Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu from Cusco
This 4 day Salkantay trek from Cusco combines Humantay Lake, the crossing of Salkantay Pass, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu. The journey includes two nights camping and one night in Aguas Calientes, followed by a return to Cusco by train and road transfer.
The itinerary suits active travelers who have limited time and are comfortable with long hiking days at altitude. Expect sustained climbs, extended descents, and an onward walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes before the final archaeological visit.
Our team organizes the guide, trekking support, camping equipment, scheduled meals, hotel accommodation, and Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Small-group and private options are available.
Highlights
- Hike to Humantay Lake beneath the surrounding glacier-covered peaks.
- Cross Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
- Follow the cloud forest trails through the Santa Teresa valley.
- Walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes beneath forested slopes.
- Visit Machu Picchu with your guide along the reserved circuit.
- Ride the return train to Ollantaytambo before continuing to Cusco.
Itinerary
Itinerary 4 days
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and travel toward Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast before continuing to Challacancha. Here, we meet the trekking crew and begin the walk toward Soraypampa.
From Soraypampa, the trail climbs toward Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. The uphill section introduces you to walking at altitude, with breaks along the way. At the lake, take time to appreciate the water and surrounding glacier before descending to our Soraypampa campsite for dinner and rest.
- Starting altitude: Approximately 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
- Highest altitude: Approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
- Walking distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles.
- Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
- Accommodation: Camping at Soraypampa.
- Mollepata
- Challacancha trailhead
- Humantay Lake
- Soraypampa campsite
Day 2
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
After breakfast, we begin the ascent toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the itinerary. This is the most demanding hiking day, combining a sustained climb at altitude with a long descent. We follow a steady pace and take breaks as we approach the pass.
At approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, we pause before continuing downhill. The descent gradually leaves the exposed mountain terrain behind and enters greener slopes and cloud forest. We continue to Chaullay, where we spend our second night camping.
- Starting altitude: Approximately 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
- Highest altitude: Approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
- Walking distance: Approximately 22 km / 13.7 miles.
- Hiking time: Approximately 9–10 hours.
- Difficulty: Challenging.
- Accommodation: Camping at Chaullay.
- Soraypampa
- Salkantay Pass
- Cloud forest descent
- Chaullay campsite
Day 3
Chaullay – La Playa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Today we follow the Santa Teresa valley toward La Playa, walking through a warmer environment with dense vegetation and farming areas. The trail provides a different setting from the previous day’s mountain crossing, although several hours of walking remain.
After stopping for lunch at La Playa, we take local transportation to Hidroelectrica. From there, we continue on foot along the established trail beside the railway toward Aguas Calientes. On arrival, we settle into the hotel and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
- Starting altitude: Approximately 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
- Highest altitude: Approximately 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
- Walking distance: Approximately 16 km / 10 miles.
- Hiking time: Approximately 6–7 hours, plus the road transfer.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with an extended walking day.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Santa Teresa valley
- La Playa
- Hidroelectrica
- Aguas Calientes
Day 4
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, coordinating departure with the entrance time printed on your ticket. Your guide leads the visit along the reserved circuit, explaining the Inca architecture and the areas accessible on that route.
After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Our driver meets you at the station for the road transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is expected around 7:00 p.m., depending on the confirmed train service and traffic.
- Starting altitude: Approximately 2,040 m / 6,693 ft.
- Visit elevation: Approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
- Guided visit: Approximately 2 hours, depending on the reserved circuit.
- Walking conditions: Stone steps and uneven surfaces within the archaeological site.
- Return transportation: Train to Ollantaytambo and road transfer to Cusco.
- Machu Picchu
- Aguas Calientes
- Ollantaytambo
- Return to Cusco
Inclusions
What Is Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.
- Private transportation to Challacancha.
- Local transfer from La Playa to Hidroelectrica.
- Professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide.
- Professional trekking chef and meals during the trek.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guided visit along the reserved circuit.
- Two nights of camping with tents and sleeping mattresses.
- One hotel night in Aguas Calientes on day 3.
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Road transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
- Mules carrying camping equipment and up to 7 kg of personal belongings, including your sleeping bag.
