Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights to Machu Picchu
PRICE FROM
$310.00 USD
price per person in group service
Cusco | Humantay Lake | Salkantay Pass | Chaullay | Hidroelectrica | Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu | Cusco
Duration of the trip:
4 Days
Physical Level:
Advanced
Altitude:
4650 m.a.s.l
Group Size:
10 people
Type of Tour:
Trekking
| Overview - Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail, offering an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes in a shorter timeframe. This adventure combines high mountain passes, glacial lakes, cloud forest landscapes, and the grand finale: a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Ideal for travelers with limited time.
Starting in Cusco, the trek takes you to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and across the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the route. From there, the landscape transforms dramatically as you descend into the lush cloud forest filled with waterfalls, rivers, and tropical vegetation.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require special government permits and is available year-round. It is ideal for travelers looking for a more adventurous and less crowded experience while still reaching the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
On the final day, you will explore Machu Picchu with a professional guided tour, discovering its temples, terraces, and ancient engineering marvels before returning to Cusco by train or via the Hidroelectrica route (depending on your chosen return option).
Detailed Itinerary – Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
📍 Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Your Salkantay Trek begins early in the morning with hotel pick-up in Cusco between 4:30 – 5:00 AM. We travel by tourist transportation for approximately 3 hours to the trailhead near Mollepata, where breakfast is provided (not included in some packages).
Upon arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), you’ll meet our trekking team and begin a gradual hike toward the stunning Humantay Lake.
This turquoise glacial lake sits at the base of Humantay Mountain and offers one of the most spectacular views in the Peruvian Andes. After time to explore and take photos, we descend back to Soraypampa for lunch.
The afternoon is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, which is essential before crossing high altitude the following day.
🏕️ Overnight: Soraypampa campsite
🥾 Hiking time: 5–6 hours
📏 Maximum altitude: 4,200 m
🍽️ Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay (Cloud Forest)
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Short Salkantay Trek.
After an early breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the highest point of the route: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft).
The climb takes approximately 3–4 hours at a steady pace. At the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and dramatic Andean landscapes. This is the highlight of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days experience.
After time for photos and rest, we begin a long descent into the cloud forest. The scenery changes dramatically — from high-altitude tundra to lush green valleys filled with waterfalls and exotic vegetation.
We arrive in Chaullay by late afternoon.
🏕️ Overnight: Chaullay campsite
🥾 Hiking time: 8–9 hours
📏 Highest altitude: 4,650 m
🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Today’s route is mostly downhill and significantly warmer as we enter the tropical cloud forest zone.
After breakfast, we hike through valleys filled with coffee plantations, fruit trees, orchids, and rivers. This section of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a completely different ecosystem compared to the first two days.
We reach La Playa and continue toward Hidroelectrica, where we stop for lunch.
From Hidroelectrica, we walk approximately 2.5–3 hours along the railway to reach Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
This is a scenic and relatively flat walk surrounded by jungle vegetation and mountain views.
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
🥾 Hiking time: 7–8 hours
🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
The final day of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights tour is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu.
After early breakfast, we will walk to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, visiting the Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, and other important sectors of the Inca citadel.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore and take photos.
In the afternoon, you may choose your preferred return option to Cusco:
Return by Train (Faster & More Comfortable Option)
Take the tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by tourist transportation back to Cusco. This option is the most comfortable and reduces travel time.
Return via Hidroelectrica (Budget Option)
Walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours along the railway). From Hidroelectrica, the tourist bus departs at 2:30 pm and travels back to Cusco. This option is more economical but involves a longer travel day.
Please note that return options vary in price depending on the service selected.
For detailed price differences between return options, please see the Pricing section.
What Is Included?
🥾 Included in Both Options (Bus or Train Return)
✔ Pre-trek briefing the night before departure
✔ Hotel pick-up in Cusco
✔ Tourist transportation to trailhead (Day 1)
✔ Professional English/Spanish-speaking trekking guide
✔ Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary
✔ 2 nights camping accommodation
✔ 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
✔ All meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
✔ Trekking chef and cooking equipment
✔ Muleteers and horses for camping equipment
✔ 6 kg personal belongings carried by horse (per person)
✔ First aid kit and oxygen tank
🚶♂️🚐 Included – Bus Return via Hidroelectrica (Full Tour Price: USD $310)
✔ Guided visit to Machu Picchu (2–2.5 hours)
✔ Walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica (by yourself)
✔ Tourist bus from Hidroelectrica to Cusco (departure approx. 2:30 pm)
🚆 Included – Train Return Option (Full Tour Price: USD $380)
✔ Guided visit to Machu Picchu (2–2.5 hours)
✔ Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition service or similar)
✔ Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
What Is Not Included?
