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▷ 4-Day Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Camps & Hotel
Acomodation
From 5°C to 21°C
Temperature
5,000 m | 16,400 ft
Max. Altitude
Year-round, except (February)
Availability Dates
Overview: 4-Day Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Discover the 4-Day Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu—an unforgettable hike with culture, nature, and adventure in Peru’s Andes.
The Salkantay trek 4 days is one of the most scenic adventures in Peru, recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World, this journey takes you through diverse ecosystems, from alpine peaks to lush cloud forests.
Along the way, you will hike to the base of Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m), explore remote villages, experience coffee tour, discover waterfalls, Humantay lake, and walk original sections of the Inca Trail before reaching the legendary Machu Picchu. Supported by horses, quality camping gear, and nutritious meals, this Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu ensures both comfort and adventure.
👉 Perfect for those seeking a challenging express trek, this 4-day expedition offers nature, culture, and history all in one unforgettable experience.
Hiking Details – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Group Size: 2-8 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 42 km
4-Day Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa- Humantay lake-Salkantaypampa
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:45 AM. From there, enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Andes, passing the traditional town of Mollepata before reaching Soraypampa for a delicious breakfast.
After fueling up, the trek kicks off with a steady 1.5-hour hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Take time to relax, capture photos, and soak in the beauty of this magical spot before returning along the same trail to Soraypampa, where lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, continue your journey with a gentle 2-hour ascent along a picturesque mountain path until you reach Salkantaypampa campsite. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm dinner and spend the night in your tent, gazing at a dazzling sky full of stars.
Hiking Distance: 8 Km /5 miles (5 to 6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 4,100 m (13,450 ft)
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass –Huayracmachay-Colpapampa
After an early breakfast, prepare for the most challenging and rewarding section of the Salkantay Trek. Today you’ll conquer the legendary Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft), the highest point of the route. The uphill hike takes about 3 hours, testing your endurance while rewarding you with dramatic views of the snow-capped Salkantay Glacier, the mighty Andes, and surrounding mountain ranges.
Once at the summit, take time to rest, capture unforgettable photos, and celebrate your achievement with well-deserved bragging rights. From here, begin a gradual descent to Huayracmachay, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits.
In the afternoon, continue trekking for about 4 more hours downhill, passing through lush Andean landscapes filled with unique flora and fauna. Your day ends at the Colpapampa campsite, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Hiking Distance: 18 km/11 miles (10-11 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 2,830 m (9,284 ft)
Day 3: Colpapampa-Lucmabamba Coffee Tour-Hydroelectric-Aguas Calientes
After a healthy breakfast, the trail continues with a gentle 6–7 hour descent through the ravine valley into the lush cloud forest of Colpapampa. Today’s hike offers a warmer climate and a more relaxed path as you walk along the banks of the Playa and Lucmabamba rivers, passing vibrant vegetation, avocado plantations, and small Andean villages.
At Lucmabamba Village, enjoy a well-deserved lunch before visiting an organic coffee farm. Here, you’ll learn about the coffee cultivation and harvesting process, and even prepare your own freshly brewed espresso using locally grown beans—a unique highlight of the Salkantay Trek.
After the coffee tour, a local van will take you on a short one-hour ride to Hydroelectric station. From there, you can either board the train to Aguas Calientes or choose to hike the scenic 3-hour trail along the railway to town. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest up for your unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Hiking Distance: 16 km/ 10 miles (6-7 hours)
Campsites Altitude (Hotel): Night 3: 2,000 m (6,561 ft) at hotel in Machu Picchu
DAY 4: Private Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco.
Day 4 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, after enjoying your delish breakfast, you will need to wake up early and will walk to Aguas Calientes town in order to go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus and you will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 2 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: Walking tour in MP for 2 hours
Upgrade options:
Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
Inclusions for 4-Day Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel: Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 2 nights camping on the Salkantay trek and 1 night of accommodation in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. The hotel we book will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible at additional cost.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tents for 2 people, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress or foam sleeping pad: Air mattresses which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Rain ponchos and duffel bags to pack your personal belongings
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. A roundtrip bus ticket is included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Inca City and return.
- Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: On Day 4, you will go on the Expedition Class Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our private van will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Train Ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes: On Day 3, you will go on the Expedition Class Train from Hidroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes.
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated mountain guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University.
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Horseman and his assistant which is in charge of leading horses and taking care all the camping equipment.
- Pick up and drop off in your hotel.
- Cargo Mules: On day 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 3 and 4 your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 3 Snacks, 2 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Wake-up tea: Hot herbal tea brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a towel paper, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- We provide hot water buckets every evening so you can wash and feel refreshed.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site (Circuit 2 or 3) and guided tour.
- Entry ticket to Salkantay trail.
- Entry ticket to Humantay Lake.
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from low temperatures.
- Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips for our staff: Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Personal riding horse available; extra horses can be rented as needed. This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
Aditional Upgrades
- Rentals: Sleeping bag: $ 15 USD
- Rentals: Walking Sticks (pair): $ 15
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
- Vistadome Train (one way): $45 USD per person.
