Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Name: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Brand: Peru Spirit Adventure
SKU: 5896587112332
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5

| Starting From: $ 0.00 per person

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

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Activity Type

Hiking, Archaeology & Cultural

Max Altitude

Activity Level

Leisurely (Easy, gentle walk, stone steps)

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Peru Spirit Adventure » Tours » Salkantay Treks » Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

The Salkantay trek 4 days is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range; west of Cusco city and it is one of the most beautiful roads in the Andes and one of the best Inca trail alternative trek to Machu Picchu, and this amazing trek runs beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,569 feet).

The tour of Salkantay trail goes from the highlands, passing through a multitude of microclimates, various landscape, getting until (4,650 m/ 15,258ft.), and then descent into Peruvian cloud forest and rainforest. This Salkantay trekking is all about getting away from the overcrowded of the Classic Inca Trail and getting out into the Andes. The Salkantay trek was recently named on the National Geographic Ultimate Adventure bucket list.

Besides, on this trek, you have an amazing view of the rugged Salkantay snow-capped peak (which means Untamed) and Humantay Mountain. The Salkantay trek 4 days includes a good hotel on the third night in Aguas Calientes and a private tour in Machu Picchu. This Salkantay trekking is designed for those travelers with limited time in the Cusco area, but still looking for a real adventure experience in the Andes.

Peru Spirit Adventure organizes daily departures for this unforgettable hike. By the way, the Salkantay Mountain has been worshiped by Quechuas (Andean people) as a god for centuries. Therefore, mountains have played a central role in the astrology and spirituality of Andean cultures. Nowadays it is the second highest peak in Cusco region. The scenery on Salkantay trek 4 days is truly magnificent. Join us and get a lifetime experience with an expert professional guide.

Name of the trek: Salkantay trail
Trek Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Accommodation: 2 nights camping facilities / a hotel on the third night in Aguas Calientes,
Type of Trek: Hiking & camping adventure.
Altitude of the trail: Max. elevation 14,415 feet / Min. elevation 6,560 feet
Group Size: (min 2 – max 8 / average 4).
Level of Difficulty: Moderate & Challenging
Departure Day: Any day with two people, we offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart when it suits you best.
Acclimatization: At least 2 days acclimatization recommended in Cusco prior to the trip.
Location: This Salcantay trek begins 3.5 hours drive through Mollepata village west of Cusco, Peru and begins hiking at Soraypampa.

What's it like

Explore the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes.
Hike through the quiet and remote Salkantay trail crossing over 4,650 m highest point before descending into the cloud forest.
Hike through a fascinating range of bio-diversity ecosystem from highland to jungle.
Harvest, roast, prepare and enjoy your own organic coffee from local coffee farms on day 2.
Visit the picturesque ruins of Llactapata and get an amazing view of Machu Picchu.
Small groups, Big adventure (min 2 – max 8 / average 4).
Visit & explore the legendary of Machu Picchu with a private guide.
Book the Salcantay trail with direct & official local tour operator based in Cusco, managed by locals.

Detailed itinerary of Salkantay trek 4 days

Pre-trek briefing

For Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, you will have a thorough briefing with your experienced adventure tour guide, the night before your trek. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask final questions and make any final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Huyracpampa

The Salkantay tour will start early with pickup at your hotel at 4 am by private transport. Upon leaving Cusco city, we will head through the plateau of Anta and Lima Tambo village to Molletapa town (2,900 m / 9,514 feet), after driving 2 hours. We will stop to use the bathroom. Then we continue driving for 45 minutes to reach the trailhead, called Soraypampa (3,880 m / 12,726 feet). Where we will meet our muleteers and mules. While the muleteers pack our duffel bags up, we will enjoy our breakfast with a beautiful view of the snowcapped mountain of Humantay and Salkantay. After breakfast, we will begin our trekking towards Machu Picchu. The first 3.5 hours of the hike will be a gradual uphill climb until lunch, stopping to view the amazing Vilcabamba mountain range and Salkantay peak. Followed lunch, we will continue one more hour uphill until the highest point of Salkantay trail. After cresting the highest point, we hike downhill for 2 hours to reach the first campsite, known Waracmachay (3900 m. / 12795feet). The downhill trek, while a bit slippery, will allow you a beautiful sunset view before reaching the campsite. Once we get to the campsite the staff of Peru Spirit Adventure will welcome you to your camp and show you to your tent. Then you will have time to take rest and dress with a warm jacket before happy hour. After we will have a happy hour with hot chocolate, milk, coffee, a variety of tea and followed by dinner, and briefing for the second day. If the weather allows, you will get to enjoy the blue sky and see the Inca constellation, eventually, we will go to take a rest and have sweet dreams in the quiet spot.

Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles.
Hiking Time: 7 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time, dinner.
Campsite elevation: 3900M / 12795ft.

Day 2: Huyracpampa – Ccollpapampa – Lucmabamba

We will wake you up early with a steaming cup of coca tea, to help start the day, you will then pack your staff for a day and enjoy the breakfast observing the sunrise over the mountains. Just right after 45 minutes hiking down, we will be getting to the lush high jungle. As we keep going down, we will see some orchids, native flowers, and birds such as hummingbird so on. In the morning, we will hike 4 hours to reach the lunch spot called “Colpapampa”. After Lunch, we continue our trekking for about 4.5 hours to the second campsite. The path is mostly flat with some hilly road along the bank of the river through the jungle. Also, we will have a chance to taste some fruit on the way like “granadilla”, is a local fruit a family of passion fruit and see many different types of plants, flowers, coffee trees, and banana crops. Once reaching to the campsite, called Lucmabamba, which is located at an altitude of (2,100 m / 6,889 feet), we will have free time to take a rest. The campsite on this day is lower than other campsites and a bit warmer. Later on, we will have a delicious afternoon tea and dinner. The second day is the longest day.

Hiking Distance: 21 km / 13 miles.
Hiking Time: 9 hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time, dinner.
Campsite elevation: 2100M / 6889ft.

Day 3: : Lucmabamba – Ruins of Llactapata – Machu Picchu town

After an early wake-up call, we enjoy a final breakfast prepared by the tour’s cook, we will start climbing for around 3 hours to the Llactapata Inca site (2700 meters / 8858ft.). From there, you will have the first glance of Machu Picchu in about 5-km/ 3.11-mile away surrounded by an amazing view of the mountain. After taking some photos, we start descending for 2.5 hours until Hidroelectrica, which is the lunch spot, we will have our last lunch prepared by our chef. After lunch, we will board the train for 1 hour trip to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), we will go to the hotel to make the check-in. Later on, you will have free time to take a rest and take shower. Then we´ll have dinner (this dinner is not included) and briefing for the next day. After the last dinner together, we will go to sleep because the next day, we will wake-up early in order to visit the sacred city of Machu Picchu

Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles.
Hiking Time: 5 Hours approx.
Overnight Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000m/6561ft.

Day 4: Private Guided Tour In Machu Picchu

After having an early breakfast at the hotel, we will go to make a line to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. We will go by bus approximately 30 minutes to Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. The gate to Machu Picchu opens at 6 am. Please also make sure you bring your original passport if you would like to get a Machu Picchu stamp. Assuming the weather cooperates, you will get a great view of the sunrise over the city. After receiving a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will have plenty of time to explore the site for yourself. Additionally, if you have previously booked a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, your guide will show you where to start to hike. Please note that these two additional mountains need to be pre-arranged, as additional permits are required at an additional cost. Alternative free hikes are the Inca Bridge or Sun Gate. Once you are done visiting, you will make your way back to the bus and head down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Finally, you will take the train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, from where we will transfer you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Hiking Distance: 0 km / 0 miles, we will go by bus. 8 km/ 4.9miles.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel.
Machu Picchu ruins elevation: 2400m/7874ft.

A pre-trek briefing the night before the start of your Salkantay trekking.
One English-speaking guide. 2 guides will be provided if the group is over 9 people.
Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead.
Horses and Horseman guides. Horses are for carrying supplies and 8 kg / 16 pounds of your personal items.
An emerging horse that escorts us along the way.
Camping equipment along the Salkantay trail.
Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu ruins.
Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu town.
Entrance fee to Salkantay trail.
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Inca citadel.
3 breakfasts, 3 snack, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, all of which are prepared by our cook and his assistant
Afternoon tea (Happy hour).
4-person capacity tents. 2 people will be assigned per tent.
Foam sleeping mattress.
Water supply (boiled) after every meal.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs.
A duffle bag, to put in your personal belonging, which will be carried by pack horses.
First Aid Kit & oxygen bottle.
1-night hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes.
All local taxes.

