Salkantay Trek 4 days

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Salkantay Trek 4 days Trip overview

The Salkantay Trek (4 Days) is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. This trek offers an unforgettable journey through a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the lush rainforests to towering, snowcapped peaks.

Along the way, you’ll experience:

Majestic snowy mountains and the awe-inspiring sacred Inca mountain, Apu Salkantay.
The vibrant sub-tropical jungle leading to the iconic Machu Picchu.
A visit to the pristine, turquoise waters of the Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Andes.

Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek has fewer restrictions, making it the perfect “back door” journey to Machu Picchu. This trek combines adventure, history, and the best of Peru’s natural beauty into one extraordinary experience.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in this incredible journey? Let’s make it happen!

Salkantay Trek 4 days Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

Today marks the beginning of your trekking adventure to Machu Picchu! Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., and together with the group, we’ll drive to Mollepata (about 3 hours). There, we’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing for another hour to Challacancha (3,380 m / 11,090 ft)—the starting point of our hike. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Hornada Pata viewpoint, where the Mollepata and Challacancha valleys meet.

Our trek begins with a scenic route through breathtaking valleys. After approximately three hours of hiking, we’ll reach our first campsite at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,800 ft) around 1:30 p.m., where we’ll relax and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cook.

In the afternoon, we’ll set off on a 1.5-hour hike to visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon (4,220 m / 13,850 ft). With its mesmerizing blue-green waters and the towering snow-capped Humantay Mountain in the background, this is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Andes Mountains. After soaking in the views and capturing some incredible photos, we’ll descend back to Soraypampa.

From there, we’ll continue to our Salkantaypampa campsite, arriving at around 6:00 p.m.. We’ll unwind with a warm cup of tea, enjoy a hearty dinner, and spend the night in our cozy tents, resting up for the next day’s adventure.

Elevation Gain: 731 m / 2,398 ft
Elevation Loss: 388 m / 1,272 ft
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 3,920 m / 12,860 ft
Highest Point: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Hiking Time: ~5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Campsite Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,779 ft

DAY 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Chaullay

We’ll start the day early with a wake-up call and coca tea at 5:00 am. After packing and enjoying breakfast, we’ll begin the challenging ascent to the highest point of the trek: the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m.a.s.l. / 15,255 ft). This 3 km climb takes about 3 hours through a rocky valley with stunning views of the Salkantay Peak (6,217 m.a.s.l. / 20,341 ft) and even the chance to spot chinchillas along the way.

Reaching the pass is a significant achievement, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo. After the pass, we’ll descend for 3 hours along a rocky trail to Huayracmachay, where we’ll stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll hike another 9 km (about 3 hours) into the lush cloud forest, eventually arriving at our campsite in Challway Village (2,900 m.a.s.l. / 9,514 ft). This area is known for its warm weather and vibrant plant life, including colorful orchids and native species.

Elevation Gain: 562 m / 1,843 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,900 m / 6,233 ft
Walking Distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles
Hiking Time: ~10 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,779 ft
Highest Point: 4,650 m / 15,235 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Difficulty: Difficult

DAY 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

After a 5:30 am wake-up call with coca tea, we’ll have breakfast and start our hike toward La Playa, walking through the lush jungle and along the Salkantay River. Along the way, we’ll visit local hamlets and sample fresh fruits such as passion fruit, bananas, avocados, and mangoes. With some luck, you may spot the colorful “Cock of the Rocks,” Peru’s national bird.

The hike is 16 km (about 7 hours) to Lucmabamba, where we’ll have lunch and enjoy fresh coffee produced locally. Lucmabamba is surrounded by coffee plantations and offers basic amenities like restrooms, electricity, and small shops.

After lunch, we’ll take a van to Hydroelectric, where we’ll catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Once we arrive, we’ll check into our 3-star hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.

Elevation Gain: 229 m / 751 ft
Elevation Loss: 999 m / 3,277 ft
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The final day is the highlight of the journey: Machu Picchu. We’ll wake up early to catch the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance. After showing your passport at the checkpoint, we’ll hike to the Guardhouse, the classic viewpoint for taking postcard-worthy pictures of Machu Picchu.

Your guide will lead a 2-hour tour of the site, explaining its history and significance. If you’ve purchased tickets for Huayna Picchu, you’ll have the option to hike this iconic peak (additional cost: $65).

Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, take a train to Ollantaytambo, and finally a bus back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel at around 7:30 pm.

Salkantay Trek 4 days Pricing

The price of the Salkantay trek is 399 USD for the general public.

What is included?

Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Pick you up from your hotel in the morning for start the tour.
Transport from Cusco to starting point of the trek.
Entrance fit to Machu Picchu.
Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Experienced professional tour Guide.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes.
First aid kit including emergency bottle oxygen.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
Mules and horses (for equipment and personal belongings), including horse drivers.
An extra porter to carry 6 kg of your personal belongings, such as extra clothes, sleeping bag.
An extra horse in case of emergency, to ensure that all hikers complete the trek.

What is not included?

Sleeping bag: $15 USD per person in a hike (clean and warm).
Air mattress: $ 10 USD per person in a hike (thermal rest mattresses).
Walking poles: $ 10 USD per pair in a walk (professional poles).
Personal Tent: $20 USD – (Single tent for independent travellers).
Vistadome train service: $ 30 USD per person (turnaround only).
Climbing Huayna Picchu mountain: $ 75 USD per person (Ask for it when you book the Trek).
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain: $ 75 USD per person (Ask for it when you book the Trek).
Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
Tips for team, guide, cook and porters of Eco Tour Cusco.

Salkantay Trek 4 days Packing list

It is required to bring for Salkantay Trek

Original passport (the same one that you used to book the trek)
Valid university student card (if you have booked as a student)
Good backpack (the best size 35L recommended)
Water bottle: 2 L (Camelback recommended)
Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support.
Sleeping bag (You can rent at Eco Tour Cusco)
Head torch: required
Toilet paper

It is required to bring for Salkantay Trek

Must to carry in duffle bag

We are straight tour operators, we provide you with a duffle back, at the briefing on the way to Salkantay you will have more information about an additional porter, who will carry 7 kgs / 14 lbs, including your 2.5 kg sleeping bag, mattress and additional clothing.

4 T-shirts.
2 hiking trousers.
4 sets of underwear.
4 sets of socks.
Thermal Jacket.
Warm jacket, Warm clothing.
Waterproof gloves.
Comfortable shoes or sandals for the camp.
Solar battery charger:
Sleeping bag: must be at least -15°C. It can be rented from us for $25 USD.

How to book the Salkantay Trek 4 days

To book your Salkantay Trek 4 days, click the BOOK NOW button and select your departure date. Next, fill in the personal information for each participant. Finally, complete the booking by paying a $250 deposit per person.

During the booking process, you’ll also have the option to add extras such as an emergency horse, walking sticks, or sleeping bags. These can be booked alongside your deposit or arranged at our office during the briefing session one day before your departure.

Once we receive your deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your trip to Ausangate will be fully secured.

Cancellation Police

Our Cancellation Policy ensures transparency and clarity for all our travelers. It outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations, refunds, and rescheduling, providing you with the flexibility and peace of mind needed when planning your Ausangate Trek.