Price for Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days
To book the Ultimate Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu, an initial payment of $ 200 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or in person at our office in Cusco. The deposit can be made via We Travel, Western Union or MoneyGram. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For Group Tour (Shared Service) Salkantay Trek 4 Days
Price per Person:
Adults: From $595 USD Students and Children: From $565 USD
Note.
- We need a minimum of 3 people to run the tour
- 4+ People, please contact us for a special price
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour. “This condition applies only if you are part of a single group (For 3 + people booking at the same time) and does not apply to groups organized by the travel agency.”
- Children 17 years old or less, the discount is 30 USD (To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport).
- For a private tour, please request a quote by emailing incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com.
Student Discount:
To qualify for the student discount, one must be 25 years old or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu and you must submit a valid university ID with your booking. The ID must include your name, photo, and expiration date. Cards without an expiration date will not be accepted. Please bring the original student ID with you on the tour to pass the checkpoint.
Payment method
Pay via We Travel
Please note that We Travel charges a fee ranging from 1.5% to 3.9 % (depending on the type of currency used) for online deposits. For payment made via bank transfer a 2% fee will be applied which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of We travel’s secure payment gateway. Please, notify incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com after payment has made through, We Travel.
Pay via Western Union
Please note that Western Union charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. Western union payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Pay via MoneyGram
Please note that MoneyGram charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. MoneyGram payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Please remember to send us the tracking code (MTCN) in order to pick up the deposit and confirm your booking. Once your payment is made via Western Union or MoneyGram, please notify ours sales team.
In the event you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined in our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek/tour. See Inca Vision Tours ‘Terms and Cancellation Policy
Optional Upgrades (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
Note: You can only hike one of these mountains, and it must be done after the guided tour of Machu Picchu due to time limitations.
Vistadome Train (one way): $45 USD per person.
Walking Stick: One pair for $15 USD.
Extra Single Tent: $40 USD
Huayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, is a 45-minute hike to the top, located next to the Machu Picchu Inca city. The descent can be steep, so it may not be suitable for those afraid of heights. This hike can be done after your Machu Picchu tour.
Machu Picchu Mountain requires a 3-hour round-trip hike. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made at least one month in advance. Please note that weather conditions are beyond our control.
Train: On our four-day Salkantay journey to Machu Picchu, a return train ticket on the Expeditions Train is included, offering comfort and scenic views. For an enhanced experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the return trip, which features larger windows, comfortable seating, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment, including shows and a complimentary snack.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: Stay an extra night after your 4-day Salkantay trek to relax, explore Machu Picchu further, or visit the hot springs. Ideal for those planning to climb Huayna Picchu the next day. Contact us at info@incavisiontours.com or incavisiontours@gmail.com for options and prices.
What to Bring for 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Gear List
Important Reminder: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important).
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Good daypack (25-30Lt): The smaller, the more confortable (very important).
- 2L Camelbaks or reusable water bottles.
- At least 1 liter of water for the first day until lunch, and after that we will supply you with boiled water for the rest of the hike.
- One pair of comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and a pair of sandals. (very important)
- Wicking/Hiking Breathable T-shirts (2 Short Sleeve T-shirts and 1-2 Long Sleeve T-shirts) and 2- Hiking Pants & Leggings– remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 pairs of socks.
- Small travel towel & Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes after completing your Salkantay trek 4 Days ).
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important).
- Insect Repellent a long the Salkantay trek and Machu Picchu tour.
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank (very important).
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important).
- Extra Snacks (Energy bars, energy drinks, fruits, electrolytes, etc.).
- Extra Money in Cash & Cards for souvenirs, drinks, meals, tips, and emergency situations (can be in Soles or USD).
Other items
- Sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us)
- Sleeping bag liner and inflatable pillow (optional).
- Large plastic bags to organize your items and keep them clean and dry during your tour.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (or you can rent a pair from us)
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer and toilet paper.
- Hand Sanitizer.
- Wet wipes.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Personal medications prescribed by your doctor (to prevent headaches, stomach issues, heart problems, etc.).
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru
Embark on the Ultimate 4-Day Salkantay Trek and experience one of National Geographic’s Top 25 Best Treks in the World. This adventure takes you through stunning landscapes, from the crystal-clear Humantay Lake to the towering Salkantay Mountain and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Highlights:
- Humantay Lake: Visit this breathtaking turquoise lake at the base of Apu Humantay Mountain on Day 1.
- Salkantay Trail: Hike the iconic Salkantay Trail, with stunning views of Salkantay Mountain and Salkantay Pass on Days 1 and 2.
- Authentic Peruvian Coffee Tour: Explore the cloud forest and learn about Peru’s famous coffee production.
- Peruvian Cuisine: Enjoy traditional meals and seasonal fruits prepared by a skilled chef throughout the trek.
- Machu Picchu: Explore the Lost City of the Incas on Day 4, and reach it by PeruRail or Inca Rail for an unforgettable journey.
