Classic Salkantay Trek 4 days

Trip Details & Highlights

Trip Details

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Hiking distance: ~50 km / 31 mi
• Depart from: Cusco
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Season: April to December
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Type: Adventure • Camping • Hotel

Highlights

• 
  Book with Confidence and Flexibility
  
  – change travel dates with no booking fees and pay your balance online or in Cusco.
• Visit Humantay Lake and camp close to Salkantay Mountain.
• Authentic camping experience with quality tents and access to hot showers.
• Visit organic coffee farms and prepare a traditional
  PACHAMANCA underground barbecue.
• Return to Cusco on exclusive panoramic trains
  (Vistadome or 360°).
• Support our social projects and empower local women in the communities we visit.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa (16 km, ~8 h)

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 04:30 and 05:00 and drive about
3 hours to the trailhead. After a hearty breakfast, start a ~3-hour trek following an
ancient aqueduct that still provides water to local farmers, until you arrive at
Soraypampa (3,600 m), where your trekking chef will be waiting with
lunch.

After lunch, begin a 2-hour ascent to Humantay Lake
(4,200 m / 13,779 ft), a spectacular turquoise glacial lagoon. Along the way you may
spot Andean geese (the “love bird”), deer, and vizcachas (a chinchilla-like rodent).
Then continue ascending for another 2 hours to Salkantaypampa basecamp
(3,900 m / 12,795 ft).

At camp, tents will be set up and you’ll enjoy tea time, dinner, and a breathtaking
night sky before sleeping.

• Campsite altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Highest altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 mi
• Duration: ~8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2 | Salkantay Basecamp – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa (18 km, ~9 h)

We’ll wake you with hot coffee or coca tea in your tent. Stepping outside, you’ll see
wide plains and snow-capped peaks all around. After breakfast, begin a 2-hour ascent to
the trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass
(4,630 m / 15,190 ft).

Spend time at the summit exploring the dramatic landscape, including a beautiful lake
at the base of Salkantay. From the pass, descend about 3 hours to
Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) for lunch.

After lunch, continue descending for roughly 3 more hours from the high, dry puna into
the warm, humid cloud forest. Along the way, you’ll pass orchids, hummingbirds, and
lush vegetation until you reach Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft),
located near a small village, where you’ll camp for the night.

• Campsite altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Highest altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi (approx.)
• Duration: ~9 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 3 | Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (16 km, ~8 h)

Day 3 is arguably the most beautiful day of your Salkantay TreXperience. After
breakfast, hike about 3 hours through the cloud forest to Lucmabamba
(2,000 m / 6,561 ft), passing waterfalls, orchards, and small villages.

Here you’ll prepare a special Pachamanca barbecue with your chef:
vegetables, fruits, and meats are seasoned, wrapped, and buried with hot stones to
cook underground. You’ll actively participate in preparing this unique Andean feast.

After lunch, visit an organic coffee farm and learn how to harvest, roast, and brew
your own espresso. Then you’ll drive about 1 hour to Hidroelectrica
and hike ~3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, arriving
around 17:00. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

• Town altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Distance: ~14–16 km / 8.6–10 mi
• Duration: ~6–8 hours (hiking)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4 | Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas) – Return to Cusco (4 h)

On our final day, wake up early, have breakfast at your hotel, and head to the bus
station for one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Arrive as the
sky brightens and the morning mist lifts, revealing the citadel below.

On a clear morning, sunrise over Machu Picchu is truly unforgettable. Your guide will
take you on a 2–3-hour tour of the citadel, exploring temples,
plazas, terraces, and hidden corners. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore on
your own or, if you booked in advance, climb Huayna Picchu or
Machu Picchu Mountain.

When you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included),
then board the panoramic train and connecting bus back to Cusco. The
TreXperience team will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel, arriving
around 19:30.

• Highest altitude (viewpoints): ~2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Walking distance inside Machu Picchu: ~6 km / 3 mi
• Duration of guided tour: 2–3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

What’s Included

• Pre-departure briefing at 18:00 the day before the tour
• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco on the morning of the trek
• Experienced English-speaking mountain tour guide
• 2 nights camping in comfortable tents
• 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Camping equipment: tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
• Entrance tickets to Salkantay route and Machu Picchu
• Duffle bag for up to 8 kg (17 lb) of personal belongings carried by horses
• Cargo mules to carry food, camping equipment, and personal duffels
• Trekking chef to prepare meals (B, L, D as mentioned)
• All meals included during the trek except last-day lunch
  (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available)
• Snacks, drinkable water, and warm water to wash during the trek
• First-aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen tank
• Panoramic trains to return
  (Vistadome or 360°)
• All taxes and booking fees

Price & Discounts

Price per person: USD $550
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To book the Classic Salkantay Trek 4 Days, you need to make an
initial payment of USD $200 per person. The remaining balance can be
paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card—no booking fees.

Student Discount

• All travelers under 17 receive a USD $40 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under at the time of traveling can also receive the
  USD $40 discount with a valid
  student ID.
  Please email us in advance so we can provide a discount code.

Optional Extra Hikes (Not Included)

• Huayna Picchu Mountain: +$75 per person – ~2 hours round trip,
  limited permits, must be booked in advance.
• Montaña Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Mountain): +$75 per person –
  ~3 hours round trip, highest viewpoint, must be booked in advance.

Salkantay Trek 4 Days – Packing List

The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trek in Peru and the most challenging
route to Machu Picchu. You’ll hike from high-altitude plains into the rainforest. The
terrain and weather can change quickly due to altitude and microclimates—rain can
occur at any time, so you must always be prepared.

You cannot bring all of your belongings on this trek. Take only the essentials for
the 4-day trek and leave the rest in Cusco. We provide a duffel bag with a capacity of
7 kg (including sleeping bag and air mattress). You’ll also carry a daypack with your
daily essentials (recommended 5–8 kg).

What to Carry in Your Daypack

• Original passport: Always keep it in a safe, dry pocket (use a waterproof bag).
• Plastic poncho: TreXperience provides ponchos, but you still need
  your own rain jacket and waterproof gloves.
• Sunscreen: You’ll hike in open terrain with strong sun; bring or
  buy suitable SPF in Cusco.
• Toilet paper: Local toilets usually charge a small fee; always carry
  your own TP and coins.
• Insect repellent: Essential after Day 2 in the jungle; wear long
  sleeves.
• 1 rain jacket & 1 warm jacket: Mornings can be freezing; start
  with layers and remove as you warm up.
• Snacks: Daily hikes average ~8 hours; bring extra energy bars,
  granola, chocolate, and candies.
• Water container: Bring water for the first half day;
  we provide water after the first lunch. Carry at least 2 L (bladder or bottles).
• Flashlight/headlamp: Needed at night around camp; headlamps keep
  your hands free.
• Hat: Sun hat for the day and a warm hat for night; gloves are also
  recommended.
• Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from intense high-altitude sun.
• Extra cash: We recommend ~600 soles (about USD $200) in small
  bills/coins—for toilets, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and tips.
• Personal medication: Band-aids, Diamox, Pepto/Imodium, ibuprofen,
  motion sickness pills, and any other prescribed meds; feminine products as needed.
• Camera or phone: For photos and memories.

What to Pack in the Duffle Bag (up to 7 kg)

On the first night temperatures can drop below 0°C, so you need a sleeping bag rated
to at least –10°C (bring your own or rent from us).

• Hiking boots: Strongly recommended over sneakers; must be broken-in.
• Sandals: For relaxing at camp after long hiking days.
• 5 pairs of wool hiking socks for trekking.
• 4 pairs of light socks for camp/hotel use.
• 5 pairs of underwear (or more, in case items get wet).
• 2–3 pairs of breathable hiking pants; leggings work well for women.
• 1 pair of sweatpants for evenings and early mornings.
• 5 T-shirts (long-sleeve are best for sun and insects).
• Wet wipes, tissues, and a small towel.
• Swimwear (optional): For visiting Aguas Calientes hot springs.
• Trekking poles: Bring your own or rent from us (recommended).
• Air mattress: Foam mats are provided; bring or rent an inflatable
  mat for extra comfort.

Salkantay Trek 4 Days – FAQs

What is Salkantay?

Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region,
standing at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft in the Vilcabamba range, about 60 km northwest of Cusco.
The name means “wild” or “savage” mountain, and locals have long considered it a
sacred Apu that controls weather and fertility.

What is the Salkantay Trek?

The proximity of Salkantay to Machu Picchu and the presence of ancient paths make this
route a perfect alternative to the Inca Trail. The Salkantay Trek is typically done in
4 or 5 days, combining high mountain passes, lakes, and cloud forest, ending at Machu Picchu.

Is the Salkantay Trek worth it?

After the Inca Trail, Salkantay is the most popular route to Machu Picchu. It offers
dramatic variety: snow-capped peaks and cold highlands on Day 1 and 2, then lush “cloud
forest” and warmer temperatures on Days 3 and 4. The diversity of landscapes, climates,
and experiences—including arriving in time for sunrise in Machu Picchu—make it highly rewarding.

How high is the Salkantay Trek?

The mountain itself reaches 6,271 m / 20,574 ft, but the trek’s high point is
Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. Key overnight altitudes:

• First campsite (Salkantaypampa): 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Second campsite (Collpapampa): 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Last night in Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft

How cold is the Salkantay Trek?

Weather and temperature vary widely:

• Day 1: Daytime up to ~18°C / 64°F; nighttime can drop below 0°C /
  32°F. Warm clothing is essential.
• Day 2: Cold and potentially below freezing at the pass if it’s
  cloudy or rainy; much warmer (up to ~24°C / 75°F) as you descend into the cloud
  forest, with ~10°C / 50°F at night.
• Day 3: Warm and humid in the tropical cloud forest; nights around
  10–12°C / 50–54°F.
• Day 4: Machu Picchu has a warm, humid mountain climate.

How much does the Salkantay Trek cost?

Average prices range from USD $550–$650 for a quality trek including a
3-star hotel, meals, porters/mules, transportation, and a certified English-speaking
guide. Cheaper options may cut corners on safety, equipment, or porter treatment—be
sure to check what’s included.

How should I prepare?

The route is achievable for most people with a moderate fitness level. You don’t need
to be an expert hiker but should live an active lifestyle or prepare beforehand to
avoid struggles on the trail. We recommend:

• Short hikes (1–2 hours) a few times per week, including some uphill sections.
• Light cardio (jogging, cycling, gym, or spinning) a couple of times per week.
• Weekend hikes at least twice a month if possible.

Is altitude sickness a concern? How can I avoid it?

Altitude sickness can affect anyone. To minimize risk:

• Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize.
• Use these days for easy activities (City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras–Moray).
• Avoid very high, strenuous hikes like Rainbow Mountain before your trek.
• Consider altitude medication (e.g., Diamox) if recommended by your doctor.
• Eat light meals, drink lots of water, and try coca tea.

When is the best time to hike Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?

The
best time is usually from April to November (dry season).
April and November are great shoulder months with fewer people. January and February
are the rainiest months with higher landslide risk; we generally recommend the Lares
Trek instead during that period.

How to Book the Classic Salkantay Trek 4 Days

1. Check availability:
   Contact us with your preferred dates and group size, or check live availability on
   our website for the 4-day Salkantay Trek.
2. Customize your trek:
   Decide whether to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, upgrade hotels or trains,
   or request a private departure.
3. Pay your deposit:
   Secure your spot with a USD $200 deposit per person via our secure
   online payment system. The balance can be paid online or in Cusco with no card fees.
4. Send your details:
   Complete the booking form with passport information, student ID details (if
   applicable), dietary needs, and emergency contact information.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll send your detailed itinerary, hotel and train details, packing list, and the
   time/place for your pre-departure briefing in Cusco.
6. Arrive & enjoy:
   Arrive in Cusco a couple of days early to acclimatize, attend your briefing, meet
   your guide and group, and then set off for four unforgettable days on the Salkantay
   route to Machu Picchu.

Reserve your Classic Salkantay Trek today with a small deposit and let us handle the
logistics—so you can focus on the mountains, the culture, and that first unforgettable
glimpse of Machu Picchu.