Cachilife Perú – Vive el Perú con espíritu aventurero

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Days |
3 Nigths

General description

The 4-day Salkantay trek is ideal for adventurers who enjoy diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to towering snow-capped peaks. Along the journey, you’ll traverse breathtaking snowy mountains, witness a sacred Inca peak, and explore the subtropical jungle beneath Machu Picchu. A highlight of the trek is the stunning, crystal-clear Humantay Lake. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay route has fewer restrictions, offering an alternative and more flexible path to reach Machu Picchu.

Pre-trek briefing:
You will have an exhaustive information session with your guide 1 day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights. Your guide is allowed in your hotel and can take this opportunity to ask questions and make final preparations.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

The adventure starts early, with a hotel pickup at 5:00 am followed by a 4-hour drive to Mollepata, offering stunning views of the Salkantay and Veronica mountains. After a stop in Soraypampa for breakfast and preparation, the trek to Humantay Lake (4200 m) begins, lasting around 3 hours round trip. After admiring the glacial lake, the journey continues to Salkantaypampa for an overnight stay under a clear, starlit sky.

  • Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
  • Hiking Time: ~5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Campsite Elevation: 4,220 m / 13,779 ft

Meals:Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4150 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl
Distance Travelled: 11km approx

The day starts at 5:00 am with coca tea before a challenging ascent to the highest point of the trek—Salkantay Pass (4620 m / 15,255 ft). The steep 3 km climb takes around 3 hours, offering breathtaking views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo peaks. After reaching the summit, a 3-hour descent follows to Huayracmachay for lunch. The trek then continues into the cloud forest, surrounded by vibrant orchids and lush vegetation, ending at the campsite in Challway Village (2900 m).

  • Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
  • Hiking Time: ~10 hours
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft

The morning begins at 5:30 am with breakfast, followed by a scenic hike through the jungle, along the Salkantay River, and past local farms growing coffee, bananas, and avocados. The trek reaches Lucmabamba (16 km / ~7 hours), where lunch and a coffee-tasting session await. From there, a local van transports the group to Hydroelectric, where a train ride (45 minutes) leads to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

  • Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
  • Hiking Time: ~6 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day four is the most special: the visit to Machu Picchu. We will start early by taking the bus to the citadel. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, we will present our passports before ascending to the main viewpoint, the perfect spot for capturing the iconic Machu Picchu photo. Then, we will follow Circuit 2.

For approximately two hours, the guide will explain the most important aspects of the site. Those who have booked access to Huayna Picchu (an additional $65 entrance fee) will have the option to hike it. Finally, we will return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cusco, arriving at the hotel around 7:30 pm.

Included

PROFESSIONAL AND TRAINED STAFF

  • Experienced bilingual tour guide
  • Assistant tour guide (groups more than 9 people)
  • Professional cooks
  • Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.

EQUIPMENT:

  • EUREKA and DOITE camping equipment
  • Dining tent, well-equipped
  • Duffle bag (duffle bag for your belongings)
  • Inflatable mattresses or mats/brand: “Therm-A-Rest” or “Rei” (you need to carry)
  • Inflatable pillow (you need to carry)

EMERGENCY KIT:

  • First aid kit
  • Oxygen bottles

PERMITS AND ENTRANCE:

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
  • Entrance ticket to Salkantay

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 2 nights in comfortable and spacious tents
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes – Day 03.

FOOD AND WATER:

  • 03 Breakfasts, 03 Lunches, 03 Afternoon Snacks, and 03 Dinners
  • Boiled water for the trekking (day 1 is on your own) – bring a camelback or a bottle to refill with water.
  • If you have a dietary request, such as vegetarian food, please let us know when booking and reconfirm the day of our briefing.

TRANSPORT:

  • Pick up from your hotel/Airbnb located around the Historic Center of Cusco.
  • Transport to Soraypampa
  • Return train Aguas Calientes — Ollantaytambo (Expedition (Peru Rail) or Voyager (Inca Rail))
  • Consettur Bus (Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes)
  • Return transport to Cusco

OTHER:

  • Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will be woken up with a cup of coca tea!
  • Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.

Not Included

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$ 25.00
  • A Pair of Walking Sticks (Can be hired from us). US$ 20.00
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 04.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 65.00
  • Tips.
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip

Recommendations

  • Identification: Original passport and ISIC international student card (if applicable).
  • Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes and a pair of sandals.
  • Clothing: Warm layers such as thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, and socks, along with waterproof gear like a poncho. Lightweight clothing including socks, trousers, shorts, and t-shirts.
  • Sun & Insect Protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Hydration: Durable water bottles (e.g., Nalgene).
  • Health & Comfort: Basic medications, walking sticks, swimsuit, towel, and personal hygiene items.
  • Food & Energy: Personal snacks for extra nourishment during the trek.

Prices

PRICE: 610 USD per person

Discounts:

Student Discount: US$20.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount. Please send all to info@cachilifeperu.com
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:

The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy

Rentals:

Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00

Frequently Asked Questions:

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION

How to book the Salkantay trek private tours with Cach Life Peru

To reserve your Salkantay trek 4-day private service, please find the “book now” button on our website. once you click the button, you will be redirected to a booking platform where you can choose your desired departure date and provide essential personal information about each participant. the payment process can be completed using either a credit card or a debit card.

If you are interested in additional options like the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, we recommend booking them simultaneously with your Salkantay trek reservation. this approach ensures that you don’t miss out on any possible opportunities due to availability. You can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.

