Salkantay Trek To Machupicchu – Sky Camps 4 Days

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS SALKANTAY TREK.

Once you have adjusted to the altitude in Cusco, the heart of the former Inca Empire, embark on our expedited 4-day Salkantay Short Trek to Machu Picchu. This remarkable journey leads you past the stunning Humantay Lake, across the rugged Salkantay Mountain, through enchanting cloud forests, and into the edge of the Peruvian rainforest.

Each evening, you will rest in our distinctive lodging and savor exceptional mountain cuisine prepared in the heart of the Andes. A highly skilled professional guide will be by your side throughout the trip to provide deep insights into the area’s local traditions and historical significance. We invite you to experience this thrilling adventure with top-tier service and expertise.

ITINERARY

Day before the trek, you’ll have a mandatory orientation with your guide in the evening at 5:00 p.m. at the main office in Cusco.

DAY 1: CUSCO / CHALLACANCHA / SORAYPAMPA / LAGUNA HUMANTAY / SKY CAMP.

Your journey begins with an early start. We will pick you up from your Cusco lodging at 4:00 a.m. for a two-hour drive to Mollepata, where you will enjoy a quick breakfast. Our vehicles are equipped with cozy blankets if you wish to rest further. Following breakfast, a one-hour drive brings us to the trail’s starting point in Challacancha.

Before departing, you will meet your support team of cooks and muleteers and perform a final luggage check. The first leg is a manageable three-hour hike covering 7 km (4.35 miles) to our first campsite at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Along the trail, you will observe impressive glaciers, a deep valley, and an ancient Inca water channel still utilized by local farmers today.

At Soraypampa, you will settle into your comfortable igloo at Sky Camp and enjoy a lunch prepared by our talented mountain chefs. Once recharged, we begin an afternoon trek to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a site frequently referred to as the “gem in the mountains”.

This round-trip hike is approximately 3 km (1.86 miles) and takes about 2:30 hours. While the distance is short, the high altitude requires a slow pace. Upon reaching the lagoon, you will have ample time to admire the turquoise waters set against a snowy landscape.

After returning to camp, you will enjoy dinner while watching the sunset. The day concludes with a peaceful night’s sleep at Sky Camp under the Andean constellations.

Hours of Trekking: Approximately 6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA / ABRA SALKANTAY / CHAULLAY / COLLPAPAMPA.

In the early morning, you will awaken to the day’s first light and behold the majesty of Apu Salkantay while sipping a stimulating cup of coca tea. Following this, a wholesome breakfast will be served before you begin a 7 km (4.35 mi) hike. This roughly three-hour trek leads to the journey’s peak elevation at the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). This challenging climb is nicknamed the “path of the 7 snakes” due to its many twists and turns.

At the summit, you will be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the nearby valleys and the towering Salkantay mountain directly ahead, which reaches 6,271 m (20,574 ft). As the second-tallest peak in the Cusco area, it is revered as an Apu, or Inca deity. You will also have views of the Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks. After resting and taking in the sights, the descent begins—a 7 km (4.35 mi) trek to our midday meal location at Huayracmachay, situated at 3,850 m (12,631 ft). This steep, rocky path offers magnificent views of the valley below.

Following a refreshing lunch, you will reach the boundary of the jungle, frequently called the “cloud forest”. This 9.5 km (5.9 mi) stretch takes about three and a half hours to complete. As you walk through the lush environment, you will see the landscape shift quickly from Andean peaks to the Amazonian basin. You will encounter vibrant scenery, distinct wildlife, and indigenous flora as the air grows warmer.

After this full day of trekking, you will reach Collpapampa to settle in for the evening. A substantial dinner will be provided before you retire for the night at our specialized Mountain Sky View Campsite.

Hours of Trekking: Approximately 10 hours, 30 minutes.
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA / LA PLAYA / HIDROELÉCTRICA / AGUAS CALIENTES..

