Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
An express version of the famous Salkantay Trek, perfectly balancing the challenge of the high Andes with the beauty of the cloud forest.
Tour Type
Group Tour | Adventure
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Elevation
Up to 4,600 m / 15,090 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Departure
Hotel
Destination
Andes Trekking
Latitude
-13.3333
Longitude
-72.5333
Tour Overview
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek is a slightly faster, more intensive version of the classic 5-day route. It is ideal for physically fit travelers who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Salkantay mountain but have one less day to spare.
You will experience the exact same dramatic landscapes: the turquoise Humantay Lake, the imposing 4,600m Salkantay Pass, and the lush, tropical cloud forest. The main difference is that days 2 and 3 of the standard trek are combined into one longer hiking day, skipping the Llactapata ruins to head straight to Aguas Calientes on the third day.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
04:30 AM
Early pick-up from Cusco and drive to the trailhead at Challacancha.
09:00 AM
Begin the hike along the old Inca water channel to Soraypampa.
12:00 PM
Lunch at the base camp followed by a steep hike up to Humantay Lake.
05:00 PM
Return to Soraypampa base camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
05:30 AM
Early breakfast and start the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass.
10:30 AM
Reach the highest point at 4,600m (15,091ft) near the glacier.
01:00 PM
Descend to Wayracmachay for a hot lunch.
05:00 PM
Arrive at the Chaullay campsite in the upper cloud forest.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Aguas Calientes
06:00 AM
Hike through the Santa Teresa valley, enjoying waterfalls and coffee plantations.
12:00 PM
Arrive at La Playa or Lucmabamba for lunch.
01:30 PM
Take local transport to the Hydroelectric station (to save time).
03:00 PM
Walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
06:00 PM
Check into your hotel and enjoy a final group dinner.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
04:30 AM
Early wake up and bus ride to Machu Picchu.
06:00 AM
Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
09:00 AM
Free time to explore or hike extra mountains.
01:30 PM
Return by train to Ollantaytambo, then bus to Cusco.
Includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Transportation to trailhead and return to Cusco
- Professional guide
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Camping equipment, chef, and mules for carrying gear/food
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Excludes
- Sleeping bag and walking sticks
- Humantay Lake entrance fee
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Huayna Picchu tickets
What to bring
- Passport
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking boots
- Layers of clothing
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent
Pro Travel Tips
- This trek requires a good level of fitness as day 2 involves a lot of downhill walking after a tough ascent.
- Drink coca tea to help with the altitude.
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