✘ Sleeping bag rental (USD $15)
✘ Trekking poles rental (USD $15)
✘ Breakfast on Day 1
✘ Lunch on Day 4
✘ Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (USD $12 one way / USD $24 round trip)
✘ Entrance to Cocalmayo hot springs (approx. USD $5)
✘ Huayna Picchu Mountain permit (USD $75, subject to availability)
✘ Vistadome train upgrade
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Tips for guide, cook, and muleteers (optional but appreciated)
Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights to Machu Picchu (Prices for 2025 and 2026)
Pricing & Booking Information
Group Service
- Return via Hidroelectrica (Bus Option)
From USD $310.00 per person (cash price) - Return by Tourist Train (Comfort Option)
From USD $380.00 per person (cash price)
Includes:
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Professional English/Spanish trekking guide 3 nights accommodation (2 camping + 1 hotel in Aguas Calientes) All meals during the trek (except first breakfast and last lunch) Trekking chef and equipment Horse support for camping gear Hotel pick-up & transfers
$20 discount available for students (with valid ID) and children
Service is subject to availability.
Please always inquire about availability for your preferred travel dates.
Online card payment available.
A small processing fee applies to card payments.
Due to limited Machu Picchu entrance availability, advance booking is highly recommended.
Premium Service – Sky Domes Lodge Experience
From USD $650.00 per person
(Minimum 2 travelers required)
Upgrade your Salkantay Trek experience with exclusive Sky Domes Lodge accommodation, offering panoramic mountain views, greater comfort, and enhanced service.
Includes:
Accommodation in Sky Domes Lodge Private bathroom (subject to availability) Comfortable beds & upgraded service All standard inclusions of the Salkantay Trek
Service is subject to availability.
Please always inquire about availability for your preferred travel dates.
Private Service
Private Salkantay Trek available upon request.
Flexible departure date Private transportation Personalized guiding Ideal for couples, families, and small groups
Request your private Salkantay Trek quote via WhatsApp.
Optional Upgrades & Extra Costs
The following services are not included in the standard Salkantay Trek package but can be added upon request:
Sleeping Bag Rental
High-quality sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain temperatures.
USD $15 per person (entire trek)
Trekking Poles Rental
Professional walking poles to improve stability and reduce knee impact during the hike.
USD $15 per person (pair for the entire trek)
Train Upgrade – Vistadome Service
Upgrade from Expedition to Vistadome Train for panoramic windows and enhanced comfort.
USD $40 – $60 per person (subject to availability)
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (limited permits available).
USD $75 per person
Advance booking required (very limited availability)
Bus Down from Machu Picchu
If returning via Hidroelectrica, you may add:
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
USD $12 one way
USD $24 round trip
Cocalmayo Hot Springs (Santa Teresa)
Entrance fee not included.
Approx. + USD $5 per person
Single Room Supplement (Hotel Night)
Price Depending on hotel category
Additional Horse for Personal Belongings
If you require extra weight support during the trek.
USD $30 per day
All upgrades are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Payment Options
To secure your booking, we offer flexible payment options:
50% deposit online to confirm your reservation Remaining balance paid in Cusco (cash recommended) Full payment by card available upon request
Once we receive your booking details, we will send you a secure payment link via WhatsApp or email (+ 5%).
Required Information for Booking
To confirm your reservation, please send us:
Full name (as in passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Hotel name in Cusco
WhatsApp number (including country code)
(Essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up and Machu Picchu entry ticket.)
Cancellation & Refund Policy – Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights
Due to the advance purchase of Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets, cancellations are subject to the following conditions:
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased. Train tickets are also subject to railway company cancellation policies.
Cancellation Policy
More than 7 days before departure:
Partial refund available, excluding Machu Picchu entrance ticket and train ticket costs.
