Salkantay Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu

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Trek information

DAY 1 Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon

We pick you up from your hotels starting at 4:30 AM, departing from Cusco at 5:00 AM passing through Izcuchaca and Limatambo, arriving at Mollepata where we will pay S/20.00 for entrance to Humantay Lagoon. We will be there approximately at 8:00 am where we will have breakfast, and then deliver 5 kg to our muleteer.

We board the bus again from Mollepata to Marqoq'asa for 1 hour, then begin the hike to the viewpoint where we can appreciate the Humantay snow-capped mountain and Inca channels. We continue for 3.5 hours to the lunch point and Soraypampa campsite.

Humantay Lagoon: 1 hour 20 minute ascent to the lagoon (4220 m) to appreciate its turquoise color and the Apu Humantay snow-capped mountain. 40 minute descent to Soraypampa. Tea time at 6:00 pm, then dinner and rest in cabins.

Distance: Marqoq'asa to Soraypampa – 14 km / 5 hours

Accommodation: Rustic cabins in Soraypampa with 13cm sleeping mats.

DAY 2 Soraypampa – Salkantay – Colpapampa

At 5:00 am we will have breakfast and then continue our hike at 6:30 am. We make a gradual ascent for 4 hours to the Salkantay Pass located at 4650 m. On this route we will pass through Salkantaypampa and Soyroq'ocha.

At the pass we will make a small offering with coca leaves to our Pachamama and the Apu Salkantay, and talk about Inca history and religion. We descend for 2.5 hours to the lunch point Huayracpampa where we will spend 1.5 hours enjoying lunch.

We continue the hike from 4100 m to 2900 m for 3.5 hours through the cloud forest, arriving at the Colpapampa campsite where we will have tea and dinner.

Distance: 22 km – 10 hours

Accommodation: Domes in Colpapampa with 13cm sleeping mats.

DAY 3 Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

We will have breakfast at 6:00 am, then hike for 5.5 hours through the cloud forest with flat ascents and descents. Along this route we will see coffee plantations, orchids, begonias, bromeliads and many natural plants used for natural medicine.

We arrive at our lunch point Playa Sahuayaco where we will have lunch. Then we take transportation to Hydroelectric (S/30 to S/40 soles additional) and then hike for 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. We will spend the night in a hotel and have the final dinner at a restaurant.

Distance: Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayaco: 12 km / 5.5 hours; Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes: 3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot shower and WiFi.

DAY 4 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will wake up very early to visit Machu Picchu, where we will have a guided tour of the citadel to visit temples, terraces, palaces and agricultural terraces. Then you will have time to take photos and explore on your own. Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes town to wait for your train.

Note: If you wish to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, the entrance would be in the first time slot from 6 am – 8 am. Please note that you will not have the guided tour of Machu Picchu due to time constraints. These mountains are not included in the package.

Return: Expedition train 14:55 or 21:50 to Ollantaytambo + transfer to Cusco (Regocijo Square).

Includes: CONSETUR bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (one way).

INCLUDED Services included

Transportation: Cusco-Mollepata (2h30), Mollepata-Challacancha (45 min), Ollantaytambo-Cusco (Regocijo Square).
Tickets: Machu Picchu entrance.
Return train: Expedition 14:55 or 21:50.
Accommodation: Cabins/domes in campsites (13cm sleeping mats) + hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Support staff: Official guide (3 years experience, max 17 people), specialized cook, muleteers and horses (5kg of personal luggage for the first 3 days).
Meals: 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 02 snacks, 03 dinners, coca tea each morning.
Safety: Oxygen, first aid kit, communication radios.
Additional equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpack transport Hydroelectric-Aguas Calientes, CONSETUR bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu.
First breakfast: Included.

NOT INCLUDED Services not included

Lunch on the last day (Day 4).
Extra services and expenses (water during the trek, snacks).
Tips / Gratuities (optional).
Entrance to Humantay Lagoon (S/20.00 soles - paid on site).
Transportation Playa Sahuayaco – Hydroelectric (S/30 to S/40 soles).
Travel insurance (recommended to purchase).
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional +$65.00 USD).

RECOMMENDATIONS What to bring

Original passport (mandatory).
ISIC student card (if applicable).
Warm clothing (thermal shirts, vest, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat).
Waterproof trekking boots.
Trekking poles.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat.
Water (at least 2 liters).
Camera.
Cash (soles) for extra payments (lagoon entrance, transportation, tips).
Personal medication.
Toilet paper, hand sanitizer.
Headlamp with extra batteries.
Swimsuit for hot springs (optional).

Note: You can leave 5kg of luggage for the horses during the first 3 days. Entrance to Humantay Lagoon (S/20) and transportation Playa-Hydroelectric (S/30-40) are paid in cash during the trek.

