity, and cultural significance, while also allowing ample time for you to explore, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

After the visit, we will return to Soraypampa to spend the night in comfortable panoramic domes, specially designed to offer a unique experience in the heart of the mountains. Before dinner, we will enjoy traditional coca tea—ideal for relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude—followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our team of cooks. Maximum altitude: 4,220 m (13,845 ft) – Humantay Lake

Campsite: Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

Hiking time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours

Distance: Approximately 10 km

Meals included: Lunch and dinner

he second day of the 4-Day Salkantay Trek is considered the most challenging yet spectacular leg of the entire route to Machu Picchu. We will start the day at 5:00 a.m. with an energizing breakfast—perfect preparation for the ascent to the highest point of this incredible trekking adventure in Cusco.

From Soraypampa, we will hike for approximately three hours to reach the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the journey. From this stunning natural viewpoint, we will enjoy panoramic vistas of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, surrounded by the towering snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo—some of the most iconic mountains in the Peruvian Andes.

During the ascent, we will traverse the landscapes of Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, where we can admire a beautiful glacial lake and observe the dramatic contrast between the snow-capped peaks, rocky mountains, and high-altitude vegetation. Our guide will share insights into the geography, the spiritual significance of *Apu* Salkantay in Andean culture, and the region’s biodiversity.

After enjoying the trek’s highest point, we will begin a descent of approximately three hours to Wacracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we will enjoy a lunch prepared by our culinary team.

In the afternoon, we will continue descending for another three hours, leaving the *puna* landscape behind as we gradually enter the lush cloud forest—an area characterized by a warmer climate, abundant vegetation, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Finally, we will arrive at our campsite in either Collpapampa or Challhuay, depending on the tour logistics.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a comforting cup of coca tea or a hot infusion, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our cooks. We will spend the night in comfortable panoramic domes, surrounded by nature and the sound of mountain rivers, enjoying a unique experience in the heart of the Andes.

Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (15,255 ft) – Salkantay Pass

Campsite: Collpapampa or Challhuay (approx. 2,900–3,000 m / 9,514–9,842 ft)

Hiking time: Approximately 8 to 9 hours

Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day three of the 4-Day Salkantay Trek marks the transition from high-mountain landscapes to the lush high jungle of Cusco, bringing us ever closer to the citadel of Machu Picchu. After a restful night and an energizing breakfast, we will embark on a fascinating hike through the cloud forest—one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Peruvian Andes.

For approximately five and a half hours, we will traverse trails surrounded by abundant tropical vegetation, crossing small rivers and waterfalls and walking along ancient Inca paths. Along this stretch of the route to Machu Picchu, we will see local plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, passion fruit, and other tropical crops, as well as a wide variety of orchids, bromeliads, and medicinal plants traditionally used by Andean communities.

Our guide will share insights into the flora, fauna, and ecological significance of the cloud forest, making this hike an experience that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Upon reaching the lunch spot, we will enjoy a freshly prepared meal before boarding our transport to Hidroeléctrica, one of the most well-known access points for reaching Machu Picchu.

From Hidroeléctrica, we will begin a hike of approximately three hours along the railway tracks, surrounded by the stunning jungle vegetation and the mountains that guard the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. This route offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the natural landscape characteristic of the region.

Finally, we will arrive at the charming town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and check into a comfortable hotel to rest before visiting the Inca citadel. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and attend an informative briefing with our guide to prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Hiking time: Approximately 8 to 9 hours (including the stretch from Hidroeléctrica)

Total distance: Approximately 27 km (16.8 miles)

Collpapampa – Lunch spot: 16 km (10 miles)

Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes: 11 km (7 miles)

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The final day of the 4-Day Salkantay Trek is dedicated to discovering majestic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s most important archaeological destination.

Early in the morning, we will head to the entrance of Machu Picchu—known as the “Lost City of the Incas” and reintroduced to the world in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. There, we will begin a guided tour of the site lasting approximately two hours, exploring the Inca citadel’s main sectors, including its temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, water fountains, residential quarters, and astronomical observatories.

Our professional guide will share insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site, helping you understand why Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of Inca civilization.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore designated areas, take photos, and enjoy breathtaking views of the citadel surrounded by the Andes Mountains.

Those who have pre-booked entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain may undertake these hikes during the time slots assigned by the Ministry of Culture (typically between 6:00–8:00 AM or 9:00–11:00 AM). These tickets incur an additional cost and are not included in the package.

We will then return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included), to explore the town, or to do some last-minute shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we will board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying spectacular views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding mountains along the way.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transport will take you back to Cusco, concluding the tour with a drop-off at Plaza San Francisco, located just minutes from the historic center. Main activity: Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Guided tour duration: Approximately 2 hours

Free time: Depending on the circuit schedule and return train time

Meals included: Breakfast

Transportation included: Bus (if applicable based on the package), tourist train, and private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

End of services.