The Salkantay Trek 4 days is one of the most spectacular hikes in Peru and the best alternative to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. It crosses outstanding Andean landscapes featuring glaciers, turquoise lakes, wild valleys and snow-capped peaks, dominated by Nevado Salkantay (6,271 m).
Designed for travelers with limited time, the 4-day version differs from the 5-day Salkantay Trek with a faster pace and fewer camping nights, while still covering the trek’s highlights. Crossing the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) and entering the cloud forest are key moments before arriving at Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Crossing the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) with glacier views
- Diverse Andean landscapes: turquoise lakes, wild valleys and snow-capped peaks
- Best alternative to the Inca Trail, away from the crowds
- Scenic transition from the Andes to the cloud forest
- Final arrival at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Departure: Cusco (pickup at 4:30 am)
Trek starting point: Challacancha (3,380 m)
Camp: Soraypampa (3,900 m) – glass cabins
Highlight: Humantay Lake (4,220 m)
Hiking distance: 12 km
Max altitude: 4,220 m
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today, your Salkantay Trek adventure to Machu Picchu begins early. Our professional guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am, then we drive to Mollepata (around 3 hours) for an energizing breakfast. We continue to Challacancha (3,380 m), the official starting point of the trek, with a stop at the Hornada Pata viewpoint, where the valley splits between Mollepata and Challacancha.
The trail crosses beautiful Andean valleys. After about 3 hours of hiking, arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m) around 1:30 pm. Lunch prepared by our cook and time to rest.
In the afternoon, we hike to one of the trek’s highlights: Humantay Lake. After approximately 1.5 hours of ascent, we reach the lake at 4,220 m, famous for its turquoise waters and views of Nevado Humantay. Return to camp for tea, dinner, and overnight in glass cabins at Soraypampa.
Start: Soraypampa
Highest point: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)
Camp: 2,900 m – comfortable domes
Hiking distance: 22 km
At 5:00 am, after breakfast, we leave Soraypampa and begin the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass. The trail climbs steadily for approximately 4 hours through the high Andes, reaching the highest point of the trek at 4,650 meters.
From the pass, the panorama opens onto the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo. The route crosses Salkantay Pampa and Soyroq’ocha, areas closely linked to Andean spiritual traditions. A traditional coca leaf offering is performed here as a sign of respect to Pachamama and the Apus, accompanied by explanations of the Inca worldview.
The trek continues through high-mountain terrain, passing a high-altitude lake, before beginning a 2.5-hour descent to Huayracpampa (3,800 m), where lunch is served. The descent then continues for approximately 3 additional hours until reaching the camp located at 2,900 meters.
At the end of the day, time to rest at camp, followed by dinner. Overnight in comfortable domes, surrounded by a remote natural environment.
Start: Lucmabamba
End: Aguas Calientes
Max altitude: 2,100 m
Hiking distance: 16 km (11 km after lunch)
Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes
At 6:00 am, after breakfast, we leave Lucmabamba and hike through the cloud forest (ceja de selva), a transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon. The route features gentle ascents, descents and flat sections, with around 5 hours of walking, at a moderate altitude not exceeding 2,100 m.
Along the trail, we pass through coffee plantations and areas rich in orchids, begonias, bromeliads, as well as various medicinal plants typical of this tropical mountain ecosystem.
We reach our lunch spot for a break. After lunch, we take transport to the Hydroelectric area, where we resume walking.
From Hydroelectric, we walk for about 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the village at the base of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a hotel.
[à traduire en anglais…je n’ai pas eu la bonne version]
Départ : Aguas Calientes
Site visité : Machu Picchu
Altitude maximale : 2 430 m
Retour : Cusco
Réveil très matinal pour vivre l’un des moments les plus attendus du voyage : la visite du Machu Picchu. Depuis Aguas Calientes, nous entamons une marche d’environ 1h30 jusqu’à l’entrée du site, au lever du jour, offrant une atmosphère paisible et une lumière exceptionnelle sur la citadelle.
Une fois à l’intérieur, nous profitons d’une visite guidée du Machu Picchu, durant laquelle nous découvrons les temples sacrés, terrasses agricoles, palais incas et plateformes cérémonielles. Le guide partage des explications détaillées sur l’histoire, l’architecture et la cosmovision inca, permettant de mieux comprendre l’importance de ce site emblématique.
Après la visite, nous redescendons vers Aguas Calientes, où un temps libre est prévu avant d’embarquer à bord du train touristique en direction d’Ollantaytambo.
À l’arrivée, un transport touristique nous attend pour le retour vers Cusco, marquant la fin de cette aventure andine.
- Official bilingual tour guide Spanish English specialized in trekking and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket Circuit 2 entry at 06h00
- Meals included 3 breakfasts 3 lunches 4 dinners
- Accommodation 2 nights in cabins and domes and 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Logistics mules and muleteers for transporting camping equipment food and up to 5 kg of personal belongings per participant
- Tourist transport Cusco Challacancha
- Return train Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo departure at 14h30
- Bus transport Ollantaytambo Cusco
- Breakfast on the first day
- Entrance to Humantay Lake 20 soles
- Lucmabamba Hydroelectric transport optional day 3
- Sleeping bag rental 15 USD
- Trekking poles rental 15 USD
The trek is moderate to challenging due to altitude and long hiking days but no technical climbing experience is required
The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m
Yes at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are strongly recommended
The best season is from April to October during the dry season
Yes the trek ends with a guided visit to Machu Picchu with entrance ticket included subject to availability
The 4-day trek is more compact with longer stages while the 5-day option offers a slower pace