We will wake you at 6:00 a.m. for a brief breakfast before starting our trek toward La Playa through the beautiful Santa Teresa valley. During this five-hour morning hike, you can take in the fresh, green scenery, spotting rivers, wild orchids, and various plantations including avocado, banana, and coffee. You will also have the chance to taste passion fruit and granadilla along the path.

Our journey continues as we descend to the valley floor to cross to the opposite side. In this tropical area, we will be surrounded by diverse wildlife, birds, fruit trees, and waterfalls.

Upon arriving at La Playa, we will have our final lunch made by our skilled chefs while enjoying a presentation about coffee. After a bit more rest, we will take private transportation to the Hidroelectrica train station. From that point, we trek beside the tracks through dense greenery along the Urubamba River. If you are feeling too tired to walk, an optional train to Aguas Calientes is available for an additional US$ 40.00.

Throughout this tropical setting, you will encounter more plantations and striking flora, as well as a wide array of birds, such as Peru’s national bird, the cock of the rocks.

After trekking for three hours, we will reach Aguas Calientes. We will then escort you to your hotel, where you can relax in a room featuring a private bath, hot water, Wi-Fi, and breakfast for the following morning. Luggage storage is provided so you can visit the local hot springs unencumbered. That evening, we will gather for dinner at a high-end restaurant before retiring to the hotel. You will need an early start tomorrow for our final excursion to the grand Machu Picchu.

Hours of Trekking: Approximately 9 hours.
Difficulty: Easy.

DAY 4 – AGUAS CALIENTES / MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO

Today is the day you have been looking forward to since starting your journey. You will finally visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! We will wake up before dawn after a quiet night at our hostel to start this final day early. This allows us to avoid the largest crowds and witness the morning light as it hits the massive stone structures. The gates open at 6:00 am, and our goal is to be among the first visitors to enter.

From Aguas Calientes, we will travel by bus to the Inca citadel to marvel at its magnificent construction. Once inside the site, you will go on a guided tour lasting roughly two hours, visiting the most important locations such as the temples, houses, cultivation fields, and terraces. You will be fascinated by the brilliance of the Incas, whose building methods remain a mystery even today.

This ancient civilization managed to build a beautiful and sustainable community on a mountainside without the use of modern tools, iron, or steel. They were geniuses at organization, even installing canals and aqueducts to bring water through the streets. When Hiram Bingham was first shown the site by a Peruvian guide, it was in disrepair and hidden by thick jungle. Today, it has been cleaned and restored, and it is protected as a global treasure.

After finishing your guided tour of the citadel, you may have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), provided you have booked these tickets in advance. From these heights, you can reflect on the incredible panorama of Machu Picchu, which is one of the most famous views on earth.

You must make sure to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before catching your scheduled train to Ollantaytambo. The specific train time depends on what is available. Once in Ollantaytambo, private transport will be waiting to take you back to your lodging in Cusco. You can then enjoy a well-earned rest, though the memory of the Andes will stay in your heart like a soaring condor for a long time to come.

INCLUDED

Permits & Admission Passes

• Day 1: Access Pass for Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Journey
• Day 4: Entrance Ticket for the Machu Picchu Historic Site

The “Machu Picchu Circuit 2” voucher provides the most thorough exploration of the citadel and is the most popular choice. Because of this, we suggest making your reservation well ahead of time to confirm your trip.

Professional Standards & Security

• Initial Trip Briefing
  • You will gather with your lead guide for an orientation session the evening before the trek begins. This meeting is held at 5:00 p.m. at our central Cusco facility.
• Knowledgeable Expedition Leaders
  • Our certified guides are fluent in English and Spanish and have undergone professional training in safety and high-quality service. Selected for their reliability, expertise, and love for exploration, they take pride in teaching you about local history and traditions. With their supervision, you will stay secure, well-informed, and comfortable, ensuring a stress-free and truly memorable adventure.
• Provided Duffle Bag
  • For the journey, you will receive a duffle bag for your personal gear, with a maximum weight capacity of 5 kg (11 lb), which our staff will transport for you.
• Medical or First Aid Supplies
  • All Salkantay Trekking guides are experts in first aid and participate in mandatory training every February. Your guide carries a medical kit to address basic emergencies (altitude sickness, digestive issues, minor wounds, etc.) as well as supplemental oxygen. If required, we facilitate swift evacuation from the trail to a medical clinic for professional treatment.
• Rain Gear & Pack Protection
  • Our focus on the little things makes a difference. You will receive a waterproof cover for your backpack and a poncho to ensure you stay dry and comfortable throughout the trek.
• High-Range Walkie-Talkies
  • Long-distance radios are used to enhance communication, ensuring efficient coordination and rapid response times in critical areas and locations.

