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This shorter alternative to the Salkantay Premium is sure to ‘peak’ your interest as you walk between the towering peaks of Humantay and Salkantay mountain as you make your way to Machu Picchu. This is truly the experience of a lifetime! Did you know that the Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine? Join us, and discover what it means to walk the sacred paths of the Inca.
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in Cusco and it is undoubtedly the best alternative route to experience the original Inca paths. This trek takes you through many different types of landscapes. You will have the best opportunity to see the typical Andean landscape up to the snowcapped mountains, down to the tropical forests and finally even venture into the dense jungle. If you are thinking to do a hiking trip to Machu Picchu and you want to be off the beaten path, close to the Andean communities and appreciate the beautiful and diverse nature of Peru, the Salkantay Trek is highly recommended.
Wake up early to start your adventure. First, you’ll make a stop in Mollepata, where you will have a quick breakfast and continue to our starting point, Challacancha. From there, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour relatively flat hike to Soraypampa, where our first camp, where you will enjoy a delicious meal and have time to settle into your Sky Camp igloo.
In the afternoon, we will climb up to the glorious Humantay Lake on an approximately three-hour round-trip trek. Once at the top, you will have plenty of time to take in the beautiful views of the mountain jewel and catch your breath. Afterward, we will return to Soraypampa for dinner and head to your igloo to rest while gazing at the stars.
Today you will get an early start on this adventure. We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and travel for approximately two hours to have a quick breakfast in Mollepata. Our transportation includes cozy blankets in case you need to sleep for a few more minutes. After feeding and resting a bit, we’ll drive for another hour to the starting point of the trek in Challacancha.
Before we start our trek, you will meet the muleteers and cooks who are part of the team and do a final check of your luggage. Then, we will begin our relatively easy three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our first camp is located. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful glaciers and a deep valley. Also, you will see that an Inca water channel follows us most of the way and is still used by farmers in the area to this day. This stretch has a length of 7 km / 4.35 miles.
Once in Soraypampa, you’ll have some time to get settled into your cozy igloo in our Sky Camp and enjoy your first lunch cooked by our talented chefs. There’s no doubt you’ll be amazed by their talents in the middle of the mountains. Once you’re full of energy, we’ll begin our afternoon trek up to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), often called the jewel or gem in the mountains, and you’ll see why once you reach the top.
The round trip is around 2:30 hours long and covers 3 km / 1.86 miles. The distance may seem short, but you may get tired due to its high altitude. You need to go slowly. When you reach the stunning lagoon, you’ll have plenty of time to catch your breath, enjoy the fantastic scenery and contemplate its turquoise waters in contrast to the snowy backdrop. The views here are truly like something out of dreamland.
Once we return to camp, you will have time to enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset behind the mountains. It’s hard to describe the energy of this place, but the inner peace is as close as it gets. Then it’s time to head back to your Sly Camp for a good night’s sleep and contemplate the constellations.
Today is the most challenging, but the reward will be great as you will get fantastic views of wonderful landscapes. After tasting our breakfast, we will hike for approximately three hours to the Salkantay pass, where we will spend time taking pictures of the incredible panorama. Afterward, we will descend through the cloud forest to the lunch spot before continuing to the jungle’s edge amidst exotic scenery. Finally, we will arrive at the exclusive Dome Sky View Campsite in Chaullay for the night.
In the morning, you will wake up with the day’s first rays and see the Apu Salkantay while enjoying an energizing coca tea. Afterward, you will have a nutritious breakfast before embarking on the 7 km trek for approximately three hours to the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). It is a difficult ascent along the “path of the 7 snakes” because of its winding path.
Once at the top, you will appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys and the Salkantay mountain right in front of you (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). It boasts the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, and it’s considered an Apu (Inca God). You will also be able to observe the mountains: Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After enjoying the views and rest, you will start descending (7 km / 4.35 mi) to our lunch point at Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This section is rocky and steep but has impressive views of the surrounding valley.
After a revitalizing lunch, you will enter the edge of the rainforest, also known as the “cloud forest.” This section has a distance of 9.5 km / 5.9 mi and lasts approximately three and a half hours. Along the way, you will enjoy the verdant rainforest and witness how the scenery changes rapidly and drastically from the Andes to the Amazon. You will observe colorful landscapes, unique fauna, and native plants and feel the warmer climate.
After a long day of hiking, you will be glad to arrive at Chaullay for the night. Finally, we will serve you a hearty meal before resting at our exclusive Dome Sky View Campsite.
In the morning, we will begin our hike to La Playa and contemplate the magnificent jungle landscape surrounding us. Along the way, you will observe flora and fauna unique to the area. Once at La Playa, we will enjoy our last delicious lunch prepared by our chefs and watch a coffee demonstration before heading into our private transportation to the train station in Hidroelectrica.
Afterward, you can take a three-hour hike along the tracks through lush vegetation above the Urubamba River or board a train to Aguas Calientes (not included in the program). Once in Aguas Calientes, we will go to our hotel before exploring the small town and tasting a delicious dinner at a good restaurant. You will have to go to bed early to wake up before sunrise.
