Experience the high Andes on this adventurous and beautiful route to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Travel through high altitudes seeing incredible landscapes, experience several micro climates featuring exotic flora and fauna. See sparkling blue glacial lakes and the snow-capped mountain peaks of Humantay and Salkantay, all on this unique and fascinating route. Traverse the foot path to the ruins of Llactapatta and experience your first view of Machu Picchu. Take a guided tour of the Inca citadel and learn the history of the site and amazing stories provided by your professional guide. All this and more on the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Highlights of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

• Trek to Humantay Lake
• Views of Humantay and Salkantay Mountains.
• Rural community of Chayllay
• Inca Ruins of Llactapatta, first views of Machu Picchu
• Train to Aguas Calientes, overnight stay
• Tour to Machu Picchu

Itinerary for the Salkantay Trek

Day 1

An early start on the first day of our Salkantay trek. Pick up will be at 4.30 am from your hotel. Travel 3 hours to the trailhead at Soraypampa. The journey travels along curvy roads passing the villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo. View valleys and snowcapped mountains including Salkantay. A delicious breakfast awaits at the trailhead, Soraypampa with a back drop of Humantay and Salkantay mountain glaciers.

Set off trekking on a 2.5 hour round trip to Humantay Lake, spend some time taking photos of the beautiful blue waters of the lake. Take in the wonder of mother nature as she puts on a show that you will never forget. Continue hiking to Salkantay Pampa where you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch.

Next, we make our way to our first campsite at Soroccocha (4,400m / 14,517ft), situated at the foot of the towering Salkantay Mountain. At camp, will have afternoon tea to warm up and appetizers waiting for us. Tents will be set up and you can settle in before dinner.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12kms / 8 miles
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2

Wake up with a fresh cup of tea or coffee to enjoy in your tent. Break your fast with a delicious meal to start the day. Walk upwards for an hour until reaching the Apacheta Pass 4650 meters. Enjoy spectacular views of the famous three, Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay Mountains. These mountains are considered sacred by the Andean people and your guide will give you and explanation as to the importance of each. From the pass see below are spectacular rivers and pretty scenic lakes.

Continue walking for 2 hours to Huayracmachay for lunch. After you are rested and full the trail continues for 3 hours to the community of Chayllay. See lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. You have now crossed into Andean highlands and are descending to the warm and humid Amazon.

Take local transport to Lucmabamba where we will camp.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 18kms / 11 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3

This morning will be our last breakfast from our wonderful chef before continuing on in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail for around 3 hours to the Puncuyoc Pass at around 2700 meters. Amaze at the incredible views of deep valleys reaching as far as the eye can see, with fruit plantations in the distance.

Arrive at Llacapata Inca Ruins, this will be your first view of Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon. Descend for 2 hours to the hydro electric plant, source of the power to Cusco. Lunch will be served nearby before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. Here we will stay the night and dine in a wonderful restaurant.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 3* Accommodation:  Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
• Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
• Time: Approximately 9 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4

As the excitement builds, finish your breakfast and take the first bus up to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins. Surely, something that will live in your memory for ever. Later the guide will a full tour of the site. Learn about the different sections of Machu Picchu, what purpose they had and all the myths and legends that come along with the Inca citadel. Feel the energy and the spiritual presence. The tour will last around 2 hours so take as many photos as you want. Your guide will point out the best spots.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

Take a wonderful train ride on the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Look up to see Wiñay Wayna from the train. Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back through the wonderful Sacred Valley to the hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu this tour is without a tour guide.

Important Information

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.

Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.

For those doing the 4 Day Salkantay trek, Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu is included. If you require a different circuit you will need to purchase a separate ticket. Separate tickets also are needed for the hikes around Machu Picchu.

What is Included on the Salkantay Trek?

• Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu
• English speaking, experienced professional guide
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4-person tent)
• All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
• Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes.
• First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
• Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (restaurant)
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
• Mules and horses (for camping equipment and personal items)
• Pack horse for 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc.
• Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
• Pillow and comfortable foam mattress
• Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

Not Included

• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: $30 USD (Tent for single travelers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There will be an extra cost.