Sleeping bag, (you might rent from us).
Hiking poles (you might rent from us).
Entrance to the hot spring in Aguas Calientes.
Gratuities for the crew (muleteers, cook, guide).
Hotel accommodations in Cusco.
Personal expenses (Internet access along the trail, laundry personal taxis).
Travel insurance, we strongly recommend you to bring copies with you of travel and health insurance to protect:
- An insurance of trip cancellation.
- Travel investment (included with your pre-departure tour).
- To cover trip cancellation (baggage loss and delay, emerging medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance)
- Any unexpected situations occurred during the trip and which are beyond our control, including changes in scheduling trains or flights, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc. it should be covered by the passenger as an all.
- If you for physical reasons of health cannot continue the tour and will need emergency evacuation then all charges incurred such as transportation, ambulance, doctors, medication, hospitalization, hotel, etc. will be at passenger’s expense.

Original passport & valid International Student Card (ISIC, if applicable), some copies.
Travel insurance (and some copies).
Sleeping bag (the recommendation is a rating of at least minus 10°c.)
Sleeping bag liner.
Hiking boots (waterproof). Sneakers are acceptable but expect to get wet
Long-sleeved shirts to prevent sunburn.
Trekking poles with rubber covers. Without rubber covers, they will be of limited use.
Comfortable hiking clothes, including warm clothes for the nighttime.
Toilet paper, and face tissue paper.
Headlamp.
Water bottle or canteen.
American dollars and Peruvian soles in cash.
Sun hat, cap, and warm hat and gloves for the nighttime.
Hiking trousers.
Hiking socks.
Sunblock and sunglasses.
Deep or mosquito repellent.
Day Pack: We provide a duffle bag, to put in some personal belonging that will no use during the day, and it will be carried by pack horses, and you will need a small daypack for carrying your water, snacks, camera, rain gear, and layers, sunscreen and bug spray, meds every day. Note: Maximum allowed in Machu Picchu is 25 liters, but the smaller the better.
Rain gear: (you need to have a rain gear. From April- Oct is dry season and from Nov-Mar is the wet season. Just keep in mind that it can rain any time of the year in the cloud forest and in the Peruvian Andes the weather is very changeable and unpredictable, it’s also good to have rain pants, as well, as a poncho will not suffice)
Personal first-aid kit: We recommend you bring anti-inflammatory tablets (ibuprofen), aspirin for headaches or muscle pain and blister kit.). Also, some recommendations meds of the doctor for parasites and stomach bacterial infections (tablets like Ciprofloxacin for bacteria and Metronidazole, Tinidazole) and for high altitude (altitude sickness) Diamox and Ciprofloxacin.

Salkantay trek 4 days / 3 nights to Machu Picchu

In order to reserve this Salkantay trek 4 days tour service, we require all visitors to provide personal information and the date of excursion by filling out the form below. A booking deposit of US$ 250 per person is also required to proceed with your booking. Deposits can be paid through PayPal. There is a 6% fee for deposits using PayPal. Once both aspects of the reservation process are received, we will confirm your booking with us.

Why Peru Spirit Adventures!

Peru Spirit Adventure is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru, in the Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire! Peru Spirit Adventure was founded by a Peruvian with over many years of guiding experience, and is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

We are an agency with a great spirit of adventure and passionate about travel, dedicated to offer the best tourist services, to take you to discover the vast riches, natural and archaeological of each corner of the country.

We provide high quality service as well as focusing on having small groups to enhance the travel experience and customize any tour or trek to suit your travel, fitness, budget, and time preferences. This is what makes us stand out from other tour operators.

We create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. Our guides in Peru are hand selected by the owners of Peru Spirit Adventure. All guides for our tours and treks are native to Peru and speak fluent English to ensure excellent communication and a positive experience overall.

We pride ourselves on providing 5 star service before, during, and after your trip. Peru Spirit Adventure is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences. We have been awarded from Trip Advisor the Certificate of Excellence for the last three years. Please check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself!

We are direct operators of all the tours and treks we offer, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours to Peruvian Andes. Please email us to customize your trip in Peru.

Our tours & treks are operated in private service with a mínimum of 2 people to confirm the departure – Max 8 / Average 4 guests, ensuring a small group feel and specialized attention.

We are a responsible and sustainable tour operator – Our mission is to provide exceptional tours, treks, and adventure trips. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local people and natural environments we visit. We pay fair, livable wages, ensuring we hire and maintain the absolute best guides and support staff. We are proud of our team without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clie