Salkantay Trek


USD 930   Days 4 days Nights 3 nights

Difficulty
Challenging

Maximum group size
6 people

Total distance
70 km / 43.5 mi

Height difference
2,0 to 4,6K m / 6,5 to 15,2K ft asl

Salkantay Trek


Official local tour operator of the Inca Trail

Salkantay Trek

Days 4 days Nights 3 nights

The Salkantay Trek is a multi-day adventure that offers nature enthusiasts an unforgettable experience for trekking, combining physical challenges with unique cultural and natural experiences. Over four days, you will explore spectacular landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to tropical forests as you approach the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. The first day begins with a journey to Soraypampa, where the trek to the campsite at Huayraqmachay begins, at an altitude of 3,850 m asl / 12,631 ft. On the second day, the route descends through diverse landscapes, passing through picturesque villages and tropical plantations, then reaching the campsite at Playa Sahuayaco. The third day offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from Patallacta, before descending to the hydroelectric station and then reaching Aguas Calientes for the last night. Finally, the fourth day is focused on exploring Machu Picchu, with a guided tour of the archaeological complex before returning to Cusco by train.

* Altitude sickness is a common experience for all visitors in Cusco. To minimize symptoms, it is advisable to spend one or two days in the city before starting the hike.

Difficulty: Challenging

Maximum group size: 6 people

Total distance: 70 km / 43.5 mi

Height difference: 2,0 to 4,6K m / 6,5 to 15,2K ft asl


Price
USD 930
per person based on 2 people
Salkantay Trek

Cusco - Soraypampa – Wayracmachay
DAY 1

Cusco - Soraypampa – Wayracmachay

Distance
16 km – 10 mi / approx. 7 h
Altitude
3,800 to 4,650 m / 12,467 to 15,255 ft asl
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging

Lunch: Soroycocha 4,490 m / 14,730 ft asl
Campsite: Wayracmachay 3,900 m / 12,795 ft asl


The Salkantay Trek adventure begins at dawn, after a four-hour journey to Soraypampa. Along the way, you can admire the majestic snow-capped mountains and the Apurímac River valley. After three hours of trekking, you will reach Soroycocha, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. It’s important to take things easy and communicate with your guide if you start feeling the effects of the altitude as the route becomes more challenging. It’s also advisable to dress appropriately, as you may experience both cold air at high altitudes and warm air in the lower parts.

After lunch, the trail continues to ascend until reaching an altitude of 4,700 m (15,419 ft). The view of the Salkantay mountain range is simply breathtaking. After three hours of descent, you arrive at the first campsite in Wayracmachay, where dinner will be served, and you will spend the night.

Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayacco
DAY 2

Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayacco

Distance
22 km – 13.7 mi / approx. 9 h
Altitude
1,900 to 3,900 m / 6,234 to 12,795 ft asl
Difficulty
Challenging

Lunch: Collpapampa 2,900 m / 9,514 ft asl
Campsite: Playa Sahuayacco 2,000 m / 6,561 ft asl


The day begins with an early breakfast to fuel up for the journey ahead. The route mostly descends, taking you through a variety of landscapes including the mysterious cloud forest. During the trek, you will encounter impressive waterfalls, fruit-laden trees with delights like strawberries, wild orchids, bromeliads, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive “Gallito de las Rocas,” the national symbol of the region. After three hours of walking, you will reach the picturesque village of Collpapampa to enjoy a comforting lunch.
Continuing the journey for approximately three more hours, you will experience a change in the environment, with warm and lush temperatures. Along the way, you will pass through lush coffee, banana, and avocado plantations before reaching the campsite at Playa Sahuayacco for dinner.

Playa Sahuayaco – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
DAY 3

Playa Sahuayaco – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

Distance
22 km – 13.7 mi / approx. 9 h
Altitude
1,900 to 2,800 m / 6,233 to 9,186 ft asl
Difficulty
Challenging

Lunch: Hydroelectric Plant – 1,800 m / 5,905 ft asl
Campsite: Aguas Calientes – 2,040 m / 6,692 ft asl


On the third day of trekking, you will reach one of the lowest point of the trek. After breakfast, a three-hour hike begins towards Llactapata. This site was possibly used for ceremonial purposes and features a wide agricultural area, as well as the city ruins, ancient stone walls, and gates that extend along the steep terraces visible on the slope. From here, you get the first view of Machu Picchu, offering a perspective of the citadel that many visitors do not have the opportunity to see.

After descending for three hours through dense vegetation and lush trees, you will reach the hydroelectric plant, where lunch will be served. Then, an approximately two-hour hike to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay in a hotel with a private bathroom for the last night. Dinner is included.

* During the rainy season, the availability of the Llactapata route cannot be guaranteed as this section may pose a risk. Therefore, an alternative route will be chosen in the interest of safety for both hikers and staff.

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
DAY 4

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Distance
4km – 2,485 mi / approx. 3 h
Altitude
2,040 to 2,430 m / 6,692 to 7,972 ft asl
Difficulty
Easy


After breakfast, the first bus of the day will take you to Machu Picchu. During the guided tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and details of the archaeological complex. Once the tour is finished, you will have free time to explore on your own. Don’t forget to visit Inti Punku, known as the “Sun Gate” or “Sunrise Gate”, as well as Huayna Picchu, where for an additional fee you can enjoy unique panoramic views. There are limited daily entrances available for this experience, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Later you can choose to walk back or take a bus to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you will return by train to Ollantaytambo from where you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.

Included

  • Private transfers from hotel to Challacancha / train station to hotel
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Return train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
  • Pre-trek briefing
  • Tent with space for 4 people, but only with 2 occupants
  • Toilet tent
  • Foam mattress
  • Our professional chefs prepare meals incorporating elements of Western diet as well as traditional Peruvian delicacies
  • Porters (for equipment and items) carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen equipment. You can hire a personal porter if desired.
  • Dining tent with field tables and chairs and a kitchen tent for the chef
  • Cook and kitchen equipment
  • Oxygen bottle (one per group)
  • First aid kit
  • Snacks: Nutritious and energy bars, assorted nuts, and chocolates
  • Seasonal fruit
  • Water for refilling bottles each morning
  • 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, and 03 dinners (optional vegetarian or vegan meals available upon request)

Not included

  • Sleeping bag (20 USD)
  • Walking sticks (10 USD)
  • Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
  • Optional personal horse
  • Entrance to the hot springs
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (70 USD)
  • Other meals
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Other unspecified extras

Notes

What to bring on the 4-day Salkantay Trek:

  • A lightweight backpack for the journey
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants) or rain poncho
  • Special trekking footwear, waterproof boots recommended
  • Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece liners, gloves, scarf, and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
  • Camera, films, and batteries (batteries deplete faster in cold weather conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect from sun, rain, and cold
  • Sunscreen and after-sun lotion or moisturizer for face and body
  • Insect repellent containing a minimum of 20% DEET
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolates, raw fruits, etc.
  • Water bottle for the first morning
  • Personal first aid kit with any special medication you may need
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Swimwear (if you intend to swim in the hot springs)
  • Cash – enough for snacks, tips, and souvenirs
  • Original passport and ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
  • Walking sticks with rubber tips (we can rent them for you)


Book Now

Date
Participiants

Total price: €0.00

 
First Name*
Last Name*
Country / Region*
Street address*
Town / City*
State*
ZIP Code*
Phone*
Email Address*
Order notes


* Direct Bank Transfer
Make the payment directly to our bank account. Please use your order number as a payment reference. Your order will not be processed until the payment has cleared in our account.
Your personal data will be used to process your order, improve your experience on this website, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.

Chat on WhatsApp