Landscape of Machu Pìchu with clouds
Group of travelers on the Salkantay route
Lake landscape between mountains
Guided mountain travelers
Group of travelers seated on a mountain
Travelers seated with guide and plants
group trekking in the mountains in the salkantay
Howlanders girl in Machu Picchu
Soraypampa Camp
Colpapamba Camp
hostel in aguas calientes
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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Salkantay 4-day guided trek to Machu Picchu all-inclusive

(32 reviews)

Your date is not available? The best alternative is Inca Trail

Cusco
4 days
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation at 4:30 a.m.
Ends: To the center of Cuzco
Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

Book with Howlanders the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive treks Peru has to offer. If you are looking for a unique trekking experience, away from the hustle and bustle and in contact with Andean communities, this is the perfect route for you.

Embark on a 4-day guided expedition where, together with other adventurers, you will explore diverse Andean ecosystems and landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush high jungles. Our tour includes transfers from Cusco, 2 nights accommodation in campsites and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. All with full board, an expert guide during the 3 days of trekking and entrance to Machu Picchu and the Mollepata and Humantay lagoon.

Would you like to know the complete itinerary? Keep reading and discover all the details of this adventure: 👇

Tour details

Included

  • Spanish/English professional guide
  • Luggage transport between accommodations (maximum 5kg including sleeping bag)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Lodging (2 nights camping + 1 night hotel)
  • Food (except as indicated in "not included")
  • Entrance Mollepata and Humantay lagoon

Not included

  • Lunch day 4
  • Water and snacks along the way
  • Sleeping bag (available as an extra)
  • Trekking poles (available as extra)
  • One way transportation Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu

Important information

When completing your booking, you will be assigned the best tickets to Machu Picchu and train schedules available. If you already have a ticket to Machu Picchu and do not want to include it in your reservation, please contact us.

⛰️En in case of including the extra to visit an additional area (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), in addition to the general entrance fee, an additional entrance fee will be included to your reservation (subject to availability).

❌ It is not possible to visit two of the additional zones on the same day due to time constraints.

💡 The accommodation is in double rooms, so if you are travelling alone or need a room for an odd number of passengers (3,5,7 etc.) we offer the option of private accommodation at an additional cost. If you would like to receive more information please contact us.

At the beginning of the tour we ask for a deposit of 30 soles for the duffle bag, which will be returned at the end of the tour.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, 70% of the total cost will be refunded (excluding additional tickets and extras).

If you cancel 60 to 31 days prior to departure, 50% of the total cost will be refunded (excluding additional tickets and extras).

If you cancel 30 days or less prior to departure, it is non-refundable.

Tour itinerary

PREVIOUS DAY

Briefing - Cuzco

Location: Agency office

The day before the departure of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu,you will meet with the guide and the rest of your fellow adventurers to prepare for the tour. You will be given the indications you need and any questions will be answered so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. In addition, you will be given the bag in which you will store the luggage that the porters will carry each day (maximum 5 kg, including the sleeping bag).

Now yes, let's start!

Plaza de armas Cuzco

DAY 1 🚐 Cuzco → Mollepata → Challacancha 👣 Challacancha → Soraypampa → Humantay Lagoon.

Walking distance: 21km

Duration: 6 hours

Maximum elevation: 4200 m.

Difficulty: medium

Lodging: Soraypampa Camp

4:00 A.M.

Pick up in Cuzco

The guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Cuzco between 4:00 and 4:30 in the morning. When the whole group is together, you will start a several hours ride by minibus, overlooking the spectacular snowy landscapes of the Salkantay or Humantay mountains.

Mollepata

The first stop will be for breakfast in Mollepata, and then we will continue our journey to Challacancha, which is the starting point of our trek.

valley between alpine mountains in salkantay trekking
9:30 AM

Challacancha → Soraypampa

Around 9:30 in the morning the trek begins, from Challacancha to Soraypampa base camp. This first part of the trail will take us through some deep valleys. After 14 km, we will arrive at the lunch point and Soraypampa camp, where we will stay that night, so take the opportunity to leave the luggage.

