Duration: 4 Day From $ USD 515.00
4 Day Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek 4 Days is one of the most iconic multi-day trekking adventures in Peru and a powerful alternative route to the classic Inca Trail. Starting from Cusco, this 4-day, 3-night itinerary guides hikers through dramatic Andean landscapes — from snow-capped peaks and high mountain passes to lush cloud forest valleys — culminating with a visit to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu.
The trek begins with an early departure from Cusco, winding through the high puna grasslands toward the mighty Apu Salkantay, a towering mountain revered in Andean cosmology. As an Apu (mountain spirit), Salkantay signifies strength and protection — and walking in its shadow gives the journey both physical challenge and spiritual meaning.
On Day 1, hikers make steady progress through rugged terrain, crossing streams and passing rural homesteads where traditional shepherding and alpaca grazing continue as they have for centuries. The first night is spent near Soraypampa, with views of glaciated peaks hinting at the adventure ahead.
Day 2 is considered the heart of the trek, with the ascent to the Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 ft). The climb is demanding but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic vistas of jagged peaks and sweeping valleys that few places on Earth can match. From the pass, you descend into high-altitude valleys that gradually give way to warmer, greener landscapes.
The third and fourth days take you deeper into the cloud forest, where waterfalls, dense jungle vegetation, and tropical birds replace the stark high-Andes scenery. This dramatic ecological transition is one of the defining features of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days adventure — a unique experience of Peru’s natural diversity in a single route.
Along the way, experienced local guides share cultural insights, ancestral cosmology, and historical context that enrich your understanding of the land and the people who have thrived here for generations. By trekking with knowledgeable guides, you not only witness spectacular landscapes but also connect with the heart of Andean culture.
The final approach to Machu Picchu brings heightened excitement. Arriving at this ancient citadel after days of trekking through pristine wilderness feels deeply rewarding. Whether watching the sunrise over the ruins or exploring hidden corners of this iconic site, the conclusion of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days journey is as memorable as the adventure itself.
For travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure, cultural depth, breathtaking scenery, and physical accomplishment, the Salkantay Trek 4 Days remains one of the most sought-after experiences in Peru.
Trek through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Andes, from high-altitude mountains to lush cloud forest
Hike beneath the towering peaks of Nevado Humantay and Apu Salkantay
Visit the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon surrounded by snow-capped mountains
Reach the highest point of the trek at Salkantay Pass (4,632 m) with panoramic mountain views
Experience dramatic changes in scenery, climate, and vegetation along the route
Walk through valleys, waterfalls, orchids, and tropical vegetation on the way to Machu Picchu Town
Enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Machu Picchu
Travel through diverse ecosystems in just four unforgettable days
Combine adventure trekking with cultural discovery and Inca history
The Salkantay Trek 4 Day tour begins with a pickup from your hotel between 5:00 am and 5:15 am. You will travel in the agency’s transport for approximately 2.5 hours and enjoy beautiful mountain views, including the snowy Salkantay and other high Andean cities, as well as fertile agricultural lands. After a stop in Mollepata for breakfast and any last-minute shopping, you will return to Challacancha, where you will meet your team, equipment, and mules.
The trek begins with a 2-hour walk, observing the stunning Nevado de Humantay, with a height of 5,917m. You will reach your first camp in Soraypampa, located at 3,850m, where you will be welcomed with a warm meal. After a well-deserved rest, you will visit the Humantay Lagoon for 1.5 hours to admire its breathtaking landscape and mountain glaciers. You will return to the camp for tea and dinner.
Tour highlights:
Note: Don’t forget to bring warm clothing and gear for the trek.
We start the day at 5:00 AM with breakfast before getting ready for the toughest hike of the trek. We pack our bags and walk for around 1 hour to Salkantaypampa, which is at 4100 meters of altitude. We take a short break and continue walking for another hour to Soyrococha, where we can rest, drink and snack at 4400 meters of altitude.
We then head to the highest point of the trek, Abra Salkantay, which is 4632 meters high and located between the two snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay. At this point, we will see the snow-capped Salkantay and enjoy the stunning views of the entire mountain range. We then descend for 2 hours to Wayracpampa for lunch and continue to descend for another 3 and a half hours observing the changing vegetation and climate until we reach our second camp, Chaullay.
Total distance traveled: 14km Travel time: 9 to 10 hours, including rest and lunch Camp altitude: 2,900 meters above sea level Difficulty: Hard to Medium Temperature: Moderate with windy afternoons.
We start the day at 5:00 AM with breakfast, then embark on a 6-hour hike to “La Playa.” Along the way, we will see diverse flora and fauna, including natural waterfalls, orchids, and strawberries. After lunch at La Playa (2,200m), we take a one-hour bus ride to Hidroeléctrica and then walk for 3 hours to Machu Picchu Town. After check-in at the accommodation, dinner will be coordinated for the final details of our Machu Picchu visit.
On this day, you will have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, one of the most famous historical sites in the world. There are two ways to reach the entrance of the citadel: either by hiking up the steep and stair-filled path for 1 hour and 30 minutes or by purchasing a bus ticket for $12 or $24.
Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, located at 2490 meters above sea level, you will participate in a guided tour that lasts for about 2 hours. During this time, you will learn about the history and significance of this ancient Inca city. After the tour, you will have ample time to explore Machu Picchu on your own, including a visit to the Inti Punku or the “Puerta del Sol.”
After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will return to Machu Picchu Town for lunch. The town offers a variety of restaurants to choose from, so you can select one that suits your taste. After lunch, you will head to the train station and take a 1 minute and 30-second journey to the Ollantaytambo station. There, transportation with your name will be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco, which is approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute journey.
The Salkantay Trek is a challenging but rewarding journey through the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu. This alternative route to the popular Inca Trail offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Peruvian landscape and the rich history of the Inca civilization. The trek typically takes five days, starting from the small village of Mollepata and ending at Machu Picchu.
The first day of the Salkantay Trek takes you through the rolling hills of the Andes, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The highlight of the day is reaching the Salkantay Pass, at an altitude of 4,600 meters, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Salkantay mountain range.
The following days of the trek will take you through a variety of landscapes, from cloud forests and sub-tropical valleys to high-altitude plateaus and deep gorges. Along the way, you will pass by several Andean villages, where you can interact with the local people and learn about their way of life.
The final day of the trek takes you to Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore this famous ancient city and learn about its history and significance. With a professional guide, you will discover the main buildings and plazas, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, a mysterious stone used for astronomical purposes.
In addition to the incredible scenery and cultural experiences, the Salkantay Trek offers a sense of adventure and physical challenge. It is recommended for experienced trekkers in good physical condition, as it involves several days of hiking over uneven terrain at high altitudes.
Whether you are a seasoned trekker or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, the Salkantay Trek is a must-do journey that offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure.
PERSONAL TOILET ITEMS:
What to pack:
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days is considered challenging, especially on Day 2 when you cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,632 m (15,197 ft). Good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.
Previous hiking experience is helpful but not required. If you are in good physical condition and have spent at least one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco, you can successfully complete the trek.
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass (Abra Salkantay) at approximately 4,632 meters (15,197 ft) above sea level.
Yes. On Day 1, you will hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
You should bring sturdy hiking boots, warm layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, personal toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and some cash.
The best season is the dry season from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer.
Yes. The trek ends with a guided visit to Machu Picchu on Day 4, allowing you to explore the famous Inca citadel after your trekking adventure.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then continue by private transportation back to Cusco.
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The best experiences in the Peruvian Andes
Real contact with the people of the Andean region
We believe in respect for the environment and its importance in our travels.
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