Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Discover the eternal beauty of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Terra Quechua Perú, your trusted companion in Cusco. In just 4 days, this journey will immerse you in the heart of the Andes, offering an experience beyond words.
As you travel along the Salkantay Trekking, you will witness the extraordinary beauty of the Andean landscapes and absorb the rich history and traditions of this ancient land. Our commitment to responsible tourism ensures that your trip has minimal environmental impact, preserving the pristine Andean beauty for future generations.
Our small groups guarantee an intimate experience, allowing you to forge a deeper connection with the breathtaking natural surroundings. Our guides share Andean culture in a way that intertwines the past and present into captivating narratives.
The Salkantay Trek is a gateway to the heart of Peru, where you can interact with local Quechua communities and immerse yourself in their timeless traditions and customs. At Terra Quechua Perú, your safety and comfort come first. We provide all the necessary equipment and support to ensure a worry-free journey.
This 4-day hike offers the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose yourself in the serenity and wonder of the Andes. The crown jewel of this journey, Machu Picchu, awaits at the end, with its ancient ruins standing as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Join us on this 4-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu and let Terra Quechua Perú be your guide on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Book now and create lasting memories of this extraordinary journey through the Andes.
Itinerary Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights in Tents
DAY 1: SALKANTAY TREK : CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am to drive for approximately 3 hours to Challacancha, where we begin our Salkantay hike. As soon as we arrive in Mollepata, while we have breakfast, the cook and muleteer will pack all the camping equipment and cooking supplies, and we will start walking. The first 3 hours will be slightly uphill to reach Cruzpata, where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-covered mountains (Humantay; 4120m / 13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m / 20575ft) – just the beginning!
We will start our Salkantay hike towards Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping site (3800 m / 11750ft; the highest and coldest camp of the trip). We will be very close to the second highest snowy peak, Salkantay – the mountain of Cusco.**
Day 1
- Total distance: 15 km (approx.)
- Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Maximum altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
- Camping altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
DAY 2: SALKANTAY TREK : SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY OR COLLPAPAMPA (MIGHTY SALKANTAY)
After breakfast, we will start walking around 5:30 am, as this will be the longest day. The first 4 hours are uphill to reach the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft), located halfway between two massive mountains: Salkantay to the right and Tucarhuay to the left. From the pass, the views of the two snow-covered mountains are incredible. There is a chance of snow here.
After a break, we will continue our hike (downhill) through a spectacular cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We will then walk again after lunch towards the beginning of the jungle until we reach our second campsite of the Salkantay Trek at Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).**
DAY 2:
- Total distance: 19 km (approx.)
- Estimated hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (approx.)
- Camping altitude: 2,750 m (approx.)
DAY 3: SALKANTAY TREK : CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LUCMABAMBA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, at 6:30 am, we begin walking through the high jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of small streams to reach La Playa, walking for about 6 hours. Today, we will pass through valleys and enjoy wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, and plants. As soon as we reach La Playa, the horses will return to Mollepata, following the same Salkantay Trek. After lunch, we take a local car to reach the Hydroelectric station and begin walking for 2 more hours, following the railway to Aguas Calientes.
Day 3
- Total distance: 16 km (approx.)
- Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,750 m (approx.)
- Camping altitude: 1,600 m (approx.)
DAY 4: SALKANTAY TREK: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
EspañolDía importante de la caminata Salkantay . Nos despertamos temprano por la mañana alrededor de las 4 am y luego a las 4:30 para desayunar y salir a caminar hasta Machu Picchu, que toma una hora y media hasta Machu Picchu, pero hay otra opción para tomar el primer autobús que sale a las 5:30 a Machu Picchu (25 minutos de duración) para apreciar la magnífica ciudad mientras sale el sol.
Su guía le dará un recorrido a pie (aproximadamente 2 horas) y luego podrá explorar la misteriosa ciudad por su cuenta. Si aún tiene energía, también puede escalar Huayna Picchu (2720 m / 8890 pies). Se necesitan 45 minutos para llegar a la cima. Luego, tomará el tren alrededor de las 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm o 6:20 pm según la disponibilidad del tren, por lo que llegará a Ollantaytambo después de 2 horas de viaje. Un transporte privado lo esperará y lo llevará de regreso a Cusco a su hotel.
Tiempo estimado de caminata: 1- 2 horas
Altitud máxima: 2.700 m (aprox.)
Includes
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Transportation (Cusco – Soraypampa).
- First day Andean ceremony, offering to mother earth.
- Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person).
- A cook to prepare all meals.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 snacks.
- Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs.
- 02 nights in tents / tents for 2 persons 1 tent, dining tent.
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Bus up (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu).
- Boiled water.
- First aid kit.
No Incluye
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, you will have free time to continue visiting the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes on your own.
