Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days

Experience the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days with this well-regarded tour, priced at $590 per person. Starting in Cusco, you’ll traverse towering peaks, lush forests, and vibrant communities before arriving at the iconic Inca citadel. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 50 reviews, this trek is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and authentic encounters.

What we love most about this trek is how it balances challenging hikes with moments of quiet reflection at stunning spots like Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass. Plus, the inclusion of comfortable Eco Lodges and private domes offers a touch of luxury amidst the wilderness. That said, the route is physically demanding, especially on Day 2, so a good level of fitness is essential.

If you’re someone who enjoys breathtaking scenery, cultural moments, and a bit of adventure, this tour fits the bill. It’s best for travelers who value guided local insights and are prepared for daily walks that push your limits, but also crave the comfort of carefully arranged accommodations and hearty, locally prepared meals.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Expect panoramic mountain views, lush forests, and the unique Salkantay snow-capped peaks.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit local plantations, relax at Eco Lodges, and enjoy fresh, homemade Peruvian cuisine.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: The tour balances challenging hikes with rest stops and sightseeing, ensuring a good rhythm.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of local history and nature.
• Comfort & Convenience: Lodging in eco-domes and hotels, plus included transportation, make the journey smoother.
• Physical Demand: The trek involves significant uphill walking and altitude changes; good fitness helps.

A Deep Dive into the 4-Day Salkantay Trek Experience

Starting Point in Cusco

Your adventure begins bright and early in Cusco, the historic capital of the Incas. The tour company typically picks you up at 5:00 a.m., with a private transfer to meet your guide and cook. Having your original passport ready is essential — it’s required at control points along the route. This early start might be challenging for some, but it ensures you maximize your time in the mountains and arrive early at Machu Picchu.

Day 1: From Cusco to Soraypampa via Mollepata and Challacancha

The first leg of your journey involves a scenic 2-hour drive through the valleys and snowy peaks of the Peruvian highlands. We loved the way the landscape unfolds during this trip — vibrant valleys, distant glaciers, and farmhouses dotting the landscape.

Your first stop is Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a local breakfast. This is a great chance to taste traditional Peruvian food and get a feel for rural life. Walking from Challacancha to Soraypampa spans about 10 km over roughly 3 hours. The terrain is mostly stone, but manageable with proper footwear, and the views of Nevado Salkantay and surrounding mountains are spectacular.

Here, you’ll meet the muleteers and horses that will carry your gear and supplies, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the natural surroundings. The highlight is visiting Laguna Humantay in the afternoon. This short 1.5-hour hike climbs to a stunning glacier-fed lagoon at 4200 meters. The reviews highlight this as one of the most beautiful spots on the trek, perfect for photos and quiet contemplation.

At night, you’ll stay in Eco Lodges in Soraypampa, enjoying a cozy dinner and possibly stargazing — an activity many reviews rave about, thanks to the clear mountain skies.

Day 2: The Ascent to Salkantay Pass

This is the most physically demanding day of the trek. You’ll wake early — around 5 a.m. — and start ascending towards Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters. The ascent takes about three hours across a rocky trail, but the payoff is immense. From this vantage point, you’ll see breath-taking views of Salkantay Mountain (the second highest in the region) and other snowy summits.

Many travelers, including one who described the day as “quite challenging,” find this part physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. The weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for possible clouds or sun; clear days will give you the best views.

After reaching the summit, you’ll descend into Huayracmachay, a place that offers a warm, cloud-forest environment. Here, a hearty lunch awaits — a welcome reward after the climb. The afternoon descent takes you through lush forests to Colpapampa, a charming town at 2900 meters.

Day 3: From Eco Lodges to Aguas Calientes

The third day offers a change of pace — a mix of agricultural visits and a scenic walk along the famous train tracks to Aguas Calientes. You’ll start with breakfast and a walk through local plantations, including coffee farms. Travelers have enjoyed visiting these farms and tasting freshly roasted coffee, emphasizing how this adds an authentic touch to the journey.

The walk from Sahuayaco to Aguas Calientes takes around three hours, passing lush cloud forests and the impressive Inca sundial called Intihuatana. Many reviews praise the guides for making this segment interesting and accessible, even for less experienced hikers.

Arriving in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom, ready for your early start the next day. Dinner here includes a briefing about your visit to Machu Picchu, an important detail for planning your early morning departure.