We’ll wake you up at 6:00 am today for a quick breakfast before beginning our hike to La Playa through the stunning Santa Teresa valley. This morning, you can enjoy soaking up the new lush landscape over a 5-hour trek. You’ll be able to spot rivers, wild orchids, and lots of plantations, including coffee, banana, and avocado. You’ll also get to savor the granadilla and passion fruit on the route.
We will continue our hike and then keep going to the bottom of the mountains to cross to the other side of the valley. In this tropical section, we’ll be accompanied by waterfalls, birds, fruit trees, flora, and fauna.
When we reach La Playa, it’ll be time to enjoy our last lunch prepared by our incredible chefs as we relax and watch a show all about coffee. After we’ve had some time to rest a little more, we’ll board the private transport that’ll take us to Hidroelectrica train station. From there, we’ll hike alongside the tracks surrounded by lots of vegetation and joined by the Urubamba River. However, if you feel exhausted, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes for an extra US$ 37.00.
Among the tropical paradise, you’ll see more plantations and beautiful plants as well as a huge variety of birds, including the national bird of Peru, the cock of the rocks (El Gallito de las Rocas).
After three hours of hiking, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes; from here, we will take you to your hotel to relax in your comfortable room with a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast in the morning, and luggage storage that will allow you to leave your things while you go on a visit to the town’s hot springs. In the evening, we will meet for dinner at a prestigious restaurant before returning to the hotel to rest. Tomorrow you will have to get up before sunrise and start our last adventure to the majestic Machu Picchu.
Today’s the day you’ve been longing for since you set foot on the trail. You’re going to be visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu! We’ll wake up while it’s still dark out after enjoying a restful night’s sleep in our hostel. We like to begin this final day early to beat the large crowds at Machu Picchu and enjoy the soft morning light hitting the massive rocks. The entrance opens at 6:00 am, and we want to be one of the first inside.
From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a bus up to the Inca citadel before entering and gazing in awe at the incredible construction. Once in the complex, you’ll enjoy a tour of approximately two hours with your guide and visit the most important parts: houses, temples, terraces, cultivation fields, among others. You’ll truly be amazed by the ingenuity of the Incas, which to this day remains a mystery.
The ancient culture didn’t have modern tools or even iron or steel to work with. Those who constructed the city were geniuses in organizing this community sustainably and beautifully on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals and aqueducts through its streets for the people to use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and a state of disrepair. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world at large.
After your incredible guided tour of the citadel, you’ll have the chance to enjoy one of the additional hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tickets must be booked in advance. You’ll be able to contemplate an incredible view over the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the best panoramas in the world.
You need to ensure you come back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy some lunch before you catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your train time will depend on availability. In Ollantaytambo, our private transport will be awaiting you to transport you back to your accommodation in Cusco. You’ll now be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest, although your heart will be soaring high in the Andes like a condor for years to come.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Salkantay Trek 4 Days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the Peru Hike offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.
A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
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The 4D/3N Salkantay Trek absolutely exceeded all my expectations!! Wayna and Freddie were so knowledgeable and supportive throughout our journey, and by the end we were all great friends. The trek is challenging, but doable and SO worth it!!!! The food, the accommodation, the guides, the views, the experience, every part of it was so worth it. Could not recommend this tour enough, do it!!!
I did the Salkantay Trek 4D/3N to Macchu Picchu. This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I had never done a multi day hike/trek before this and I felt like this was the perfect introduction – not too hard and very enjoyable. Our guides Fredi Zapata and Carlitos made the experience all the more special – they shared so much of their Quechuan culture with us (not just general information but experiences and stories personal to them too) throughout. I highly recommend doing the trek with this company and if you can ask for Fredi and Alexander to be your guides!
I never write reviews because usually my experience is as promoted and that’s it. I’ve done a lot of trips around the world and this one was by far the most inspiring and spiritual trek I’ve ever done. Not only does the company answer your questions from day 1, they are well organized, have comfortable véhicules and all the accommodations were way better than I could have imagined. The food was perfect and balanced for the hard hikes and the magic morning hours. I just can’t recommend PERU HIKE enough.. Do it, don’t hesitate you’ll love it.
But the face of the company was my guide Luilo.. What a champion.. Well spoken, insanely knowledgeable and just a fun guy to be around. He knows the mountains, he knows how to adapt to everyone in the group. Always thinking ahead to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable.. This isn’t a fast grab kind of trek, this is a professional and well thought out company and Luilo made it complète magic.
I honestly can’t thank Luilo and the team enough, you made my mid life, bucket list dream a reality and much more. This one is for the books..
In particular we liked the enthusiasm of the guides and the way they made us feel as a family during the 4 days. They were able to share a ton of their knowledge of the nature, mountains and Inca culture, (beyond of what I have experienced in other tours). In addition the food on the trek was way above our expectations, and the accommodations as well.
Definitely recommend Peru hike company and Royli and Carlitos for those interested in this tre
We did the four day trek Machupicchu. The experience was amazing!! Our guide Franz did an excellent job, supporting us, teaching us about all the different places as well as the different plants and flowers around. It’s not an easy hike but well worth it!! I struggled with a little altitude sickness near the top but Franz was very patient and helped me get to the top.