Humantay Lagoon

After the rest, the ascent will begin; during an hour and a half we will reach the 4220 meters of altitude of the Humantay lagoon, one of the great moments of this route and the highest point of the route of the first day. After enjoying the views for a while, we will start the descent to the camp, where we will arrive in less than an hour.

green lagoon with salkantay glacier in the background on the salkantay trek

Soraypampa Camp

Around 18:00 we will be back at the camp, where we will have tea together. Afterwards, the cook will serve dinner at 19:30 and we will be able to retire to our cabins where we will have a well-deserved rest.

💬 Howlanders tip

Remember to carry your personal hygiene products in your backpack. Soraypampa camp does not have showers and it will come in handy to have wet wipes with you, in our experience they are very useful on these routes. 😊

Soraypampa Camp

DAY 2 👣 Soraypampa → Abra Salkantay → Colpapampa

Walking distance: 22 km.

Duration: 10 hours

Maximum elevation: 4630 m.

Difficulty: high

Lodging: Colpapampa Camp

05:00 A.M.

Salkantay Pass

On the second day of the trek, we will wake up at 5:00 a.m., drink tea and begin the 3-hour trek. Today we will reach the highest point of the trail: the Abra Salkantay, at 4,630 meters of altitude. From there we will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo mountains. You won't know where to look!

Valley between snow-capped mountains on the Salkantay Trek Peru

Huayracmachay → Colpapampa

At this point, we leave behind the high Andean landscapes and begin to change ecosystems. For 3 hours we will descend until we reach Huayracmachay, where we will have lunch. Later, we will continue walking 3 more hours until we reach Colpapampa, the camp for the second day, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

💬 Howlanders Council

In this place, you will be able to take a hot shower at the home of locals in the area for 10 soles.

Colpapampa

DAY 3 👣 Colpapampa → Lucmabamba 🚐 Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes

Maximum elevation: 2800 m.

Difficulty: low

Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

06:00 A.M.

Lucmabamba

We will wake up early and after breakfast we will start our 5 hour hike through the Peruvian jungle. We will be in full contact with nature, we will see rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids and coffee and banana plantations. We are in the middle of the high jungle, the climate is warmer and more humid, and the landscape is absolutely different!

Hydroelectric → Aguas Calientes

After lunch, we will take our transportation to Hidroeléctrica, from where we will continue on foot for about 3 hours following the path left by the train line. Finally we will arrive to Aguas Calientes, where we will have time to rest and get to know the town before dinner.

During this journey you will have to carry all your luggage as horses are not allowed to travel in this area.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the village at the foot of the magnificent Wonder of the World.

signs with different destinations on the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

DAY 4 👣 Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cuzco.

Walking distance: 6 km.

Maximum elevation: 2400 m.

Difficulty: medium

Aguas Calientes

Last day! Before starting our route, we will have breakfast with juice, fruit and a snack that will give us all the energy we need to continue our adventure. At the time indicated by the guide (according to the assigned entrance time to Machu Picchu), we will head to the citadel. You will be able to decide whether to climb up to Machu Picchu walking the almost 2 hours uphill route, or take the bus that takes you to the access.

For those of you who have chosen to walk up, you will do it according to the assigned schedule (from 6:00 to 7:00 in the morning).

Please note that the bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu Picchu is not included but you can buy tickets there directly.

Machu Picchu

We will access Machu Picchu and discover the fascinating history of the Lost City of the Incas. This complex is a jewel of Inca architecture, which has a complete city with several neighborhoods, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories and terraces. After listening to the interesting explanations given by our guide, you will have enough time to take pictures and explore this magical place on your own.

Close-up of a llama in Machu Picchu during the Salkantay Trek

RETURN TO CUSCO

Finally, you will walk back to Aguas Calientes. Take the opportunity to stroll around the city and have lunch in one of its restaurants (lunch not included).

In the afternoon, you will take the train at 2:55pm from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo for a one and a half hour ride. The trip runs along the banks of the Vilcanota River and is considered one of the most beautiful short train rides.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo a transport will be waiting to take you back to the center of Cuzco.

We hope you enjoyed the beautiful Peru!

peru rail train from aguas calientes to ollantaytambo

What to bring to Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour

During this tour you will hike at different altitudes, so you can expect the temperature to change quickly, especially at high altitude. From Howlanders we recommend the 3 layer system, so you can quickly adapt to the weather conditions.

This is the recommended packing list, please note if you need to bring anything else. Remember that the tour offers a luggage transfer service, a duffel bag is provided in which you can leave up to 5 kg, so you can walk lighter.

