General Introduction

Salkantay Trek Highlights

• 🏔 Hike one of the world’s most scenic routes on the legendary Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• 💎 Visit the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
• ⛰ Conquer the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• ⛺ Stay at confortable campings accommodations
• 🔥 Experience a traditional Andean Pachamanca barbecue
• ☕ Visit a local coffee plantation and connect with high jungle culture

Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (16 km, 8 hrs)

• Early morning hotel pickup in Cusco
• Scenic 3-hour drive to the trailhead
• Hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake
• Fresh lunch surrounded by mountain landscapes
• Arrival at our local campsite

Day 2: Salka Glamp – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa (18 km, 9 hrs)

• Early breakfast with mountain sunrise views
• Challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m)
• Descent from high mountains into the cloud forest
• Lunch at Wayracmachay campsite
• Overnight at our local campsite

Day 3: Collpapampa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (16 km, 8 hrs)

• Visit to a local coffee plantation
• Enjoy an authentic Pachamanca lunch experience
• Scenic walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes
• Free time to relax in Machu Picchu town
• Overnight in a comfortable 3-star hotel

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Sunrise Visit – Return to Cusco (4 hrs)

• Early bus to Machu Picchu for sunrise views
• Entrance included to Machu Picchu Sanctuary
• Guided tour with a professional local expert
• Bus to Aguas Calientes
• Return to Cusco

Why book this tour?

• Luxury Glamping in the Heart of the Andes
• Visit Humantay Lake and the Stunning Salkantay Pass
• Comfortable Trek with great camping areas
• Small Groups for a More Personal Experience
• Authentic Cultural Experiences Like Pachamanca and Coffee Tours

Complete Itinerary: 4-Day Salkantay Trek

Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

🚐 Early Morning Pickup from Cusco (04:30 AM)

Your Salkantay Trek begins when our team picks you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We leave the city behind and travel for approximately 2 hours to Mollepata, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, we continue for one more hour to Challacancha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), the official starting point.

🥾 Trek to the Stunning Humantay Lake

The first major highlight is the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), one of the most beautiful natural wonders near Cusco. This is where many travelers truly feel the magic of the Andes for the first time.

🍽 Fresh Lunch at Soraypampa

We descend to Soraypampa, where our trekking chef prepares a fresh lunch using local ingredients.

⛺ Overnight under the starry sky

In the afternoon, we will stay at our campsite to receive the tea time and at night we’ll get incredible panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

 Day 1 Summary

• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Soraypampa – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

⛰ Conquer the Salkantay Pass

Your guide will wake you early and after breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek. After approximately 2 hours of climbing, you reach the summit, where breathtaking panoramic views make every step worth it.

🍽 Lunch at Wayracmachay

We begin a scenic 3-hour descent to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where our team prepares a well-deserved fresh lunch.

🌿 Descent into the Cloud Forest

We continue descending for about 3 more hours through lush green valleys, waterfalls, and changing vegetation as the climate becomes noticeably warmer.

🏡 Overnight at Collpapampa

We arrive at Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), a peaceful green place where you will spend the night in our comfortable tents surrounded by nature. Here we’ll get the dinner.

Day 2 Summary

• Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 9 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Maximum Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Collpapampa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

☕ Coffee, Culture & Cloud Forest Landscapes

After breakfast, we hike for approximately 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) through lush cloud forest landscapes.

🔥 Traditional Pachamanca Experience

Upon arrival, you will enjoy one of the most special cultural moments of the trek: a traditional Pachamanca barbecue. This ancient Andean cooking method uses hot stones buried underground to slowly cook.

☕ Visit a Local Coffee Plantation

After lunch, we visit a family-owned coffee farm where you will learn how local coffee is grown, harvested, and processed.

🚶 Walk to Aguas Calientes

Next, we take a short one-hour drive to Hidroelectrica, where the final part of the day begins: a scenic 3-hour walk along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

🏨 Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Arriving around 5:00 PM, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and rest well before your early morning visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 3 Summary

• Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Machu Picchu Exploration – Return to Cusco

Included Services

• Pre-departure briefing one day before the trip.
• Transportation to and from your hotel.
• Professional tour guide
• Touristic train to Ollantaytambo
• Access permits for the Salkantay Trek.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Cargo mules for transporting camping gear.
• Professional mountain chef.
• Two nights of camping with premium gear
• Stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• 4 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner
• Pachamanca feast, cooking class, and coffee farm tour.
• Personal duffle bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of gear.
• Safety equipment: first-aid, and oxygen.
• Pillow, sleeping pad, and hand towel.

Not Included

• Sleeping bags
• Trekking poles
• Lunch on last day
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
• Travel insurance coverage
• Tips
• Hotel in Cusco

Rentals & Upgrades for an extra cost

• Option to upgrade to Panoramic train (only one way – return train).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (2‑hour and half round‑trip hike).
• Machu Picchu Mountain (3‑hour round‑trip hike).
• Sleeping bag
• Trekking poles

Suggested Packing List – 4 day Salkantay trek

Most of your main luggage should remain in Cusco. We provide a 7 kg (15 lb) duffel bag for your campsite clothing and sleeping gear, while you carry only your daypack with the essentials needed during the hike.

