Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayThe 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an exciting alternative route designed for travelers looking for high-altitude adventure, spectacular mountain scenery and a more immersive journey through the Peruvian Andes.
Throughout the trek, you will cross several ecosystems and microclimates, beginning among imposing snow-covered mountains before gradually descending toward warmer cloud forest. Along the way, you will discover Humantay Lake, cross the legendary Salkantay Pass and hike along an ancient Inca trail toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.
One of the highlights of this adventure is the opportunity to stay in comfortable panoramic Sky Domes surrounded by magnificent mountain landscapes. Depending on the campsite, facilities may include private bathrooms, hot showers and relaxation areas.
From Llactapata, you will enjoy an impressive distant view of Machu Picchu before descending toward Hydroelectric Station. From there, you can continue to Machu Picchu Pueblo either on foot or by train, depending on the option selected for your trip.
The adventure concludes with a guided visit to the legendary Machu Picchu citadel before returning to Cusco.
Your adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 5:00 AM.
From Cusco, we travel through the Andes toward Mollepata. During the approximately two-hour journey, you can enjoy views of small Andean communities, valleys and distant mountain landscapes, including the impressive snow-covered Salkantay Mountain.
Upon reaching Mollepata, we stop at a local restaurant for breakfast and take some time to prepare for the beginning of the trek.
After breakfast, our transportation continues toward Challacancha, where the hiking portion of the adventure begins.
Before starting, your guide will provide final instructions and recommendations for the trail.
We then begin walking toward Soraypampa. This first section takes approximately three hours at a moderate pace and follows a trail surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and old Inca water channels.
Upon reaching Soraypampa, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch while admiring impressive views of the glaciers surrounding Humantay Mountain, at approximately 5,900 m / 19,356 ft, and Salkantay Mountain, at approximately 6,217 m / 20,396 ft.
After lunch, you will settle into the panoramic domes and have some time to rest before the afternoon excursion.
Later, we begin one of the most anticipated hikes of the day: Humantay Lake.
The round-trip excursion takes approximately two and a half hours. After climbing through the spectacular high-altitude landscape, you will reach the lake and discover its beautiful turquoise-blue waters beneath the surrounding glaciers.
You will have time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and appreciate one of the most recognizable natural attractions in the Cusco region.
We then walk back to Soraypampa.
Once at camp, enjoy a relaxing afternoon with hot drinks, popcorn and snacks before dinner.
After dinner, your guide will explain the plan for the following day before you settle into your dome for a night surrounded by the spectacular Andean sky.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Panoramic Sky Domes
Distance: 10 km / 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Today is the most physically demanding section of the Salkantay Trek.
Early in the morning, your guide will wake you with a warm cup of coffee or tea before breakfast.
After a nourishing meal, we begin climbing through the mountains along a winding trail sometimes known as the Seven Snakes Trail.
The ascent takes approximately three hours and eventually leads us to the highest point of the entire trek: Salkantay Pass, located at approximately 4,650 m / 15,367 ft above sea level.
Reaching the pass is one of the great achievements of the journey.
From this spectacular viewpoint, you will be surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the region, including Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay.
These mountains have profound spiritual importance in traditional Andean culture and are considered sacred protective mountains known as Apus.
Your guide will explain more about their importance and the relationship between Andean communities and the surrounding mountains.
After taking time for photographs and enjoying the spectacular scenery, we begin descending toward Huayracmachay.
The descent takes approximately two hours before reaching our lunch area, where our trekking team will prepare a hot meal.
After lunch, we continue descending for approximately three more hours.
During this section, you will notice a significant transformation in the landscape. The dry, high-altitude environment gradually gives way to greener valleys, waterfalls and increasingly lush vegetation.
You are now leaving the high Andes and approaching the warmer and more humid environment associated with the upper Amazon region.
Depending on availability, our accommodation for the night will be at the Colpapampa Sky Domes or Lucmabamba Lodge.
At Colpapampa, facilities may include amenities such as a sauna and Jacuzzi, giving you an opportunity to relax after completing the most challenging day of the trek.
After settling into your accommodation, enjoy dinner and prepare for the journey toward Llactapata the following morning.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Colpapampa Sky Dome or Lucmabamba Lodge, depending on availability
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The location of the second campsite depends on availability.
Accommodation may therefore be provided at either:
Colpapampa Sky Dome
or
Lucmabamba Lodge
The final accommodation will be confirmed according to operational availability.
After waking up surrounded by the beautiful landscape, enjoy another warm drink followed by breakfast prepared by our trekking team.
Depending on the location of the previous night’s accommodation, local transportation will be used to reach the starting area near Lucmabamba.
From here, we begin one of the most historically interesting sections of the Salkantay Trek.
We follow an ancient and relatively remote Inca trail toward Puncuyoc Pass, located at approximately 2,700 m / 8,858 ft.
The ascent takes around three hours.
As you climb, the trail provides increasingly impressive views over deep valleys, tropical vegetation and agricultural areas filled with fruit plantations.
Eventually, we arrive at the archaeological site of Llactapata.
Its strategic location directly across the valley from Machu Picchu makes Llactapata one of the most rewarding viewpoints along the entire Salkantay route.
From this area, you can appreciate Machu Picchu from a completely different perspective before visiting the citadel itself the following morning.
You will also be able to admire the surrounding mountains, including Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu, together with the dramatic landscape of the Aobamba Canyon.
After visiting Llactapata, we begin an approximately two-hour descent toward Hydroelectric Station.
Once we reach the Hydroelectric area, we stop for lunch and prepare for the final journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes.
