Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4-Day
Experience the Ultimate 4-Day Salkantay Express Trek to Machu Picchu
After acclimating in Cusco—the historic heart of the Inca Empire—embark on our 4-Day Salkantay Short Trek to Machu Picchu. This express high-altitude adventure leads you past the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, under the towering snow-capped peaks of Salkantay Mountain, and through the lush high jungle (ceja de selva).
Relax every evening in our unique, high-end mountain lodges while enjoying gourmet Andean dining prepared by professional chefs. Guided by certified local experts passionate about Inca history, culture, and nature, this express itinerary delivers an unforgettable, comfortable journey to Peru’s premier Wonder of the World.
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Sky Camp)
Depart Cusco early for Soraypampa. Hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) for breathtaking Andean views. Spend the night stargazing from your glass dome at Sky Camp.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Cross the high Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) amid snow-capped peaks, then descend into the lush cloud forest. Overnight at our Mountain Sky View camp in Collpapampa.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Trek through tropical valleys and coffee plantations to Hidroeléctrica. Walk along the scenic train tracks or take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes for a hotel stay.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Take an early bus to explore the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel with your guide. Afterward, take the train to Ollantaytambo and enjoy private transfer back to Cusco.
Why Trek Salkantay With Us
Expert Local Guides: First-aid certified local leaders trained in Inca history, high-altitude safety, and regional flora and fauna.
Exclusive Luxury Campsites: Private, tranquil mountain stays—including glass-dome igloos and unique local homestays along the trail.
Gourmet Andean Dining: Freshly prepared, nutritious meals crafted by professional mountain chefs to fuel your high-altitude trek (dietary needs fully accommodated).
Sustainable & Ethical Tourism: We support vulnerable Cusco Mountain communities and cultural preservation through the Salkantay Foundation.
Small Group Experience: Personalized group sizes capped at 16 travelers for an authentic, high-quality mountain adventure.
Skilled Mountain Horsemen: Dedicated local team ensuring safe horse-pack luggage transport throughout the Andes.
-
Guaranteed Entry Tickets & Prime Circuits
We secure officially certified Machu Picchu permits and optimal circuit routes well in advance for seamless entry. -
Scenic Expedition / Vistadome Train Journeys
Relax through the dramatic Vilcanota River gorge aboard panoramic trains with floor-to-ceiling Andean windows. -
Expert Academic & Archeological Guiding
Private 3-hour deep dive into Inca masonry, astronomical alignment, and the history of the Sun Temple and Sacred Plaza. -
100% Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Logistics
Complete coordination including private hotel transfers, rail bookings, shuttle buses, and personalized assistance.
Itinerary
Explore your day-by-day journey curated by Edgar Adventures local specialists.
Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake (Sky Camp)
Highlight of the Day: Afternoon trek to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake framed by snow-capped Andean peaks.
Early Departure & Breakfast: Pick-up from your Cusco accommodation at 4:30 AM, followed by a 2-hour scenic drive to Mollepata for a delicious mountain breakfast.
Trailhead Transfer: A further 1-hour drive brings you to Challacancha, where you meet your expert guide, muleteers, and professional chef team for a final luggage check.
Scenic Hike to Soraypampa: Begin a gentle 3-hour trek (7 km / 4.35 mi) past glacier-fed valleys and ancient Inca aqueducts still used by local farmers to reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
Sky Camp Check-In & Gourmet Lunch: Settle into your luxury glass-dome igloo at Sky Camp and indulge in a freshly prepared high-altitude lunch cooked by our mountain chefs.
Humantay Lake Ascent: Take an afternoon hike to the famous Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft; 3 km / 1.86 mi round-trip, ~2.5 hours) to soak in the incredible scenery and vibrant turquoise waters.
Sunset Dinner & Stargazing: Return to camp for a hearty gourmet dinner, watch the sunset over the Andes, and enjoy clear nocturnal views of the constellations from your private dome.
Technical information (Day 1)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sky camp (Glass-Dome Igloos)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevations: Star 3,800 m / 12,467 ft – Max: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft;
Day 2 - Soraypampa | Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Highlight of the day: Witnessing the gigantic Salkantay Mountain.
Highlight of the Day: Conquer the high-altitude Salkantay Pass and witness the drastic landscape shift from icy Andean peaks to the lush Amazonian cloud forest.
Sunrise & High-Energy Start: Wake up at dawn to stunning views of Apu Salkantay, sip traditional coca tea, and enjoy a nutritious breakfast.
Ascent to Salkantay Pass: Take on the famous 3-hour trek (7 km / 4.35 mi) up the steep, winding “Path of the 7 Snakes” to reach the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).
Glacial Views & Sacred Apus: Stand face-to-face with Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), the second-highest peak in the Cusco region and a sacred Inca deity (Apu), while admiring panoramic views of Mount Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
Descent to Huayracmachay: Hike down a rocky, scenic mountain trail (7 km / 4.35 mi) to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) for a freshly prepared, energizing lunch.
High-Jungle & Cloud Forest Trek: Continue a 3.5-hour hike (9.5 km / 5.9 mi) into the warm high jungle (ceja de selva), where the ecosystem abruptly shifts into vibrant rainforest, native flora, and unique wildlife.
Mountain Sky View Night: Arrive at Collpapampa, enjoy a rich gourmet dinner, and rest in our exclusive Mountain Sky View dome campsite.