Lodging

• Stay at Private Camping Sites
  • Similar to those who came before us, we hold a deep reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth). For this reason, our lodges and camping areas are built to harmonize with the surroundings and prevent any detrimental effects on the environment.
• Campsite Amenities
  • Our sites are developed to prioritize your ease and comfort:
    • Restrooms: Our Sky Camp provides communal facilities, whereas the Mountain Sky View site offers personal bathrooms.
    • Bathing: You can enjoy invigorating showers at the Mountain Sky View location.
    • Food Preparation & Dining: Every camp includes large dining spaces and completely stocked kitchens to ensure your meals are stress-free and pleasant.
    • Logistics: Our mules are responsible for moving all fresh culinary supplies.
• Day 3: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Spend your last night in a comfortable hotel featuring double, triple, or matrimonial rooms. These include private bathrooms, hot water, Wi-Fi, and morning breakfast, along with a place to store your luggage while you visit Machu Picchu.

Meals

• 4 Morning Meals, 3 Midday Meals, and 3 Evening Meals
  • Our culinary team prepares extraordinary dishes right in the heart of the mountains. We cater to all dietary preferences—including vegetarian, vegan, and other specialized menus—at no additional cost. Please list any specific allergies or dietary needs on your booking form and discuss them with your guide during the orientation. Your daily menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by warm beverages and light refreshments.
• Hydration Along the Path
  • We offer purified, warm water following every meal during the expedition. Please ensure you carry a 2-liter reusable bottle or hydration pack for daily refills.
• Morning Wake-up Service
  • On the second day, you will be greeted at your bedside with a steaming cup of coca tea to help you warm up before the day begins.
• Afternoon Tea and Social Hour
  • Each afternoon before dinner, our staff provides snacks like popcorn and cookies, alongside coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. This provides a relaxing opportunity to unwind and enjoy a treat after your day of trekking.
• Daily Trail Refreshments
  • Before setting out each morning, your guide will provide a fabric pouch filled with local fruits, sweets, chocolates, and cookies. We replenish this daily so you can snack throughout your walk.
• Individual Fabric Snack Pouch
  • You will be given a personal cloth bag for your snacks, which is also ideal for holding wrappers to keep the environment clean. You are welcome to use this for the duration of your trek.

Transportation

• Group Transportation for the Salkantay Trek: Easy, Door-to-Door Service
  • Day 1: You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and driven by private vehicle to Challacancha, where the trek begins.
  • Day 3: Private transit from La Playa to Hidroelectrica.
  • Day 4: Private transit from the train station in Ollantaytambo back to your Cusco hotel.
• Day 4: Single Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Day 4: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • The Voyager by Inca Rail or the Expedition by PeruRail (schedules and train types depend on availability).
• Transportation of Personal Items
  • On the first and second days, cargo mules will transport all camping gear and your personal baggage limit (5 kg / 11 lb). Muleteers will manage your personal belongings and duffle bags.
  • On the third day, your duffle bag will be moved by van and subsequently by train.

