Salkantay 4 Days

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

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

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

Passport or ID (required for Machu Picchu and entrance controls).
Trekking backpack of 30–40 liters for your personal belongings.
Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -10 °C (available for rent in Cusco).
Thermal clothing for cold nights and lightweight clothing for daytime hikes.
Waterproof jacket or poncho, as the weather on the route is very unpredictable.
Sturdy trekking boots with good traction (very important for the Salkantay descent).
Light sandals to relax at camps or lodges.
Cold-weather hat, gloves, and a sun hat.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle (1.5–2 liters — the tour provides water to refill it).
Energy snacks such as nuts, bars, or chocolates for the long sections.
Headlamp with extra batteries.
Personal hygiene items and small towels.
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Personal medications and altitude sickness pills if needed.
Power bank or external battery to keep your devices charged.
Extra cash in soles for expenses in Aguas Calientes, purchases, or tips for the staff.
Camera or fully charged phone to capture the entire route.

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

What to Bring

Passport or ID (required for Machu Picchu and entrance controls).
Trekking backpack of 30–40 liters for your personal belongings.
Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -10 °C (available for rent in Cusco).
Thermal clothing for cold nights and lightweight clothing for daytime hikes.
Waterproof jacket or poncho, as the weather on the route is very unpredictable.
Sturdy trekking boots with good traction (very important for the Salkantay descent).
Light sandals to relax at camps or lodges.
Cold-weather hat, gloves, and a sun hat.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle (1.5–2 liters — the tour provides water to refill it).
Energy snacks such as nuts, bars, or chocolates for the long sections.
Headlamp with extra batteries.
Personal hygiene items and small towels.
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Personal medications and altitude sickness pills if needed.
Power bank or external battery to keep your devices charged.
Extra cash in soles for expenses in Aguas Calientes, purchases, or tips for the staff.
Camera or fully charged phone to capture the entire route.

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 1 day before your tour.