Description Salkantay Trek 4 days

Embark on a 4-day journey along the captivating Salkantay Trail and immerse yourself in a natural paradise that greets you at every turn. Your efforts will be richly rewarded as you gaze in awe at the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon. Reaching the trail’s highest point at 4,629 meters above sea level, you’ll feel your senses come alive while taking in the breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay, Cusco’s second-highest snow-capped peak.

The landscape transforms around you, shifting from majestic mountain vistas to lush tropical forests teeming with vibrant vegetation. As you make your way to Aguas Calientes, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque streams and towering peaks. This unforgettable adventure culminates with a visit to the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco > Mollepata > Challacancha > Soraypampa > Laguna Humantay > Sky Camp

We will set off around 4:00 AM for a two-hour drive to the village of Mollepata, where we’ll stop for a quick breakfast. Our vehicles are equipped with cozy blankets, perfect for a nap if you need to rest after your meal. Following breakfast, we’ll continue for another hour to reach the trailhead at Challacancha.

Before starting the hike, you’ll meet the porters and cooks who are part of our team and do a final check of your gear. Then, we’ll begin a relatively gentle three-hour trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our first campsite awaits. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of glaciers and a deep valley. You’ll also see an ancient Inca canal that runs alongside much of the trail and is still used by local farmers today. This section covers 7 km / 4.35 miles.

Upon arriving at Soraypampa, you’ll have time to settle into our unique igloo-style Sky Camp and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our talented chefs, who work their magic in the heart of the mountains. After lunch, we’ll embark on an afternoon hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake.

When we return to camp, you’ll have time to relax and savor dinner as the sun sets behind the mountains. The energy of the mountains is indescribable, but it brings a profound sense of inner peace. As night falls, you’ll have the chance to gaze at the stars, completing an unforgettable day.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Hike 
  • Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours) 
  • Initial Elevation: 3,800 m / 3,800 ft / 12,467 ft 
  • Maximum Elevation: 4,200 m 
  • Camp Elevation: 3,900 m 
  • Overnight: Sky Camp  
  • Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Soraypampa > Abra Salkantay > Huayracmachay > Chaullay > Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)

Experience the awe-inspiring Abra Salkantay and the descent into the tropical forest. You’ll wake up to the first rays of sunlight and enjoy a revitalizing cup of coca tea while taking in the view of Apu Salkantay. After a nourishing breakfast, you’ll embark on a 7 km hike, lasting about three hours, to reach the highest point of the trek: Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This challenging ascent follows the “Snake’s Path,” named for its winding and steep trail.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region and revered as a sacred Apu. You’ll also be able to admire the peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After soaking in the scenery and resting, you’ll begin your descent (7 km / 4.35 miles) to Huayracmachay (3,850 m), where we’ll stop for lunch. This part of the trail is steep and rocky but offers stunning views of the valley below.

After lunch, you’ll enter the edge of the tropical forest, also known as the “cloud forest.” As you hike, you’ll notice the lush tropical vegetation and witness the dramatic transition from the Andes to the Amazonian environment.

Following a long and rewarding day of hiking, you’ll arrive at Collpapampa, where you’ll spend the night. A hearty dinner will be served, and you’ll rest in our exclusive Mountain Sky View accommodations, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.

  • Difficulty: Challenging Hike 
  • Distance: 22 km (10 hours) 
  • Initial Elevation: 3,900 m 
  • Maximum Elevation: 4,630 m 
  • Camp Elevation: 2,950 m
  • Accommodation: Sky View 
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Collpapampa | La Playa > Hidroeléctrica > Aguas Calientes

Today, we’ll wake you up at 6:00 AM for a hearty breakfast before beginning our five-hour trek through the stunning Santa Teresa Valley, ending at La Playa. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant landscape filled with rivers, wild orchids, and lush coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. You’ll even have the chance to sample fresh passionfruit as you take in the scenery.

