Salkantay Trek 4 days– A Journey of Unforgettable Adventure and Breathtaking Beauty
The Salkantay Trek is far than just a hike. It is an amazing real adventure through the heart at the Andes. So, Salkantay Trek es perfect for those who nature, adventure lover. Enjoy some of the world’s best hiking trails: our 4-day Short Salkantay Trek is for you. Discover the sacred Humantay Lake; enjoy an exclusive camping experience at Soyrococha, facing Salkantay. Expect to pass snow-capped mountaintops before descending through the tropical cloud forest on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ll trek through the lush Peruvian jungle as you get closer and closer via Llactapata amazing view to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.
Our 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu leads you through crisp Andean air and offers some of the most incredible scenery in all of Peru. It’s one of the most challenging Machu Picchu alternative trek due to its high altitude—but also one of the most rewarding.
Unlike the classic 4-day Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek welcomes fewer travelers, allowing you to hike this natural paradise in peace and solitude. And while you may not cross paths with crowds, you just might share the trail with Andean condors or other local wildlife. If you’re lucky enough to witness them—just offer a little gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and keep a positive spirit each morning.
The Real Salkantay Trek:
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek is a more adventurous route to Machu Picchu, taking you to higher altitudes and immersing you in dramatic Andean scenery. You’ll pass through a variety of microclimates and witness exotic flora and fauna unique to this part of Peru.
This trek is a one-of-a-kind journey, specially designed to offer incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Hike along peaceful trails—far from the crowds—and visit stunning turquoise glacial lakes like Humantay Lagoon.
Follow the Salkantay trail on foot to the forgotten Inca ruins of Llactapata, where you’ll enjoy an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point.
On your final day, you’ll explore the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu!
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the first day: Marvel at the stunning snow-capped sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. Camp near Salkantay and enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the Milky Way with only your group under the stars.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel around 4:00 AM—make sure you have your original passport with you. In our private Tunqui Expeditions transport, we’ll drive for approximately 3 hours to Soraypampa, passing through incredible Andean landscapes with views of the towering Salkantay Mountain (6,217 m / 20,341 ft).
We’ll take a short stop in Mollepata to stretch and use the restroom before arriving in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where a delicious breakfast will be waiting for you with a beautiful view of the mountains.
After breakfast, we’ll begin a 2-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake. As one of the first groups to arrive, you’ll enjoy the serene blue lagoon almost all to yourself. After about 40 minutes at the lake, we’ll descend connect to the trail toward Salkantay Pass.
From here, we’ll ascend gently to Salkantaypampa and then begin a steeper 1.5 hours rocky climb to Soyroq’ocha (4,490 m / 14,731 ft).
We expect to arrive around 1:20 PM, where a freshly prepared lunch will be waiting for us. The afternoon is free to relax, explore the surrounding landscape, and enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Glacier.
As the sun sets behind the Andes, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. Tea time is served at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00 PM. Tonight, we camp directly beneath the sacred Salkantay Mountain, surrounded by spectacular scenery and, weather permitting, an unforgettable view of the Milky Way.
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the day: Reach the majestic Salkantay Pass and descend into the high jungle.
Wake up at 5:00 AM with a warm cup of coca tea served to your tent. After breakfast at 6:00 AM, you’ll have time to pack your things before starting the hike at 7:00 AM.
Today is our goal to reach the highest point on the Salkantay Trek – the Salkantay Pass, coming in at an impressive 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. We will start, climbing up for about 45 minutes until we reach the pass, where we can take a well deserved rest!
After a few minutes of enjoying the feeling of being “on top of the world”, we continue walking down for about 2 hours to Wayracmachay (3,912 m / 12,834 ft). Here we will rest a bit and have a snack before continuing down another 2 hours until we reach Collpapampa village (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). our lunch spot today. After lunch, we continue our private vehicle will be waiting for us.
We will drive for about an 1 hour until we reach tonight’s campsite at Lucmabamba village (2,000 m / 6,561 ft). around 3:00–4:00 PM. Everything will be ready for your arrival: tents set up, tea time served, and dinner prepared by our chef.
