Compare 4-day Salkantay Treks from our trusted local partners and book with Wander Free Peru – fast replies, personal and honest support, and no extra cost. We reserve your Machu Picchu ticket right away to avoid sold-out dates.
KB
Adventures
Price including Machu Picchu ticket (adult) and return by train: $320
PREMIUM
TOUR OPERATOR
Salkantay
Trekking
Price including Machu Picchu ticket (adult) and return by train: $595
Why book your 4-day Salkantay Trek with Wander Free Peru?
When you compare 4-day Salkantay Treks through Wander Free Peru, you’re not just choosing from great local partners. You also get expert guidance, fast and honest responses, and personal support to help you prepare with confidence.
Booking through us costs the same as booking directly with the operator — but with extra service and local support included at no extra charge.
We’re based in Peru, we’ve done the treks ourselves, and we know the Salkantay region. That means honest advice, helpful tips, and smooth coordination from start to finish.
We respond quickly to all your questions and help you before, during, and after your trip — in English, Dutch, or Spanish.
As soon as you book, we reserve your Machu Picchu entrance ticket to avoid the risk of sold-out dates — so you can relax and focus on your adventure.
We work with reliable local operators offering the 4-day Salkantay Trek. You choose the experience that fits you — and we take care of the rest.
Accommodations KB Adventures
Day 1 – Soraypampa
Day 2 – Colcapampa
Accommodations Salkantay Trekking
Day 1 – Soraypampa
Day 2 – Colcapampa
4-day vs 5-day Salkantay Trek: What’s the difference?
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most scenic and popular alternatives to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can choose between a 4-day or 5-day version — both offer an unforgettable experience, but with important differences in pace, activities, comfort, and intensity.
Route & itinerary
Days 1 & 2 are the same in both treks:
Visit Humantay Lake and cross the Salkantay Pass (4,650m) — the highest point of the trek.
Day 3 is where the difference begins
- 4-day trek: Hike directly from Chaullay to Aguas Calientes via Hidroeléctrica (28 km) — long, intense day with fewer stops.
- 5-day trek: Hike to Lucmabamba, with an optional visit to Santa Teresa’s hot springs and a coffee tour with a local family. Overnight in Lucmabamba.
Day 4:
- 4-day Trek: Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
- 5-day Trek: Hike via Llactapata (an Inca site with Machu Picchu views), then continue to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5 (5-day trek only): Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
What you miss on the 4-day trek
- Llactapata ruins (with unique Machu Picchu views)
- Beautiful hike through jungle-like surroundings
- Cultural coffee tour in Lucmabamba
- Optional visit to hot springs
- A more relaxed pace
Difficulty & intensity
- The 4-day trek is more intense, with longer hiking days and less time to rest.
- The 5-day trek is less physically demanding, with shorter distances spread across more days.
Cost comparison
- The price difference is small — usually $10 to $50 USD.
- Most fixed costs (guides, meals, transport) stay the same.
- The 5-day trek gives more value for just a slightly higher cost.
Which trek should you choose?
Choose the 4-day Salkantay Trek if:
- You have limited time
- You prefer a faster-paced, intense experience
- You’re focused on the key highlights only
Choose the 5-day Salkantay Trek if:
- You want a more relaxed and cultural experience
- You enjoy scenic detours and unique stops
- You want more time to enjoy the landscapes
Our recommendation
If your time and budget allow, the 5-day Salkantay Trek offers more value and a richer experience — with cultural insights, beautiful extras, and a slower pace. But for energetic travelers on a tight schedule, the 4-day version is a great choice too.
Either way, both treks lead to the unforgettable wonder of Machu Picchu.
Overall itinerary for the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, 3 nights
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
- Start your journey: The guide picks you up around 4am from your accommodation in Cusco and drive to Mollepata, a charming Andean village where the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins.
- Hike to Soraypampa: Enjoy a scenic trail with stunning views of valleys and snow-capped peaks.
- Humantay Lake: Take a short hike to this crystal-clear turquoise lake, nestled beneath the towering mountains.
- Overnight stay: Settle into your cozy stay at the base of the mighty Salkantay Mountain.
Day 2 of 3-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass and Chaullay/Colcapampa
- Hike Salkantay Pass, highest point: Hike up to the Salkantay Pass (4,650m/15,255ft), the highest point of the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. The panoramic views of snow-capped peaks are incredible.
- Descend: Descend into the cloud forest, noticing how the scenery transforms from mountain to jungle.
- Overnight stay at Chaullay/Colcapampa: Relax at your peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
Day 4: Colcapampa to Lucmabamba and Aguas Calientes
- Taste the local coffee flavor: Visit a small coffee farm to learn about traditional Peruvian coffee production and sample a freshly brewed cup.
- Descend to Hydroelectric Station: After the coffee tour we take transport to the station, where you’ll walk to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Stay in Aguas Calientes: Enjoy the comfort of a hotel as you anticipate the final highlight of the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.
Last day of 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu
- Early morning visit: Take the first bus up or walk 2 hours up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise over this ancient Inca city—a truly magical experience.
- Explore Machu Picchu with a guide: Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning about its fascinating history and architectural marvels.
- Return to Cusco: After an unforgettable visit, take the train back to Cusco.