Explore the majestic Salkantay Trek 4 days through breathtaking glacial landscapes and lush cloud forests. This express hiking adventure takes you along one of the best alternative treks in Peru directly to Machu Picchu. Experience high altitude trekking with professional guides and witness the stunning Humantay Lake on this unforgettable Andean journey.
Hike through the snowy mountains of Salkantay
Popularly known as Salkantay Mountain Trek is a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
We have designed this four day trek as a shorter and an easier alternative to our classic 5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
While on a Salkantay Trekking adventure you will be experiencing different types of landscapes. The experience begins high up in the Peruvian Andes, closer to the snow capped peak of Salkantay Mountain.
You will then be hiking down to the cloud forest and finally enter into the dense tropical region.
On this four day trek with our English speaking local guide, you will also get a deeper insight to the Andean customs and traditions. You will be meeting locals who are untouched by modernity and still maintain the Incas way of life.
Please note that the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a high altitude experience. The highest point of the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4630 metres (15190 feet) above sea level. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Why Machu Picchu Tours?
We are a fully locally owned tour operator and a licensed Salkantay Trail operator based in Cusco. Our guides are passionate about the history, Inca sites and culture of Peru. They have years of experience hiking to Machu Picchu.
We offer Salkantay Trail both in private and as a small group tour.
Salkantay is a part of the Andean mountain range. It is subject to two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. During monsoon, the trek gets slippery. The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season – April to December.
Salkantay Trekking Itinerary 4 days
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa Campsite
At 4:30 in the morning, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport, we will be embarking on a two and a half hours drive to Marccoccasa. It is an Andean village at 3300 metres (10826 feet). This is the starting point of Salkantay Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu.
Our team will serve you a nutritious breakfast. The guide will be introducing you to the rest of the team – porters, chef and helpers.
Al set, we will begin the hike for some three and a half hours amidst the fertile green valley snuggled between the snow capped Andean peaks. We will be reaching our lunch camp where the crew will be serving you a delicious Andean meal.
After lunch, we will be hiking through less inclined terrain. You will be getting a closer view of the Mighty Humantay Peak. Melting snow from the glacier feeds the renowned Andean turquoise lake, Lake Humantay.
Mountains or Apus are sacred entities to the Andean community. You will witness a drop in temperature. This is where you will need to unwrap your jackets from your rucksack.
We will then hike for a few minutes to our exclusive campsite in Soraypampa. It is at 3800 metres (12467 feet). Our crew will extend a warm welcome with a warm cup of tea. This will be followed by an exquisite dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
Our crew will be waking you up at 0530 in the morning. After relishing a typical nutritious breakfast, we will be hiking to the highest point of Salkantay Trek 4 Days, Salkantay Pass at 4630 metres (15190 feet).
We will be covering the seven kilometres distance (4.34 miles) in three hours. This will take us through the rocky valley base and the enchanting Salkantay Mountain (6271 metres) 20574 feet.
From the summit, you will get a breathtaking view of the valley snuggled between the snow capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo. Salkantay Peak is the second tallest peak in the region, after Ausangate.
As Ausangate, this too is a sacred Andean peak. Locals worship it as Apus.
After enjoying the views here, we will be hiking down the hill to our lunch camp in Wayracmachay. It is at 3850 metres (12631 feet).
After lunch, we will embark on a trek to the upper part of the Amazon Rainforest. It is a three hours hike where we will be covering a distance of 8 kilometres (4.97 miles). On this section of the Salkantay Mountain Trek you will notice a drastic change in the weather and landscape. We will be travelling from the Andes to the Amazon.
Our guide will be giving you an insight to the local traditions and will explain about the native flora and fauna that we will be passing through. We will then reach Chaullay. It is an Andean village at 2900 metres (9514 feet). We will be camping here for the night.
Day 3: Chaullay - Colpapampa - La Playa - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
At 6:00 in the morning, after relishing a traditional breakfast, we will be trekking to La Playa through Santa Teresa valley. This is roughly a five hour trek. On this section of the Salkantay Mountain Trek, we will be crossing different farming areas.
Most of these are popular for Avocado Plantations, Coffee, Banana and Wild Orchid plantations. Our guide will be introducing you to the distinct farming methods practised here. You will also have the opportunity to savour some of these distinct fruits including the passion fruit (Granadilla).
We will then hike through another Andean village called Colpapampa. From here, we will continue hiking further down through waterfalls, birds and trees.
At La Playa lunch camp, our crew will be serving you lunch. After lunch, we will be bidding goodbye to the crew. You will then have some time to rest.
Later in the evening, we will be taking our private transport to Hidroelectrica. From here it is a 30 minutes train ride to Aguas Calientes. We will be accommodating you in a hotel with a private bathroom.
