4 Day Salkantay Trek

We’ll collect you from your accommodation in Cusco at 4:00 am for a 2 hour and 15 minute drive to Challacancha, the starting point of your trek. Have the perfect breakfast – complete with cozy blankets – before meeting your horsemen and cooks. Then get ready for a relatively easy 3-hour hike up to Soraypampa (3900m / 12795f) which will take you past gorgeous glaciers and deep valleys, with Incan water channels that still provide locals with irrigation! This section is 7 km/4.35mi long, and it’s just the start of your unforgettable journey.

Get ready to be amazed at the Sky Camp in Soraypampa and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by our talented chefs right in the middle of the majestic mountains. When your bellies are full, start your afternoon trek up to Humantay Lake (4200m / 13780f).

Take a leisurely 2.5-hour round trip hike to Humantay Lake (4200m / 13780f) that’s only 3km/1.86mi long, but don’t underestimate the altitude! Once you arrive, take some time to absorb the incredible view of turquoise waters against white snow – it’ll be like something from a dreamland.

After a revitalizing trek, enjoy a delicious dinner as you bask in the evening sun setting behind majestic mountains. The feeling of inner peace is hard to put into words but undeniable; then head for your igloo and gaze up at the stars through its roof for a truly unforgettable night’s rest.

Start your morning with a cup of coca tea, followed by a nutritious and delicious breakfast. Then, set out on your toughest challenge yet: the 7km/4.34mi long climb to the highest point of the route – Salkantay Pass (4630m/15190f). Prepare for a challengining ascent along a winding path – it’ll take about 3 hours or more.

Reaching the summit will reveal unbeatable views of valleys, the Salkantay Mountain towering at 6271m/20574f and second-highest peak in Cusco, Altared Apus. Marvel at the spectacular vistas of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. Take some time to recuperate your energy before embarking on a 6km/3.72mi trek down a rocky path to Wayracmachay (3850m/12631f) for lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our chef as you take in more stunning scenery.

Once you’ve had your fill and have rested up, we’ll continue our descent into the valley. It’s about 8km/4.97mi down and will take about 3 hours. On this stretch, you’ll experience a dramatic climate change as you leave the snowy mountain peaks behind and enter the cloud forest of the Peruvian Amazon jungle. Spot vibrant wildlife found only in this region and enjoy an array of colorful scenery.

After your longest day of hiking, finally reach the Andean Huts camp in Chaullay (2900m/9514f) to enjoy a hearty dinner before settling into your hut and drifting off to sleep.

Wake up at 6am for a quick breakfast before embarking on the 5-hour hike to La Playa, through the stunning Santa Teresa valley. Enjoy the lush landscape and spot rivers, wild orchids, and all kinds of plantations such as coffee, banana, and avocado. Don’t forget to savor the granadilla and passion fruit along the route!

Pass through a small village called Colpapampa before reaching the boom of the mountains, and head to the other side of the valley. Explore the tropical section full of waterfalls, birds, fruit trees, flora, and fauna.

When we reach La Playa, enjoy the last lunch prepared by our incredible chefs, relax and watch a show about coffee. After some restful moments, board the private transport and take it to Hidroelectrica train station. From there, hike alongside the tracks surrounded by lots of vegetation and accompanied by the Urubamba River or, if you’re feeling exhausted, take the train to Aguas Calientes for an extra US$34.00.

You’ll find beautiful plants, as well as a huge variety of birds – including the national bird of Peru, El Gallito de las Rocas (the Cock-of-the-Rocks).

After 3 hours of hiking, we’ll get to Aguas Calientes. First, we’ll take you to your hostel to check-in and relax in a room with a private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast in the morning and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. You can rest this afternoon or explore the small town and visit the hot springs. We’ll meet for dinner at a top restaurant before heading to bed early. Be sure to be up before the sun tomorrow for our final adventure – the one and only Machu Picchu!

Today is the day you’ve been eagerly awaiting ever since you set foot on the trail – it’s time to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu! We’ll wake up while it’s still dark outside after enjoying a restful night’s sleep in our hostel. We like to start this final day early to beat the large crowds at Machu Picchu and enjoy the soft morning light shining on the massive rocks. The entrance opens at 6:00 am, so we want to be one of the first inside.

From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a bus up to the Inca citadel before entering and admiring the incredible construction. Once inside, you’ll enjoy a tour of approximately two hours with your guide and explore its most important parts – houses, temples, terraces and culvaon fields. You’ll be astonished by the ingenuity of the Incas, which still remains a mystery to this day.

After your incredible guided tour of the citadel, you’ll have the chance to enjoy one of the additional hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843); these tickets must be booked in advance. You’ll be able to gaze upon an incredible view over the citadel of Machu Picchu – one of the best panoramas in the world.

You need to ensure you come back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy some lunch before you catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your train time will depend on availability. In Ollantaytambo, our private transport will be awaiting you to transport you back to your accommodation in Cusco. You’ll now be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest, although your heart will be soaring high in the Andes like a condor for years to come.