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the day: Walk along original Inca trails to the Llactapata archaeological site, then continue through the jungle to Aguas Calientes.
We wake up again at 5:00 AM with coca tea and enjoy breakfast before starting our day.
The hike begins with a 30-minute descent to a local family home, where you’ll participate in an authentic coffee experience: pick, roast, grind, and enjoy fresh organic coffee. You’ll also have the chance to purchase coffee directly from the family to take home.
We’ll then follow a 2.5-hour uphill hike on original Inca trails. This stretch can be warm and humid, so don’t forget insect repellent! Once we reach the top (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), we’ll descend 30 minutes to Llactapata, where your guide will perform a ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Here, you’ll get your first views of Machu Picchu, as well as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Afterward, we hike 2 more hours to Hidroelectrica, where we’ll enjoy a final meal prepared by our chef and say goodbye to our trekking team. Tips are greatly appreciated.
Finally, we walk 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 4:00–5:00 PM, where you’ll be taken to your hotel.
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the day: Wander the ancient stone paths of Machu Picchu and imagine life during the Inca Empire.
Your epic journey ends today with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu—a New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After an early hotel breakfast, we take a 30-minute bus ride up to the citadel, aiming to arrive before the crowds and enjoy the first light of day over the stone city.
You’ll leave your luggage at the hotel and carry only essentials in your daypack. Once inside, your guide will lead you to the perfect sunrise viewpoint, if the weather allows. You’ll then enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour exploring the main sectors of the site and learning about Inca history and culture.
Optional hikes (book in advance):
After exploring Machu Picchu, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice (not included). Around 2:00 PM, we head to the train station for the ride back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport awaits to return you to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
It’s time to rest your legs and reflect on this life-changing journey through the mountains and jungle of Peru.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify what is and isn’t included in every tour itinerary listed on our website. We handle all logistics, but we kindly ask that you read the details carefully so you don’t miss anything.
Please note that some services may vary depending on the program. Be sure to review your itinerary thoroughly before booking.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Salkantay Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Please note:
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
Here’s a complete checklist to help you prepare for your adventure. Please read carefully and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can depart on any day of the week from March through December.
Note: We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and trail maintenance closures.
This small-group tour is guaranteed with just 2 participants.
Important:
PayPal charges a 5.5% service fee, which is the client’s responsibility for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
You may add the following items to your booking:
Enhance your experience with these popular options:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — guaranteed. No matter what changes occur, we won’t increase your rate.
Before booking, please make sure to read all important information about this tour.
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek is a more adventurous route to Machu Picchu, taking you to higher altitudes and immersing you in dramatic Andean scenery. You’ll pass through a variety of microclimates and witness exotic flora and fauna unique to this part of Peru.
This trek is a one-of-a-kind journey, specially designed to offer incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Hike along peaceful trails—far from the crowds—and visit stunning turquoise glacial lakes like Humantay Lagoon.
Follow the Salkantay trail on foot to the forgotten Inca ruins of Llactapata, where you’ll enjoy an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point.
On your final day, you’ll explore the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu!
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the first day: Marvel at the stunning snow-capped sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. Camp near Salkantay and enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the Milky Way with only your group under the stars.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel around 4:00 AM—make sure you have your original passport with you. In our private Tunqui Expeditions transport, we’ll drive for approximately 3 hours to Soraypampa, passing through incredible Andean landscapes with views of the towering Salkantay Mountain (6,217 m / 20,341 ft).
We’ll take a short stop in Mollepata to stretch and use the restroom before arriving in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where a delicious breakfast will be waiting for you with a beautiful view of the mountains.
After breakfast, we’ll begin a 2-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake. As one of the first groups to arrive, you’ll enjoy the serene blue lagoon almost all to yourself. After about 40 minutes at the lake, we’ll descend connect to the trail toward Salkantay Pass.
From here, we’ll ascend gently to Salkantaypampa and then begin a steeper 1.5 hours rocky climb to Soyroq’ocha (4,490 m / 14,731 ft).