NOT INCLUDE

Optional Add-ons & Rentals:

• Sleeping Bag
  • You are able to lease a sleeping bag from our firm if you do not possess one. Our equipment is resilient and effective, designed to keep you safe in temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). These are mummy-style bags that include a liner, and they are sanitized after every excursion with a maximum lifespan of 30 uses.
  • US$ 20.00 per person
• Trekking Poles
  • Walking sticks (equipped with rubber tips) are highly beneficial for navigating uneven landscapes and managing climbs or descents. You can rent a pair from our company if you choose.
  • US$ 20.00 per person
• Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Looking for a test of endurance? Ascend Huayna Picchu, the legendary peak situated behind Machu Picchu. This 45-minute climb provides stunning panoramas and a deep sense of success. It is not recommended for those with a fear of heights, but the view is truly exceptional for those who attempt it!
  • Cost: US$ 60 per person
  • Booking: Please secure your spot 2–3 months in advance because of significant demand.
  • Entry Times:
    • 7:00 a.m.
    • 9:00 a.m. (recommended)
  • With your 6:00 a.m. admission to Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2, you will have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu after your tour concludes. This part of the journey is done on your own, guided by your leader’s instructions. For a more tailored experience, you can hire a private guide for an extra fee of US$ 120.

Optional Add-ons & Additional Costs (Continued)

• Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the spectacular summits encircling the archeological area. Its paths are wider, less vertical, and more approachable than those of Huayna Picchu, making it a perfect choice for those wanting a more relaxed ascent. Reaching the top takes roughly 1.5 hours and provides unforgettable wide-angle views. This trek requires a specific admission ticket, which we can book for you ahead of time if requested.
  • Cost: US$ 60 per person
  • Entry Times:
    • 6:00 a.m.
    • 8:00 a.m.
  • Your provided entry to Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 is set for 6:00 a.m.. If you want to trek Machu Picchu Mountain, you can choose the 8:00 a.m. slot. However, this involves pausing your guided tour of the ruins to finish the hike on your own, following your leader’s advice.
  • Alternatively, you can select the 6:00 a.m. slot for the mountain, allowing you to finish the trek first. Afterward, you can have a private guided tour of the citadel at 10:00 a.m. for an extra US$ 70. This choice must be organized in advance to ensure proper planning.
• Return Bus Ticket (Consettur) from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
• Midday Meal in Aguas Calientes and Evening Meal in Cusco (Day 4)
• Optional Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
• Optional Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass (Day 2)
• Railway Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 3)
  • If you feel worn out or unwell after the trek from Collpapampa to La Playa, you have the choice to take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
  • From US$ 40.00 to US$ 70.00 per person

• Individual Trekking Apparel and Gear
• Personal Travel Coverage
• Gratuities for the Crew
• While our staff members earn competitive wages, any extra token of gratitude is welcomed as a sign of appreciation for their commitment and hard work. Travelers often choose to pool their contributions and deliver them directly to the trekking team or through their lead guide.

Surplus Expenses or Delays Outside Our Influence

• This category includes unforeseen events such as landslides, harsh weather, safety-related itinerary shifts, health issues, global crises, shifts in government regulations, civil unrest, or other major force majeure events.
• In most instances, we secure all permits, lodging, and logistics well in advance by paying ahead. Consequently, any additional costs resulting from these unpredictable events must be handled by the traveler, as we are required to restructure various operational elements.
• We truly value your patience and partnership when dealing with these types of situations.

What we recommend to bring

Essential

• Valid Passport
• Extra moneey (Soles)
• Personal medication
• Water bottle or CamelBak
• Sunblock: factor 70 or more
• Insect repellent
• Personal Care Products

Clothing

• Hiking bootes or shoes (preferably waterproof)
• Light footwear or sandals
• Trekking pants
• Trekking Socks
• Pair of thermal pants
• Shorts
• Long sleeve t-shirts
• Warm jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Raincoat or rain poncho
• Waterproof or wool gloves
• Sun hat to protect neck and face
• Wool hat for th cold
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Equipment

• Sleeping bag (-15°C)
• Trekking poles
• Medium terkking backpack (15-25 liter)

Recommended

• Camera and charger
• Power bank
• Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried, fruits, etc.
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Flashlight

NOTES

• Our clients, who come from low altitude areas, need to be in Cusco at least 3 days before the tour departure, in order to acclimatize.

Is it the right fit for me?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu serves as a fantastic alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. It is particularly well-matched for high-energy hikers who are comfortable tackling greater elevations and trekking long distances. While the climb to the well-known Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) occurs early in the journey and avoids overly steep or exhausting terrain, it still demands physical endurance. Additionally, spending some preparation time in Cusco is essential to adjust to the high altitude before you start.