Day 4: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

The highlight is visiting Machu Picchu early in the morning, typically around 6:30 a.m. after a bus ride up from Aguas Calientes. The guided tour lasts about two hours, during which you’ll learn about the site’s fascinating history and architecture.

Many travelers find this early visit gives a rare chance to explore Machu Picchu without the crowds. The free time afterwards allows for exploration, photos, and possibly climbing Huayna Picchu, if available — a bucket-list activity for many (though subject to availability).

Your return journey involves taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, then a bus to Cusco. The tour includes all transportation and tickets, making logistics much easier and letting you focus on the experience.

Authentic Details and Traveler Insights

Several reviewers mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness as standout features. One noted that Gilber was very knowledgeable and engaging, making the long days more enjoyable. Others appreciated the delicious, well-prepared meals — especially after demanding days of hiking, good food is a vital perk.

However, some reviews warn about safety concerns. One guest expressed disappointment that the guide did not carry first aid or oxygen, which are supposedly included in the itinerary. It’s a reminder that safety measures are crucial, especially at high altitudes, and travelers should verify these details before booking.

The accommodations—from eco-lodges in Soraypampa and Sahuayaco to a hotel in Aguas Calientes—offer a mix of rustic charm and comfort. Many reviews highlight the luxury eco-domes in Sahuayaco as a highlight, providing a cozy retreat after challenging hikes.

Analyzing the Value

At $590 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience — including guides, transportation, food, entrance fees, and accommodations. For the price, you get a well-rounded adventure with authentic touches like local meals, visits to farms, and stays in eco-lodges. The inclusion of all meals, especially vegetarian and special diets, adds to the value, considering how remote the areas are.

Though physically demanding, the trek’s mix of landscapes and cultural stops balances the challenge. The early start and long days might not suit everyone, but for those prepared, the payoff is a profound sense of achievement and stunning scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers with a moderate to high fitness level who want to combine adventure with comfort. It’s ideal for those eager to see diverse environments — from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests — while enjoying hearty, authentic food along the way. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics, you’ll find this trek delivers.

If you’re looking for a less demanding or more luxurious experience, you might want to consider alternatives, but for a rewarding, active exploration of the mountains and Machu Picchu, this tour hits most marks.

Final Thoughts

The 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and adventure logistics. The well-structured itinerary ensures you experience some of the best scenery Peru has to offer, while the thoughtfully arranged accommodations and meals make the journey comfortable.

You’ll love the way the tour showcases mountain vistas and local life, leaving you with lasting memories. The guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude can turn this demanding trek into a truly enjoyable experience. The optional climb to Huayna Picchu or exploring Machu Picchu on your own adds flexibility for those wanting a deeper connection with this incredible site.

While safety and physical readiness are essential considerations, many travelers find that the effort is well worth it — a rewarding way to see Peru’s most famous spot from a different, more adventurous perspective.

FAQ

• Is this tour suitable for beginners?
  The trek is physically demanding, especially on Day 2, so it’s best for travelers with a decent fitness level who are prepared for uphill walking and high altitudes.

• Are vegetarian and special diets accommodated?
  Yes, the tour offers vegetarian, vegan, and other special diet meals, prepared by the cook and kitchen staff.

• What’s included in the price?
  The package covers guides, transportation, entrance tickets, accommodations in eco-lodges and hotels, all meals, and some equipment. Luggage up to 7 kg is also carried for you.

• Do I need my passport every day?
  Yes, original passports are required at control points along the route and at Machu Picchu.

• Can I climb Huayna Picchu?
  Yes, if available, and you’ve purchased the optional ticket. It’s a popular way to see Machu Picchu from above.

• What about safety concerns?
  Some reviews mention that safety measures like first aid kits and oxygen balloons might not always be provided as promised, so check with your operator beforehand.

• How long is the trek each day?
  Days vary from 3 to 12 hours of walking, with the most strenuous day being Day 2.

• What kind of accommodations are provided?
  Options include eco-lodges, private domes, and hotels in Aguas Calientes, offering a good mix of rustic charm and comfort.

• When should I book this tour?
  On average, travelers book about 43 days in advance, especially considering the limited availability of Machu Picchu tickets and Huayna Picchu.

Embarking on the Salkantay Trek is no small feat, but it’s undoubtedly rewarding for those ready for the challenge. With stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a taste of local life, this journey offers a genuine adventure into the heart of Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.