Cusco: Salkanta Trekking 4 Days – Machu Picchu

Exploring the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a dream for many. The Cusco: Salkantay Trekking 4 Days tour offers an unforgettable experience, guiding adventurers through stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. With an intimate group size and all-inclusive amenities, this trek promises a comfortable journey. But what awaits at the end of the trail? Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu and uncover the rich history that lies within.

Key Points

• This 5-day guided trekking tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu covers the Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lagoon, priced at $450 per person.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, accommodations, meals, and transportation, with a group size limited to 10 participants.
• Highlights include hiking to Humantay Lagoon, trekking to Salkantay Pass, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the fourth day.
• Additional costs include the entrance fee for Humantay Lagoon, sleeping bag rental, and transportation to/from Machu Picchu.
• The trek is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain medical conditions, and advance booking for Machu Picchu is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Salkanta Trekking to Machu Picchu tour offers a 5-day adventure from Cusco, with prices starting from $450 per person.

The group size is limited to 10 participants, and the tour is guided in both English and Spanish.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

The itinerary includes hiking to stunning locations like Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass, as well as a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Accommodations, meals, and transportation are included, making this an all-inclusive trekking experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1 begins with a pickup from the hotel near the historical center, followed by travel to Mollepata for breakfast.

From there, hikers ascend to the stunning Humantay Lagoon before descending to the Salkantay Pass camp.

On Day 2, the group treks to the highest point, the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, where they perform an Andean ritual.

Reaching the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, the group performs an Andean ritual to honor the mountain and the journey.

Then, they continue to the Chaullay camp.

Day 3 brings a hike to Sahuayaco beach, followed by transportation to Santa Teresa and a walk to Hidroeléctrica, before reaching Aguas Calientes.

Finally, on Day 4, hikers make an early morning trek to Machu Picchu for a guided tour.

Inclusions and Accommodations

This trekking package includes an array of convenient features. The tour provides hotel pickup, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, and a professional bilingual guide.

Plus, the package includes:

1. 2 nights at camp and 1 night in Aguas Calientes.

2. 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.

3. Transportation to the trek starting point and back from the expedition.

4. A travel bag for 7 kilos of belongings, carried by horses.

Travelers will also have access to cooking equipment and a first aid kit during the trek.

The package offers a hassle-free experience, allowing adventurers to focus on the stunning landscapes and culture.

Additional Costs and Restrictions

While the trekking package includes a comprehensive set of amenities, there are a few additional costs and restrictions that travelers should be aware of.

First, there’s an entrance fee of S/ 25.00 soles or $8.00 to access Humantay Lagoon. Sleeping bags can also be rented for $30.00 per person. Other expenses include bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu, as well as the thermal baths fee.

Expect an entrance fee of S/ 25.00 soles or $8.00 to access Humantay Lagoon, plus $30.00 for sleeping bag rentals and other transportation costs.

It’s important to note that this trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, the visually impaired, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or those who’ve had recent surgeries.

Advance booking is recommended to secure Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Travelers should come prepared for the Salkanta Trekking to Machu Picchu adventure. Packing the essentials like a sun hat, sunscreen, and water is key.

It’s also wise to bring cash for any additional fees or purchases along the way. Trekking poles can be rented, but bringing your own is more comfortable.

Avoid packing alcohol or drugs, as they’re prohibited on the trek. To ensure a seamless experience, book Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance.

Following these simple recommendations will help make the Salkanta Trekking to Machu Picchu an unforgettable and enjoyable journey.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel near the historical center of Cusco.

You’ll travel to Mollepata for breakfast before starting the hike to Humantay Lagoon. After admiring the stunning glacial lake, you’ll descend to the Salkantay Pass camp for the night.

The next day, you’ll trek up to the Salkantay Pass, one of the highlights of the journey. From there, you’ll continue to Chaullay camp.

On day 3, you’ll hike to Sahuayaco beach, then take transportation to Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica before walking to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Andean Ritual at Salkantay Pass

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, the group takes part in an Andean ritual. This sacred ceremony honors the Apus, or mountain spirits, and asks for safe passage on the remainder of the trek.

The ritual includes:

1. Placing coca leaves and flowers on the ground as offerings.

2. Reciting a traditional prayer in Quechua, the local language.

3. Burning incense and sage to cleanse the energy.

4. Sharing a toast of coca tea or chicha, a fermented corn drink.

This meaningful experience connects the trekkers to the ancient traditions of the Andes.

Hiking to Machu Picchu

After performing the meaningful Andean ritual at the Salkantay Pass, trekkers begin their descent towards the iconic Machu Picchu.

Trekkers descend towards the iconic Machu Picchu after performing the meaningful Andean ritual at the Salkantay Pass.

They’ll hike to Sahuayaco beach, then take transportation to Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica. From there, it’s a scenic walk to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

On the final day, trekkers wake up early to make the trek up to the ancient Inca citadel for a guided tour.

After exploring Machu Picchu, they’ll take the train back to Cusco, completing this incredible 4-day adventure through the stunning Andean landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will There Be a Guide to Assist Us Throughout the Trek?

Yes, there’ll be a professional bilingual guide to assist you throughout the trek. The guide will provide a briefing before departure and lead the group during the entire 4-day excursion to Machu Picchu.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Fit Our Preferences?

The tour offers a pre-set itinerary, but you can’t customize it to your preferences. However, the professional bilingual guide will be there to assist you throughout the trek and provide information about the sights.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is considered a challenging trek, requiring a good level of fitness and endurance. It involves high-altitude hiking, steep ascents and descents, and trekking over varied terrain. Proper preparation and pacing are important for completing this trek successfully.

Is There an Option to Hire a Porter to Carry Our Luggage?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a porter to carry up to 7 kilos of your belongings during the trek. The porter service is included in the tour price, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs.

Can We Extend Our Stay in Machu Picchu After the Guided Tour?

You can extend your stay in Machu Picchu after the guided tour, but there are additional costs. Buses to and from Machu Picchu and the thermal baths fee are not included in the tour price.

The Sum Up

The Cusco: Salkantay Trekking 4 Days to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes. With its guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this trek promises an exhilarating journey to the iconic Machu Picchu. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a memorable travel experience, this tour offers an opportunity to discover the beauty and wonder of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: