Cusco: Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights With Return by Train

The Salkantay Trek is a captivating 4-day adventure through the stunning Andes outside Cusco. Adventurers will marvel at the breathtaking Humantay Lake, challenge themselves at the Salkantay Pass, and uncover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. With a small group size and comfortable accommodations, this immersive journey promises personalized attention and unforgettable cultural encounters. As the trek concludes with a scenic train ride back to Cusco, travelers will have the chance to reflect on the awe-inspiring landscapes they’ve experienced.

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day, 3-night hiking adventure through the Andes from Cusco, with highlights such as Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu.
• The tour is priced from Kč 10,400 per person, with a maximum of 10 participants and availability in English and Spanish.
• The itinerary includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and entrance tickets, with a challenging hike on the first day and a ritual at Salkantay Pass on the second day.
• On the third and fourth days, the trek descends to Aguas Calientes and includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu, with the return journey to Cusco by train or bus.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "Reserve now & pay later" option, but is subject to change due to weather or other events.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day, 3-night hiking tour from Cusco that takes adventurers on an unforgettable journey through the Andes.

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night hiking adventure through the breathtaking Andes from Cusco.

Priced from Kč 10,400 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and available in English and Spanish.

Highlights include visiting Humantay Lake, crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,630m, and exploring Machu Picchu with a guided tour.

The tour includes transportation, camping and hostel accommodations, meals, and entrance tickets.

Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Pricing and Reservations

The tour is priced from Kč 10,400 per person.

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A "reserve now & pay later" option is available.

The tour lasts 4 days and is limited to 10 participants. It’s offered in English and Spanish.

Service is subject to change due to weather, strikes, or other events, with no refunds in such cases.

Daily Itinerary: Day 1

On the first day, participants are picked up from their hotel at 5:45 a.m. After a 2-hour drive, they enjoy breakfast in Mollepata.

Then, they head to Soraypampa to meet the riders and begin the hike to Humantay Lake, which takes about 2 hours uphill.

Once at the lake, they descend back to Soraypampa for lunch and free time at the Salkantay pass camp.

This challenging but rewarding first day sets the stage for the stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences that lie ahead on the Salkantay Trek.

Daily Itinerary: Day 2

Participants wake up at 5:00 a.m. to the aroma of coca tea.

After breakfast at 5:45 a.m., they begin the hike to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,630 meters. The ascent takes about 3 hours.

After a 3-hour ascent, trekkers reach the highest point of the journey at Salkantay Pass, standing tall at 4,630 meters.

Upon reaching the pass, they’ll participate in an Andean ritual to honor the mountains.

After the ritual, they’ll have lunch and then descend for about 3 hours to the Chaullay camp.

This day’s hike is challenging, but the stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain make it all worthwhile.

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Daily Itinerary: Day 3

Waking up at 6:00 a.m., participants enjoy coca tea before digging into breakfast.

Today’s hike takes them to Sahuayaco beach, which will take around 5 hours.

Afterwards, they’ll take local transport to Santa Teresa for lunch.

The next leg of the journey continues to Hidroeléctrica, where they’ll walk 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes.

This riverside town serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, with its charming atmosphere and variety of accommodations.

Participants can look forward to getting a good night’s rest before the final day’s adventure.

Daily Itinerary: Day 4

After breakfast, participants hike to the Machu Picchu checkpoint, which takes around 30 minutes.

From there, they’ll climb to the main gate of Machu Picchu, a journey of roughly 1 hour.

Once at the citadel, they’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour, exploring the iconic ruins and learning about their history and significance.

Afterward, participants can return to Cusco by train or bus, according to their preference.

The return journey offers a chance to reflect on the remarkable Salkantay Trek and the unforgettable experience of visiting the iconic Machu Picchu.

Inclusions

The tour includes an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, as well as a briefing prior to departure. Travelers can pack their belongings in a 5 kg duffel bag carried by horses. A professional guide, in either English or Spanish, provides a guided tour of Machu Picchu. The package includes:

| Accommodation | Meals |

| — | — |

| 2 nights camping, 1 night hostel | 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners |

Plus, transportation, cooking equipment, first aid, and a local entrance fee are covered. Vegetarian options are available upon request. However, personal expenses, tips, and optional activities are not included.

Exclusions and Additional Costs

Along With the inclusions, there are several exclusions and additional costs for the Salkantay Trek.

Guests can rent a sleeping bag if needed. Tipping and gratuities aren’t included.

Transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is an additional cost, as are entrance fees for Machu Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu.

Any personal expenses, such as snacks, souvenirs, or extra meals, are also at the guest’s own expense.

While the tour covers the essentials, these additional costs should be factored into the overall budget for the Salkantay Trek experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks on the trek. However, meals are provided throughout the journey, so additional food may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Are There Any Fitness Requirements to Participate in the Trek?

The trek doesn’t have strict fitness requirements, but participants should be prepared for strenuous hiking over multiple days. It’s recommended to have some prior hiking experience and be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trek.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Gear or Equipment?

Hikers should bring a sleeping bag, trekking poles, warm layers, rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, and sturdy hiking boots. The tour provider can arrange rentals for the sleeping bag if needed. Specific gear requirements will be discussed during the pre-departure briefing.

Can I Extend or Shorten the Duration of the Trek?

The trek duration can’t be extended or shortened, as it’s a pre-set itinerary. However, travelers can opt for alternative trek packages with different durations or customize their own trek through a tour operator, if desired.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Salkantay Trek?

There are no strict age restrictions for the Salkantay Trek, but it’s recommended for those aged 18-65 who are in good physical condition. Younger or older participants may be allowed with prior approval from the tour operator.

The Sum Up

The Salkantay Trek is a captivating 4-day adventure that immerses travelers in the breathtaking Andes. Traversing stunning landscapes, challenging passes, and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and culture. With personalized attention and comfortable accommodations, it’s the perfect choice for adventure enthusiasts seeking an immersive Peruvian experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: