Salkantay Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

Your adventure begins with a 5:00 am hotel pickup. We embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Anta – Mollepata, where the towering, snow-capped Salkantay and Veronica Mountains, revered as the Inca Gods, will captivate you. As we journey, you’ll marvel at the picturesque upper and lower valleys, adorned with a palette of vibrant landscapes.

After 4 hours of travel, we pause at Soraypampa, where you can avail of restroom facilities and enjoy an optional quick breakfast. Here, you’ll meet our dedicated support team, and we’ll organize equipment, horses, and mules, followed by an introductory briefing.

Around 9:30 a.m., we commence our trek to Humantay Lake (4,200 m.a.s.l). Upon reaching the lake, you’ll be treated to splendid views of the Humantay glacier and Humantay Lake. After spending approximately an hour here, we return to Soraypampa for a sumptuous lunch prepared by our skilled cook. Following our meal, we continue our journey to Salkantaypampa, where we’ll spend the night. Salkantaypampa is nestled amidst glacier valleys and offers an ideal location for stargazing with minimal ambient light.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4,100 m.a.s.l / 13,431.2 feet
• Minimum Altitude: 2,850 m.a.s.l / 9,350.4 feet
• Distance Traveled: 10 km / 6.200 miles

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Ccollpampa

An early start awaits at 5:00 am, with a piping hot coca tea delivered to your tent. After a swift packing-up process and a hearty breakfast, we begin our ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m.a.s.l / 15,255 ft). This 5-kilometer stretch typically takes around 4 hours to complete. Along the rocky path, you’ll witness the magnificent Salkantay peak and may even spot chinchillas (6,217 m.a.s.l / 20,341 ft).

The summit of the Salkantay trail presents breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and the towering, snow-covered Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo peaks.

Salkantay, the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and a prominent Inca God known as “Apu Salkantay,” is a challenging but deeply rewarding part of the trek.

The next leg of the journey takes us on a 3-hour, 9-kilometer downhill hike through a winding, gravel and rock-laden path to reach Huayracmachay, our lunch stop. In the afternoon, we enter the upper rainforest, known as the “cloud forest.” Over the next 3 hours and 9 kilometers, we arrive at Challway Village (2,900 m.a.s.l / 9,514 ft), our base camp. The descent provides views of the lush, vibrant forest adorned with colorful orchids and native flora. For most of the year, the weather is warm and pleasant.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m.a.s.l / 15,255.9 feet
• Minimum Altitude: 2,900 m.a.s.l / 9,514.4 feet
• Distance Traveled: 21 km / 13.0488 miles to Chaullay

Day 3: Ccollpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

The day starts with a 5:30 am wakeup call, accompanied by coca tea. After a nourishing breakfast, we set off on a trek to La Playa. This leg of the journey takes us through dense jungle, following the course of the Salkantay River on a gradual trail. Along the way, we visit several family hamlets and savor local fruits and vegetables such as passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya. If luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of the famous “Cock of the Rocks” bird.

The trail spans 16 kilometers, with a hiking time of approximately 7 hours, leading us to Lucmabamba, our base camp. Lucmabamba is a quaint village nestled amidst coffee plantations and offers basic facilities like restrooms, electricity, and shopping for souvenirs. After a hearty lunch, we take a local bus for an hour to Hydroelectric. From there, we continue along the train tracks, eventually reaching Aguas Calientes. Once in town, we check into our 3-star hotel, dine out, and prepare for the day ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: 3-star Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Maximum Altitude: 2,900 m.a.s.l / 9,514.4 feet
• Minimum Altitude: 2,100 m.a.s.l / 6,889.8 feet
• Distance Traveled: Approximately 27 km / 16.9419 miles

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

Day four is the pinnacle of your adventure: Machu Picchu. We begin with an early start, catching a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Mapi checkpoint, we present our passports and proceed to the guardhouse, a classic spot for a postcard-worthy photo of Machu Picchu. Afterward, we follow Circuit 2.

Your guide will dedicate about 2 hours to elucidating the key highlights of Machu Picchu. Following this, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins at your own pace or embark on the Huayna Picchu hike if you’ve secured this option (requires a separate entrance ticket priced at $65 per person).

Ultimately, we return to Aguas Calientes and board a train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Tour: Visit Machu Picchu

Inclusions

• Private van from your hotel in Cusco to Challacancha (the starting point of hiking).
• Entrance fees to Salkantay Mountain, including Machu Picchu.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket (Expedition Train Service at 14:55).
• English-speaking guide, plus an assistant guide for big groups.
• Professional cook and an assistant cook for a big group, and horseman for the mules and horses.
• Mules which carry group gear and large duffels provided by the company, for personal belongings.
• All food on the trek, which incorporates traditional Peruvian cuisine as well as modern fusion cuisine and specific dietary needs.
• Boiled water and snacks.
• Large dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent.
• Tents for overnight and Thermarest. Two-person tents are provided for a single person, and three-person tents for double people to provide plenty of space for personal gear.
• Additional horses for riding can be provided for an additional cost.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• A pre-trek briefing.
• Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Not Included

• Personal trekking gear, including backpacks, trekking poles, and sleeping bags (rentable from the company).
• Entrance to hot springs in Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) or other entertainment in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal riding horse (additional horses rentable as needed).
• Gratuity for guides, cooks, and horsemen.
• Dinner on the 4th day in Aguas Calientes.

What To Bring To Tour Salkantay Trek 4 Days

• Valid passport.
• Sneakers or running shoes.
• Long, comfortable trousers and a windbreaker.
• Sweater and a lightweight shirt.
• Raincoat or poncho – as it can rain at any time of the year.
• Camera with a fully charged battery and ample memory.
• Insect repellent (for sandflies).
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Personal first aid kit (personal medications).
• Water bottle with 1-2 liters of water.
• Compact backpack.
• Snacks (prices are higher in Aguas Calientes!).
• Padlock for a locker at the hostel.
• Towel.

Here’s a packing list for the Salkantay Trek 4 days

• Original Passport and Original Green ISIC international student cards if you are students.
• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals.
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks).
• Waterproof clothing (poncho).
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts).
• Sunhat and sunglasses.
• Sun cream and insect repellent.
• Water bottles such as Nalgene.
• Basic medications.
• Walking sticks.
• Swimsuit and towel.
• Personal items.
• Personal snacks.

How To Book Salkantay Trek 4 days With Inca Trail Specialist?

To secure your spot on the Salkantay Trek 4 days with INCATRAILSPECIALIST, follow these simple steps:

1. Click the “BOOK NOW” Button: Visit our booking platform and click on the “BOOK NOW” button to initiate the reservation process.

2. Select Your Departure Date: Choose the day that best suits your schedule for the Salkantay Trek 4 days adventure.

3. Provide Personal Information: Fill in the necessary details for each participant, ensuring accurate and complete information.

4. Payment: The final step is making your payment. You can conveniently pay using your credit card or debit card.

On our booking platform, you’ll also find optional extras, including Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, and Machu Picchu Mountain. We recommend booking these options along with your 4 day Salkantay Trek, as Inca Trail permits are in high demand and can sell out quickly. However, if needed, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco one day before your trip.

Once we have secured your Inca Trail permits, we will send you a confirmation to ensure that everything is well-organized. Rest assured that all confirmed start dates are guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 4-day Salkantay Trek?

The 4-day Salkantay Trek is an exciting trekking adventure that takes you through breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes, culminating in a visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. The trek follows a route that includes snow-capped mountains, valleys, rainforest and other diverse landscapes.

What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?

The maximum altitude on the trek is approximately 4,620 meters above sea level, at the Salkantay Pass. This is a crucial point in the trek and offers spectacular views.

What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?

The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, the weather is more stable and there is less chance of rain.

Do I need previous trekking experience to do the Salkantay Trek?

No previous trekking experience is required, but it is important to be in good physical shape. The trek can be challenging, and it is necessary to walk long distances and face altitude changes.

What should I pack in my backpack?

You should bring clothing suitable for the weather, a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, a flashlight, a warm jacket and other essentials. Check with your tour provider for a detailed list of what you need.

What is included in the trekking package?

The trekking package usually includes services such as bilingual guides, meals, tents, cooking equipment, transportation and more. Be sure to check with your provider for all the details.

Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, it is mandatory to have a guide for the trek. The guides are necessary to maintain the safety of the hikers and provide information about the route.

What is the process to book a Salkantay Trek?

To book a Salkantay Trek, generally you must contact a specialized travel agency and provide information about your travel dates. Then, you must pay a deposit to secure your place on the trek.

What happens if I have health problems during the trek?

Travel agencies usually carry a first aid kit and oxygen. If you have health problems, such as altitude sickness, the guides are trained to provide assistance. If the situation is serious, evacuation may be required.

Are permits required for the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, permits are required for the Salkantay Trek. These permits are usually arranged by the travel agency you book your trek with.

Can I do the Salkantay Trek on my own?

It is not recommended to do the Salkantay Trek on your own, as it is a challenging trek and it is necessary to have a guide and permits. Hiring a specialized travel agency is the safest and most convenient way to do the trek.

Does the Salkantay Trek include the visit to Machu Picchu?

Yes, the Salkantay Trek culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu. Normally, the last day of the trek is dedicated to explore this archaeological wonder.