Tour Description
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek is a slightly faster, more intensive version of the classic 5-day route. It is ideal for physically fit travelers who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Salkantay mountain but have one less day to spare.
You will experience the exact same dramatic landscapes: the turquoise Humantay Lake, the imposing 4,600m Salkantay Pass, and the lush, tropical cloud forest. The main difference is that days 2 and 3 of the standard trek are combined into one longer hiking day, skipping the Llactapata ruins to head straight to Aguas Calientes on the third day.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
- 04:30 AMEarly pick-up from Cusco and drive to the trailhead at Challacancha.
- 09:00 AMBegin the hike along the old Inca water channel to Soraypampa.
- 12:00 PMLunch at the base camp followed by a steep hike up to Humantay Lake.
- 05:00 PMReturn to Soraypampa base camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
- 05:30 AMEarly breakfast and start the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass.
- 10:30 AMReach the highest point at 4,600m (15,091ft) near the glacier.
- 01:00 PMDescend to Wayracmachay for a hot lunch.
- 05:00 PMArrive at the Chaullay campsite in the upper cloud forest.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Aguas Calientes
- 06:00 AMHike through the Santa Teresa valley, enjoying waterfalls and coffee plantations.
- 12:00 PMArrive at La Playa or Lucmabamba for lunch.
- 01:30 PMTake local transport to the Hydroelectric station (to save time).
- 03:00 PMWalk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
- 06:00 PMCheck into your hotel and enjoy a final group dinner.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
- 04:30 AMEarly wake up and bus ride to Machu Picchu.
- 06:00 AMGuided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- 09:00 AMFree time to explore or hike extra mountains.
- 01:30 PMReturn by train to Ollantaytambo, then bus to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-trek briefing
- Transportation to trailhead and return to Cusco
- Professional guide
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Camping equipment, chef, and mules for carrying gear/food
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Sleeping bag and walking sticks
- Humantay Lake entrance fee
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Huayna Picchu tickets
What to bring
- Passport
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking boots
- Layers of clothing
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent
Expert Tips
- This trek requires a good level of fitness as day 2 involves a lot of downhill walking after a tough ascent.
- Drink coca tea to help with the altitude.