PRICE Per person

$490.00 USD

* Price per person in shared group (max. 17 people)

** Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: +$65.00 USD (subject to availability)

*** Does not include Humantay Lagoon entrance (S/20) or Playa-Hydroelectric transportation (S/30-40)

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before experiencing this incredible adventure through the Andes

The Salkantay Trek has a MODERATE TO CHALLENGING difficulty level. It is more demanding than the Classic Inca Trail, but the landscape rewards are impressive.

Key trek facts:

Total distance: Approximately 60 km (4 days)
Maximum altitude: 4,650 masl (Salkantay Pass)
Minimum altitude: 2,040 masl (Aguas Calientes)
Most demanding day: Day 2 (22 km, 10 hours, climb to the highest pass)

Who can do it?

People in good physical condition accustomed to long hikes
Previous mountain trekking experience is recommended
Recommended age: 15 to 65 years (older people should consult their doctor)
It is essential to arrive in Cusco 2-3 days before to acclimatize to the altitude

Recommended training: 5-6 hour hikes with a backpack, resistance exercises and leg strengthening 2-3 months before the trek.

The weather on the Salkantay Trek is extremely variable due to the different ecological zones you cross.

By day and zone:

Day 1 - High Andean zone: Intense cold (0°C to 10°C), strong sun during the day, below freezing temperatures at night in Soraypampa.
Day 2 - Salkantay Pass: Very cold, strong winds, possible snow or hail at the 4,650 masl pass.
Day 3 - Cloud forest: Warm and humid (15°C to 25°C), high probability of rain.
Day 4 - Low jungle: Hot and humid (20°C to 30°C), frequent rains.

Seasons:

Dry season (April - October): Best time, sunny days, cold nights. Ideal for the trek.
Rainy season (November - March): Frequent rains, slippery trails, possibility of closures. Can be done but with more caution.

Recommendation: Wear layered clothing (onion system) to adapt to sudden temperature changes. The rain poncho is MANDATORY!

The Salkantay Trek includes muleteer service with horses to transport your main equipment during the first 3 days.

Weight distribution:

For the horses: You can give up to 5 kg of personal luggage (backpack or duffel bag). This includes warm clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
Your personal backpack: You will carry your daypack with approximately 3-5 kg (water, snacks, camera, light jacket, sunscreen, etc.)

What happens on Day 3?

After lunch at Playa Sahuayaco, the horses no longer continue.
We hire additional transportation (S/30-40 soles) to take your large backpack from Playa Sahuayaco to Aguas Calientes.
You walk light from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (3 hours along the train tracks).

Important tips:

Use a waterproof backpack or rain cover.
Don't bring unnecessary valuables.
Sleeping bags and trekking poles can be rented (inquire about availability).

Essential documents:

Original passport (same one you booked with - MANDATORY for Machu Picchu)
Immigration card (TAM)
ISIC card (if you are a student, for discounts)

Clothing and equipment (for 4 days):

3-4 quick-dry shirts (avoid cotton)
2 trekking pants (convertible to shorts)
1 warm fleece or polar jacket
1 windbreaker/waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
Waterproof rain poncho (MANDATORY)
Waterproof trekking boots, already broken in (never wear new ones)
Sandals or crocs to rest at the campsite
Thermal underwear (recommended for day 2)
Gloves and wool hat (for extreme cold)

Equipment and accessories:

Trekking poles (reduce impact on knees)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat and sunglasses
Reusable water bottle (minimum 2 liters) + water purification tablets
Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, chocolate)
Toilet paper and trash bags (leave no trace)
Personal basic first aid kit
Cash in soles (for Humantay Lake entrance S/20, Playa-Hydroelectric transport S/30-40, tips)
Camera

Items you can rent (inquire):

Sleeping bag (essential for cold nights)
Trekking poles
Inflatable sleeping pad (if you want more comfort)

The return is included in the tour and has several stages:

Day 4 - Return:

After Machu Picchu: You go down by CONSETUR bus to Aguas Calientes (only the way up is included, the way down you pay or walk)
In Aguas Calientes: You have free time for lunch (not included)
Return train: You board the Expedition train (PeruRail) bound for Ollantaytambo. Available schedules: 2:55 pm or 9:50 pm (confirmed at booking)
In Ollantaytambo: A bus awaits to take you back to Cusco (Plaza Regocijo - historic center)

Train options:

Expedition (included): Economy train with panoramic windows, comfortable seats and onboard snack.
Vistadome (upgrade +$): Train with ceiling windows, dance show and improved onboard service.

Estimated arrival time in Cusco: