Presentation Image

Salkantay 4 Days

Experience the adventure of the Salkantay Trek in 4 days from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Summary

Embark on an exhilarating 4-day adventure through the majestic Salkantay, one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu. This trek combines high mountain landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and lush Andean valleys with a deep connection to nature and local culture. Hike across the Salkantay Pass, surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks, and explore picturesque Andean villages and scenic cloud forests along the way. Each day offers breathtaking panoramas and opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions. The journey culminates in Aguas Calientes and a visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Perfect for adventurers seeking a challenging trek, stunning scenery, and an authentic Andean experience.

Itinerary

Salkantay 4 Days Day 1

We will begin our adventure with hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. Then we will travel to the town of Mollepata, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast.

Next, we will continue to Soraypampa to do an acclimatization hike to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains.

After the visit, we will proceed to Salkantay Pampa, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue hiking to Huayracmachay, where we will set up our camp and enjoy dinner for the night.

Tour Summary

  • Pickup: From hotel in Cusco (4:00 a.m.)
  • Breakfast: In Mollepata
  • Visit: Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon
  • Lunch: In Salkantay Pampa
  • Camp: In Huayracmachay
  • Dinner: At the camp
Salkantay 4 Days Day 2

Very early, at 5:30 a.m., we will enjoy a coca leaf tea to start the day energized. Afterwards, at our Huayracmachay camp, we will have breakfast.

Then we will continue the hike descending into the cloud forest, crossing beautiful landscapes until we reach Chaullay, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, we will proceed to Lucmabamba, where our camp is located. There, we will savor a delicious dinner and participate in a cultural demonstration about the coca leaf, highly valued in Andean tradition.

Tour Summary

  • Start: Coca leaf tea (5:30 a.m.)
  • Breakfast: At Huayracmachay (camp)
  • Lunch: In Chaullay
  • Camp: In Lucmabamba
  • Activity: Coca leaf demonstration
  • Dinner: At camp
Salkantay 4 Days Day 3

Very early, at 5:30 a.m., we will start the day with an energizing coca leaf tea. Then we will begin the hike to the Llactapata viewpoint, a walk of approximately 4 hours with spectacular views of the high jungle and the majestic Machu Picchu from a distance.

Afterwards, we will descend to the Hydroelectric Plant, where we will enjoy lunch and say farewell to our porters. From there, we will take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and in the evening share a dinner, preparing for the big day of visiting Machu Picchu.

Tour Summary

  • Start: Coca leaf tea (5:30 a.m.)
  • Hike: To Llactapata (4 hours)
  • Transport: Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes (train)
  • Lunch: At Hydroelectric Plant
  • Activity: Farewell to porters
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Dinner: At hotel
Salkantay 4 Days Day 4

After a restful night, we will start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will pick you up to head to the Consetur bus station, with an approximate 30-minute ride to the entrance of the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

We will enjoy a 3-hour guided tour, visiting the most important areas and learning about the history and mystery of this wonder of the world.

After the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes where you will have free time for lunch (lunch not included). Afterwards, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and finally a private transfer will take us back to the city of Cusco.

Tour Summary

  • Pickup: From hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Transport: Consetur bus (30 min)
  • Visit: Machu Picchu (3 hours)
  • Lunch: Free time in Aguas Calientes
  • Transport: Train to Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer: Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Inclusions

Includes

  • Informative briefing before the trek departure.
  • Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Tourist transportation Cusco – Mollepata / Challacancha.
  • Horses and muleteers to carry camping equipment and up to 7 kg of personal belongings per passenger.
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
  • 2 nights of camping/lodges along the route (double tents).
  • Camping equipment: tents, sleeping mats, table, chairs, and kitchen gear.
  • Specialized cook and complete meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners).
  • Daily snacks and tea time (coca tea, coffee, or herbal infusions).
  • Entrance ticket to the Salkantay route.
  • 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes (2–3 star tourist hotel).
  • Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu (standard circuit).
  • Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition category or optional).
  • Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco (tourist or private service).
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
  • Trekking pole.
  • Drinking water.