We will send you a confirmation email once your Salkantay trek reservation has been secured to ensure a meticulously organized and successful trip. we guarantee that it will proceed as planned once the start date is confirmed.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Certainly! During the 4-day Salkantay private trek to Machu Picchu, we provide a luggage storage facility at our office. we kindly request that you only bring the essentials necessary for the duration of your hike to Machu Picchu.

What about the outstanding balance?

We would like to inform you that settling your outstanding balance can be done efficiently and securely with our various payment options. you may choose to pay in cash, either in USD or soles, one day prior to your trip. for your convenience, credit card payments can also be made with a 5% service fee. please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.

Please note that cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip without exception. we appreciate your prompt attention in settling your outstanding balance and look forward to providing you with the best service possible.

How about the student discount?

Please note that individuals who are 18 years or older must present a valid student card in order to be eligible for discounts on the tour. for students aged 11-17 years, a discount of $30 USD applies, while children aged 2-11 years can avail of a discount of $40 USD. in order to obtain the student discount, please ensure that a copy of your passport and student card are sent to our team at the time of booking via email to info@cachilifeperu.com

May I change the departure date after the reservation has been made?

We regret to inform you that modifications to Salkantay trek reservations depend on availability and logistics such as campsites, transportation, and train tickets. changes after confirmation may not always be possible. please let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer or concerns we can address. thank you for your understanding.

Do I need to bring my original passport on the private Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu?

We kindly remind you that it is imperative to bring your original passport for your upcoming private Salkantay trek 4-day tour. it is highly important that the passport you bring is the same one you provided to us during the reservation process. your passport will be checked at Machu Picchu and when boarding the train.

Updating passport numbers

If you are in the process of renewing your passport and planning to book the Salkantay private guided trek, we kindly request that you email us a copy of your old passport for verification purposes. in case you do not possess your old passport anymore, any valid government-issued identity card can be presented as long as it bears the same name.

Furthermore, once you receive your new passport, we sincerely ask that you immediately email us a copy of it to modify the information on your reservation. it is essential to ensure that all details on your reservation match those on your passport exactly to avoid any inconvenience during your private premium Salkantay Tours.

What is the schedule of my train ticket?

Typically, return train tickets are reserved for departure at 14:55 pm or 15:20 on day 4, allowing arrivals in Cusco at 07:00 pm. This itinerary allows for sufficient rest and the opportunity to participate in tours such as Rainbow Mountain on the subsequent day.

Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Private Salkantay trek 4 days?

We recommend that you consider staying in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo during your visit to the sacred valley. by opting for accommodation in this area, your pick-up time will be scheduled an hour and a half after the usual pick-up time in Cusco, which will allow you some more time to rest.

If I cancel my Salkantay private tour. do I get any refund?

If you are unable to join us for any reason such as illness, missing your flight, or a natural disaster, we regret to inform you that certain expenses will already have been incurred, such as train tickets or campsite bookings. please note that these are non-refundable and non-transferable. we understand that unexpected changes can occur, and we want to assure you that we will always do our best to be reasonable and only charge you for any expenses that have already been incurred.

What time will we get to Machu Picchu?

our group’s usual arrival time to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) is in the afternoon of day 3. on day 4, the visit to Machu Picchu typically begins early in the morning. you can expect to be at Machu Picchu around 6:00 to 7:00 am depending on bus availability and schedule.

Will water be provided?

We recommend that you purchase 2 liters of water for the first day of your trek for adequate hydration. From the second day onwards, we will supply you with boiled water three times a day — after breakfast, during lunchtime, and at dinner. this measure has been implemented for your health and safety, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trekking journey.

What kinds of reusable water bottles should we bring to the Salkantay Trek private Tours 4 days?

From march 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste will be strictly prohibited while trekking on the Salkantay route for 4 days and 3 nights. to comply with this policy, we kindly ask that all guests bring their own personal reusable water bottles to be filled with the water we provide. we suggest opting for a bladder, hard shell bottle, or pouch that is most convenient for your needs. this measure is part of our ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of this iconic landmark. thank you for your cooperation in this endeavor.

Is there an age limit for the Private Salkantay trek tour 4 days?

It is important to note that there is no age limit for the Salkantay private tours 4-days 3 nights. however, for safety purposes, we recommend a minimum age of 6 years old. this is due to the presence of steep sections that may prove challenging for younger individuals. our team prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers, and we believe that this recommendation will help ensure an enjoyable, memorable, and safe experience for all who embark on this journey with us. we appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience on the Salkantay trek.

How many kilos is it allowed to carry on the Salkantay trek?

As per our porter and horse policy, our staff and horses carry the necessary camping equipment. however, we understand that as a guest, you may wish to carry your own personal belongings, there is no weight limit for guests. so you can carry the weight that you want. we saw some people carrying up to 30 kg.

Is there any location where I can plug and charge my electronic devices on the Salkantay trek?

Please note that electricity is only available at certain lodges or campsites depending on the itinerary. to ensure a comfortable stay, we highly recommend that all visitors bring along extra portable battery packs or power banks to keep their devices charged.

What is the temperature rating of Cachi life Peru sleeping bags?

We offer top-quality mummy-style sleeping bags that are designed for use in temperatures as low as -15°c / 5°f.

Which campsites do you usually book for your groups?

During the booking process, you will be presented with different campsite or lodge options depending on availability. the locations usually include Soraypampa, Chaullay, Lucmabamba, or Collpapampa as part of the standard Salkantay route. these options allow you to arrive in Machu Picchu town on day 3 and visit Machu Picchu early on day 4.

Starting from

US$610 USD

Duration

4 Days

Destination

Cusco

Type of activity

Alternative Treks to Machupicchu, Trekking in Cusco

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