Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best alternative trekking routes to the Inca Citadel. Perfect for adventure seekers, this 4-day, 3-night trek takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, ancient Inca history, and unforgettable experiences.
Unlike the Inca Trail, it does not require a special permit, making it an ideal option for travelers looking for adventure, flexibility, and a unique way to reach Machu Picchu.
What's included
Entrance fee to Machu picchu
Professional guide
3 nights accommodation
Lunch
Dinner
Hotel pickup
Breakfast
Food 3 breakfast, 3 lunches , 3 dinners )
Transport by private vehicle
Breakfast on the first morning
lunch on the last day after machu picchu
Return Train
Hotel drop - off
What to expect
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa.
Mollepata
6h
You will begin your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.. Travel through the beautiful Andean landscapes to Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast (not included) before continuing to Challacancha (3,380 m / 11,090 ft).
From Challacancha, you will start your first hike through breathtaking mountain scenery until reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), where you will enjoy your first lunch and settle into your campsite.
In the afternoon, you will hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,845 ft), famous for its turquoise waters and the stunning snow-capped Humantay Mountain. Your guide will share the history and natural significance of this incredible destination while you take time to admire the views and capture unforgettable photos.
After returning to camp, you will enjoy tea time, dinner, and a well-deserved rest in your mountain huts, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Andes.
Day 2: Soray pampa - Abra salkantay - Chaullay
Humantay Lake
10h · Admission ticket not included
Today, you will experience one of the most spectacular days of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. After breakfast, you will hike through the stunning Andean landscapes, surrounded by breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
You will gradually ascend toward Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 ft), the highest point of the trek, where you will admire incredible panoramic views and learn from your expert guide about the sacred Salkantay Mountain, the ancient Inca civilization, and the cultural significance of this remarkable region.
After celebrating this achievement, you will descend through diverse landscapes and enjoy a delicious lunch with tea or coffee. Your journey continues through the beautiful Andean valleys until reaching Chaullay, your second campsite, where you will relax and recharge for the next adventure.
Day 3: chaullay - hidrolectrica - aguas calientes
Aguas Calientes
8h
You will begin the day with a breathtaking descent through the Andean cloud forest, entering one of the most biodiverse areas of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. As you leave the high mountains behind, the trail transforms into a lush jungle landscape filled with tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and incredible natural beauty.
You will enjoy a scenic 3 to 4-hour hike to La Playa (Sayhuayaco), surrounded by vibrant flora and wildlife while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the Peruvian high jungle.
After lunch, you will continue by vehicle to Hidroeléctrica and begin a scenic hike along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes. Following the route beside the Vilcanota River, you will enjoy beautiful views as you approach the gateway to Machu Picchu.
You will arrive in Aguas Calientes around 5:00–6:00 p.m., check into your accommodation, and rest before the unforgettable highlight of your journey: exploring Machu Picchu.
Day 4: aguas calientes - machu picchu - cusco
Machu Picchu
10h
You will start the day with breakfast in Aguas Calientes before heading to the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, the highlight of your 4-Day Salkantay Trek and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological destinations.
You can reach the entrance by a scenic 1.5-hour hike or by bus (approximately $12), enjoying spectacular views of the cloud forest and Andean landscapes. With your professional guide, you will explore Machu Picchu, discovering its ancient temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and impressive Inca engineering while learning about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.
Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offer breathtaking panoramic views. After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Return transportation to Cusco is not included, allowing you to choose your preferred option. This marks the end of your unforgettable Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Meeting and pickup
End point
Pickup details
we are going to pick you up from your hotel
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
