Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

Embarking on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an exhilarating adventure that takes trekkers through Peru’s stunning Andes region. Over four days, they’ll navigate diverse landscapes, from high-altitude meadows to jungles and cascading waterfalls, all while camping under the stars. With a professional guide, cook, and horseman leading the way, participants can expect authentic cultural encounters, delectable local cuisine, and breathtaking vistas. But the real draw? Witnessing the iconic Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel that caps off this unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day hike to Machu Picchu, offering a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail.
• The trek traverses diverse landscapes, including jungles, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and high-altitude meadows.
• Accommodation includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel at Machu Picchu.
• The trek is supported by an experienced bilingual guide, cook, and horseman, with horses available to carry personal items.
• Cultural immersion experiences include interactions with local communities, visits to markets, and encounters with shepherds and their alpacas and llamas.

Trek Overview and Highlights

The Salkantay Trek offers a multi-day hike to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, providing a less crowded alternative to the popular Inca Trail.

The journey begins at the Soyrapampa trailhead, crossing the breathtaking Apacheta pass at an elevation of 15,060 feet. Along the way, trekkers will experience the diverse landscapes of lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, coffee plantations, and high-altitude meadows.

Camping under the stars before reaching Machu Picchu adds to the adventure and sense of accomplishment. This trek showcases the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of Peru’s Andes region.

Itinerary and Accommodation

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu spans 4 days, with 2 nights spent camping and 1 night in a hotel in Machu Picchu. Meals include 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus 3 afternoon hot beverages.

The journey begins with an early morning transfer by private bus to Soraypampa. Trekkers then take a tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo, followed by a tourist bus back to Cusco.

Along the way, an experienced bilingual guide, cook, and horseman assist the group, with horses available to carry gear and support slower hikers.

Included Services and Equipment

As part of the Salkantay Trek, travelers can expect a range of included services and equipment to enhance their experience. A professional bilingual guide, cook, and horseman will lead the way, with horses available to carry food, camping and cooking gear, and up to 7 kg of personal items. Trekkers will camp in high-quality double tents, complete with inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags, and blankets. Dining and toilet tents, cooking equipment, bottled gas, and rain ponchos are also provided. Travelers will receive a duffel bag for their belongings and a souvenir t-shirt featuring the Salkantay Trek map.

Service/Equipment	Description
Guide & Support Crew	Bilingual guide, cook, horseman
Horses	Carry equipment, 7 kg per person
Camping Gear	Double tents, inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags, blankets
Dining & Toilets	Dining tent, toilet tent, cooking gear, gas
Extras	Duffel bag, souvenir t-shirt

Pricing and Booking Information

How much does the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu cost? The trek is priced from $550.00 per person.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation option up to 6 days in advance or reserve now and pay later. Confirmation is received at booking unless within 3 days of travel, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 10 people.

The pricing includes:

• Professional bilingual guide, cook, and horseman
• Horses to carry food, camping, and cooking equipment, plus 7 kg of personal items
• Emergency horse for slower trekkers
• Camping equipment like tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, and more
• A souvenir Salkantay Trek t-shirt

Reviews and Recommendations

What do the reviews and recommendations say about the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The trek earns a stellar 4.8-star rating from 23 reviews.

Travelers unanimously recommend the experience, praising the knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and overall quality.

Reviewers highlight the trek’s stunning natural beauty, from lush jungles to high-altitude meadows.

They suggest preparing by exercising in advance, bringing electrolytes, and packing insect repellent.

The Salkantay Trek offers a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail, allowing adventurers to explore the iconic Machu Picchu in a more serene setting.

Preparing for the Trek

Preparing for the trek requires some advance planning and packing. Hikers should exercise regularly in the weeks leading up to the trek to build endurance.

It’s also important to pack proper hiking gear, including:

• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Warm and weatherproof outer layers
• Sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Trekking poles to ease the strain on knees

Bringing electrolyte tablets or powder can help prevent altitude sickness. Insect repellent is a must to ward off bugs in the jungle.

With the right preparation, trekkers will be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.

Cultural Immersion and Experiences

As trekkers journey along the Salkantay Trail, they enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of the Andes. Locals welcome them into their villages, sharing traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Hikers can browse vibrant markets, haggling for handcrafted textiles and pottery. Encounters with shepherds herding alpacas and llamas provide unique insight into pastoral lifeways. The trek’s spiritual dimension comes alive at ancient Inca ruins and sacred mountain shrines. Throughout the journey, trekkers gain a profound appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Andean peoples.

Cultural Experiences	Local Interactions	Spiritual Encounters
Traditional music and dance	Village market visits	Inca ruins and shrines
Homemade Andean cuisine	Conversations with shepherds	Sacred mountain vistas
Handcrafted textiles and pottery	Homestay opportunities	Rituals and ceremonies

Reaching the Iconic Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek culminates with trekkers’ long-awaited arrival at the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After four days of trekking through breathtaking landscapes, the final ascent to the UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of magical.

Hikers are rewarded with stunning vistas of the ancient ruins perched atop a mountain ridge. Some key highlights of reaching Machu Picchu include:

• Catching the first glimpse of the awe-inspiring stone structures
• Exploring the well-preserved terraces, plazas, and temples
• Marveling at the precise Inca stonework and engineering
• Experiencing a profound sense of connection to the site’s rich history
• Commemorating the journey with unforgettable photos and memories

Sum Up

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning Andes. Trekkers will enjoy diverse landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and the culminating visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With expert guidance and support, this trek is a perfect adventure for those seeking to disconnect from the everyday and connect with the natural and cultural wonders of Peru.