SALKANTAY 4 DAYS TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU

The Salkantay 4 Days Trekking to Machu Picchu offers an unparalleled adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes. Trekkers will ascend to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass, experience diverse terrains, and enjoy a coffee tour in the lush Santa Teresa Valley. The journey culminates with a guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. This unforgettable experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking an extraordinary trek through the Andes.

Key Points

• The Salkantay 4-day trek to Machu Picchu covers 25 km per day at high altitudes, with a moderate to challenging difficulty level.
• The trek includes exploring Humantay Lake, ascending to Salkantay Pass, hiking through the Santa Teresa Valley, and visiting the Machu Picchu site.
• The tour is priced at $416 per person, with options for booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The trek features a mix of weather conditions and altitudes, with cold overnight temperatures in mountain cabin accommodations.
• The tour offers live guides in Spanish and English, and the overall duration of the trek is 4 days.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay 4 Days Trekking to Machu Picchu tour is priced from $416.00 per person.

The Salkantay 4 Days Trekking to Machu Picchu tour is priced from $416.00 per person.

Booking options include reserving now and paying later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour lasts 4 days, with a live guide available in Spanish and English.

It’s a moderate to challenging trek, covering up to 25 km per day at high altitudes.

Expect cold nights, potential sub-zero temperatures, and warm weather at lower elevations.

All accommodations, meals, equipment, and support team are included in the price, along with transportation and insurance.

Itinerary Summary

The 4-day Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu tour begins with an exploration of the stunning Humantay Lake, nestled at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

Trekkers then ascend to the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters before descending to Chawllay Camp.

The third day features a long hike through the Santa Teresa Valley and a coffee tour, ending in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Finally, participants explore the iconic Machu Picchu site with a guided tour before returning to Cusco.

Throughout the trek, the difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging, with varying weather conditions and altitudes.

Day 1: Exploration of Lake Humantay

After a drive from Cusco, trekkers begin their journey at Mollepata, where they’ll explore the serene Humantay Lake.

Nestled at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, this turquoise-hued lake offers a peaceful respite before the challenging trek ahead.

Trekkers will hike for about 5-6 hours, covering 10 km (6 miles) at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

They’ll then set up camp in Quiswarniyoc, enjoying a hearty dinner and preparing for the next day’s ascent to the Salkantay Pass.

With the cold night temperatures, trekkers will be grateful for their mountain cabin accommodations.

Day 2: Ascent to Salkantay Pass

Although the previous day’s trek to Humantay Lake was moderate, the ascent to the Salkantay Pass on Day 2 presents a more challenging endeavor for trekkers.

Covering 22 km (14 miles), the journey involves a strenuous 9-10 hour trek, gaining an impressive 700 meters in elevation to reach the Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters.

Trekkers will be rewarded with stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain.

The descent to Chawllay Camp provides a welcome respite, as the terrain and weather become more temperate.

Proper preparation and pacing are key to successfully completing this challenging but incredibly rewarding stage of the Salkantay trek.

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Day 3: Explore Santa Teresa Valley

Having conquered the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass the previous day, trekkers now embark on a long day hike through the scenic Santa Teresa Valley.

The trek covers approximately 25 km (15 miles) and takes 9-10 hours. Along the way, they’ll explore the lush tropical landscape, visit a local coffee plantation, and travel to the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.

The day’s journey ends with an overnight stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, preparing for the much-anticipated visit to the ancient Inca citadel the following day.

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu

Trekkers embark on the final leg of their journey, exploring the iconic Machu Picchu site.

They’ve the option to hike or take a bus from Aguas Calientes to reach the ancient Inca citadel. A 2.5-hour guided tour provides an in-depth look at the ruins, sharing insights into the site’s history and significance.

Trekkers marvel at the impressive stone structures, terraced gardens, and sweeping vistas from the mountaintop.

After the tour, they can further explore Machu Picchu on their own before making the return trip to Cusco, completing their unforgettable Salkantay trekking adventure.

Machu Picchu Experience

How do trekkers access Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?

Hikers can choose to walk the 1.5-hour trail or take a bus ($12) up to the iconic site.

Once there, they’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour, exploring Machu Picchu with a professional guide.

The tour provides an informative introduction to this remarkable Inca citadel, helping trekkers gain a deeper understanding of its history and significance.

With the entrance ticket included, the Machu Picchu experience is a seamless and immersive highlight of the Salkantay trek, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the grandeur of this ancient wonder.

Inclusions and Services

The Salkantay 4 Days Trekking to Machu Picchu tour includes comfortable mountain accommodation, with trekkers staying in a Mountain Sky Cabin and a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

All meals – 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners – are provided. Necessary equipment, like a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and trekking sticks, is also included.

The tour is supported by professional guides, muleteers, and horses. Transportation to and from Cusco, as well as the entrance ticket to Humantay Lagoon, are also part of the package.

Lastly, travel insurance is provided for the entire trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Other Attractions During the Trek?

Yes, the itinerary includes exploring attractions like Lake Humantay, Santa Teresa Valley, and a coffee tour, giving you the chance to experience more of the region’s natural and cultural highlights during the trek.

What Is the Recommended Training Level for This Trek?

The trek ranges from moderate to challenging, so hikers should be in good physical condition and train accordingly. Those with prior trekking experience will likely find the trek more manageable than those new to multi-day hikes at high altitudes.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for this trek. However, participants should be reasonably fit and able to handle the moderate to challenging difficulty levels. Older adults may want to consult their physician before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Equipment Instead of the Provided Gear?

You can bring your own equipment instead of the provided gear, but the tour company recommends using their gear as it’s designed for the trek. This ensures you have the proper equipment to safely complete the hike.

Is It Possible to Extend the Trek or Add Extra Days?

Yes, the trek can be extended or additional days added. The tour operator offers flexible itineraries that can be customized to meet travelers’ preferences and fitness levels. Speak with the operator to discuss options for extending the trek.

The Sum Up

The Salkantay 4 Days Trekking to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes, culminating in a guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel. Trekkers will experience the stunning Humantay Lake, the challenging Salkantay Pass, a coffee tour, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes before seeing the wonders of Machu Picchu, making for an enriching and memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: