Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu in 4 Days

Embarking on the Salkantay Trek is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Peru. This 4-day adventure offers breathtaking views of the Andes, including the towering Salkantay Pass and the serene Humantay Lagoon. Adventurers will enjoy the local culture, traverse diverse landscapes, and culminate their journey with a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. With an all-inclusive price starting at $450 per person, this trek promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you craving more of Peru’s natural wonders.

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Key Points

The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day hiking adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu, priced from $450 per person and offered in English and Spanish.
The trek highlights include reaching the Salkantay Pass at 4,615 meters, visiting the Humantay Lagoon, and exploring local villages and diverse landscapes.
The daily itinerary includes early departures, challenging hikes, and the opportunity to tour the iconic Machu Picchu ruins on the final day.
The trek is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or travelers over 70 years of age.
Visually impaired or those with pre-existing medical conditions may face complications, so it’s essential to consider these factors before embarking on the trek.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is a popular 4-day hiking adventure that takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Priced from $450 per person, the trek is offered in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include reaching Salkantay Pass at 4,615 meters, visiting Humantay Lagoon, and walking through picturesque villages.

The daily itinerary involves long hikes, camping, and accommodation in Aguas Calientes before the final ascent to Machu Picchu.

The trek includes transportation, meals, guides, and necessary equipment, making it an all-inclusive experience.

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Trek Highlights

Trekkers can look forward to several highlights throughout the 4-day Salkantay Trek.

The highlight is reaching the Salkantay Pass at an elevation of 4615 meters, providing panoramic views of the mighty Andes.

Hikers will also visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise-colored glacial lake nestled in the mountains.

The trek takes trekkers through picturesque villages like Playa Sawayaco and Santa Teresa, allowing them to experience the local culture.

The diverse landscapes, from high mountains to lush rainforests, culminate in the grand finale – exploring the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.

Daily Itinerary

The 4-day Salkantay Trek follows a well-planned daily itinerary, taking trekkers on a remarkable journey through diverse landscapes.

Day 1 starts with an early departure from Cusco, followed by a 4-hour hike to the Soraypampa camp, lunch, and a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon.

Day 2 begins with an early breakfast before tackling the challenging 3.5-hour hike to the Salkantay Pass, offering panoramic views. The trek then descends through high jungle to the Colpapampa camp.

On Day 3, trekkers hike through the rainforest to Playa Sawayaco and Santa Teresa, before reaching Aguas Calientes.

The final day culminates with an early morning hike to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Departure and Humantay Lagoon

Departing Cusco at 4:30 a.m., trekkers embark on an early morning journey that begins with a hearty breakfast in Mollepata.

Setting out from Cusco at dawn, trekkers enjoy a nourishing breakfast in Mollepata before beginning their journey.

The trek then takes them on a 4-hour hike to the Soraypampa camp, where they’ll:

Enjoy a delicious lunch.
Hike 1.5 hours to the stunning Humantay Lagoon.
Savor a well-earned dinner.
Settle in for the night at the camp.

This first day sets the stage for the incredible landscapes and experiences that await on the Salkantay Trek, culminating in the grand finale at Machu Picchu.

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Day 2: Salkantay Pass and Colpapampa Camp

After an early breakfast, they embark on a 3.5-hour hike to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass, which stands at an impressive 4,615 meters.

The panoramic views from the top are nothing short of spectacular, providing a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain.

Lunch is served at Wayracpampa, situated at 3,900 meters.

Then, they descend through the high jungle to reach Colpapampa camp at 2,800 meters.

This transition in landscapes, from the towering mountains to the lush rainforest, is one of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek.

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Day 3: Playa Sawayaco and Aguas Calientes

Early on Day 3, they descend further into the rainforest, reaching the village of Playa Sawayaco at 1,900 meters.

Here, they enjoy lunch before transferring to Santa Teresa at 1,550 meters.

From there, they hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, at 1,950 meters.

The key highlights of Day 3 include:

Descending through lush rainforest
Lunch stop in Playa Sawayaco
Transfer to Santa Teresa
Hiking to Aguas Calientes along the train tracks

Day 4: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Travelers wake up at 4:00 a.m. for the 1.5-hour hike to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins at 2,400 meters.

They’re awestruck by the ancient Inca citadel as the sun rises. A guided tour brings the site’s history to life.

Afterwards, they’ve free time to explore Machu Picchu independently.

In Aguas Calientes, they pick up their luggage and take the train to Ollantaytambo.

From there, a transfer returns them to Cusco, completing the 4-day Salkantay Trek.

This challenging yet rewarding journey through diverse landscapes culminates in the breathtaking Machu Picchu, a fitting end to an unforgettable experience.

Important Considerations

The Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu tour isn’t suitable for everyone.

Certain individuals should avoid this challenging trek due to the following limitations:

Pregnant women, as the high altitude and strenuous activity could pose risks.
People with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues, as the trek may be too physically demanding.
Visually impaired or those with pre-existing medical conditions, as the remote nature of the trek could complicate medical emergencies.
Travelers over 70 years of age, as the trek’s difficulty may exceed their physical capabilities.

It’s essential to carefully consider these factors before embarking on this incredible Salkantay Trek experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Trek as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book the Salkantay Trek. The trek accommodates individual bookings, and solo travelers will be part of a group. Advance booking is recommended, as group sizes are limited.

What Is the Weather Like During the Trek?

The weather during the Salkantay Trek can vary. Expect cold temperatures at higher elevations, especially at Salkantay Pass. Warmer weather is typical in the lower-lying areas and rainforest regions. Prepare for potential rain, sun, and quickly changing conditions throughout the trek.

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear or Is It Provided?

Hikers can bring their own hiking gear, but it’s not required. The trek includes a canvas bag for up to 5 kg of personal gear, and the company provides equipment like horsemen and mules to transport the rest of the gear.

How Difficult Is the Salkantay Trek Compared to Other Hikes in Peru?

The Salkantay Trek is considered one of the more challenging hikes in Peru, with high altitudes, steep terrain, and lengthy daily trekking. It’s not recommended for those with limited hiking experience or medical conditions, but it offers stunning scenery and a rewarding Machu Picchu finale.

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

Yes, the Salkantay Trek can be extended or additional activities can be added. Travelers can opt for longer hikes, visit remote villages, or combine the trek with a visit to the Inca Trail or the Inca Jungle Trek.

The Sum Up

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular 4-day adventure that takes hikers through stunning Andean landscapes, culminating in a guided tour of the iconic Inca ruins. With transportation, meals, guides, and equipment included, this all-inclusive trek offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Peru’s breathtaking natural and cultural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: