Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu

Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu

Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days is the second most popular walk after the Inca Trail. It takes four days and three nights to complete. According to National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, this trail is one of the top 25 hiking trips anywhere in the world. During the course of the journey, you will spend four days traveling through high mountains, lakes, and dense cloud forests before arriving at Machu Picchu. Participate in our one-of-a-kind trips and take advantage of our cozy tents, hot showers, Pachamanca barbecues, coffee tours, and scenic train rides on the way back.

Four Days and Three Nights on the Exciting Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Traditional Route Up the Salkantay to Machu Picchu, If you want to get away from everything, this is the best choice for you to make. It is also the most difficult and exciting journey that Magical Peru Expeditions has to offer to our customers. You will have the opportunity to end the walk in Machu Picchu, after having seen Humantay Lake, snow-capped mountains, the cloud forest, and coffee fields along the way. In addition, you will learn how to make subterranean BBQ at Pachamanca.

Trip Specifics for Salkantay trek 4 Days:

• Four days / three nights
• Hiking Distance: 50 kilometers – 31 miles
• Depart: Cusco
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• April through December
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Type: Excursions – Camping – Hotels
• Highlights:
• Travel with Confidence and Adaptability
• Visit the Humantay lake and camp near Salkantay Peak.
• Tents and hot showers provide a true camping experience.
• Visit organic coffee plantations and make a Pachamanca.
• Use the Exclusive Panoramic Trains (Vistadome or 360°) to return.
• Contribute to our Social Projects.

Price Per Person: from 495.00 – $550 USD

To reserve the Classic Salkantay Trek 4 days, a deposit of $200 per person is required; the full balance may be paid in Cusco.

Student Discount: All passengers under the age of 17 will receive a $40 discount. When traveling, if you are 25 years old or younger, you can enjoy a $40 discount with your student ID. Please notify me through email so that I may provide you with a discount coupon.

A day-by-day breakdown of the 4 days Salkantay Trek

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake –  Salkantaypampa

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4.30 a.m. and drive you for 3 hours to the trailhead. After breakfast, we climb for three hours down an old aqueduct to Soraypampa, where we will eat lunch. Following that, we climb for two hours to Humantay Lake (4200m) and camp near Salkantay Mountain (3900m).

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Ccollpampa

Wake up with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy breakfast with the mountains before hiking up to the Salkantay pass at 4630mts for 2 hours and then down for 3 hours to lunch. The second section is a three-hour downhill to the second campground at 2770 meters.

DAYS 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

Breakfast in your tent; a 3-hour hike through the cloud forest; visits nearby communities and coffee plantations; and preparation of a unique Pachamanca BBQ, including a culinary session with your chef. Following lunch, we will trek for three hours from Hidroelectica to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We take the early buses up to Machu Picchu for dawn after breakfast. Your guide will show you the highlights of Machu Picchu. After that, you’ll take the panorama train and bus back to your Cusco hotel.

4 days are included in the Salkantay Trek.

• The day before the tour, at 6:00 p.m., there will be a pre-departure briefing.
• On the morning of the hike, you will be picked up from your accommodation.
• Tour Guide with English Proficiency
• 2 nights camping in cozy tents
• Aguas Calientes 3-star hotel for one night
• Tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment are examples of camping equipment.
• Salkantay and Machu Picchu entrance fees
• Duffle Bag (up to 8 kg (17 lbs) for your belongings carried by our horses.
• Cargo Mules to transport food, equipment, and personal belongings
• Chef on the road to make meals (B, L, D)
• Every meal Except for the last day’s lunch, everything is included (Veg, vegan, GF meals available)
• Snacks, potable water, and warm water for washing are provided.
• Pachamanca BBQ, culinary lesson, and organic coffee tour
• First-aid supplies, satellite phones, and an oxygen tank
• Return of panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°)

Not Included.