We expect to arrive around 1:20 PM, where a freshly prepared lunch will be waiting for us. The afternoon is free to relax, explore the surrounding landscape, and enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Glacier.
As the sun sets behind the Andes, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. Tea time is served at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00 PM. Tonight, we camp directly beneath the sacred Salkantay Mountain, surrounded by spectacular scenery and, weather permitting, an unforgettable view of the Milky Way.
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the day: Reach the majestic Salkantay Pass and descend into the high jungle.
Wake up at 5:00 AM with a warm cup of coca tea served to your tent. After breakfast at 6:00 AM, you’ll have time to pack your things before starting the hike at 7:00 AM.
Today is our goal to reach the highest point on the Salkantay Trek – the Salkantay Pass, coming in at an impressive 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. We will start, climbing up for about 45 minutes until we reach the pass, where we can take a well deserved rest!
After a few minutes of enjoying the feeling of being “on top of the world”, we continue walking down for about 2 hours to Wayracmachay (3,912 m / 12,834 ft). Here we will rest a bit and have a snack before continuing down another 2 hours until we reach Collpapampa village (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). our lunch spot today. After lunch, we continue our private vehicle will be waiting for us.
We will drive for about an 1 hour until we reach tonight’s campsite at Lucmabamba village (2,000 m / 6,561 ft). around 3:00–4:00 PM. Everything will be ready for your arrival: tents set up, tea time served, and dinner prepared by our chef.
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the day: Walk along original Inca trails to the Llactapata archaeological site, then continue through the jungle to Aguas Calientes.
We wake up again at 5:00 AM with coca tea and enjoy breakfast before starting our day.
The hike begins with a 30-minute descent to a local family home, where you’ll participate in an authentic coffee experience: pick, roast, grind, and enjoy fresh organic coffee. You’ll also have the chance to purchase coffee directly from the family to take home.
We’ll then follow a 2.5-hour uphill hike on original Inca trails. This stretch can be warm and humid, so don’t forget insect repellent! Once we reach the top (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), we’ll descend 30 minutes to Llactapata, where your guide will perform a ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Here, you’ll get your first views of Machu Picchu, as well as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Afterward, we hike 2 more hours to Hidroelectrica, where we’ll enjoy a final meal prepared by our chef and say goodbye to our trekking team. Tips are greatly appreciated.
Finally, we walk 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 4:00–5:00 PM, where you’ll be taken to your hotel.
Salkantay Trek Highlight of the day: Wander the ancient stone paths of Machu Picchu and imagine life during the Inca Empire.
Your epic journey ends today with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu—a New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After an early hotel breakfast, we take a 30-minute bus ride up to the citadel, aiming to arrive before the crowds and enjoy the first light of day over the stone city.
You’ll leave your luggage at the hotel and carry only essentials in your daypack. Once inside, your guide will lead you to the perfect sunrise viewpoint, if the weather allows. You’ll then enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour exploring the main sectors of the site and learning about Inca history and culture.
Optional hikes (book in advance):
After exploring Machu Picchu, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice (not included). Around 2:00 PM, we head to the train station for the ride back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport awaits to return you to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
It’s time to rest your legs and reflect on this life-changing journey through the mountains and jungle of Peru.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify what is and isn’t included in every tour itinerary listed on our website. We handle all logistics, but we kindly ask that you read the details carefully so you don’t miss anything.
Please note that some services may vary depending on the program. Be sure to review your itinerary thoroughly before booking.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Salkantay Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Please note:
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
Here’s a complete checklist to help you prepare for your adventure. Please read carefully and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can depart on any day of the week from March through December.
Note: We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and trail maintenance closures.
This small-group tour is guaranteed with just 2 participants.
Important:
PayPal charges a 5.5% service fee, which is the client’s responsibility for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
You may add the following items to your booking:
Enhance your experience with these popular options:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — guaranteed. No matter what changes occur, we won’t increase your rate.
Before booking, please make sure to read all important information about this tour.
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