- Duffel bag for your personal trekking gear.
- Portable toilet tent at the campsites.
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
What Is Not Included
- Huayna Picchu entrance ticket.
- Sleeping bag; rental is available at an additional cost.
- Breakfast on day 1.
- Lunch and dinner on day 4.
- Optional tips for the guide, chef, and muleteers.
Packing List
Packing List
Pack for cold mountain nights, exposed trails, and warmer valley conditions. Choose practical layers and keep your luggage compact.
Clothing and Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots or shoes with good grip, preferably waterproof.
- Quick-drying hiking pants and shirts.
- Thermal tops and bottoms.
- Fleece and a warm insulated jacket.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho and rain pants.
- Four pairs of hiking socks and spare underwear.
- Warm hat, gloves, and a neck buff.
Trekking Equipment
- Cold-weather sleeping bag; confirm the recommended temperature rating for your departure.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips, if needed.
- Reusable water bottles or a hydration reservoir with at least 2 liters of capacity.
- Lightweight daypack with a rain cover.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
Documents and Personal Items
- Original passport or identification document used for your booking.
- Valid student identification if an approved student discount applies.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal medication, blister supplies, and basic toiletries.
- Phone or camera, charging cable, and power bank.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for personal purchases and optional expenses.
Pack the belongings carried by the mules within the 7 kg personal allowance, including your sleeping bag. Keep items needed while walking in your daypack.
Price
Tour Prices
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience)
Share the guided trek with other travelers.
| Travelers or Category | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | USD 580 |
| 4+ people | USD 560 |
| Children/students | USD 530 |
Exclusive Private Tour
Travel with your own party on a private guided departure.
| Travelers or Category | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | USD 730 |
| 4+ people | USD 680 |
| Children/students | USD 670 |
The published minimum is two travelers. Child and student eligibility must be confirmed before booking.
FAQs
Salkantay Trek 4 Days FAQs
Is this trek suitable for first-time trekkers?
It can suit first-time trekkers who already have experience with long day hikes and sustained climbs. The compact schedule leaves limited recovery time between walking days, so prepare for consecutive days of physical effort rather than treating it as an introductory walking tour.
How should I plan my acclimatization?
Allow time at altitude before departure rather than starting immediately after arriving from sea level. Ascend gradually where possible and keep physical activity light during your first 48 hours at altitude. Acclimatization needs vary, and good fitness does not prevent altitude illness. Tell your guide promptly if you feel unwell.
What is the best time of year for this trek?
May through September generally offers drier conditions for mountain walking. Rain is more frequent during the wetter months, particularly from November through March. Weather can change in any season, so confirm trail conditions and departure availability for your preferred dates.
Should I choose the 4-day or 5-day Salkantay trek?
Choose the four-day option if your schedule is limited and you are comfortable with a concentrated trekking itinerary. It combines walking and road transport to reach Aguas Calientes on the third day. Compare the actual routes and overnight stops before choosing, since five-day programs can include different experiences.
Does this tour follow the Classic Inca Trail?
No. This service follows the Salkantay route and approaches Machu Picchu through Aguas Calientes. It does not include the Classic Inca Trail or arrival at the archaeological site through the Sun Gate.
How far in advance should I book?
Book once your travel dates are settled. Machu Picchu tickets have limited availability by date, entry time, and circuit, so space on the trek does not automatically mean your preferred entrance ticket is available. Confirm the ticket details before finalizing your travel plans.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be requested before departure. Tell us about your dietary needs, allergies, or intolerances when booking so we can confirm the arrangements available. Please discuss severe allergies with us before reserving.
Can I add Huayna Picchu to the final day?
Huayna Picchu requires a separate ticket and must be requested in advance. Availability, the assigned entrance time, and compatibility with your guided visit and return train determine whether it can be added. Confirm these details before purchasing an additional ticket.
Can I book if I am traveling alone?
Solo travelers can inquire about joining an available small-group departure. Confirmation depends on departure availability and meeting the tour’s minimum participant requirement. Contact us with your preferred dates before making arrangements around the trek.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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