Salkantay Trek 4 Days To Machu
From US$350 per person
Trip Summary
Total time
4 days / 3 nights
Meals included
3 Breakfasts - 3 Lunches - 3 Dinners.
Group size
Up to 10 people
Transportation
Bus
Why Pick This Tour
This is the ideal route for anyone looking for the full intensity of the Salkantay Trek but with limited time — without giving up comfort and quality. In just 4 days, you’ll live a high-mountain adventure, conquering the sacred Apu Salkantay mountain surrounded by incredible Andean scenery. The journey ends with a visit to Machu Picchu, blending trekking, nature, culture, and history — all with high-quality comfort service that takes the mountain experience in Peru to the next level.
The best part of the tour: Guided tour of Salkantay Trek 4 Days To Machu
Over View — Salkantay Trek 4 Days
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most popular trekking routes and the best alternative to the Inca Trail. This moderate-difficulty hike delivers a complete adventure, nature, and Andean culture experience, crossing spectacular landscapes from Andean glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and sacred mountains to subtropical valleys and cloud forest.
Along the way, you’ll visit the stunning Humantay Lake — one of the top natural attractions on the Salkantay Trek — and reach the highest point at the Salkantay Pass (15,256 ft / 4,650 m), surrounded by high-mountain scenery and Andean spirituality. With bilingual professional guides, full meal service prepared by a chef, and horses for gear transport (up to 13 lbs per person), this experience combines Peru trekking with comfort and safety. The trip wraps up with a visit to Machu Picchu — making it an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1 : Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Very early in the morning, around 4:00 a.m., we’ll leave Cusco by tourist transport heading to Mollepata, where we’ll have breakfast (optional). Then we’ll continue to Challacancha, the official starting point of the Salkantay Trek. From here we’ll start hiking about 3 hours to Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m), where our cabin campsite is set up — surrounded by stunning high-mountain scenery.
After an included lunch, we’ll hike to Humantay Lake (13,780 ft / 4,200 m), one of the main highlights of the Salkantay Trek, famous for its turquoise waters and glacial setting. We’ll enjoy the natural scenery, take photos, then head back to camp at Soraypampa for group dinner, rest, and acclimatization — getting ready for the next day of Andean adventure.
Day 2 : Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
We’ll wake up super early with coca tea — perfect for altitude adjustment — and fuel up with a nutritious breakfast. Once ready, we’ll start a roughly 4.5-mile hike to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek: the Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m). From up there, you can see the majestic Salkantay peak (20,574 ft / 6,271 m), considered a sacred mountain and one of the most important apus in Inca cosmology.
Then we’ll descend to Huayracmachay (12,631 ft / 3,850 m) for lunch in tents surrounded by high-mountain nature. After that, we’ll enter the cloud forest of the jungle zone, experiencing a dramatic climate shift from cold to temperate, along with the incredible diversity of Andean-Amazonian plant life along the way. Finally, we’ll reach the Collpapampa campsite (9,678 ft / 2,950 m), where our trekking cooks will have dinner waiting. Then we’ll rest up in our cabins, recharging for the next day of trekking to Machu Picchu.
Day 3 : Collpapampa – La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
After waking up fully recharged, we’ll get ready for our tourist breakfast, then start hiking toward La Playa through a subtropical valley, checking out exotic plants and local crops. We’ll reach a parking area where we’ll take local transport (not included) to Hidroeléctrica for lunch. Then we’ll walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes — a scenic trekking experience. Once there, our guide will help us check into our hotels in Aguas Calientes. In the evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner — a great time for the guide to share instructions for the next day. After dinner, you can explore the town or hit the sack early.
Day 4 : Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Early start with breakfast at the hotel, then we’ll meet our professional guide at Machu Picchu as previously arranged. Together we’ll head up to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, aiming to be among the first to enter at our official entry time.
We’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting the main temples, chambers, and archaeological highlights while learning about Inca history, architecture, and Andean culture. This is the kind of tour you’ll be telling people about for years.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu, take photos, and soak in one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Optionally, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking and extra cost required).
In the afternoon, we’ll start the return to Cusco, which can be done two ways depending on your time, comfort, and budget:
Option 1: Return via Hidroeléctrica (budget-friendly)
Walk back along the train tracks to Hidroeléctrica, then tourist bus to Cusco. Longer travel time but the most affordable option — great for travelers on a budget who want to enjoy the natural scenery along the way.