• All taxes and booking costs are extra.
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, and trekking poles are all options (Can be rented from us)
• The final day Aguas Calientes Lunch
• Ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña) Tips for porters, cooks, and guides
• Insurance for Travel (Highly recommended)
• Other treks to do following the Machu Picchu trip include:

Huayna Picchu Mountain: The most famous mountain takes 2 hours round trip and must be reserved well in advance; 75.USD per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain: The highest, which takes 3 hours round trip and is also known as Machu Picchu Mountain, must be reserved in advance; 75.USD per person.

ITINERARY FOR SALKANTAY TREKKING 4 DAYS

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake –  Salkantaypampa

We will arrive at your hotel at about 5:00 a.m. to get you up. We next drive for about 4 hours to Anta – Mollepata. The white snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica: the Holy Gods of the Incas – may be seen from the bus. You will also see beautiful vistas of the upper and lower valleys, as well as colorful scenery.

We will stop in Soraypampa town after 4 hours of driving, where there are restroom facilities and an optional brief breakfast. We will meet with our support crew, organize all of the equipment, horses, and mules, and hold an introduction meeting there. It was around 9:30 a.m. We shall begin our journey to Humantay Lake (4200 m.a.s.l).

We can see the Humantay glacier and Humantay Lake once we get at the lake. We’ll spend about an hour there before returning to Soraypampa for lunch, which will be cooked by our cook. Following our supper, we will hike to Salkantaypampa, where we will spend the night. Salkantaypampa is located in the center of the glacier valleys, where it is pitch black at night with no ambient light, making it an ideal location to see the stars in the sky.

• Lunch and dinner are served.
• Camping facilities are available.
• Maximum elevation: 4100 meters/13.4312 feet
• Minimum elevation: 2850 meters/9.3504 feet
• Traveled distance: 10 km/6.200 miles

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Ccollpampa

Early morning wake-up call at 5:00 a.m., with coca tea delivered to your tent. After that, we quickly pack up, eat breakfast, and continue climbing up to the highest point of the Salkantay path (4620 masl – 15,255 ft). We should finish the 5-mile distance in 4 hours. Then you can see the spectacular Salkantay peak and even chinchillas on the route as we ascend through the steep valley (6217 masl – 20,341 ft). We will have amazing views of the mountains and the majestic snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo as we reach the summit of the trek.

Salkantay is the second tallest peak in the Cusco area and one of the principal Inca deities known as “Apu Salkantay.” The most challenging aspect of the hike is getting to the peak. You’ll be so proud of yourself! The next three hours are spent descending the snake route through a dirt and steep road to Huayracmachay, our lunch destination. We’ll arrive in the afternoon to the higher reaches of the rain forest, sometimes known as a “cloud forest.” We will travel 9 kilometers in 3 hours to reach Challway Village (2900 masl – 9,514 ft), our base campground. During the second half of the day, as we descend, we will see the dense forest, which is adorned with brilliant orchids and local flora. The weather is warm and pleasant for the bulk of the year.

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Camping facilities are available.
• Maximum elevation: 4650 meters/15.2559 feet
• Minimum elevation: 2900 meters/9.5144 feet
• Chaullay is 21 kilometers/13.0488 miles away.

DAYS 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

Wake up call at 5:30 a.m. with coca tea! After breakfast, we go directly to La Playa, passing through dense jungle and following the Salkantay River’s riverbed on a gentle track. We stop at various family hamlets along the way to sample the local fruits and veggies (passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya). If we are fortunate, we will be able to see the famed “Cock of the Rocks.”

The hike is 16 kilometers long and takes 7 hours to reach Lucmabamba, our base camp. Lucmabamba is a little village surrounded by coffee trees that may provide basic amenities (toilet, power, shopping, and souvenirs) as well as serve as our lunch stop. After lunch, we’ll take a local bus for an hour to Hydroelectric, and then walk along the railroad tracks till we reach Aguas Calientes. When we get in town, we check into our hotel, have supper, and then sleep.