Later that night, we will be meeting to raise a toast for successfully conquering the Salkantay Trek. Our guide will be briefing you on the following day’s itinerary.
Highlight of your trip in the salkantay trek 4 days!
Early in the morning, we will be boarding the tourist bus for a thirty minutes ride up the hill to visit Machu Picchu.
The tour guide will be meeting you at the entrance of the citadel and will assist you in clearing the security control to enter the citadel. Please note that you will have to show your Entrance ticket and original passport that you have used at the time of booking.
We will then give you a detailed two hours guided tour. During the tour, we will take you to the most important temples and enclosures. After the tour, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu on your own.
If you have booked the climb to Huayna Picchu, our guide will direct you to the trailhead of Huayna Picchu mountain.
After enjoying the views of Machu Picchu, you will be taking a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here you will board the train to Ollantaytambo train station. Here, our representative will be meeting you and will be driving you back to Cusco through the Sacred Valley of Incas. We will return to Cusco City at around 7:00 p.m.
What does the full trek include?
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:30 a.m.
Price Includes
- Pick up and drop off in your hotel
- Professional Tour Leader
- Professional Chef
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items in a duffel bag
- Transportation by bus to challacancha
Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco - Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek)
- Meals. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know
- 2 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- 3 Star Hotel on Day 4
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Price Excludes
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu
- Travel Insurance
- Sleeping Bag USD 30
- Walking Stick USD 8
- Lunch and Dinner on the last day
- Any Private Expenses
Packing list for the salkantay trek 4 days
- Essential: Original Passport ( Same as used at time of booking for permits)
- Student Card (if you are a student and have booked in advance to qualify for the discount)
- Backpack / Daypack (With a supportive hip belt)
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Supportive footwear (Trekking footwear, recommend waterproof)
- Water storage for at least 2 litres; either a camel bag or water bottle
- Headlamp / flashlight
- Sun hat/ cap
- Cash (For water, snacks, tipping)
- Protect & hydrate sunscreen lotion (factor 60 or 70+ is recommendable)
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Hand-sanitizer
- Camera fully charged & extra batteries (batteries drain quicker in the cold)
Useful Info
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Level of difficulty: Moderately Challenging
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Accommodation: Camping & 3 star Hotel (3rd Night)
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Consideration: Entrance fee required
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Tour availability: Daily departures min 2 people
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Weather: dry from May to October, wet from November to April
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To climb Huayna Picchu mountain you need to book in advance
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2 or 3 days Acclimatization is Recommended
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Service offered: Group service, Private Service and Luxury Service
Prices for Salkantay Trek 4 days
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 580US$ Per person
4+ People – 560US$ Per person
Children/students 530US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 730US$ Per person
4+ People – 680US$ Per person
Children/students 670US$ Per person
FAQs about the Salkantay Trek 4 Days
The Salkantay Trek is generally regarded as a journey of moderate difficulty. Expect to hike for seven to eight hours every day, with some fairly substantial elevation changes. The Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), is the highest point of the hike.
Absolutely, it’s definitely a good idea to spend at least one to two days in Cusco before you start the trek. That time really helps your body get used to the high altitude, which can significantly lower your risk of getting altitude sickness.
For the Salkantay Trek 4 Days, we’ve got you covered with comfortable, well-equipped campsites for the first two nights—they’re just perfect for resting right under the stars. Then, on the third night, you’ll get to stay in a cozy hotel in Aguas Calientes, which means a hot shower and a really good night’s sleep before your visit to Machu Picchu.
You’ll typically find charging stations at some of the campsites along the way, but it’s genuinely a good idea to pack a portable power bank. As for Wi-Fi, it might be accessible at certain points, though usually for an additional fee.
Yes, every single one of your meals is included, and we’re more than happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions you have. So, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or if you have specific allergies, just let us know ahead of time, and our fantastic cooks will take great care of you.
While it’s possible to trek independently, we really strongly recommend going with a certified guide. With Machu Picchu Tours, you won’t just ensure your safety and handle all the logistics properly; you’ll also gain a much deeper cultural understanding from our knowledgeable local guides.
Yes, with Machu Picchu Tours, your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is fully included in the Salkantay Trek 4-Day package. You absolutely won’t need to worry about any extra costs for entry—we handle all the necessary permits and tickets well in advance to make sure your experience is completely seamless.
No, you don’t need to carry your entire backpack. Machu Picchu Tours includes mule support to carry your main luggage (up to 7 kg). You’ll only need a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a rain jacket.
Yes, we carry an oxygen tank throughout the Salkantay Trek for emergency use. Our guides are trained to assist in case of altitude-related symptoms, ensuring your safety at all times.