  • Daypack (30 to 50 L)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Cash in Peruvian soles
  • Winter sleeping bag (available for rent)
  • Trekking poles (available for rent)
  • Goretex jacket or poncho for the rain
  • Warm jacket
  • Hiking boots (waterproof if possible)
  • Flashlight or headlamp and batteries
  • Two long-sleeved hiking shirts
  • Two short-sleeved T-shirts
  • Tights or trekking pants
  • Shorts
  • Underwear for 4 days
  • Pajamas
  • Three pairs of hiking socks
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Cap or hat
  • Swimsuit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
  • Sandals or shoes for resting
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Extra snacks
  • Passport (required to enter Machu Picchu)

Where does the tour Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu start

The tour includes pick up from your accommodation in Cuzco.

If your starting point to get to Cuzco is Lima, you can arrive by bus (24 hours of travel) or take a plane that has a journey time of one hour.

If you arrive from Arequipa, the bus ride takes ten hours. You can also choose to make the trip by plane.

If you arrive from Puno the best option is to do it by bus, a journey of six and a half hours. We also offer the possibility of making this journey in a tourist bus that makes stops at the most important places along the way. Departure is at 7:00 in the morning and you arrive in Cuzco at 17:30.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the size of the group?

    In order to better enjoy this route, groups are reduced to a maximum of 16 people.

  • What is the weather like at night on the Salkantay Route?

    The nights in the camps are quite cold, especially during the months of May to September, if you carry a sleeping bag it covers temperatures of -12 to 15ºc. In case you don't bring your own sleeping bag you can rent a sleeping bag for 20 USD. If you want to rent a sleeping bag simply leave a note when you make the reservation and you will pay the cost at the destination.

  • Are toiletries included?

    No, so each traveler has to carry their personal hygiene products, including toilet paper. In the following post you can read the recommendations to prepare your backpack for the Salkantay trek.

  • Do the guides carry oxygen tanks and first aid kits?

    Yes, the guides are prepared for any unforeseen event, so they always carry what is known as a "spray" to mitigate altitude sickness in case it is necessary, in addition to a first aid kit to make small cures.

  • Is there a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. food option?

    Yes, any type of menu adapted to special diets is available: vegetarian, vegan, food intolerant, etc. If you want to request a special diet simply leave a note in the space provided during the booking process.

  • What is the difference between the 4 and 5 day Salkantay Trek?

    The main difference is the distance walked each day. In the 5-day route, days 3 and 4 are divided, walking less distance and making a small variation in the itinerary. We recommend reading this post for more information on the differences between the 4 and 5 day Salkantay Trek.

  • What is the difference between Salkantay Trek and Salkantay Trek Sky Domes?

    The big difference is in the accommodations, which in the case of the premium version includes Skydomes. In addition, the itinerary changes slightly, since in the normal version you take a transport to get to Hidroeléctrica instead of walking along the Llactapata route.

  • Is it possible to travel from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo by Vistadome train (superior category)?

    Yes, it is possible to return by Vistadome train for a small surcharge, just contact us.

  • Do I have to bring water and snacks from Cusco?

    Along the trek we will visit different villages, where the inhabitants sell bottled water, fresh fruit, etc.. So it is not necessary to transport water and snacks from the city of Cusco.

  • Will I be able to take the typical photo in Machu Picchu?

    At Howlanders we understand how important it is to capture those memorable moments during your visit to Machu Picchu, that's why we will do our best to confirm your reservation with the best available circuit and take the classic picture with the majestic citadel in the background.

  • Is it possible to do the trek during the month of February?

    The Salkantay Trek cannot be done in February because it is rainy season in the Andes, which causes dangerous roads, landslides, swollen rivers and unsafe camping conditions. In addition, some routes are closed to avoid accidents.

  • Can I leave extra luggage at the agency's office?

    Yes, you can leave additional luggage free of charge. Just let us know if you are carrying any fragile or technological object to make sure it is handled properly.

  • What time does the train from Aguas Calientes leave?

    The train from Aguas Calientes departs at 14:55 and 21:50. Please note these times in case you have selected an additional circuit (Huayna Picchu mountain or Macchu Picchu mountain).

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour reviews with Howlanders

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