Collpapampa – Santa Teresa Valley – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the Day: Immerse in an authentic Andean coffee farm tour and hike through the tropical flora along the scenic Urubamba River railway to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Tropical Valley Trek: Wake up at 6:00 AM for warm tea and breakfast before hiking through the Santa Teresa Valley, taking in views of waterfalls, orchids, and tropical fruit plantations with chances to spot Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
Interactive Coffee Experience: Transfer from Granadilla to La Playa by private vehicle for a hands-on coffee plantation tour, where you will harvest, roast, grind, and brew your own fresh organic coffee before enjoying a local lunch.
Hidroeléctrica Railway Walk: Scenic drive to the Hidroeléctrica train station, followed by a lush jungle walk along the railway tracks beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes (optional train ride available).
Aguas Calientes & Thermal Baths: Check into your hotel with free time to unwind in the local thermal hot springs.
Gourmet Evening: Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at a top local restaurant before resting up for your Machu Picchu Citadel tour.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Fulfill your dream of exploring the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Early Morning Bus Ascent: Wake up before dawn to catch an early bus from Aguas Calientes, arriving as the gates open at 6:00 AM to beat the crowds and catch the warm morning light over the ancient stone ruins.
Guided Machu Picchu Tour: Enjoy a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the Incan sanctuary, exploring principal temples, agricultural terraces, sacred plazas, and ancient aqueducts while learning about Incan architecture and engineering.
Optional Summit Hikes: Choose an optional high-altitude climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft) for panoramic, bird’s-eye views of the entire citadel (requires advance booking).
Scenic Return Train & Transfer: Head back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the Vistadome or Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a comfortable private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
What's Included
INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Curated signature services included in your tour fare- Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Day 1: Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek Permit
- Day 4: Machu Picchu Citadel Entry Ticket
- Circuit 2: Guaranteed route by default (most complete citadel tour; book 3+ months ahead).
- Backup Options: If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we secure Circuit 3-B (lower ceremonial sector) or Circuit 1-B (panoramic viewpoint).
- High-Quality Service & Trail Safety
- Pre-Departure Briefing: Mandatory orientation at our Cusco office the evening prior at 5:00 PM.
- Certified Professional Guide: English/Spanish-speaking mountain guides trained in high-altitude first aid and regional archaeology.
- 5 kg Duffle Bag: Provided for personal belongings, transported daily by support staff and pack animals.
- Emergency Medical Kit & Oxygen: First-aid-trained guides equipped with medical oxygen and immediate evacuation protocols.
- Trail Gear Extras: Waterproof backpack rain cover and long-range walkie-talkies for continuous group safety.
- Eco-Luxe Accommodation
- Exclusive Campsites: Eco-friendly lodges designed for minimal environmental impact:
- Sky Camp & Mountain Sky View: Comfortable dining domes, shared/private bathrooms, and hot showers.
- Day 3 Hotel (Aguas Calientes): Hotel stay with private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and free luggage storage.
- Mountain Meals & Trail Hydration
- 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners: Chef-prepared high-altitude cuisine. Custom dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) included at no extra cost.
- Boiled Water Service: Safe, warm drinking water provided after every meal (bring a reusable 2L bottle).
- Wake-Up Hot Tea: Fresh Coca Tea delivered to your bed every morning.
- Happy Hour & Trail Snacks: Daily post-hike hot drinks and snacks, plus a daily refillable cloth bag with fresh fruit and energy treats.
- Full Logistics & Transportation
- Door-to-Door Transfers:
- Day 1: Pick-up from Cusco hotel to Challacancha trailhead.
- Day 3: Transport from Granadilla to Hidroeléctrica.
- Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo station back to your Cusco hotel.
- Machu Picchu Bus & Train Tickets: One-way Consettur bus to Machu Picchu and Expedition (PeruRail) or Voyager (Inca Rail) train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Luggage Porterage: Mules, vehicles, and trains handle all camping gear and your 5 kg duffle bag.
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Personal & optional items not covered in the fare- Equipment & Rentals
- Four-Season Sleeping Bag Rental (US$ 20.00): Rated to -18°C (0°F), disinfected after each use, including clean liner.
- Trekking Poles Rental (US$ 20.00): Pair with required rubber tips for knee support.
- Personal Gear: Technical hiking clothing, footwear, and personal daypacks.
- Machu Picchu Mountain Peak Upgrades (Optional)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (US$ 75.00): Iconic 45-minute steep climb (7:00 AM or 10:00 AM slots). Book 2–3 months ahead. Private guide upgrade: US$ 120.
- Machu Picchu Mountain (US$ 75.00): 1.5-hour panoramic summit hike (7:00 AM or 9:00 AM slots). Private citadel guide upgrade at 10:00 AM: US$ 70.
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain (US$ 60.00): Short, accessible trail for panoramic views (High season: May–Sept; 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM slots).
- Optional Trail Services
- Return Bus Ticket (Day 4): Downhill Consettur shuttle from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Hidroeléctrica Train (Day 3): Optional train to Aguas Calientes if preferred (from US$ 41.00).
- Horseback Service: Available locally on Day 1 (Humantay Lake) and Day 2 (Salkantay Pass).
- Meals, Tips & Contingencies
- Day 4 Meals: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and final dinner in Cusco.
- Travel Insurance: Personal medical and trekking cover is required.
- Guide & Crew Tipping: Voluntary gratuities for cooks, porters, and guides.
- Force Majeure Expenses: Unexpected costs resulting from extreme weather, strikes, political instability, or landslides outside operator control.
Unrivaled Andean Comfort & Private Speedboats
Travel with complete peace of mind. Our signature journeys feature private, modern high-speed boats across Lake Titicaca, climate-controlled vehicles with complimentary bottled water and on-board oxygen, and senior native guides born and raised in the communities you visit.
Enquire About This Tour
From: $670.00 / person • Direct Operator Guarantee
