BigFoot Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek 4 Days

soraypampa - salkantay trek View all photos
bus to soraypampa, Mollepata, Salkantay Trek View all photos
abra salkantay - salkantay trek View all photos
glamping salkantay trek View all photos
inca trail to machu picchu +4 View all photos
winay wayna – inca trail View all photos
aguas calientes - machu picchu View all photos
inti punku - machu picchu View all photos
train to aguas calientes machu picchu View all photos
Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Group

12

Max Altitude

4,630 m (15,190 ft)

Difficulty

Difficult

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

After acclimatizing in Cusco, get ready for one of the most scenic routes to Machu Picchu. Our Salkantay Trek 4 Days takes you through breathtaking landscapes — from the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake to the majestic Salkantay Mountain and down into the lush cloud forest.

This trek combines adventure, comfort, and authentic Andean culture. With expert local guides, comfortable camps, and freshly prepared meals along the way, you’ll experience the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment — ending with a guided visit to the unforgettable Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek 4 Days Inclusions

What’s Included?

Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake (Day 1)

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Day 4)

  • Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability—most complete route)

  • Alternative circuits if necessary:

  • Circuit 3-B (lower urban and ceremonial sector)

  • Circuit 1-B (upper panoramic route)

High-Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure briefing at 5:00 p.m. the evening before the trek

  • Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish)

  • Certified first-aid trained guides

  • First aid kit and oxygen tank carried throughout the trek

  • Duffle bag (maximum 5 kg / 11 lb) carried by pack animals

  • Rain poncho and backpack cover

  • Long-range walkie-talkies for team communication

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in exclusive eco campsites (Sky Camp & Mountain Sky View)

  • Shared bathrooms at Sky Camp

  • Private bathrooms and hot showers at Mountain Sky View

  • Dining areas and fully equipped kitchen facilities

  • 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes:

  • Private room (double, matrimonial, or triple)

  • Private bathroom with hot shower

  • WiFi

  • Luggage storage

Meals

  • 4 Breakfasts

  • 3 Lunches

  • 3 Dinners

  • Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options available

  • Boiled drinking water provided daily (bring reusable bottle)

  • Morning coca tea (Day 2)

  • Afternoon tea service with snacks

  • Daily snack bag (refilled every morning)

What’s Not Included

  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
  • Personal expenses and optional activities

Salkantay Trek 4 Days - Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
angle-down

Highlight of the day: Admire the spectacular turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Sky Camp—Soraypampa

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi

Walking Time: 5–6 hours

Highest Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and drive to Mollepata for breakfast, then continue to Challacancha, where the trek begins.

After meeting our trekking team, we hike toward Soraypampa, following an ancient Inca water canal still used by local farmers. Surrounded by glaciers and open valleys, this first section is scenic and steady.

Upon arrival at Sky Camp, enjoy lunch before heading up to Humantay Lake. Though short, the hike is steep due to the altitude. At the top, the stunning lagoon beneath the Humantay Glacier rewards every step.

Return to camp for dinner and a peaceful night under the Andean stars.

Day 2
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa
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Highlight of the day: Reach the powerful Salkantay Pass and witness the majesty of the Andes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Sky View – Collpapampa

Difficulty: Challenging

Walking Distance: 23.5 km / 14.6 mi

Walking Time: 10–11 hours

Highest Elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft

Wake up with coca tea and views of Salkantay Mountain. After breakfast, begin the ascent to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek.

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After time to rest and take photos, descend to Huayracmachay for lunch.

In the afternoon, the landscape transforms dramatically as we enter the cloud forest. The air becomes warmer, vegetation grows thicker, and the scenery shifts toward the Amazon basin.

We arrive at Collpapampa for dinner and overnight at our Mountain Sky View campsite.

Day 3
Collpapampa - La Playa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
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Highlight of the day: Walk through lush jungle landscapes and reach the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Walking Distance: 26 km / 16.16 mi

Walking Time: 8–9 hours

After breakfast, hike through the Santa Teresa Valley surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, orchids, coffee farms, and tropical fruit plantations.

At La Playa, enjoy your final lunch prepared by our trekking chefs. Then, private transport takes us to Hidroelectrica. From there, we walk along the railway beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.

Optional train service from Hidroelectrica is available if needed.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest before tomorrow’s highlight.

