Trekking filled with unique emotions and unforgettable adventures:
Feel fortunate to witness Salkantay, the second-highest and most sacred mountain, the lush Peruvian jungle, and the legendary Lost City of the Incas—Machu Picchu.
No matter how many days or which route you choose to hike the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, nothing compares to the natural beauty of this spectacular journey. The trail winds through high mountain passes and cloud forests, taking you to turquoise lakes and stunning valleys. At the heart of the trek stands the majestic Mount Salkantay—soaring to 6,264 meters (20,551 feet), it is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba Range and the second-highest in the Cusco region.
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 alternative routes to Machu Picchu 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 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!
Tunqui Expeditions is the top choice for exploring the Salkantay Trek in Peru.
We specialize in crafting exclusive routes and providing super comfortable campsites. Come discover why our custom trekking experiences to Machu Picchu—like this Salkantay Trek—are so unique and unforgettable.
Highlight of the day: Witnessing the majestic Humantay and Salkantay Mountains.
A day filled with awe as you walk beneath two of the most sacred and glacier-covered peaks in the Andes.
Highlight of the day: Explore the Cusco jungle, connect with a local community, visit an organic coffee farm, and enjoy a traditional cooking class.
Learn and immerse yourself in the heart of local culture.
Highlight of the day: Hike along original Inca trails to the archaeological site of Llactapata, then follow the lush jungle trail to Aguas Calientes.
Experience the final stage of the epic Salkantay Trek.
Highlight of the day: Wander the stone-paved streets of the Machu Picchu citadel and imagine what life was like in ancient times.
Be amazed by the energy of Machu Picchu and uncover the mysteries of the Incas.
Highlight of the day: Marvel at the stunning snow-capped sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.
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 3.5 hours to Soraypampa, passing through incredible Andean landscapes with views of the towering Salkantay Mountain (6,264 m / 20,551 ft).
We’ll take a short stop in Mollepata to stretch and use the restroom before arriving in Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 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 for 1.5 hours and connect to the trail toward Salkantay Pass.
From here, we’ll ascend gently for 1.5 hours to Salkantaypampa and then begin a steeper 2-hour rocky climb to Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft)—the highest point of the trek. Although challenging, the views of the surrounding glaciers are incredibly motivating!
After taking in the stunning vistas, we’ll descend for 15 minutes to one of the most scenic lunch spots near Salkantay. Our team will greet you with hot drinks and warm water to wash up. Lunch is specially prepared to aid digestion at high altitude.
In the afternoon, we’ll descend for 3 hours to our campsite at Wayracmachay (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), arriving between 4:00–5:00 PM. Your tents will be set up, and you’ll have time to relax, change, and enjoy tea time with hot drinks, popcorn, and snacks.
Dinner is served around 7:00 PM, followed by a briefing for the next day. Afterward, it’s time to rest under the stars in the heart of the Andes.
Highlight of the day: Discover the Cusco jungle, connect with a local community, visit an organic coffee farm, and take part in a cooking class.
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.
We’ll begin by descending to Rayan Pata (3,200 m / 10,498 ft) for about 1.5 hours, then ascend for 2 hours to Unuyoc (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). This stretch can be warm but is filled with amazing views: glacier peaks in the distance, green valleys, waterfalls, fruit trees, and diverse birdlife—including the rare and beautiful Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (“Tunqui” in Quechua).
After soaking in the views, we descend 1 hour to our lunch spot at Tambo (2,400 m / 7,874 ft).
After lunch, we’ll either hike to the campsite or cross a river using a cable cart (zipline-style)—a thrilling and unforgettable experience. For those who prefer, there’s also a footbridge. After crossing, we continue 2 more hours, passing villages, fields of avocados, coffee, corn, and more.
We’ll arrive at our Lucmabamba campsite (1,900 m / 6,233 ft) around 4:00–5:00 PM. Everything will be ready for your arrival: tents set up, tea time served, and dinner prepared by our chef.
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.
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.
You will meet your tour guide and group at our main office in Cusco for a pre-trek briefing.
There, you’ll receive your Duffel Bag, which will be carried by our muleteers on horseback. The bag must not exceed 8 kg / 17 lb, including your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (if you rent or bring your own).
This briefing takes place at 5:00 p.m. the day before the trek begins.
Official English and Spanish-speaking tour guides, all of whom graduated in Tourism from the Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco.
We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture.
They all grew up in the region and are not only fun and friendly, but will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the trek.
All Tunqui Expeditions guides are certified in first aid.
We provide annual mandatory training every February.
Your guide will carry a first aid kit and oxygen to treat common issues like altitude sickness, cuts, or traveler’s diarrhea.
If needed, we’ll evacuate you quickly and ensure you receive medical care.
All gear is carried by our team of porters and muleteers.
Includes:
You may carry up to 7 kg / 15.4 lb in personal belongings (includes your sleeping bag).
Our inflatable camping mattresses help you rest comfortably in the mountains.
We believe the small details make a big difference. You’ll also receive:
We offer 24/7 phone support to ensure seamless communication before your trek.
All guides carry a fully charged satellite phone for emergency contact.
Unlike radios (which have limited range), this ensures communication anywhere in the mountains.
Clients may also use it for non-emergency calls (fees apply).
Our mountain chefs prepare delicious meals loved by our hikers.
We cater to all diets: vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no extra cost.
Please inform us in your booking form and remind your guide at the briefing.
Includes snacks and hot drinks.
From the first lunch until the final breakfast, we provide boiled, filtered, and cooled water.
Bring a CamelBak or empty bottle (2L capacity recommended) to refill at every meal.Wake-Up Tea
Enjoy a hot cup of coca tea delivered to your tent each morning to help start your day warm and energized.
Before dinner, enjoy tea time with:
Each morning, you’ll receive a fabric snack bag filled with:
Refilled daily.
We provide a small towel and soap before each meal to wash your hands.
Train
Personal Belongings Transport
Each hiker receives:
We work hard to make this your best vacation ever.
All taxes and permit fees are included.
No hidden costs.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we go beyond the trek to make a difference:
Porters are the heart of our team, and we honor them with:
Founder Silvio Tunqui was a porter himself and built the company to improve their lives.
Every year, we take our porters and their families to visit Machu Picchu—many for the first time.
They become our clients on these special trips, experiencing the ruins with pride and joy.
Since 2022, we’ve had female guides, porters, and chefs on our team.
We strive for gender balance and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
We operate with eco-responsibility, always following the Leave No Trace principle.
We even include an extra porter to clean trash left by other groups.
Whenever possible, we use organic, biodegradable, and locally sourced products.
Available to rent for US$ 20.00
Available to rent for US$ 20.00 (pair)
If you feel tired or unwell after hiking from Chaullay to La Playa, you may take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Not included, but highly recommended.
Tipping is customary for Machu Picchu treks.
While we pay our staff fairly, tips are always appreciated as recognition of their hard work.
Most groups pool their tips and distribute them among porters and cooks.
Not included:
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu.
It’s a challenging 45-minute hike with steep stone stairs and amazing views.
Please note: weather conditions are beyond our control.
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.
Is it for me?
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.
Plastic-Free Salkantay 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.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Salkantay trek?
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:
Briefing or information meeting
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.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
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.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
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.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
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.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
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
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
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.
Lost items
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.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
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.
RECOMMENDED
“Salkantay Trek 4 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 560.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 360.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