Not Included

  • Last lunch (day 4 in Aguas Calientes).
  • Sleeping bag (available for rent in Cusco).
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional cost).
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
  • Tips for the staff (guides, cooks, muleteers, drivers).
  • Personal expenses and extras not mentioned in the itinerary.

Price - per Person

Sacsahuamán Qurikancha

Salkantay 4 Days

Price $800.00

Recommendations for the Salkantay 4-Day Trek

To make the most of your experience hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay 4D/3N route, we suggest bringing the following:

What to Bring

For your Salkantay 4D/3N trek to Machu Picchu, remember to bring the following:

What to Bring

  • Valid passport or ID.
  • 30–40L trekking backpack.
  • Sleeping bag (up to -10 °C).
  • Thermal and light clothing.
  • Waterproof poncho or jacket.
  • Trekking boots and sandals for camp.
  • Trekking poles (optional).
  • Headlamp with batteries.
  • Hat, gloves, sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle (1.5–2L).
  • Energy snacks.
  • Personal hygiene items.
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer gel.
  • Personal and altitude sickness medications.
  • Camera or phone with extra battery.
  • Extra cash in soles.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Salkantay Trek (4 days)

It is one of the most popular trekking routes to Machu Picchu, famous for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes: glaciers, lagoons, cloud forest, and Andean villages. It is considered an alternative to the Inca Trail.

The short version lasts 4 days and 3 nights, hiking on average 6 to 8 hours per day, reaching Machu Picchu on the last day.

The difficulty level is moderate to challenging. The highest point is the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters above sea level). Good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.

It includes transportation from Cusco, full meals, camps or domes, horses to carry belongings, bilingual guide, camping equipment, entrance tickets, and the final visit to Machu Picchu.

It is not mandatory, but physical endurance is required. It is recommended for adventurous travelers accustomed to long mountain hikes.

The best season is between April and October (dry season). During the rainy season (November to March), the trails can be more slippery.

It is recommended to bring warm and light clothing, waterproof poncho, trekking boots, poles, headlamp, small backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Yes, during the first days you can rent horses to carry your luggage or even to ride on the more demanding parts, for an additional cost.

Yes, the tour includes a professional bilingual guide who accompanies you throughout the journey, providing cultural, historical, and natural information about the route.

Yes, as long as it is done with an authorized agency. Guides are trained in first aid and a first aid kit and emergency equipment are available throughout the trek.

PAYMENT METHODS

The agency requires a 50% deposit of the total cost of the contracted services. This deposit can be made through any of the authorized payment methods. The remaining balance must be paid 15 days before your arrival in Peru.

OPTION A: BANK TRANSFER

If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission). This is the fee our bank charges for each international transfer.

Accounts in US Dollars and Soles:

OPTION B: PAYMENT LINK (CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS)

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment link system. A 5% commission will be applied to the total tour amount. You will receive a secure payment link from one of our representatives.

OPTION C: INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER

OPTION D: DIGITAL WALLET

If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission).

  • Bank: BCP
  • Account in Soles: 420-3005150123
  • CCI Soles: 00342000300515012374
  • Account in USD: 420-3005951869
  • CCI USD: 00342000300595186973
  • SWIFT Code: BINPPEPL
  • Account Holder: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA

We accept all major cards via payment link. A 5% commission applies to the total amount.

  • Beneficiary: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA
  • ID (DNI): 25318323
  • City: Cusco - Peru
  • Holder: SHEYLA PEREZ AYNA
  • Phone: +51 974 550 926

Travel associations and certifications

Contacto

Find us

Calle Nueva Baja 585, Primer Piso Oficina 1,
Cusco, Cusco, Perú

📞 +51 968 163 793

✉ sales@vicunaexpeditions.com

Contacto
Mapa

Tour Information

Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m a.s.l. (Salkantay Pass)

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Group Size: Minimum 2 people

Physical Level: Moderate to challenging

Travel Style: Adventure / Nature / Hiking

Type of Accommodation: Camping and tourist hotel

Mapa