An unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the country: the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Your adventure begins in the remote Qoyllor Lagoon and the crystalline Inkachiriasqa Lagoon, hidden scenarios that mark the beginning of unforgettable landscapes. You will ascend high mountain passes with postcard views of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay before descending into lush cloud forests that herald your arrival at the Inca sanctuary.
Designed for explorers who value comfort, this trek includes camping, a creative gastronomic proposal, and personalized attention at each stage. At the end, a guided visit to Machu Picchu, where the grandeur of nature merges with Andean history and culture in an unforgettable experience.
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
The Inkachiriasqa pass is one of the highest points of the Salkantay Trail, reaching 5,100 meters above sea level. From this pass, you can enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the surrounding glaciers. It is a challenging but rewarding section of the trek to Inkachiriasqa Lagoon. The Inkachiriasqa Lagoon is a hidden gem at the foot of the Salkantay Mountains. It is a glacial lagoon characterized by its crystal clear waters and stunning natural surroundings. This lagoon is less known than the famous Humantay Lagoon, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a quieter and more authentic experience. Finally, the best of our entire Machu Picchu experience.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco - Qoyllor Lagoon - Inkachiriasqa Lagoon - Salkantaypampa Camp
Start with early pick up from your hotel and breakfast in Limatambo. Hike to the community of Qoyllor and its lagoon, followed by the Qoyllor pass, where the muleteers and horses meet. We continue to Inkachiriasqa lagoon and then to the base camp in Salkantaypampa. Lunch with views of the snow-capped Salkantay, followed by afternoon tea and dinner.
Day hike: 16 km in 7 hours.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Abra Salkantay - Chaullay
Wake up with a cup of coca tea and enjoy breakfast with mountain views. We begin a 3-hour hike or horseback ride to the highest point: the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m). Then we descend to Wayrac Machaq for lunch. We continue through the jungle, surrounded by trees, orchids and bromeliads, until we reach our second campsite.
Hike of the day: 18 km between 7 hrs to 8 hrs.
Day 3: Chaullay - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, 3 hour hike, we board the transport that will take us to Hidrolectrica. After lunch, we continue another 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at the hotel.
Hike of the day 5 km in 3 hours approximately.
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
After breakfast, visit the citadel of Machu Picchu with a tour of approximately 2 hours. Return to Ollantaytambo in a tourist train and then in a tourist transport to Cusco.
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
Day 1: Cusco - Qoyllor Lagoon - Inkachiriasqa Lagoon - Salkantaypampa Camp
Your adventure begins early in the morning, with pick-up from your hotel between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. We will head to Limatambo, where you will have the option to have breakfast (not included) at a local restaurant. This is also a good time to buy drinks, snacks or use the restrooms before continuing.
The hike begins in the community of Qoyllor, following scenic mountain trails towards the beautiful Qoyllor Lagoon. After crossing it, we will arrive at the Qoyllor pass, where we will meet the muleteers and horses that will be in charge of transporting the camping equipment, allowing you to walk alone with your personal belongings as we head towards the Inkachiriasqa lagoon.
After visiting this impressive glacier lagoon, we continue hiking to our base camp in Salkantaypampa, located at the foot of the majestic Salkantay glacier. There, our team will welcome you with a freshly prepared lunch, afternoon tea and a delicious dinner, surrounded by spectacular views of the Andean peaks.
Optional: Horse rental available for specific sections of the trail (mainly uphill) for USD $95. We recommend booking this service in advance, as during the trek there is no guaranteed availability without prior reservation.
DISTANCE: 16 Km/ 9.9 miles
ALT CAMP: 3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,795 ft
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
DURATION: 7 hours approx
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,700 m.a.s.l. / 15,420 ft
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Abra Salkantay - Chaullay
Wake up with a hot cup of coca tea, ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude, while contemplating the spectacular views of the Andean sunrise. Then, enjoy a nutritious breakfast prepared by our chef, surrounded by the imposing landscape of snow-capped mountains that announce the challenge of the day.
We start the hike towards the Salkantay pass (4,600 m), the highest point of the trek and one of the most impressive moments of the trek. This section, of approximately 3 hours, takes us through steep trails and high mountain landscapes, with panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay, hanging glaciers and rock formations shaped by time. Reaching the summit is a unique experience: you will feel the power of the Andes in all its splendor.
From there, we begin a gradual descent towards Wayracmachay, where we will pause to enjoy a comforting lunch surrounded by mountains, while the landscape begins to change. The ecosystem transition is evident: we leave behind the arid high-altitude terrain to enter the jungle brow, a greener, more humid and full-of-life world.
In the afternoon, the trail becomes cooler and shadier, flanked by huge trees, ferns, bromeliads and wild orchids. We walk alongside small streams and cross rustic bridges, listening to the song of Andean birds and the murmur of hidden waterfalls.
Finally, we arrive at Chaullay, our campsite for the night. Located in the heart of the high jungle, this quiet corner gives us a well-deserved rest, surrounded by pure nature and the relaxing sounds of the Andean night. Here we will enjoy a hot dinner under the stars, with the satisfaction of having overcome one of the most intense and beautiful days of the trek.
DISTANCE: 18 Km / 11.2 miles
ALT CAMP: 2,900 m.a.s.l. / 9,514 ft
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DURATION: 7 to 9 hours approx
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,700 m.a.s.l. / 15,420 ft
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
Day 3: Chaullay - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
After a hearty breakfast, we resume our hike through the lush cloud forest. This part of the trail is especially rich in biodiversity: the path is lined with crystal clear rivers, small waterfalls, wild orchids and bromeliads that adorn the environment with their vivid colors.
