Trek to Salkantay 4D/3N
Salkantay Trek 4D/3N
The Salkantay Trek 4 days and 3 nights is one of the most beautiful and recommended hikes to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Over 4 days, you will travel through breathtaking landscapes: the Humantay Lake, the impressive Salkantay Pass, tropical forests, crystal-clear rivers, and finally the route to Aguas Calientes before the big day at Machu Picchu. It is an ideal experience for those seeking adventure, nature, and a less crowded route than other traditional hikes.
What makes this tour so special?
⭐ Hike considered one of the best in the world
⭐ Visit to Humantay Lake
⭐ Crossing the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m)
⭐ Landscape changes: glaciers → high jungle
⭐ Great ending at Machu Picchu
General information
Days: 4-day / 3-night activity
📍 Location: Salkantay – Mollepata – Santa Teresa – Machu Picchu
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Places you will visit on this tour
- Mollepata – Start of the trek
- Humantay Lake
- Salkantay Pass
- Chaullay
- Santa Teresa
- Hydroelectric
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
What makes this tour special?
- ⭐ Direct contact with nature
- ⭐ Less crowded routes
- ⭐ Authentic mountain experience
- ⭐ Ideal trek to combine high mountains and high jungle in just a few days
Itinerary – Salkantay Trek 4D/3N
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Start of the journey
We depart between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. toward Mollepata. After a short break, we continue to Soraypampa, located at 3,900 m, where the adventure begins.
Ascent to Humantay Lake
We take a moderate hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake, known for its intense turquoise color and surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Free afternoon and rest
We return to Soraypampa for lunch and rest. This afternoon is ideal for acclimatizing to the high-altitude weather.
Day 1 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 6–7 km
🛌 Accommodation: Campsite in Soraypampa
🍽 Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
Highest ascent of the trek
We start early to climb to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route (4,630 m). From there, we enjoy spectacular views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
Descent to the high jungle
We then begin the descent to Huayracmachay for lunch. We continue to Chaullay, where the landscape becomes greener, more humid, and warmer.
Day 2 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 18 km
🛌 Accommodation: Campsite in Chaullay
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,630 m
Day 3: Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
High jungle and biodiversity
We descend along trails surrounded by waterfalls, fruit plantations, abundant vegetation, and tropical birds typical of the area.
Lunch and continuation to Hydroelectric
At Playa Sahuayaco, we stop for lunch. Then we take transportation to Hydroelectric.
Final hike to Aguas Calientes
From Hydroelectric, we walk for approximately 3 hours toward Aguas Calientes following the railway line until we reach the hotel where we will rest.
Day 3 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 10–12 km
🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Guided visit to Machu Picchu
Very early, we go up by bus to Machu Picchu for a 2 to 3-hour guided tour through the most important sectors of the sanctuary.
Free time
Afterward, you will have time to explore more corners, such as the Inca Bridge, or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation).
Return to Cusco
We descend to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo and then transportation to Cusco.
Day 4 Details
🕒 Guided tour: 2–3 hours
🚐 Return: Train + transport
Includes and Not Included – Salkantay Trek 4D/3N
What’s included
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
- Transportation: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.
- Professional Guide: Assistance from the start of the trek.
- Campsite: Night in Soraypampa.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
- Guided route: Ascent to Salkantay Pass and descent to the tropical zone.
- Campsite: Night in Chaullay.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Assistance: First aid kit and oxygen.
Day 3: Chaullay – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Guided hike: Route through the high jungle and tropical trails.
- Transportation: Playa Sahuayaco – Hydroelectric.
- Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Entrance: Admission to Machu Picchu.
- Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Guided tour: Guided visit inside the Inca citadel.
- Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
General services included
- Professional guide: Throughout the entire experience.
- Full meals: During the trek.
- Horses: To carry equipment according to the route.
- Established campsites: During the first 2 nights.
- Assistance: First aid kit and oxygen.
Not included
- First breakfast.
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to Humantay Lake.
- Entrance to Cocalmayo (optional).
- Extra riding horse.
- Tips.
This trek reaches 4,630 m at Salkantay Pass. It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco at least 1 or 2 days in advance, stay well hydrated, and have moderate physical condition.
Additional Details
Recommendations
- Bring warm clothing as well as light clothing.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Pack a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Do not forget a headlamp.
- Bring cash for additional expenses.
What to bring
- Comfortable and waterproof clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Snacks and water
- Camera
- Warm clothing for the high part of the trek
Useful information
- Maximum altitude: Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m.
- Accommodation: The first 2 nights are in organized campsites and the last one in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Acclimatization: It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 1 or 2 days before the tour.
- Weather: The first days are cold and, after Salkantay Pass, the weather becomes milder and more humid.
- Humantay: The visit is included in the itinerary, but the entrance fee is paid separately.
- Optional: You can book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made 30 days in advance: 50% refund.
- Cancellations 5 days before: no refund.
- Entrance tickets are non-refundable once issued.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Salkantay Trek 4D/3N
Is prior trekking experience necessary?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to have an acceptable physical condition. The Salkantay Trek includes demanding sections, especially the ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m).
What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?
The best season is from April to November, during the dry season. It can also be done during the rainy season (December – March), but the weather is more variable.
Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the trek?
Yes, it is possible due to the altitude. It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco at least 1–2 days before the tour, stay hydrated, and walk at a steady pace.
What is the weather like during the Salkantay Trek?
The first days are cold, especially in Soraypampa. After Salkantay Pass, the weather becomes mild and humid, typical of the high jungle.
What type of accommodation is included?
The first two nights are in organized campsites, and the last night is in a basic or standard hotel in Aguas Calientes (depending on availability).
Do the horses carry my backpack?
The horses carry the group equipment and part of the luggage. However, each passenger must carry a personal backpack with essential items for the day.
Is it mandatory to visit Humantay Lake?
No, it is not mandatory, but it is one of the most beautiful stops on the first day. If for any reason the passenger does not want to go up, they can stay in Soraypampa and rest.
How difficult is the ascent to Salkantay Pass?
It is the most demanding section of the trek. It is approximately 3 hours of climbing at high altitude. The guide accompanies the group and sets a suitable pace for everyone.
Do I need to buy the entrance ticket to Humantay Lake?
Yes, this entrance fee is not included in the tour and is paid directly to the community upon entry.
Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but you must book it in advance since spaces are limited. The entrance is not included in the tour.
What happens if I can no longer continue the trek?
The guide will evaluate your condition and look for alternatives depending on the section (additional horse, transportation from certain points, etc.). Extra expenses are not included.
Does the tour operate in the rain?
Yes. The Salkantay Trek operates all year round, but it is recommended to bring waterproof clothing during the rainy season.
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