Machu Picchu Holidays » Tours » Salkantay Trek to machu Picchu 4 Days
Salkantay Trek to machu Picchu 4 Days
- Humanray Lake - Salkantay - Machu Picchu - Train
(185)
Star -Cusco
End - Cusco
DURATION
4 Days - 3 Nigth
LANGUAGES
English/Espanish
DIFFICULTY
⚫⚫⚫⚫〇
Starting from
$ 360
per person
“Machu Picchu permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. We highly recommend booking early to secure your spot.”
Tour Details
Machu Picchu Holiday Tours invites you on this Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Discover the Salkantay Trek Peru, a 4-day adventure to Machu Picchu.
Our guides will lead you to this memorable trek. You will hike the Salkantay Trail. You’ll travel from the andean snow capped mountains to tropical rainforest.
Immerse yourself into the majestic mountains and vibrant forests. The trek starts with the hike to Humantay Lake. Walk across the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Stargaze under the andean night sky.
Our itinerary promises an unforgettable Salkantay Trek Peru. You will explore ancient ruins and engage with local cultures. The final stretch takes you to the Santa Teresa hot springs. The terrain will transform from high altitude andean valleys to Jungle.
We culminate at Machu Picchu. This Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek treats you with culture, history, nature, adventure and relaxation. Also is an alternative to hiking the Inca Trail that you don’t need to book months in advance.
Choose Machu Picchu Holiday Tours for an extraordinary adventure. Our commitment to excellence guarantees a safe, enriching Salkantay Hike. Let us guide you to this extension of the classic Salkantay Trek. Experience the magic of the Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek with us.
Inclusions
✅ Professional bilingual guide
✅ Transportation to the trailhead
✅ Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
✅ Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
✅ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads)
✅ Three meals per day during the hike
✅ Cook and cooking equipment
✅ Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment)
✅ First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
✅ Accommodation for 3 nights (2 nights camping, 1 night in Aguas Calientes)
✅ Water (in certain parts of the route)
Exclusions
❌ Breakfast on the first day
❌ Lunch and dinner on the last day
❌ Sleeping bag
❌ Inflatable mattress
❌ Walking sticks
❌ Personal horse for riding
❌ Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
❌ Extra activities in Aguas Calientes
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Extra snacks or beverages
Things to carry
🟡 Hiking boots
🟡 Warm clothes (layers for varying temperatures)
🟡 Rain poncho or any other rain protection
🟡 Sun hat and sunglasses
🟡 Sunscreen and insect repellent
🟡 Headlamp or flashlight
🟡 Personal medications
🟡 Reusable water bottle
🟡 Energy dense snacks
🟡 Personal first aid kit
🟡 Camera or smartphone
🟡 Small backpack (day pack)
🟡 Biodegradable toiletries
🟡 Sandals (for campsite)
🟡 Sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather)
🟡 Trekking poles (optional)
🟡 Cash (for tips and personal expenses)
🟡 Original passport
🟡 Swimsuit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco to Soraypampa through Mollepata
Machu Picchu Holiday starts your Salkantay Trek Peru adventure early. We’ll pick you up from your Cusco accommodation at 4 AM. First, we head to Mollepata for breakfast.
The trek begins at Challacancha, where you’ll witness the majestic Salkantay and Humantay mountains. Lunch awaits at Soraypampa before a late afternoon hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. The day ends with dinner and camping under the stars at Soraypampa.
- Altitude: Start at 2,900m, camp at 3,900m
- Distance: 12 km
- Main places visited: Mollepata, Challacancha, Humantay Lake
Day 2 Soraypampa to Chaullay via the Salkantay Pass
The second day will be the longest. We’ll trek to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters/15,190 feet above sea level), early in the morning.
It offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and valleys. After conquering the pass, we descend to Huayracmachay for lunch, then continue through the cloud forest to Chaullay. Our camp here provides a much warmer climate.
- Altitude: Highest point at 4,630m
- Distance: 22 km
- Main places visited: Salkantay Pass, Huayracmachay, Chaullay
Day 3 Chaullay to Aguas Calientes via Santa Teresa and Hydroelectric Station
We’ll hike to La Playa through more varied ecosystems. Then, transport takes us to Santa Teresa. Here you can choose to visit the hot springs or do zip lining (ask for availability).
Post lunch, we continue to the Hydroelectric Station, followed by a trek along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and a comfortable hostel bed.
- Altitude: Lower, more temperate
- Distance: 15 km (hiking)
- Main places visited: Santa Teresa, Hydroelectric Station, Aguas Calientes
Day 4 Visit Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
The final day begins before the sun rises, with a bus ride up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. After exploring the site, you have free time in the inca citadel to explore at your own pace. You can hike to Machu Picchu Mountain.
In the afternoon we’ll get back to Aguas Calientes town. The train station is our next destiny. Back to Ollantaytambo, then a bus to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Altitude: Machu Picchu at 2,430m
- Distance: Walking from 5 to 15 km (variable for personal choice)
- Main places visited: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Note on the Itinerary
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Reasons which may include incidents in the location where the trip will be operated, strikes, political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme bad weather, flight cancellations, and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of Cusco Local Friend and that Cusco Local Friend is not liable for such changes or amendments. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it! However, some extra expenses may be incurred, these extra expenditures will be covered by the client in their totality and not by Cusco Local Friend.
Tour Gallery
FAQ's
How difficult is the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is moderately challenging. It involves a 12 km (about 7.5 miles) hike with some steep sections. Good physical condition is recommendable.
Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes, a permit is necessary for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You should book permits well in advance through a licensed tour operator, as they are limited.
What is the best time to hike the Short Inca Trail?
The best time is during the dry season, from May to October. The trail is less crowded and the weather is more favorable for hiking.
Can I hike the Short Inca Trail without a guide?
No, hiking the Short Inca Trail without a guide with registration is forbidden. All trekkers must be accompanied by a guide from a licensed tour operator.
How far in advance should I book the Short Inca Trail?
Is recommendable to book at least 4-6 months in advance, especially during the high season (June to August), as permits can sell out quickly.
What should I pack for the Short Inca Trail?
Essentials include a backpack, water, snacks and sun protection. Wear rain gear, comfortable hiking boots, a hat, and layers for varying temperatures. Your tour operator will provide a detailed packing list.
Are there age restrictions for the Short Inca Trail?
There are no official age restrictions, but it is important that all hikers are in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness. Children should be able to hike long distances.
What is in the inclusions of the Short Inca Trail tour?
Inclusions typically cover the guide, permits, transportation to the trailhead, meals during the hike, and accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
What is the altitude of the Short Inca Trail?
The trail starts at about 2,040 meters (about 6,692 feet). The highest point is the Sun Gate at about 2,720 meters (about 8,923 feet).
Is there a risk of altitude sickness on the Short Inca Trail?
There is a possibility of altitude sickness. It’s advisable to spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize before starting the hike.