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Camping facilities are available.
• Maximum elevation: 2900 meters/9.5144 feet
• Minimum elevation: 2100 meters/6.8898 feet
• Traveled distance: around 27km/16.9419mile

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The most enchanted day was the fourth when we visited Machu Picchu. We are going to set our alarms for 3:30 in the morning, which is really early so that we can catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu and see the dawn over the ruins.

Your tour guide will spend around two hours describing the most important aspects of Machu Picchu to you. After that, if you choose this option when making your reservation, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own and walk up Huayna Picchu. (This is a separate admittance ticket, and the cost is $65 for each individual) At last, you will make your way back to Aguas Calientes, where you will board a train to Ollantaytambo and then continue on to Cusco via bus. Once you have arrived in Cusco, we will provide you with transportation back to your accommodation.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Tour to Machu Picchu

INCLUSIONS

• There is an English-speaking guide included, as well as an assistant guide for large parties.
• For a large company, a professional cook and an assistant cook are needed, as well as a horseman for the mules and horses.
• Mules that transport group equipment and huge duffel bags are given by the firm for personal possessions.
• All meals on the walk, include traditional Peruvian cuisine, modern fusion cuisine, and special dietary requirements.
• Snacks and boiled water
• Large dining tent with table, stools, and all utensils, as well as a kitchen tent.
• Overnight tents and Thermarests To give plenty of room for personal items, two-person tents are provided for single individuals while three-person tents are provided for double people.
• For an extra fee, more horses for riding can be given.
• First-aid kit with oxygen.
• A briefing before the expedition.
• Salkantay Mountain entrance costs, including Machu Picchu.
• Aguas Calientes hotel.
• Ticket for a train. (14:55 Expedition Train Service)
• Private transportation from your Cusco hotel to Challacancha (the starting point of hiking).
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

It is not included.

• On the fourth day, we had dinner in Aguas Calientes.
• Backpacks, trekking poles, and sleeping bags are examples of personal trekking equipment. They can, however, be rented from the firm.
• Gratuity for guides, chefs, and horseback riders.
• Admission to the hot springs at Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) or other attractions in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal horseback riding. Additional horses can be leased according to the individual and group’s needs.

WHAT TO BRING FOR SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS

• If you are a student, bring your original passport as well as your original Green ISIC international student cards.
• Waterproof hiking shoes and sandals.
• Warm clothes (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks).
• Clothing that is waterproof (poncho).
• Cotton or synthetic garments (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts).
• Sunglasses with a hat
• Sunscreen and bug repellent are recommended.
• Nalgene water bottles, for example.
• Medication that is essential.
• Walking canes
• Towel and swimsuit
• Personal effects
• Snacks for individuals.

4 Day Salkantay Trek FAQs

What exactly is Salkantay?

With a height of 6,271 meters / 20574 feet, the Salkantay hike is the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. It is located 60 kilometers northwest of Cusco in the central Peruvian Andes, in the Vilcabamba Mountains. Salkantay means “wild mountain,” and the inhabitants see it as a revered god who controls the weather and fertility since the Inca era.

What exactly is the Salkantay Trek?

Salkantay’s closeness to Machu Picchu, as well as its historic paths, make it an ideal alternate route is known as the Salkantay Trek. This walk to Machu Picchu may be accomplished in four or five days.

How long does the Salkantay journey last?

Salkantay Trek can be completed in a variety of ways, depending on your schedule and the operator. 4 and 5-day tours are the most popular. Shorter journeys may provide substantial obstacles, while longer trips may include Cusco city tours or Sacred Valley tours.

Is it worthwhile to hike to Salkantay?

The Salkantay path is the most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail. This walk also offers guests a variety of experiences, ranging from high mountains with frigid temperatures to a high jungle known as the “cloud forest.” Hikers will have rare possibilities to encounter distinct scenery, climate, and weather, as well as arrive at Machu Picchu before daybreak, thanks to these incredibly diversified environments.

How tall is the Salkantay Trek?

It is critical to distinguish between Salkantay Mountain’s elevation of 6,271m / 20574ft and the Salkantay Pass’s elevation of 4630m / 15190ft.