7 days or less before departure:
No refund. All services are considered confirmed and non-refundable.
Please note: Once Machu Picchu entrance tickets are issued under your name and passport number, they cannot be modified or refunded.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.
Packing List for Salkantay Trek 4 Days
🧥 Clothing (Layering System Recommended)
✔ 2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
✔ 2 trekking pants
✔ Warm fleece or insulated jacket
✔ Down jacket (very important for cold nights)
✔ Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
✔ Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
✔ Gloves, scarf, and warm hat
✔ Sun hat or cap
✔ Comfortable underwear & hiking socks
⚠️ Nights can drop below 0°C at Salkantay Pass.
🥾 Footwear
✔ Good quality trekking shoes (water-resistant recommended)
✔ Comfortable sandals or sneakers for Aguas Calientes
✔ Extra socks
🎒 Daypack (Small Backpack 20–30L)
You will carry this during the hike.
✔ Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
✔ Water bottle (reusable recommended)
✔ Sunscreen (high SPF)
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Snacks
✔ Camera or phone
✔ Personal medication
✔ Basic toiletries
✔ Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
🛌 Optional but Recommended
✔ Sleeping bag (can be rented – USD $15)
✔ Trekking poles (can be rented – USD $15)
✔ Power bank
✔ Swimsuit (for Cocalmayo hot springs)
✔ Towel
✔ Small amount of cash (for tips or extras)
🎒 Duffel Bag (Carried by Horses – 6 kg Included)
You can pack your extra clothes and personal items here. It will be given back to you at each campsite.
❌ Do Not Bring
✘ Large suitcases
✘ Heavy unnecessary items
✘ Valuables you don’t need
Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.
Booking
Salkantay Trek 4 Days
Starting from
$ 310.00 USD
per person
Group & private options available
Contact us on WhatsApp to check availability, private options, and confirm your booking.
BRIEF CONDITIONS
• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided (+ 5%)
• Balance paid in Cusco
Why Choose Us for your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
Choosing the right operator makes all the difference. Here’s why travelers trust us for their adventure to Machu Picchu:
🏔️ Local & Experienced Team
We are a local Cusco-based company with experienced professional guides who know the Salkantay route inside and out.
👨🍳 High-Quality Meals on the Trail
Enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals made by our trekking chef — even in the mountains. Vegetarian and special diets available.
🐴 Comfort & Proper Equipment
We include horses to carry camping equipment and up to 6 kg of your personal belongings, making your hike more comfortable.
🎟️ Guaranteed Machu Picchu Entry
Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included and secured in advance (subject to availability).
🛌 Small Groups = Better Experience
We operate with small groups to ensure personalized attention and a safer, more enjoyable trek.
💰 Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs. Clear inclusions and optional upgrades so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
🚆 Flexible Return Options
Choose between a budget return via Hidroelectrica or a more comfortable train return — you decide what fits your travel style and budget.
🧑⚕️ Safety First
Our guides carry a first aid kit and oxygen tank, and are trained to handle altitude-related situations
FAQs – Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Salkantay Trek 4 Days, including Machu Picchu entrance tickets, guided tours, weather conditions, altitude details, and essential travel tips to help you prepare for a safe and unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging. The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m (15,255 ft). Good physical condition is recommended, but no technical climbing experience is required.
What is the best season to do the Salkantay Trek?
The best time to do the trek is during the dry season (April to October). These months offer clearer skies, better mountain views, and safer trail conditions.
The rainy season (November to March) is still possible, but expect muddy trails and occasional heavy rain. January and February are the wettest months.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Machu Picchu tickets are limited and often sell out weeks or months in advance, especially during high season (May–September). We recommend booking early to secure availability.
What is the difference between bus return and train return?
• Bus return (via Hidroelectrica) is more budget-friendly but involves additional walking and a longer return journey.
• Train return is faster, more comfortable, and recommended if you prefer less travel time.
How many people are in each group?
We operate with small groups to provide better service, safety, and a more personalized trekking experience.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, altitude can affect some travelers. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit for safety.
What should I pack for the trek?
Essential items include:
Warm jacket (temperatures drop below 0°C at night)
Rain jacket or poncho
Good trekking shoes
Sunscreen and hat
Reusable water bottle
Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
What meals are included?
All meals during the trek are included (except breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 4). Our trekking chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily.
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