Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights
Description
The 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the most spectacular option for true adventure and nature lovers. Along this route, you’ll hike under the imposing shadow of snow-capped mountains, traverse high-altitude ecosystems, and descend into the lush vegetation of the Cusco cloud forest, experiencing an unparalleled contrast of landscapes in a short period of time.
This ancient Andean trail invites you to disconnect from your daily routine and connect deeply with the energy of the Peruvian Andes. Each step will bring you closer to the legendary Inca citadel, offering you the privilege of contemplating pristine scenery and the way of life of the local communities.
Reaching the highest pass in this mountain range will culminate in the ultimate reward: discovering one of the wonders of the modern world after a true physical and spiritual challenge.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
The Salkantay Trek is an alternative to the Inca Trail that does not require advance booking. It offers an intense experience with highlights such as the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters above sea level) and Humantay Lagoon, ideal for nature and adventure lovers with a moderate to high level of difficulty.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon
The journey begins early from Cusco towards the town of Mollepata, where you’ll begin acclimatizing to the altitude. From there, the route continues to Soraypampa to begin a hike up to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, famous for its intense turquoise waters. After enjoying this beautiful spot, you’ll descend to base camp to rest under a starry sky at the foot of the snow-capped mountain.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Chaullay
This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek. You’ll begin the ascent to Abra Salkantay, the highest point of the trek, where you’ll experience the majesty and extreme weather of the glaciers. After appreciating the mountain range in all its splendor, you’ll begin a long descent that marks a radical change in landscape, transitioning from the cold, rocky mountains to the warm cloud forest until you reach the campsite in Chaullay.
Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmbamba – Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes
The hike continues through subtropical valleys rich in flora and fauna, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards. The trail will lead you to the hydroelectric plant. From there, you’ll enjoy a pleasant, flat walk along the railway tracks, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of the Urubamba River, until you reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in local accommodations.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The big day begins early in the morning to catch one of the first buses or hike up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the most important temples, terraces, and sites, learning about Inca history and architecture. After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo station, where transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
INCLUDES
Includes
- Pre-trek briefing.
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trek.
- Professional bilingual guide specializing in high-altitude mountaineering.
- Meals during the trekking days at campsites.
- Basic camping equipment (tents and sleeping mats).
- Horses or mules for transporting camping equipment and supplies.
- One night’s basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Return transportation from the train station to Cusco.
Not Include
- Sleeping bag (necessary for camping nights).
- Trekking poles.
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lagoon.
- Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Meals not specified (breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day).
- Tips for the route staff.
- Travel insurance.
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Acclimate your body by spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Wear appropriate clothing for layering; you will face extreme cold at the Salkantay Pass and humid heat in the cloud forest.
- Wear waterproof trekking boots that have already been broken in to prevent blisters.
- Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good mosquito repellent, essential for the last few days of the trek.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek and bring water purification tablets or drops for the water you refill along the way.
Additional
Additional Information
- Difficulty: Challenging. Requires good physical condition and stamina for hiking several hours a day on uneven terrain.
- Maximum Altitude: 4,600 meters above sea level at the Salkantay Pass.
- Climate: Extremely variable. Sub-zero temperatures in the high mountain area at night and a warm subtropical climate in Aguas Calientes.
- Total Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) of hiking.
- Recommended Age: 12 years and older with prior experience in multi-day hikes.
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