Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
What is included
Included
Accommodation
- Night 1 (Soraypampa): Glass cabins for 2 people.
- Night 2 (Colpapampa): Private sleeping domes for 2 people.
- Night 3 (Aguas Calientes): 2-star hotel with Wi-Fi, private bathroom, and takeaway breakfast. Option to upgrade available.
Meals
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
- Professionally prepared fresh meals.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options available (inform in advance).
- Morning coca tea and boiled water for coffee/tea at campsites.
Transportation
- Private transport from Cusco to trek starting point.
- Transport from Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroeléctrica.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (if booked).
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, Plaza Regocijo (if booked).
Guides & team
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide.
- Guide at Machu Picchu for circuit 2, timeslot 06:00h.
- Horses and horsemen to carry camping gear, food, and kitchen equipment.
- Duffel bags (5 kg per person) for personal items.
Additional services
- Pre-tour briefing in Cusco the evening before departure.
- Entrance tickets to Salkantay and Machu Picchu (if booked).
Not included
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Boiled water for the trek (carry your own or purchase along the way).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($60, book in advance).
- Guide at Machu Picchu for other circuits than circuit 2 and timeslot 06:00h.
- Aguas Calientes hot springs entry fee.
- Trekking poles rental (from $15).
- Sleeping bags rental ($15).
- Tips for staff.
- Shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes ($15 per person, walking is free).
- Bus from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, snacks, or additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Morning
- Pick-up from your hotel between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM.
- Drive 2 hours to Mollepata for breakfast.
- Continue driving to Challacancha (3,800 m/12,457 ft), the starting point of the hike.
- Begin the 3-hour trek to Soraypampa base camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft).
Afternoon
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at the base camp.
- Start a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon (4,220 m/13,850 ft).
- Admire lush green valleys, vibrant landscapes, and the surrounding mountains, including Humantay and Salkantay.
Evening
- Return to Soraypampa base camp.
- Relax with a hot cup of coca tea.
- Enjoy a dinner and rest in comfortable accommodations.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Morning
- Wake up at 5:00 AM for a nourishing breakfast.
- Begin a 3-hour hike to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m/15,250 ft).
- Take in views of snow-capped mountains like Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay.
Afternoon
- Descend for 3 hours to Wacracmachay (3,800 m/12,470 ft) for lunch.
- Continue a 3-hour descent to Collpapampa campsite.
Evening
- Arrive at Collpapampa campsite and enjoy tea and a delicious dinner.
- Sleep in cozy dome accommodations.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Morning
- Start the day with breakfast at the campsite.
- Hike for 5.5 hours through the lush Peruvian jungle, passing coffee, banana, and avocado plantations, as well as medicinal plants and orchids.
Afternoon
- Reach the lunch point and take a brief rest.
- Travel by transport to Hidroeléctrica.
- Walk 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Rest overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Note: The schedule for day 4 depends on the availability of Machu Picchu tickets and the return option you choose (train or bus via Hydroelectric). The itinerary below shows the standard plan for this day. Your exact schedule may vary depending on ticket availability and transportation choice.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Morning
- Wake up early and visit Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
- Enjoy a visiting the highlight of this salkantay trek: Machu Picchu. If you have circuit 2 time slot 6:00 AM, join our guided Machu Picchu tour.
- Optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booking required).
Afternoon
- Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
- Board the train to Ollantaytambo (if booked).
- From Ollantaytambo, shared transport by bus or minivan will take you back to Cusco.
Evening
- Arrive in Cusco historic center, the end of your journey.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 4 days
- Average group size
- 14 people
Where you will stay
Stay in Soraypampa
Stay in Colpapampa
Full tour description
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days – backpacker takes you on a breathtaking journey through the Andes to the iconic Machu Picchu. This trek is perfect for adventurers who want a mix of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and physical challenge.
Day 1: Start to Lagoon Humantay
The adventure begins with a scenic drive and breakfast in Mollepata. The trek kicks off at Challacancha, taking you to the base camp at Soraypampa, where you’ll enjoy lunch. The highlight of the day is visiting Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Day 2 of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days: Hike the Salkantay Pass
Day 2 is the most challenging yet rewarding. You’ll climb to the Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point, offering panoramic views of majestic mountains. Descending through rocky landscapes, you’ll reach Wacracmachay for lunch and Collpapampa for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Into the jungle
The trek transitions into the vibrant cloud forest. You’ll pass coffee and banana plantations while learning about local flora. After lunch, transport takes you to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a scenic hike to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu.
Last day of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days backpacker: Machu Picchu
The final day is the highlight: visiting Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided tour covers the history and architecture of this ancient Incan city. After exploring, you’ll return to Cusco by train and car, bringing your unforgettable journey to a close.
Facts about the Salkantay Trek 4 days backpacker
- Salkantay means “Savage Mountain” in Quechua, reflecting its rugged beauty.
- The trek offers diverse ecosystems, from snow-capped peaks to tropical forests.
- Machu Picchu remained hidden until 1911, preserving its mystique for centuries.
List of activities during the trek
- Hiking to Humantay Lagoon.
- Trekking through the Salkantay Pass.
- Exploring the lush cloud forest and coffee plantations.
- Visiting the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
- Optional climbs to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley (if booked).
What to expect on your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
This trek crosses high mountain passes and lush cloud forests. Any time of the year, weather can affect trail conditions and the comfort of lodges along the way. Trails may be muddier, steeper, or more slippery, and in rare cases, the route may need to be changed for safety reasons. We always aim to book lodges in good condition, but during the rainy season, some humidity or moisture may still be present. We want you to feel well-informed and well-prepared before starting your trek. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask us — we’re here to help.
Please note: Any missed sections of the trek — for personal, weather-related, or logistical reasons — are non-refundable. If you decide to skip part of the trek (for example, to arrive earlier in Aguas Calientes to purchase a Machu Picchu ticket), this is your own responsibility. Transport, logistics, and any coordination related to this decision are not included in the tour.
This Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural exploration, making it an experience of a lifetime.
What to bring
Personal items
- Daypack and reusable water bottle.
- Small change in Peruvian soles for snacks or tips.
- Passport (original).
Clothing
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Waterproof trekking boots.
- Trekking shirts (long and short sleeve), pants, and socks.
- Insulated jacket and gloves for cold weather.
- Comfortable sandals and bathing suit.
- Hat with a brim and sunglasses.
- Warm beanie and sweatpants for nightwear.
Additional gear
- Sleeping bag (rentals available).
- Flashlight/headlamp with batteries.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Snacks for the trek.