Day 4
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
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Highlight of the day: Explore the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast

Difficulty: Easy

Early in the morning, take the bus up to Machu Picchu to enter at opening time. Enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours, visiting temples, terraces, residential areas, and ceremonial sectors.

After the tour, you may optionally hike:

  • Huayna Picchu (steep and iconic)

  • Machu Picchu Mountain (longer panoramic hike)

  • Huchuy Picchu (shorter alternative)

Later, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Private transportation will bring you back to Cusco, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

Packing List

Clothing

  • Wool hat or beanie for cold mornings

  • Breathable T-shirt (moisture-wicking recommended)

  • Lightweight insulating layer (fleece or sweater)

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

  • Comfortable, quick-drying hiking pants

  • Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with good traction

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Gloves (especially during colder months)

Day Pack Essentials

  • Original passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu)

  • Original student ID card (if applicable for discount)

  • Small day backpack

  • Camera or smartphone

  • At least 1–2 liters of water

  • Snacks (energy bars, fruit, chocolate, nuts)

  • Sunscreen

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Rain poncho

  • Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses

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Essential Information About Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Altitude & Acclimatization

The Salkantay Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,630 m / 15,190 ft at Salkantay Pass. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before starting the trek to properly acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and drinking coca tea can help your body adjust.

Physical Level

This trek is considered moderate to challenging.
Day 2 is the most demanding due to the ascent to Salkantay Pass.

You don’t need to be a professional hiker, but a good level of physical condition is recommended. Regular walking, cardio, or light training before your trip will make your experience more enjoyable.

Weather

Weather conditions vary significantly along the route:

  • Dry season (April–October): Clear skies, colder nights.

  • Rainy season (November–March): Lush landscapes, occasional heavy rain.

Temperatures can drop below freezing at night in Soraypampa and be warm and humid by Day 3 near the jungle.

Layered clothing is essential.

Accommodation Style

You will spend:

  • 2 nights in exclusive mountain campsites (glamping-style domes and eco-camps)

  • 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes

All camps are designed to provide comfort while respecting the natural environment.

Meals on the Trek

All meals during the trek are freshly prepared by our trekking chef.

We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary requirements at no extra cost. Please inform us in advance if you have allergies or restrictions.

Boiled drinking water is provided daily for refilling your bottle.

Luggage & Duffle Bag

Each traveler receives a duffle bag with a 5 kg / 11 lb limit, carried by pack animals during the trek.

You will carry only a daypack with personal essentials such as water, sunscreen, camera, and snacks.

Machu Picchu Visit

On Day 4, you will explore Machu Picchu with a professional guide.

Circuit 2 is included whenever available (the most complete route). Alternative circuits may be assigned depending on availability at the time of booking.

Optional mountain hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require advance reservation.

Best Time to Do the Trek

The most popular months are May through September due to stable weather conditions. However, the trek operates year-round.

Booking at least 2–3 months in advance is highly recommended, especially during high season.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance that covers trekking activities, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions.

Responsible Travel

We operate with respect for local communities and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Our team minimizes environmental impact and follows sustainable trekking practices.

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FAQs

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging. The most demanding day is when crossing Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. A good physical condition is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Do I need previous trekking experience?

No technical experience is required. However, regular walking, hiking, or cardio training before your trip will make the trek more comfortable and enjoyable.

How many days should I acclimatize in Cusco?

We recommend at least two days in Cusco before starting the trek to allow your body to properly adjust to the altitude.

What is the highest altitude reached during the trek?

The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.

Is Machu Picchu included in the tour?

Yes. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and a professional guided tour are included on the final day.

Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?

Circuit 2 is included whenever available. If it is sold out, an official alternative circuit will be arranged at the time of booking.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, both are optional and require advance booking. Huayna Picchu has limited availability and should be reserved early.

How much weight can I bring?

Each traveler is allowed up to 5 kg / 11 lb in the duffle bag provided. During the hike, you will only carry a daypack with personal essentials.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You will spend two nights in exclusive mountain campsites and one night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes with a private bathroom, hot shower, and breakfast included.

Is the trek available year-round?

Yes, the Salkantay Trek operates throughout the year. The dry season from April to October is the most popular due to clearer weather conditions.

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