After about 3 hours of walking, we board the transport that will take us to Hydroelectric, where we can have lunch. We will continue with a walk of approximately 3 hours following the train tracks, in a stretch surrounded by the cloud forest and the constant sound of the Urubamba River. Finally, we will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you will stay in a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom and hot shower, ideal for resting and preparing for the expected visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
DISTANCE: 18 Km / 11.2 miles
ALT CAMP: 2,900 m.a.s.l. / 9,514 ft
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DURATION: 7 to 9 hours approx
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,700 m.a.s.l. / 15,420 ft
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
DAY 04:Machu Picchu - Cusco
Today we live the most awaited moment of the trip. We will board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Together with your professional guide, you will visit the main temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces and viewpoints of the Inca citadel in a guided tour of approximately 2 to 3 hours, where you will learn about the history, architecture and mystery surrounding this extraordinary legacy of the Incas.
At the end of the guided tour, you will have about 20 minutes of free time to explore on your own, take pictures or simply enjoy the energy of the place. Your guide will indicate where and when it is safe to do so.
Afterwards, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will continue by private transport to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.
Note: If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book at least 3 months in advance, as spaces are limited and sell out quickly. This activity is optional and has an additional cost of USD $70.
MEALS: Breakfast
DURATION: 2 to 3 hours approx. guided
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
INCLUDED
- Briefing day before your tour in our office
- Pick up from your hotel and private transportation to the start of the trek
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (vegetarian option available)
- Entrance ticket to Qoyllor Lagoon and Inkachiriasqa Lagoon
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide
- Chef and kitchen assistants
- Spacious dining tent and kitchen
- 2 nights camping
- 1 night hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
- 1 sleeping bag
- Return train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal care items
- Tips for the guide and muleteers
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
- Walking poles
- Ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket - additional cost US $70 per person. Book inadvance, minimum 3 months before.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
- Comfortable trekking shoes, preferably waterproof
- Small backpack (20L) for daily essentials
- Cash in small bills (for tips, souvenirs or extras)
- Sun hat or cap
- Long sleeve shirts and polo shirts, 2 of each recommended
- Long and short pants
- Waterproof jacket or poncho + warm sweater or fleece
- Thick jacket for cold mountain nights
- Scarf, gloves and hat for cold mornings and nights
- Water bottle or reusable bottle (recommended for easy access to water)
- Sunglasses, toilet paper and flashlight or headlamp
- Camera and cell phone with chargers or power bank
- High SPF sun block (50+ recommended) for high altitude sun exposure
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication and basic first aid kit
- Plastic bags or dry bags (to keep clothes and electronics dry)
- VERY IMPORTANT: ORIGINAL PHYSICAL PASSPORT
Salkantay vs. Inca Trail – What’s the Difference?
Both are amazing routes to reach Machu Picchu, but they offer different types of experiences:
Inca Trail:
- The original path built by the Incas.
- Ends directly at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Passes through impressive Inca archaeological sites.
- Perfect for combining history, culture, and nature.
- Requires early booking due to limited permits.
Salkantay Trek:
- A more adventurous route through the Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Hike among glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and lush cloud forests.
- Includes the hidden Inkachiriasqa Lagoon, surrounded by majestic Andean scenery.
- Spend your last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes for a good rest before Machu Picchu.
- No permits required and fewer crowds on the trail.
Which one should I choose? It depends on what you’re looking for:
- Choose the Inca Trail if you want to follow the original Inca paths straight into Machu Picchu.
- Choose the Salkantay Trek if you want an adventurous hike with dramatic landscapes and a quieter experience.
Both treks lead to Machu Picchu, the ultimate reward at the end.
How hard is the Salkantay Trek (5D/4N)?
This trek is considered challenging due to high altitudes (up to 5,100 m / 16,732 ft), long daily hikes (14–18 km / 8.6–11.2 mi), and varied terrain. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are recommended.
How many days should I acclimate before starting the trek?
For the best experience, we recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before starting your adventure. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude while you explore some of the region’s highlights. Make the most of your stay by booking with us unforgettable experiences like the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, or Maras & Moray. Let us help you create a complete travel itinerary so you can acclimate comfortably and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Where should I stay in Cusco for an easy pickup?
We recommend booking accommodation near the Historic Center of Cusco, in areas with good vehicle access. Due to narrow colonial streets and frequent traffic in Cusco, pickups are easier and more efficient from hotels or locations accessible by van. Pick-up times may vary depending on traffic and your hotel’s location.
When is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?
The dry season (May to September) is the best time for the Salkantay Trek, with clear mountain views and pleasant hiking conditions. The peak season is June to August. The rainy season (November to February) is not recommended.
What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
Machu Picchu is open all year round. The dry season (April to October) usually offers better weather with clearer skies. During the rainy season (November to March), expect light rain, cloudy skies, and mist, which can create a mystical atmosphere but may also limit visibility at times.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes! These are optional hikes within Machu Picchu, but must be booked at least 3 months in advance due to high demand and limited spots. The additional cost is US $70.
Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu:
We usually reserve Circuit 2, the most recommended for your guided visit to Machu Picchu. If there is no availability, we will book Circuit 3 or Circuit 1 as an alternative, depending on availability, at no extra cost. This will be communicated to you as soon as we receive your inquiry.
Preparation for the Trek:
This trek involves challenging routes at high altitudes, so it’s important to be in good physical condition. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before the trek to help your body acclimate. You can also book additional tours with us to explore the area while preparing for your adventure.
To help prepare your body for the trek, we suggest doing regular cardio or light hiking before your trip to improve endurance and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Medical Conditions:
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, heart conditions, or recent surgeries), or if you’re taking specific medications, please inform us at the time of booking. This will help us arrange the safest and most comfortable itinerary for your needs.
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