- The estimated arrival in Cusco is after nightfall, and dinner is also at your own expense.
- A sleeping bag
- A pillow
- Visit to the Aguas Calientes hot springs: A relaxing way to end the 4-day trek while waiting for the return train to Cusco. Just 10 minutes from the town center, the entrance fee is S/15.00 (Peruvian soles). Towels can be rented in Aguas Calientes.
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: If you wish to climb this mountain, an additional fee of US$ 60.00 per person applies.
- Tips: Please note that the staff at our agency is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish.
Packing list Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights in Tents
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the entire duration of the trek.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
- Sandals or running shoes for extra comfort at the campsite.
- Warm clothing, such as a jacket and fleece. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
- Camera and batteries (batteries drain faster in cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect against sun, rain, and cold.
- Sunscreen.
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
- Insect repellent (minimum recommended 10% DEET; no malaria risk reported).
- Handkerchiefs.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: Cookies, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruit, muesli, etc. Keep in mind that we provide a daily morning snack, and our meal service is very complete and well-stocked. This recommendation applies to clients accustomed to a specific snack, as it may not be included in our selection.
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: Plastic water bottles are no longer allowed in Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (e.g., Nalgene) or metal bottles are recommended.
- Optional: Water purification tablets in case you collect water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide boiled and filtered water, which is safe to drink and has not caused any health issues.
- Small towel.
- Swimsuit (if you plan to visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs).
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
- Original passport.
- Original international student ID card (if you applied for a student discount).
- Optional: Walking sticks or trekking poles (rubber covers required to avoid damaging archaeological sites).
Appropriate Clothing for This Route
Hiking pants and t-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is very useful to have light rain gear in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants), as the weather changes quickly and rain can occur unexpectedly.
At night, warm clothing is required—down jackets can be useful, otherwise, a fleece and a jacket will suffice.
On the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are helpful as they can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting cold only at night.
The rest of the necessary items are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
Prices Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights in Tents
Price information: Price per person 2024– 2025
| GROUP SERVICE PRICE 2024- 2025 | ||||
| Number of People for group : | ||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 – 12 |
| Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative)
Students: US$ 20.00 (students requi2e a valid3International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
Departure dates: Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to November. All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.
DEPARTURE DATES 2024
PRICE PER PERSON US$420 (GROUP SIZE: 02 People MINIMUM & 12 People MAXIMUM) To confirm we need you to send us a deposit of US$150 per person as well as filled out booking form)
DECEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,25,27,
JANUARY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29
FEBRUARY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27
MARCH 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
APRIL 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29
MAY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
JUNE 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
JULY 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
AUGUST 2023: 223,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
SETIEMBRE 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
OCTOBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
NOVEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,30
DECEMBER 2023: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
JANUARY 2024: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31
Climate
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Salkantay route, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny and can drop below freezing at night. In Aguas Calientes/Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Discover the eternal beauty of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Terra Quechua Perú, your trusted companion in Cusco. In just 4 days, this journey will immerse you in the heart of the Andes, offering an experience beyond words.
As you travel along the Salkantay Trekking, you will witness the extraordinary beauty of the Andean landscapes and absorb the rich history and traditions of this ancient land. Our commitment to responsible tourism ensures that your trip has minimal environmental impact, preserving the pristine Andean beauty for future generations.
Our small groups guarantee an intimate experience, allowing you to forge a deeper connection with the breathtaking natural surroundings. Our guides share Andean culture in a way that intertwines the past and present into captivating narratives.
The Salkantay Trek is a gateway to the heart of Peru, where you can interact with local Quechua communities and immerse yourself in their timeless traditions and customs. At Terra Quechua Perú, your safety and comfort come first. We provide all the necessary equipment and support to ensure a worry-free journey.
This 4-day hike offers the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose yourself in the serenity and wonder of the Andes. The crown jewel of this journey, Machu Picchu, awaits at the end, with its ancient ruins standing as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Join us on this 4-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu and let Terra Quechua Perú be your guide on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Book now and create lasting memories of this extraordinary journey through the Andes.
DAY 1: SALKANTAY TREK : CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am to drive for approximately 3 hours to Challacancha, where we begin our Salkantay hike. As soon as we arrive in Mollepata, while we have breakfast, the cook and muleteer will pack all the camping equipment and cooking supplies, and we will start walking. The first 3 hours will be slightly uphill to reach Cruzpata, where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-covered mountains (Humantay; 4120m / 13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m / 20575ft) – just the beginning!
We will start our Salkantay hike towards Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping site (3800 m / 11750ft; the highest and coldest camp of the trip). We will be very close to the second highest snowy peak, Salkantay – the mountain of Cusco.**
Day 1
- Total distance: 15 km (approx.)
- Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Maximum altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
- Camping altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
DAY 2: SALKANTAY TREK : SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY OR COLLPAPAMPA (MIGHTY SALKANTAY)
After breakfast, we will start walking around 5:30 am, as this will be the longest day. The first 4 hours are uphill to reach the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft), located halfway between two massive mountains: Salkantay to the right and Tucarhuay to the left. From the pass, the views of the two snow-covered mountains are incredible. There is a chance of snow here.
After a break, we will continue our hike (downhill) through a spectacular cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We will then walk again after lunch towards the beginning of the jungle until we reach our second campsite of the Salkantay Trek at Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).**
DAY 2:
- Total distance: 19 km (approx.)
- Estimated hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (approx.)
- Camping altitude: 2,750 m (approx.)
DAY 3: SALKANTAY TREK : CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LUCMABAMBA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, at 6:30 am, we begin walking through the high jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of small streams to reach La Playa, walking for about 6 hours. Today, we will pass through valleys and enjoy wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, and plants. As soon as we reach La Playa, the horses will return to Mollepata, following the same Salkantay Trek. After lunch, we take a local car to reach the Hydroelectric station and begin walking for 2 more hours, following the railway to Aguas Calientes.
Day 3
- Total distance: 16 km (approx.)
- Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,750 m (approx.)
- Camping altitude: 1,600 m (approx.)
DAY 4: SALKANTAY TREK: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
EspañolDía importante de la caminata Salkantay . Nos despertamos temprano por la mañana alrededor de las 4 am y luego a las 4:30 para desayunar y salir a caminar hasta Machu Picchu, que toma una hora y media hasta Machu Picchu, pero hay otra opción para tomar el primer autobús que sale a las 5:30 a Machu Picchu (25 minutos de duración) para apreciar la magnífica ciudad mientras sale el sol.
Su guía le dará un recorrido a pie (aproximadamente 2 horas) y luego podrá explorar la misteriosa ciudad por su cuenta. Si aún tiene energía, también puede escalar Huayna Picchu (2720 m / 8890 pies). Se necesitan 45 minutos para llegar a la cima. Luego, tomará el tren alrededor de las 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm o 6:20 pm según la disponibilidad del tren, por lo que llegará a Ollantaytambo después de 2 horas de viaje. Un transporte privado lo esperará y lo llevará de regreso a Cusco a su hotel.
Tiempo estimado de caminata: 1- 2 horas
Altitud máxima: 2.700 m (aprox.)
Includes
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Transportation (Cusco – Soraypampa).
- First day Andean ceremony, offering to mother earth.
- Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person).
- A cook to prepare all meals.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 snacks.
- Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs.
- 02 nights in tents / tents for 2 persons 1 tent, dining tent.
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Bus up (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu).
- Boiled water.
- First aid kit.
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, you will have free time to continue visiting the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes on your own.
- The estimated arrival in Cusco is after nightfall, and dinner is also at your own expense.
- A sleeping bag
- A pillow
- Visit to the Aguas Calientes hot springs: A relaxing way to end the 4-day trek while waiting for the return train to Cusco. Just 10 minutes from the town center, the entrance fee is S/15.00 (Peruvian soles). Towels can be rented in Aguas Calientes.
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: If you wish to climb this mountain, an additional fee of US$ 60.00 per person applies.
- Tips: Please note that the staff at our agency is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish.
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the entire duration of the trek.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
- Sandals or running shoes for extra comfort at the campsite.
- Warm clothing, such as a jacket and fleece. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
- Camera and batteries (batteries drain faster in cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect against sun, rain, and cold.
- Sunscreen.
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
- Insect repellent (minimum recommended 10% DEET; no malaria risk reported).
- Handkerchiefs.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: Cookies, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruit, muesli, etc. Keep in mind that we provide a daily morning snack, and our meal service is very complete and well-stocked. This recommendation applies to clients accustomed to a specific snack, as it may not be included in our selection.
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: Plastic water bottles are no longer allowed in Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (e.g., Nalgene) or metal bottles are recommended.
- Optional: Water purification tablets in case you collect water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide boiled and filtered water, which is safe to drink and has not caused any health issues.
- Small towel.
- Swimsuit (if you plan to visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs).
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
- Original passport.
- Original international student ID card (if you applied for a student discount).
- Optional: Walking sticks or trekking poles (rubber covers required to avoid damaging archaeological sites).
Appropriate Clothing for This Route
Hiking pants and t-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is very useful to have light rain gear in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants), as the weather changes quickly and rain can occur unexpectedly.
At night, warm clothing is required—down jackets can be useful, otherwise, a fleece and a jacket will suffice.
On the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are helpful as they can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting cold only at night.
The rest of the necessary items are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
