4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Trekking Adventure

DAY 1 CUSCO | MOLLEPATA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SALKANTAYPAMPA

On Day 1 of the trek, we will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and begin our four-hour drive to the starting point of the trek. During the ride, you'll have the opportunity to see the stunning snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica, revered as holy gods by the Incas, along with vibrant landscapes of the upper and lower valleys.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa town, we'll take a break to use restroom facilities, meet our support staff, organize equipment, and introduce ourselves. At around 9:30 am, we’ll start our trek to Humantay Lake, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

At the lake, we’ll marvel at the Humantay glacier and soak in the stunning scenery of Humantay Lake. After spending an hour there, we'll return to Soraypampa for lunch, prepared by our skilled cook. Following our meal, we’ll continue hiking to Salkantaypampa, where we’ll spend the night, surrounded by glacier valleys—perfect for stargazing under a clear, starry sky.

DAY 2 | SALKANTAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY

We’ll begin Day 2 with a wake-up call at 5:00 am and a refreshing cup of coca tea in your tent. After a quick pack-up, we’ll have breakfast and start our hike to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, standing at 4,620 meters (15,255 feet). This 5 km ascent, lasting about 3 hours, will take us through a rocky valley with views of the magnificent Salkantay peak. With some luck, we may spot chinchillas along the trail.

Upon reaching the trail’s summit, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo. Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and is honored as one of the main Inca gods, "Apu Salkantay." Reaching the summit is the trek’s most challenging part, and you’ll feel immense pride and accomplishment.

We’ll then descend for three hours on a winding, rocky path to reach Huayracmachay, where we’ll have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll enter the upper rainforest, also known as the "cloud forest," trekking 9 km for three hours to reach Challway Village, our base campsite at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet). Here, we’ll enjoy the lush forest filled with colorful orchids and native plants, with typically warm and pleasant weather.

DAY 3 | CHAULLAY – LUCMABAMBA – AGUAS CALIENTES

On Day 3, you’ll wake up at 5:30 am to enjoy coca tea and breakfast before beginning the hike to La Playa. The trail meanders through dense jungle along the Salkantay River. Along the way, you’ll pass local hamlets and can taste fresh fruits like passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya. If lucky, you might spot the "Cock of the Rocks" bird.

After hiking 16 km for about 7 hours, we’ll arrive at Lucmabamba, where you’ll set up at the base camp. This town, surrounded by coffee trees, offers basic amenities like toilets, electricity, and souvenir shops. After lunch, you’ll take a local bus for an hour to Hydroelectric and then walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.

DAY 4 | AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO

On Day 4, you’ll experience the highlight of the entire trek: the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We’ll start early at 5:30 am to catch the first bus up to the sanctuary and witness the breathtaking sunrise.

Your guide will accompany you for around 2 hours, explaining the significant features of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. After the guided tour, you'll have some free time to explore the sanctuary on your own and hike Huayna Picchu, if you have booked this option (please note that this separate entrance ticket costs $65 per person).

Later, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take a train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, we'll transfer you back to your hotel, completing the four-day adventure.