4 days from $ 445 per person
Limited to 16 people per Group
The 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous adventurous options in Cusco. It is a 56-kilometer hiking route through high mountain landscapes as well as high jungle places. The last day you arrive at Machu Picchu from the town of Aguas Calientes. The tour includes entrance fees, tour guide service at all times as well as transportation, food (in camp and restaurants), porters service and utensils for the camps. For many visitors it is the best adventurous option to get to know Machupicchu. Even better than the famous Inca Trail.
Tour details
- Duration: 4 days.
- Includes: Camp, food, chargers, transportation, guide, tickets and more.
- Payment: easy with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Safety: complies with all health protocols.
- Entrance: Machu Picchu Solo.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
Tour summary
| Difficulty |  |
| Total distance | 56 kilometers. (37,282 miles). |
| Maximum altitude | Abra Salkantay (4,650 masl). |
| Minimum altitude | Aguas Calientes (2,160 masl). |
| Maximum temperature | Machu Picchu (from 20ºC. To 26ºC.). |
| Minimum temperature | Abra Salkantay (-5ºC to 5ºC). |
| Itinerary | |
Itinerary Day 1 Cusco | MollepataPick up at hotel, departure by bus from Cusco to Mollepata, walk, lunch in Soraypampa, optional visit to Humantay lagoon, dinner and overnight in camp after 13 km. route on average. Itinerary Day 2 Mollepata | Abra SalkantayBreakfast, walk to the ‘Abra Salkantay’, lunch in the town of Pacaymayu, dinner and overnight at the Chaullay camp. That day you walk 22 km on average. Itinerary Day 3 Abra Salkantay | La PlayaBreakfast, walk, walk to Sahuayaco beach, lunch, transportation to Hydroelectric, walk to Aguas Calientes, dinner and overnight in the town’s lodging. That day they walk 16 km on average. Itinerary Day 4 La Playa | Aguas CalientesBreakfast in accommodation, bus to Machu Picchu, visit with a tour guide in Machu Picchu, return walk to Aguas Calientes, final return by train and bus to the city of Cusco. End of the tour. | |
What is the itinerary like?
The 4-day Salkantay trek is a shorter version of the classic 5-day route. Toco begins in the city of Cusco. The first section from Mollepata to Soraypampa is arduous. Optionally (2 more kilometers) you visit the Humantay lagoon. The second day they walk through the mountainous trails of the snowy Salkantay. The third day we walk downhill until we reach the high jungle region of Cusco to the Hydroelectric station to make the final route to Aguas Calientes. The last day is the visit to Machu Picchu. Finally, that same day you return by train to Cusco.
Cusco – Mollepata | Soraypampa
Very early we will pick you up from the door of your hotel to go in a tourist transport to the town of Mollepata (2,803 m / 9,196 ft) located approximately 100 kilometers from Cusco.
In Mollepata the walk begins. You start by ascending about 13 kilometers on average. At the end we arrive at the Soraypampa camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
In the Soraypampa camp they have lunch and rest. After the break, visitors who wish can walk an additional two kilometers to view the famous Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Back in Soraypampa, dinner and rest in the camps specially equipped to reduce the cold.
Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay | Chaullay
The day starts very early with a nutritious breakfast. The uphill walk immediately begins until arriving at the Andean landscapes that surround the Salkantay pass (4,632 m / 15,197 ft), the highest point of the entire route.
In the Salkantay pass we will have free time to take the necessary photos. After a rest we will continue with the route, this time in descent, to Wayracpampa where we will have lunch at our camp.
After a delicious lunch we will continue downhill through forests. We will observe how the landscape turns green. Finally we will arrive at the Chaullay camp (4,045 m / 13,271 ft) where we will have dinner and camp after an average of 22 kilometers of route.
Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco | Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
The day begins with a nutritious breakfast. Then we continue with a pleasant walk until we arrive at Playa Sahuayaco (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), where we will have lunch.
At this point we will say goodbye to our camping team (porters and cooks) to go by tourist transport to the Hydroelectric station, a place surrounded by vegetation and high mountains.
From Hidroeléctrica we will make the last walk parallel to the train track and the Vilcanota river. After 10 kilometers of route (2 hours approximately) we will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes where we will have dinner and spend the night in a tourist accommodation. That day you walk 16 kilometers on average.
Aguas Calientes| Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will wake up very early to have breakfast at the tourist lodge.
Then we will board the buses that will transport us to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (trip of only 30 minutes).
In Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft) we visit the Inca archaeological site with our tour guide who accompanied us throughout the trip.
After visiting Machu Picchu we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will have time to have lunch (not included in the tour).
Finally, we will board the train (arrive at least 30 minutes before the train’s departure time) that will return us to Ollantaytambo and, then, by bus to the city of Cusco. There the tour ends.
Questions and answers
These are the most frequent questions asked by tourists who plan to do the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. You can send us your questions to info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
1) Is it possible to cancel the already paid tour?
If possible. You can request it at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org. The maximum period is 3 days before the tour (under a penalty of 35% of the tour value).
2) And can I change the date of the tour?
If possible. You can request it at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org. The maximum term is 3 days before. (the maximum penalty is 25% of the value of the tour).
3) For what age is the tour not recommended?
Anyone in good health can do the trek. People over 60 must be in good physical condition. Children must be over 8 years old and like hiking.
4) Is there a food option for vegetarians?
Yes, you can request it in advance at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
5) Is the Salkantay trek dangerous?
No, the tour is safe. In any case, it is advisable to follow the signs and advice of the tour guide.
6) What things should I bring?
During the walk, do not forget: good shoes, poncho in case of rain, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, warm clothing, light clothing, snacks, fruits, drinks, additional polo shirt or blouse, sleeping bag, personal items and everything in a backpack that weighs no more than 5 kilos.
7) Is the route possible all year round? When should I not go?
Yes, the Salkantay trek is viable all year round. However, the most dangerous times are January, February and March as the rains fall harder. The rest of the year the route is more comfortable due to the few rains.
8) Is the visit to the Huayna Picchu mountain included?
No, the included entrance is ‘Machupicchu Solo’. You can request the Huayna Picchu at $ 20 at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
9) Can I go on my own?
Yes, but it is not recommended. If you decide to go without a tour, do not forget a backpack with all the mandatory utensils: warm clothing, camping equipment, food for every day and more. That is why most visitors prefer to go on a tour.
10) Is there an option for a private tour?
Yes, request it at info@caminoincamachupicchu.org.
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
Machupicchu Terra received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal for its compliance with all the control and prevention protocols against Covid 19. Travel in complete safety!