Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
- 4:30 a.m. Pick-up from your hotel and transfer by minivan to Soraypampa
- 9:30 a.m. Trek begins at Challacancha
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Soraypampa
- In the afternoon, visit the stunning Humantay Lake
- Dinner and overnight at the Soraypampa campsite
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco
- 5:30 a.m. Breakfast and start of the hike toward the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass
- 10:00 a.m. Arrive at the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft) and visit the Blue Lake
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Wayracpunku
- 4:30 p.m. Local transport to Playa Sahuayaco campsite
- Dinner and overnight at the campsite
Hiking time: 8–9 hours
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 3: Playa Sahuayaco – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
- 6:00 a.m. Breakfast and begin the trek along the Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llaqtapata
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at the hydroelectric station
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 16 km / 13.6 miles
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
- Early breakfast at the hotel
- Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a transfer to Cusco
Itinerary Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu – 4 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Andean highlands to the town of Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we’ll stop for breakfast.
We then continue to Soraypampa (3,920 m / 12,861 ft), the starting point of the trek. From here, you’ll embark on a hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain (5,862 m / 19,232 ft). This round-trip hike takes approximately 3 hours and rewards you with spectacular views and the vibrant turquoise waters of the lake.
After returning to Soraypampa, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and settle into our cozy Andean campsite. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and acclimate to the altitude before dinner under the stars.
Overnight in Soraypampa.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco
Today will be the most challenging day of the trek, as you’ll cross the highest and coldest point of the Salkantay Trek 4-Day route, and later travel by a local minivan.
Enjoy breakfast at 5:30 a.m., then begin the ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft). From the top, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped peaks surrounding you.
After soaking in the views, begin the descent to Huayracmachay, where a delicious lunch prepared by our local chef awaits.
In the afternoon, continue trekking downhill through the cloud forest until you reach Chaullay, where a local vehicle will take you on a 1-hour drive to Playa Sahuayaco—our campsite for the second night.
At 5:40 p.m., enjoy a warm drink, followed by dinner at 6:40 p.m., surrounded by the lush ambiance of the rainforest.
Overnight in Playa Sahuayaco.
Day 3: Playa Sahuayaco – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric Station – Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
Today is truly unforgettable, unique, and magical—you’ll explore one of the most spectacular sections of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, passing through Llaqtapata, a little-known archaeological site rarely visited by hikers, guides, or travel companies.
Start your day with breakfast at 6:00 a.m., then take the recently rediscovered Inca Trail to Llaqtapata. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Andean landscape. Once at Llaqtapata, enjoy a special moment—from a distance, nestled between the mountains, you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
After exploring this incredible site, descend to the hydroelectric station, where you’ll enjoy your final lunch prepared by our expedition cook.
After lunch, say goodbye to the cook and the rest of the expedition staff. From here, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes):
- Hike along the train tracks for 3 hours, or
- Take a scenic 40-minute train ride (train tickets can be purchased at the station).
At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Machu Picchu Town, followed by a comfortable night in a hotel.
Includes
What’s Included
- Pre-trek briefing one day before the hike
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha)
- Professional trekking guide (Spanish-speaking)
- Horsemen to handle mules and set up tents
- Pack horses and mules to carry camping gear and each passenger’s duffel bag (up to 6 kg)
- Cook and assistant (for groups of more than 8 people)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian option available at no extra cost)
- Dining tent and kitchen tent
- Chairs and tables
- Four-season tent (for 2 people) and sleeping mats
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
- Entrance tickets to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu
- 1 night of hotel accommodation in a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Tourist transport from the train station back to Cusco
No Incluye
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day, and lunch and dinner on the fourth day
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Entry ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional hikes)
- Travel insurance – highly recommended for the duration of your trip
- Personal items and medications (especially for altitude sickness)
- Extra horse for riding (available upon request)
- Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen (optional but appreciated)
Packing list Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu – 4 Days
Recommended Packing List
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Lightweight personal backpack
- Warm sweater and jacket
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 pairs of socks
- Personal items and prescribed medications — especially pills for altitude sickness (dizziness, nausea, muscle relaxants, stomach and headache medicine, and any personal prescriptions)
- Sunscreen
- Cap or hat
- Rain poncho
- Hiking boots
- 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper
- Energy bars
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Camera with extra battery
- Extra cash in soles (PEN)
Important Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the Salkantay Trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
- For better acclimatization, take altitude sickness pills and drink coca leaf tea.
- Do short walks around Cusco or take a short tour such as the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, or Maras–Moray Salt Mines. Special discounts are available if you book one of these tours with us.
- Bring proper trekking clothes suitable for cold, sun, and rain.
- We highly recommend booking in advance, at least 2 to 3 months ahead, due to limited availability of entrance tickets to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
- 4:30 a.m. Pick-up from your hotel and transfer by minivan to Soraypampa
- 9:30 a.m. Trek begins at Challacancha
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Soraypampa
- In the afternoon, visit the stunning Humantay Lake
- Dinner and overnight at the Soraypampa campsite
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco
- 5:30 a.m. Breakfast and start of the hike toward the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass
- 10:00 a.m. Arrive at the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft) and visit the Blue Lake
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Wayracpunku
- 4:30 p.m. Local transport to Playa Sahuayaco campsite
- Dinner and overnight at the campsite
Hiking time: 8–9 hours
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 3: Playa Sahuayaco – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
- 6:00 a.m. Breakfast and begin the trek along the Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llaqtapata
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at the hydroelectric station
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 16 km / 13.6 miles
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
- Early breakfast at the hotel
- Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a transfer to Cusco
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Andean highlands to the town of Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we’ll stop for breakfast.
We then continue to Soraypampa (3,920 m / 12,861 ft), the starting point of the trek. From here, you’ll embark on a hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain (5,862 m / 19,232 ft). This round-trip hike takes approximately 3 hours and rewards you with spectacular views and the vibrant turquoise waters of the lake.
After returning to Soraypampa, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and settle into our cozy Andean campsite. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and acclimate to the altitude before dinner under the stars.
Overnight in Soraypampa.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco
Today will be the most challenging day of the trek, as you’ll cross the highest and coldest point of the Salkantay Trek 4-Day route, and later travel by a local minivan.
Enjoy breakfast at 5:30 a.m., then begin the ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft). From the top, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped peaks surrounding you.
After soaking in the views, begin the descent to Huayracmachay, where a delicious lunch prepared by our local chef awaits.
In the afternoon, continue trekking downhill through the cloud forest until you reach Chaullay, where a local vehicle will take you on a 1-hour drive to Playa Sahuayaco—our campsite for the second night.
At 5:40 p.m., enjoy a warm drink, followed by dinner at 6:40 p.m., surrounded by the lush ambiance of the rainforest.
Overnight in Playa Sahuayaco.
Day 3: Playa Sahuayaco – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric Station – Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
Today is truly unforgettable, unique, and magical—you’ll explore one of the most spectacular sections of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, passing through Llaqtapata, a little-known archaeological site rarely visited by hikers, guides, or travel companies.
Start your day with breakfast at 6:00 a.m., then take the recently rediscovered Inca Trail to Llaqtapata. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Andean landscape. Once at Llaqtapata, enjoy a special moment—from a distance, nestled between the mountains, you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
After exploring this incredible site, descend to the hydroelectric station, where you’ll enjoy your final lunch prepared by our expedition cook.
After lunch, say goodbye to the cook and the rest of the expedition staff. From here, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes):
- Hike along the train tracks for 3 hours, or
- Take a scenic 40-minute train ride (train tickets can be purchased at the station).
At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Machu Picchu Town, followed by a comfortable night in a hotel.
Includes
What’s Included
- Pre-trek briefing one day before the hike
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha)
- Professional trekking guide (Spanish-speaking)
- Horsemen to handle mules and set up tents
- Pack horses and mules to carry camping gear and each passenger’s duffel bag (up to 6 kg)
- Cook and assistant (for groups of more than 8 people)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian option available at no extra cost)
- Dining tent and kitchen tent
- Chairs and tables
- Four-season tent (for 2 people) and sleeping mats
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
- Entrance tickets to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu
- 1 night of hotel accommodation in a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Tourist transport from the train station back to Cusco
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day, and lunch and dinner on the fourth day
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Entry ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional hikes)
- Travel insurance – highly recommended for the duration of your trip
- Personal items and medications (especially for altitude sickness)
- Extra horse for riding (available upon request)
- Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen (optional but appreciated)
Recommended Packing List
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Lightweight personal backpack
- Warm sweater and jacket
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 pairs of socks
- Personal items and prescribed medications — especially pills for altitude sickness (dizziness, nausea, muscle relaxants, stomach and headache medicine, and any personal prescriptions)
- Sunscreen
- Cap or hat
- Rain poncho
- Hiking boots
- 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper
- Energy bars
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Camera with extra battery
- Extra cash in soles (PEN)
Important Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the Salkantay Trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
- For better acclimatization, take altitude sickness pills and drink coca leaf tea.
- Do short walks around Cusco or take a short tour such as the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, or Maras–Moray Salt Mines. Special discounts are available if you book one of these tours with us.
- Bring proper trekking clothes suitable for cold, sun, and rain.
- We highly recommend booking in advance, at least 2 to 3 months ahead, due to limited availability of entrance tickets to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
