SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
4 Days & 3 Night
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4600 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
4 Days
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU – 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS
Hike the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Machupicchu Condor Trek. Cross snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay, high mountain lakes, cloud forests, and reach Machu Picchu on an unforgettable adventure.
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHUPICCHU TRIP DETAILS
DAY 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAGOON - SOYROCOCCHA.
Your adventure begins early with a 4:30 a.m. hotel pick-up by MachuPicchu Condor Trek staff. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour private bus ride to Soraypampa, passing through Andean towns like Iscuchaca and Limatambo, surrounded by valleys and views of the snow-capped Salkantay.
Stop in Mollepata for breakfast (not included) before reaching Soraypampa. At the trailhead, enjoy coca tea while taking in the breathtaking views of Humantay Glacier (5,900 m / 19,356 ft) and Salkantay (6,217 m / 20,396 ft).
Begin the 2.5-hour round-trip hike to Humantay Lagoon, marvel at the crystal-clear waters, then return to Soraypampa for a delicious lunch. After a short rest, continue to Salkantay Pampa or Soyroccocha Camp (4,400 m / 14,517 ft). At camp, enjoy afternoon tea, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to challenging
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
DAY 2: SOYROCOCHA - SALKANTAY PASS - HUAYRACMACHAY - CHAULLAY - LUCMABAMBA.
Machupicchu Condor Trek staff will wake you up with a hot cup of tea in your tent before breakfast. After a hearty breakfast, we hike uphill for about 1 hour to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,367 ft). Here, be amazed by breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the surrounding jungle valley. This sacred mountain (Apu, Andean God) holds cultural significance, and your guide will explain its importance in traditional Andean beliefs. Time for photos and to soak in the views.
We then descend for 2 hours to Huayracmachay, where a hot lunch awaits. Continue descending for 3 hours through lush green valleys to the rural community of Chaullay, witnessing the change from the dry Andean highlands to the warm, humid Amazon region.
From Chaullay, take local transportation to Lucmabamba (2,050 m / 6,767 ft), where we spend the night. Explore the coffee plantations, learning about the cultivation process and preparing your own coffee. Walk through banana, orange, and avocado fields, enjoying the diverse ecosystems. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
- Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
DAY 3: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA - HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT - AGUAS CALIENTES
After our final breakfast prepared by the cook, we hike 3 hours uphill along an ancient Inca trail to Puncuyoc Pass (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), enjoying views of deep valleys and fruit plantations. Continue to the Inca site of Llactapata, located across the valley from Machu Picchu, with impressive views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Aobamba Canyon.
After a short rest and snacks, descend 2 hours to the Hydroelectric Station, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- Distance: 15 km / 9 mi
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Enjoy an unforgettable day at Machu Picchu with our professional guide. From your hotel, take the bus to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over the Inca citadel. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, visiting the most important areas and having time for photos.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, which requires a mandatory reservation made well in advance, as daily permits are limited and sell out quickly. From the top, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you may continue exploring the citadel or relax in Aguas Calientes.
Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, return by Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco.
- Highlight: Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu
- Area: Subtropical forest
- Weather: Varied
- Meals included: Breakfast
INCLUDED
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco is optional
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
- Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata-Soraypampa (starting point of the trek).
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu.
- Entry fee to salkantay Trek.
- English speaking, experienced professional Tour guide.
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent).
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientas to Machu Picchu (Two way).
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
- Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules.
- Basic foam sleeping mattress.
- Excellent Meals: Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all before rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
- Boiled water to refill your bottles (for drinking) every morning
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- All local taxes.
NOT INCLUDED
- First day breakfast.
- Last day Lunch/ dinner.
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($75).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the crew (horse man, chef and guide)
- Sleeping bag. If you don’t want to bring your own, you can hire this from us.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
The Salkantay Trek and Machupicchu 4 Days 3 Nights is a challenging high-altitude adventure, requiring thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it begins early in the morning, make sure to pack the following essential items:
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones).
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG (The horse will carry it)
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack.
RECOMENDAMOS LLEVAR:
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 3 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 2 Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $25 USD.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO CARRY IN THE DAYPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch. Bring your own water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
SALKANTAY TREK WITH MACHUPICCHU TOUR PRICE
Permits are required for your selected start date. Tour prices vary based on the group size.
The Saltantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done at any time of the year, as long as we have a minimum of 2 traveling tourists!
GROUP TOUR PRICE PER PERSON
A group tour means other trekkers can join your adventure. You’ll hike with people of different fitness levels, but our expert guides ensure everyone enjoys the journey at their own pace
$550 USD per person with 3* hotel
$520 USD per person (hotel not included).
- Feel free to choose and book your own hotel for a more flexible and comfortable travel experience!
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE PER PERSON:
2-3 Trekkers: $620 per person
4-5 Trekkers: $585 per person
- For groups of 6 or more travelers, please contact us for a special group price: info@www.machupicchucondortrek.com
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group Size
Up to 16
Activity Level
Moderate
Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu
4/Days
FROM
520
$
USD
Per Person
SALCANTAY TREK DAILY VIDEOS: SEE WHAT EACH DAY IS LIKE!
THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK DIFFERENCE
Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.
Camping Equipment
7 kg personal porters included
Private restroom tents
Safety on the Inca Trail
Social Projects
The best trekking food in Peru!
MEET THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK TREKKING TEAM!
The majority of our team has been with us from the beginning, witnessing the evolution of Roots & Rhythms and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team who share our mission of delivering authentic and transformative experiences. With Roots & Rhythms, you’ll not only explore New Orleans, but you’ll also fall in love with the people who make it special.”
Our Super Porters
Equality Matters
Our Guides
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VIDEOS OF MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK STAFF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Machupicchu Condor Trek, we understand that travel can present logistical problems, so we are committed to making your experience as safe as possible. We have a detailed manual that covers all logistical aspects, from proper storage of camping equipment to recommendations on accommodation and restaurants in Cusco. In addition, our staff is available at all times to answer any additional questions you may have. From your arrival to your last day in Cusco.
SIMILAR TRIPS IN CUSCO
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Machupicchu Condor Trek is Latin America’s most sought-after 4-day trek, featuring unmatched ecological diversity and iconic Inca archaeological sites.
This Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N route follows quieter campsites away from crowds, making it ideal for families and seniors, and culminates with a perfectly guided tour of the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu.
This 7-day Salkantay & Inca Trail trek offers a unique adventure through stunning natural landscapes, featuring views of the snow-capped Salkantay, the original Inca Trail, and iconic sites like Wiñay Wayna near Machu Picchu.
Walk the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hiking through the national park, camping in lush vegetation, exploring impressive Inca ruins, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with spectacular views.
The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers with limited time, combining scenic train travel, a short hike, and stunning Inca archaeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IN TRIP ADVISOR
Our goal at Machupicchu Condor Trek is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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