We’ll pass through the small village of Collpapampa and continue along the base of the mountains, crossing to the other side of the valley. This tropical section of the trail offers breathtaking waterfalls, colorful birds, fruit-bearing trees, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Upon reaching La Playa, you’ll enjoy a final lunch prepared by our skilled chefs, followed by a relaxing coffee demonstration. After some time to unwind, we’ll board private transportation to the Hydroelectric train station. From there, you’ll hike alongside the Urubamba River, surrounded by dense vegetation. If you’re feeling tired, you can opt to take the train to Aguas Calientes instead. As you walk through this tropical paradise, you’ll see beautiful plantations and spot a variety of birds, including the forest chicken.

After approximately three hours of hiking, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll be taken to your hotel. There, you can relax in a comfortable room equipped with a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast, and luggage storage. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a renowned local restaurant before heading back to the hotel to rest.

  • Difficulty: Challenging Hike 
  • Distance: 27 km (8-9 hours) 
  • Initial Elevation: 2,950 m 
  • Maximum Elevation: 2,950 m Aguas Calientes 
  • Elevation: 2,000 m”
  • Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes 
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Machu Picchu > Cusco (2h30m Tour)

In the morning, at the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll embark on a 20-minute ride along a winding road, ascending 400 meters to reach the breathtaking wonder of the world, the “Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu,” also known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through the entrance, and we’ll begin a comprehensive tour of the citadel. For approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll explore the most significant sites within Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants (lunch not included). Afterward, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo (subject to train schedule availability). The return journey will follow the same route as the outbound trip. Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a train representative will be waiting to transfer you to a bus that will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight : Hotel in Cusco (at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast 

What's Included

  • Day 1- Daily snacks (including tea, coffee, popcorn, and cookies)
    - Guided tours to Cusco, Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa, and Humantay Lagoon
    - Services of a professional guide
    - Meals provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with an oxygen balloon for altitude assistance
    - Full support and assistance throughout the journey
  • Day 2- Daily snacks (including tea, coffee, popcorn, and cookies)
    - Guided tours to Soraypampa, Abra Salkantay, Huayracmachay, Chaullay, and Collpapampa
    - Services of a professional guide
    - Meals provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with an oxygen balloon for altitude assistance
    - Full support and assistance throughout the journey
  • Day 3- Daily snacks (including tea, coffee, popcorn, and cookies)
    - Guided tours to Collpapampa, La Playa, Hidroeléctrica, and Aguas Calientes
    - Services of a professional guide
    - Meals provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with an oxygen balloon for altitude assistance
    - Full support and assistance throughout the journey
  • Day 4- Round-trip bus between Águas Calientes and Machu Picchu
    - Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
    - Services of a professional tour guide
    - Guided tour of Machu Picchu
    - Train from Águas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (operated by PERURAIL or INCARAIL)
    - Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco
    - Full assistance and support throughout the experience
  • Hotels- 1 night Sky camp with breakfast, lunches and dinner
    - 1 night Sky View with breakfast, lunches and dinner
    - 1 night Hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
    - 24-hour assistance

What's Not Included

  • Drinks except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Snacks except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Phone calls
  • Extra spending money
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes USD 45,00 per person
  • Sleeping bag, add USD 25.00 (nikko brand to -10 degrees celsius)
  • Walking sticks add USD 10.00 per each one

Optional Services

  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: Additional cost of USD 80.00 per person (requires advance booking).
  • Upgraded return train service: Enjoy a scenic journey on the VISTADOME/360° train with panoramic views and a traditional dance show (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo). Upgrade cost: USD 65.00 per person.

What to Take

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Light daypack
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Repellent
  • Sunhat
  • Rain gear or poncho
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Clothing for hot and cold weather conditions
  • Long-sleeved shirts, (due to there being mosquitos in Machu Picchu)
  • Walking shoes/boots
  • Extra memory stick and additional batteries
  • Personal medications (for headaches, anti-inflammatory´s etc).
  • Extra Cash in soles and small denominations if possible

Prices

Service Travelers Prices
Group 1 traveler US$
699.00

REQUEST MORE INFO

    Please fill out the form below and one of our specialists will contact you..

    Tour start date*

    Number of passengers*

    Talk to a Travel Agent!

    Reviews

    TripAdvisor