How much time should I spend acclimating in Cusco before the trek?

Ensuring your body is properly adjusted to the altitude is vital before beginning a physically demanding trek. We suggest arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days prior to your start date. This window allows your system to adapt, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness during the journey.

If you have already spent time in other high-altitude regions of Peru before reaching Cusco, we still advise taking at least one full day in the city. This allows you to recuperate from your travels, rest, and experience the local culture before heading out on your adventure.

Orientation and Information Session

Every traveler must attend a briefing at 5:00 pm the evening before the excursion starts. These sessions, which typically last between 30 and 45 minutes, take place at our primary Cusco office or your hotel. If you are unable to make this time, please reach out via phone, email, or in person at our office to schedule a different meeting.

Settling Your Trip Balance (Cusco)

Any remaining costs for your journey must be paid in full 2 days before your departure to ensure your reservation is secured. We prefer that final payments be made in cash—either US dollars or Peruvian Soles—at our Cusco headquarters. You can find various ATMs on Avenida Sol if you need to withdraw cash in either currency.

While we do accept PayPal and credit or debit cards (both online and in-person), please be aware that these methods incur a 5% transaction fee through our payment processors. Please note that personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted.

Duffel Bag and Gear Transport

At your orientation, we will provide you with a canvas duffel bag. These bags, measuring approximately $60 \times 24 \times 22 \text{ cm}$ ($23.6 \times 9.45 \times 8.66 \text{ in}$), will be transported by horses and returned to you by the horsemen at each campsite. Each bag has a strict weight limit of 7 kg (15.4 lb), which must include your sleeping bag, mat, clothing, and all other personal gear.

Luggage Storage Options

You are welcome to store your primary luggage at our office or your hotel during the trek at no extra cost. You can coordinate these arrangements during your briefing or ahead of time via email.

Most hotels provide secure storage for equipment you don’t need on the trail. We strongly advise against leaving valuables in your stored bags; instead, use the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt. For added security, consider placing items like credit cards in a signed, sealed envelope.

Pick up of guests

• Location: All pickups occur within Cusco City, though staying in the historic center is recommended for convenience.
• Timing: Your specific pickup time will be confirmed by staff the day before the tour. Due to local traffic, please allow for a 30 to 45-minute arrival window.
• Access: Because Cusco has many steep or narrow cobblestone streets that vehicles cannot access, we strongly suggest booking accommodation with easy road access to simplify luggage transport.

Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco

The return journey involves several steps, all of which are included in your tour:

• Bus to Aguas Calientes: You will take a 25-minute bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, with boarding based on arrival order.
• Train to Ollantaytambo: From Aguas Calientes, you will board a train (1 hour and 45 minutes). Please be at the platform 30 minutes before the time shown on your ticket.
• Transfer to Cusco: A Salkantay Trekking representative will meet you at the station for a 1.5-hour drive to Cusco.
• Hotel Drop-off: Depending on your hotel’s location, you may be transferred to a smaller company vehicle (Hyundai H1) for a faster arrival at your door.

Note on Bus Tickets: Your tour includes a one-way bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. You can use it for either the ascent or descent. If you prefer a round-trip bus ticket, an additional fee of US$ 12.00 is required.

Group Tours

Our groups consist of diverse individuals with varying ages and fitness levels. Participants are encouraged to hike at their own comfortable pace. While groups may suggest itinerary changes, the guide holds final decision-making authority after consulting all members.

Strikes and Demonstrations

Protests are common in Peru and may disrupt travel by blocking roads or railways. We strive to maintain the original schedule—sometimes by departing a night early—but tours may be canceled if safety is at risk. Our operations team will coordinate any necessary changes.

Lost Objects

You are solely responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. Please check carefully for your items when leaving vehicles, tents, or restaurants.

PRICES (PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS)

SHARED SERVICE

• Price per person: US$615

*Reference prices subject to availability and season.

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