Option 2: Return by Train from Aguas Calientes (fastest & most comfortable)
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then bus to Cusco. Fastest and most comfortable option, though pricier. Arrival time depends on the selected train schedule.
What’s Included
- Pre-Trip Info Session: Briefing the day before departure to coordinate final trekking details.
- Hotel Pickup in Cusco: Transfer from your hotel to start the tour worry-free.
- Shared Transport to Trailhead: Tourist vehicle to the starting point of the hike.
- Bilingual Professional Guides (Spanish – English): Full-time guides with detailed explanations about history, culture, and Andean nature.
- Comfortable Lodging During the Trek: 2 nights in fully equipped cabins and domes + 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, double room with private bathroom. (Single room available at extra cost.)
- Professional Chef & Kitchen Team: Fresh, balanced meals prepared throughout the trek.
- Full Meals Included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
- Snacks & Tea Time (twice): Popcorn, cookies, and hot drinks to recharge after the hike.
- Morning Coca Tea: Traditional Andean drink ideal for altitude adjustment.
- Duffel Bag & Pack Horses: Transport up to 11 lbs of personal gear, making the trek way more comfortable.
- Personal Sleeping Pad: Thermal insulation for comfortable sleep at night.
- Machu Picchu Entrance — Circuit 2: First entry slot (6:00–7:00 a.m.), subject to official availability.
- Guided Tour at Machu Picchu: 1.5-hour guided tour of the main archaeological sectors.
- Return to Cusco: Return trip from Aguas Calientes to Cusco by train or tourist bus, based on your chosen option.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Available at no extra cost — just request in advance.
- Safety & Ongoing Support: First aid kit, oxygen tank, and continuous assistance throughout the tour.
What’s Not Included
- First & Last Meals: Breakfast Day 1 and last lunch in Aguas Calientes not included.
- Sleeping Bag: Not included. Available for rental — coordinate in advance.
- Trekking Poles: Not included. Available for rental for extra comfort on the trail.
- Humantay Lake Entrance: S/ 20.00 per person, paid directly at the access point.
- Transport Lucmabamba to Hidroeléctrica: Local transport, approx. S/ 40.00 per person, paid directly on route.
- Equipment Rental: Sleeping bag and trekking pole rental not included — must be requested in advance.
Packing List & Tips
I. Prep & Documents
- Documents: Bring your original passport or national ID — required for Machu Picchu entry. Make sure ticket names match your document.
- Acclimatization & Insurance: The Salkantay is demanding. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days. Get travel insurance covering emergencies and cancellations.
- Optional Tickets: Get your Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets well in advance if you want to hike them.
II. Essential Gear
- Day Pack (25L max): For carrying essentials during daily hikes.
- Layered Clothing: Proper trekking layers (thermal, breathable, windbreaker) to handle changing temperatures.
- Basic Gear: Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots to avoid blisters.
- Cash (Soles): For tips, restrooms, shopping, and extra entries not included.
III. Tour Rules & Safety
- Punctuality & Guide: Be on time and follow guide instructions for safety and route info.
- Health: Don’t ignore altitude sickness symptoms (soroche) — tell your guide immediately about any discomfort.
- Rules: Respect nature and archaeological sites. Don’t litter and don’t leave the group.
- Machu Picchu: One-way route — no re-entry, no drones, no bulky backpacks.
Very Important:
The company is not responsible for denied entry to Machu Picchu due to invalid documentation, such as expired student IDs or expired identity documents.
Please read these policies carefully before confirming your booking. By making payment, you agree to all terms.
Extra Tickets (Wayna Picchu, etc.)
If you booked add-on tickets like Wayna Picchu, they’re non-refundable and non-transferable. If you change your date or cancel, they’re lost and you’ll need to buy new ones.
2026 Rates — Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
This 2026, we invite you to trek one of the most iconic routes to Machu Picchu with our 4D/3N Salkantay Trek — an experience designed for travelers who want adventure, comfort, and direct contact with Andean nature.
Our program is carefully organized for a balanced, well-structured experience combining natural landscapes, culture, and high-mountain hiking. The tour includes cabin and dome lodging during the trek, hotel the last night in Aguas Calientes, full meals, tourist transport, specialized guides, Machu Picchu entrance, and choice of return by tourist bus or train with panoramic Andean views.