• First campsite: 3900 meters/12795 feet; second campsite: 2770 meters/9087 feet
• Aguas Calientes last night: 2,000 m / 6561 ft

Is the Salkantay hike cold?

This walk offers a diversity of landscapes, habitats, and temperatures. Throughout the year, the weather changes. Assume you trek during the dry season (April to October) or the rainy season (November to March) (November to March). In such a situation, the temperature in the southern hemisphere will climb somewhat during the rainy season and summer.

On the first day of the walk, the highest temperature during the day is 18°C/64°F, while the minimum temperature at night is 0°C/32°F. It is critical to dress warmly.

Day 2: The weather on the second day is drastically different. The first section of the hike will take you via the Salkantay Pass. This is the most difficult day of the trek, and it is generally sunny. However, if it rains, the temperature will fall below freezing, necessitating the use of a jacket, hat, and gloves.

The temperature will soar below the tree line in the afternoon (below 3000m). We’ll drop fast to the second Cloud Forest campground from here. The daytime temperature is 24°C / 75°F, while the nighttime temperature is 10°C / 50°F.

Day 3: On the third day, you will spend the entire day hiking in the tropical cloud forest. Wear light clothing to protect yourself from heat, mosquitoes, and water. The temperature at night may be about 10°C/53°F.

Day 4: On the fifth day, you will go to Machu Picchu, which is a tropical highland jungle with a warm and humid atmosphere.

What is the cost of the Salkantay trek 4 days?

One of the most crucial elements to consider is pricing; you should never select the lowest price since it has hidden fees and you will spend more or have a horrible experience. The Salkantay trip costs between 550 and 650 USD on average. This charge should cover a 3-star hotel, catering, porters, all modes of transportation, and a competent English-speaking guide.

It is critical that you book your tour from a trustworthy operator. This is a trekking excursion at high elevations and on slick terrain, and you should entirely trust the firm and the guide.

Magical Peru Expeditions offers knowledgeable guides, competent chefs, and comfortable camping gear. On the last day, we also offer coffee excursions, Pachamanca culinary classes, and scenic trains back to Cusco.

How should I prepare for the four-day Salkantay Trek?

Salkantay Journey Route is accessible to anybody; however, you will require a reasonable degree of athleticism to finish the trek. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to have an active lifestyle. If not, you must plan ahead of time to avoid unpleasant events.

You do not need to train for months ahead of time. However, you must trek for an hour or two every now and again, increasing the frequency and duration of the journey as you move closer and closer to the tour’s beginning point. A couple of hours of gym work, walking, or spinning will also assist.

Hiking hikes on weekends or at least twice a month are recommended (including uphill).

Is it possible to have altitude sickness? How can altitude sickness be avoided?

Anyone, whether a professional hiker or not, can suffer from altitude sickness. Here are some tips for avoiding altitude sickness:

Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the journey to help you adjust to the altitude; in the first few days, you should perform some easy activities or skip a few hours of hiking: we propose You go on a Cusco city trip, a Sacred Valley tour, or a Maras Moray excursion.

You should avoid trips like Rainbow Mountain, which require high-altitude trekking.

Please carry Diamox or other high-altitude drugs as prescribed by your doctor.

Please eat, light up, and drink enough of water during your first several days in Cusco. Coca-tea will be beneficial.

Where can I make reservations for the Salkantay Trek in Cusco?

Machu Picchu is the most popular tourist attraction in South America and Peru, and we have restricted access to this sacred site. There are two railway companies in our area. Aguas Calientes Town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a little town that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Given these considerations, you should always plan your trip ahead of time.

By booking the vacation as soon as possible, we will be able to select the finest train schedules, hotels, and Machu Picchu entrance dates.

When is the ideal time to trek the Salkantay Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu?

The dry season, from April to November, is the optimum time to walk the Salkantay journey and visit Machu Picchu. April and November are “strapless” months, and the weather is predicted to improve.

Because it is wet and landslides are a possibility in January and February, such hiking should be avoided. We recommend doing the Lares trip during these months.

From 490.00 – 550 USD.