 What The Andean Way Provides

To make your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu more comfortable, we include:

• 7 kg Duffel Bag for your personal belongings
• The Andean Way Trekking T-Shirt

Your duffel bag will be transported during the trek and available when you arrive at camp each afternoon.

 Essential Items You Must Bring

These are the most important items for a successful Salkantay Trek 4 Days adventure.

• Original Physical Passport
• Cash in Peruvian Soles
• Good Quality Daypack
• Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
• Portable Charger (Power Bank)
• Sunscreen + Lip Balm
• Hand Sanitizer + Wet Wipes

Recommended Clothing

The weather changes dramatically between the cold mountain passes and the warm cloud forest. The best strategy is always dressing in layers.

• High-Top Trekking Boots
• Quick-Dry Hiking Pants
• Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts
• Trekking Socks + Comfortable Underwear
• Thermal Base Layers
• Warm Fleece Jacket
• Insulated Jacket or Down Jacket

What to Carry in Your Daypack

Choose a backpack between 25 to 35 liters with a rain cover. Please note that large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu and must be left in storage.

• Sun Hat or Cap + Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Insect Repellent
• Light Snacks
• Trekking Poles
• Swimwear
• Personal Medication
• Rain Jacket or Waterproof Layer

What to Pack in Your Duffel Bag

Please note: the 7 kg limit includes your sleeping bag and air mattress, which usually weigh around 3 kg combined.

• Camp Sandals
• Insulated Down Jacket
• Extra Trekking Clothes
• Personal Toiletries
• Sleeping Bag
• Air Mattress

These items will be waiting for you at camp each evening.

🥾 Rental Equipment Available

If you prefer to travel lighter, The Andean Way offers high-quality trekking gear for rent. It’s is available for an additional cost and should be reserved in advance.

• Trekking Poles: Perfect for balance, stability, and reducing pressure on your knees.
• Professional Sleeping Bags: Designed for mountain temperatures and colder nights.
• Air Mattresses: Extra comfort for better sleep and improved recovery.

Pro Trekking Tip

For the best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu experience. Do not overpack.

Practical Information: 4-Day Salkantay Trek

Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek follows a quieter and more scenic route, passing through snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, cloud forests, and tropical valleys before reaching the Lost City of the Incas.

 The Sacred Salkantay Mountain

The majestic Salkantay Peak (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) is one of the most important sacred mountains—or “Apus”—in Inca culture.

During your trek, especially on Day 2, you will hike alongside the glaciers of this impressive mountain, experiencing one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Peru.

 Altitude & Acclimatization

The highest point of the trek is the famous Salkantay Pass, while the final destination, Aguas Calientes, sits much lower in the warm cloud forest.

Important Elevation Points

• 📍 Salkantay Pass: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• 📍 Humantay Lake: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• 📍 Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft

We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize properly.

Best Acclimatization Tips

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol
• Take light tours like the Sacred Valley
• Rest well before the trek begins

Weather Conditions & Best Time to Travel

You will experience cold mountain nights, sunny mornings, humid jungle afternoons, and possible rain at any time.

Even during the dry season, a waterproof jacket is always essential. The mountains decide the weather—not the calendar.

The best season for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry months.

– April to October: This period offers clearer skies, better trail conditions, and the best panoramic views.

– November to March: The landscapes are greener, but rain is more frequent and trails can be slippery.

 Machu Picchu Entry Circuits

Your experience at Machu Picchu depends on the official circuit assigned at booking.

• Circuit 1: Best panoramic views and classic photos
• Circuit 2: The most comprehensive visit (upper + lower sections)
• Circuit 3: Focus on lower areas and access to mountain hikes

☕ Cultural Experiences on the Route

During the trek, you will experience authentic local traditions that make this route even more memorable.

• Traditional Pachamanca Experience
• Organic Coffee Experience

These moments connect you not only with the landscape—but also with the people who live here.

Final Travel Advice

The best way to enjoy the Salkantay Trekking is simple: Prepare well. Walk slowly. Stay present.

1. How difficult is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The 4 day Salkantay Trek is considered moderate to challenging. Day 2 is the hardest because you cross the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek.

2. Do I need previous trekking experience?

Previous hiking experience is helpful but not required. A good fitness level and proper acclimatization are more important.

3. Is Humantay Lake included in the tour?

Yes. Visiting the stunning Humantay Lake is one of the main highlights of this Salkantay Trek itinerary.

4. Is Machu Picchu entrance included?

Yes. Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included, and we prioritize Circuit 2 for the best guided experience.

5. Is there Wi-Fi during the trek?

No. Most of the route has little or no phone signal or Wi-Fi, especially during the camping days in the mountains.

6. Is it a difficult hike?

It is challenging primarily because of the altitude. We recommend staying in Cusco for 2 days before starting to help your body adjust.

7. What is the elevation peak?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m. The campsites range from 3,900 m on the first night to 2,000 m on the final night.

8. Can I get altitude sickness?

It is possible. Acclimatization, hydration, and pacing are key. Some travelers use medication or coca tea to help with symptoms.

9. What are the temperatures like?

High-altitude nights can drop below freezing, while the cloud forest can reach 24°C (75°F) during the day. Layering is essential.

10. Can I store my luggage?

Yes, we provide free storage in Cusco. Most hotels also offer this service.