Travelers looking to complete the classic trekking experience can continue on foot from Hydroelectric Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
This section follows the route alongside the railway through a lush subtropical environment close to the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.
Walking this final section allows you to continue enjoying the natural landscape and complete the day’s journey entirely on foot.
Upon reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will make your way to the hotel and have time to rest before dinner.
Travelers who prefer a more comfortable alternative can take the train from Hydroelectric Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
This option avoids the final walking section and provides a convenient way to reach Aguas Calientes after completing the demanding hike through Llactapata.
The train option should be selected according to the arrangements made for your reservation and is subject to railway availability and schedules.
After arriving in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will check into your hotel.
In the evening, we meet again for dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the following morning’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hotel: Ferre Machu Picchu or similar
Distance indicated for the main trekking section: 15 km / 9 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours for the principal trekking section
Difficulty: Moderate
Important: The total walking time on Day 3 will depend on whether you choose to walk from Hydroelectric Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo or take the train.
Today is the highlight of the entire adventure: Machu Picchu.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the entrance of the archaeological sanctuary.
Arriving early gives you the opportunity to experience the impressive atmosphere of Machu Picchu during the morning hours.
Once inside the citadel, your professional guide will accompany you during an approximately two-hour guided visit.
Throughout the tour, you will discover some of the most important areas of Machu Picchu and learn about the history, architecture and possible functions of this extraordinary Inca site.
Your guide will explain the different sectors of the citadel, including its agricultural terraces, residential areas and ceremonial or religious structures.
After completing the guided tour, you will take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Lunch on the final day is not included.
Depending on the departure time of your return train, you may have additional time to have lunch, shop for souvenirs, explore the town or visit other local attractions.
In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition train toward Ollantaytambo.
The train follows the Urubamba River through spectacular mountain scenery and narrow sections of the valley.
Along the journey, keep an eye on the surrounding mountains and archaeological landscape as you travel away from Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station, our driver will meet you and continue the journey by road toward Cusco.
Arrival at your hotel is expected at approximately 7:00 PM, depending on the confirmed train schedule and traffic conditions.
Meal included: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Travelers who have reserved a Huayna Picchu entrance ticket in advance can complete this additional hike after their Machu Picchu visit according to the entrance schedule.
The standard Huayna Picchu hike does not include an additional guide.
If you would like a guide to accompany you, this service must be requested in advance and is subject to an additional charge.
Return train schedules are subject to availability.
Typical Expedition departures may be scheduled around:
Other departures may be available depending on the season and railway availability.
Travelers can also request a Vistadome Train upgrade.
Available afternoon schedules may include approximately:
The indicated Vistadome upgrade is USD 67 per person.
Earlier train departures may also be requested, but these arrangements should be made during the booking process.
On Day 3, travelers have two alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo after arriving at Hydroelectric Station:
Walking option: Continue on foot along the railway route until reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Train option: Take the train from Hydroelectric Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo according to the selected reservation and available train schedule.
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USD 557 per person with 3-star hotel
USD 537 per person without hotel
A private service is available for an additional:
USD 100 per person
A pack horse is included to transport up to 7 kg of personal belongings per traveler.
A duffel bag will be provided before departure so you can prepare the clothing and personal equipment that will be transported during the trek.
USD 30 discount
To qualify, the student identification card must clearly display:
A copy must be provided at the time of booking so eligibility can be processed according to the applicable regulations.
USD 30 discount
A passport copy must be submitted when making the reservation.
USD 40 discount
A passport copy is required during the booking process.
our duffel bag will be provided before departure.
The pack horse can transport approximately 7 kg / 14–15 lb per traveler.
Your sleeping bag, mattress and personal clothing form part of this weight allowance.
Because the weight limit protects the welfare of the pack animals, bags may be weighed before departure.
Any belongings exceeding the permitted allowance will need to be carried in your personal daypack.
Recommended items include:
Protective plastic liners can also be used inside your duffel bag to help keep your belongings dry.
Recommended personal care items include:
A small 30–40 liter backpack is recommended for the daytime hiking sections.
Large backpacks may not be permitted inside Machu Picchu, so keeping your daypack compact is important.
Your duffel bag will be transported separately, which means your daypack should contain everything you may need while walking.
Recommended items include:
Machu Picchu tickets are regulated and changes can be highly restricted after tickets have been purchased.
Entrance tickets may be non-transferable and non-refundable.
For this reason, travelers should carefully verify their dates and personal information before confirming the reservation.
If your plans change, contact the travel operator as soon as possible so the available alternatives can be reviewed.
Yes.
You must carry your original passport during the trip.
The passport information should correspond with the details provided when your trek and Machu Picchu entrance were reserved.
Your identification may be checked when entering Machu Picchu or using transportation services such as the train.
If you renew your passport after booking, additional documentation or procedures may be required.
Travelers in this situation should communicate the change before arriving in Peru and retain a copy of their previous passport.
Weather on the Salkantay Trek can be unpredictable because the route crosses several different elevations and ecosystems.
You may experience strong sunshine, low temperatures, rain, wind and warmer humid conditions during the same journey.
For this reason, dressing in layers is strongly recommended.
Layered clothing allows you to add or remove garments throughout the day as temperatures and weather conditions change.
The trek reaches approximately 4,650 meters / 15,367 feet at Salkantay Pass.
Proper acclimatization before beginning the trek is extremely important.
Travelers are encouraged to spend at least a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure whenever possible.
Hydration, adequate rest and a gradual pace can help your body adapt to the altitude.
Guides carry emergency oxygen and first-aid equipment during the trek.
The maximum group size is 8 travelers.
Groups are often smaller, allowing for a more personalized trekking experience.
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