Viajes Perú offers competitive market-rate prices while maintaining quality, safety, and service standards throughout.
2026 Prices — Salkantay Trek 4 Days
- Option 1: Return by Car (via Hidroeléctrica) — Budget-Friendly
- Student: $275.00 USD per person
- Child (3–17 years): $275.00 USD per person
- Adult: $295.00 USD per person
- Option 2: Return by Tourist Train — Fastest & Most Comfortable
(Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + tourist bus to Cusco)
-
- Student: $340.00 USD per person
- Child (3–17 years): $340.00 USD per person
- Adult: $360.00 USD per person
The train return costs more due to added comfort, speed, and panoramic Sacred Valley views.
Student Rate — Official Requirements
Peru’s Ministry of Culture offers a special Machu Picchu discount for university students who meet these requirements:
- Age: Over 19 and under 25 at time of visit
- Valid university student ID that includes: Full name, University, Photo, Student code, Visible expiration date (must not expire before the trip)
Important: If the ID doesn’t meet these requirements, the student discount may be denied at the Machu Picchu entrance — you’ll have to pay the regular rate.
Special Discount — Peruvians & Andean Community
Peruvian citizens and residents of Andean Community countries (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia) get a $20.00 USD discount on the total tour price.
Cancellation & Refund Policies — Salkantay Trek 4 Days
These policies have been established per Peru’s Ministry of Culture regulations and national tourism law, to provide clear and transparent information to our travelers.
- Booking the Salkantay Trek 4 Days
A $180 USD per person deposit is required to organize and confirm the tour. This deposit covers advance management and purchase of official entries, authorized permits, and regulated services — all issued personally, by name, per Peruvian tourism regulations.
- Legal Framework — Peru’s Ministry of Culture
Official entries for the Salkantay Trek are regulated by law. Per these regulations: Entries are personal, named, and non-transferable. Once issued, they don’t allow refunds, date changes, or modifications. Our company operates as an authorized tour operator, strictly following these legal provisions without the ability to modify them.
- Cancellation Policy
In case of cancellation by the traveler, no-show on departure day, or abandoning the tour once started, the $180 USD deposit is considered used. The official entries and permits have already been purchased and issued, so no refund or rescheduling is possible.
- Refund Policy
The $180 USD deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the cancellation reason, including: personal or family reasons, illness or medical situations, flight changes/delays/cancellations, itinerary modifications, or traveler decisions. This policy reflects the legal and personal nature of official Salkantay Trek entries.
- Force Majeure & External Factors
In situations beyond our control, such as landslides, road blockages, severe weather, protests, strikes, natural disasters, or other force majeure events — no refund or modification of the deposit will be issued. Permits and entries are subject to mandatory legal provisions and can’t be changed once issued.
- Acceptance of Policies
By paying the deposit, the traveler confirms they have read, understood, and accepted these cancellation and refund policies, acknowledging that these conditions stem from official Ministry of Culture regulations and that the company operates within the current legal and tourism framework.
What is the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
A high-mountain trek in Peru connecting Cusco to Machu Picchu. It’s a great alternative to the Inca Trail and one of the country’s most popular treks.
Does the Salkantay Trek actually get to Machu Picchu?
Yes. The tour includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the last day.
How hard is the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
Moderate to challenging, mainly due to altitude and length of daily hikes.
What's the highest point?
The Salkantay Pass at 15,256 ft (4,650 m) — one of the toughest parts of the route.
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes, it can affect some travelers. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before starting.
What kind of lodging is included?
Camps, domes, or lodges during the trek, plus a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the last night.
How much weight do I carry?
Just a day pack. Main gear is carried by horses or porters, making the trek much more comfortable.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Yes, especially if the tour includes camping. Many operators offer rental.
Are meals included?
Yes — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available on request.
Is transport included?
Yes. Includes transport from Cusco, tourist train, and return trip.
Is the Machu Picchu ticket included?
In most cases, yes. Always confirm at booking time.
Best time to do the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
April through October (dry season). December through March is rainy season; February is usually closed.
What's the price?
Ranges between $350 and $650 USD depending on service type and lodging.
Why choose the Salkantay Trek over the Inca Trail?
The Salkantay Trek offers more diverse scenery, fewer tourists, no permits required, and is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail.
