Cusco
4 days -3 night
Trekking, History, Adventure
12 people
Moderate to Demanding
Camping, Hotel
English, Spanish
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Max Altitude | 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (Salkantay Pass) |
| Group Size | Small Groups (2–10 Travelers) |
| Start / End | Cusco / Cusco |
| Accommodation | Glamping + Andean Cabins + Hotel |
| Meals | 4B – 3L – 3D |
| Best Season | March – December |
Your Salkantay Trek begins when our team picks you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We leave the city behind and travel for approximately 2 hours to Mollepata, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, we continue for one more hour to Challacancha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), the official starting point.
The first major highlight is the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), one of the most beautiful natural wonders near Cusco. This is where many travelers truly feel the magic of the Andes for the first time.
We then descend to Soraypampa, where our trekking chef prepares a fresh lunch using local ingredients.
In the afternoon, we will stay at our campsite to receive the tea time and at night we’ll get incredible panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Your guide will wake you early and after breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek. After approximately 2 hours of climbing, you reach the summit, where breathtaking panoramic views make every step worth it.
We begin a scenic 3-hour descent to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where our team prepares a well-deserved fresh lunch.
We continue descending for about 3 more hours through lush green valleys, waterfalls, and changing vegetation as the climate becomes noticeably warmer.
We arrive at Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), a peaceful green place where you will spend the night in our comfortable tents surrounded by nature and enjoy a lovely dinner prepared by our chefs.
After breakfast, we hike for approximately 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) through lush cloud forest landscapes.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy one of the most special cultural moments of the trek: a traditional Pachamanca barbecue. This ancient Andean cooking method uses hot stones buried underground to slowly cook.
After lunch, we visit a family-owned coffee farm where you will learn how local coffee is grown, harvested, and processed.
Next, we take a short one-hour drive to Hidroelectrica, where the final part of the day begins: a scenic 3-hour walk along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
Arriving around 5:00 PM, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and rest well before your early morning visit to Machu Picchu.
The final day begins early to catch one of the first shuttle buses to the entrance of Machu Picchu Citadel.
Your professional guide will lead a complete 2 hour tour through the most important sectors of the sanctuary, sharing the history, architecture, and spiritual meaning of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Optional Hike (Pre-booking Required – ask to our team)For a more adventurous experience, you may choose to hike:
(Optional and subject to availability)
We take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation returns you safely to your hotel in Cusco, with arrival around 7:30 PM.
Most of your main luggage should remain in Cusco. We provide a 7 kg (15 lb) duffel bag for your campsite clothing and sleeping gear, while you carry only your daypack with the essentials needed during the hike.
To make your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu more comfortable, we include:
Your duffel bag will be transported during the trek and available when you arrive at camp each afternoon.
These are the most important items for a successful Salkantay Trek 4 Days adventure.
The weather changes dramatically between the cold mountain passes and the warm cloud forest. The best strategy is always dressing in layers.
Choose a backpack between 25 to 35 liters with a rain cover. Please note that large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu and must be left in storage.
Please note: the 7 kg limit includes your sleeping bag and air mattress, which usually weigh around 3 kg combined.
These items will be waiting for you at camp each evening.
If you prefer to travel lighter, The Andean Way offers high-quality trekking gear for rent. It’s is available for an additional cost and should be reserved in advance.
For the best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu experience. Do not overpack.
Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek follows a quieter and more scenic route, passing through snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, cloud forests, and tropical valleys before reaching the Lost City of the Incas.
The majestic Salkantay Peak (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) is one of the most important sacred mountains—or “Apus”—in Inca culture.
During your trek, especially on Day 2, you will hike alongside the glaciers of this impressive mountain, experiencing one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Peru.
The highest point of the trek is the famous Salkantay Pass, while the final destination, Aguas Calientes, sits much lower in the warm cloud forest.
We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize properly.
You will experience cold mountain nights, sunny mornings, humid jungle afternoons, and possible rain at any time.
Even during the dry season, a waterproof jacket is always essential. The mountains decide the weather—not the calendar.
The best season for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry months.
– April to October: This period offers clearer skies, better trail conditions, and the best panoramic views.
– November to March: The landscapes are greener, but rain is more frequent and trails can be slippery.
Machu Picchu Entry CircuitsYour experience at Machu Picchu depends on the official circuit assigned at booking.
During the trek, you will experience authentic local traditions that make this route even more memorable.
These moments connect you not only with the landscape—but also with the people who live here.
The best way to enjoy the Salkantay Trekking is simple: Prepare well. Walk slowly. Stay present.
The 4 day Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging. Day 2 is the hardest because you cross the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek.
Previous hiking experience is helpful but not required. A good fitness level and proper acclimatization are more important.
Yes. Visiting the stunning Humantay Lake is one of the main highlights of this Salkantay Trek itinerary.
Yes. Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included, and we prioritize Circuit 2 for the best guided experience.
No. Most of the route has little or no phone signal or Wi-Fi, especially during the camping days in the mountains.
It is challenging primarily because of the altitude. We recommend staying in Cusco for 2 days before starting to help your body adjust.
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m. The campsites range from 3,900 m on the first night to 2,000 m on the final night.
It is possible. Acclimatization, hydration, and pacing are key. Some travelers use medication or coca tea to help with symptoms.
High-altitude nights can drop below freezing, while the cloud forest can reach 24°C (75°F) during the day. Layering is essential.
Yes, we provide free storage in Cusco. Most hotels also offer this service.
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