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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Machu Picchu trek

5.0

★★★★★

(120 Reviews) Recommended by 99% of travelers

From

USD $420

Viajeros contemplando Machu Picchu al amanecer en un tour grupal

Grupo de viajeros frente a la Laguna Humantay y el nevado Salkantay

Excursionistas y mulas en la ruta de trekking frente al nevado Salkantay

The Salkantay route condensed into an intense four-day trek

Cross the high-mountain landscapes of Salkantay and descend into cloud forest before reaching Machu Picchu. This four-day program links Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Chaullay, the Santa Teresa area, Hydroelectric and Aguas Calientes. It is a demanding version with long days, camps and major changes in altitude and weather.

The Salkantay route condensed into an intense four-day trek

Secure payment in USD

Guide and camping logistics

Subject to Machu Picchu availability

Before booking

Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 full days.n

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Start: early pickup in Cusco

Finish: return to Cusco on the evening of day 4

Service: group trek

Languages: English and Spanish

Difficulty: challenging

Maximum altitude: about 4,650 m / 15,256 ft

Distance: roughly 50–65 km / 31–40 mi, depending on route

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This version completes the route in four days and requires very good fitness, long-hike experience and prior acclimatization. Before payment, confirm Machu Picchu circuit and time, train, camps, meals, luggage allowance and exact services.

Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 full days.

The pass exceeds 4,600 m and may bring cold, rain, hail or snow.

Activity days may exceed 8 hours.

Machu Picchu requires a named ticket with fixed circuit and time.

The itinerary may change because of closures, landslides, weather or group condition.

Original booking passport
Daypack with waterproof liner
Broken-in trekking boots
Thermal layers
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hat, gloves, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
Headlamp and batteries
Bottle, snacks and medication
Repellent and hygiene items
Peruvian soles and portable charger

Is it harder than the 5-day version?

Yes. It covers a similar route in less time and normally has longer days.

Is Humantay Lake included?

It may be an optional first-day visit but is not guaranteed because of time, weather and group condition.

Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?

The available circuit is confirmed when the ticket is issued and depends on official capacity.

Where do we sleep?

Usually at camps plus one night in Aguas Calientes; the exact arrangement is in the confirmation.

Can I rent a sleeping bag?

Usually yes, at extra cost with advance booking.

What if the route closes?

The safest authorized alternative will be used; extra costs depend on circumstances and insurance.

Reviews

3.0

2 reviews

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5 stars 1

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1 star 1

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Lucia Huaman Pantia

a month ago

The Rainbow Mountain tour exceeded all of our expectations! The entire trip was well organized, with comfortable transportation, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and a friendly, professional guide who made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. The views along the hike were incredible, and reaching the top to see Rainbow Mountain was absolutely worth it. Our guide gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and learn about the local culture and the surrounding Andes. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco. Everything was handled perfectly, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Thank you for such an unforgettable adventure!

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Adrian Garcia

a year ago

Terrible service. We booked a bus with them, but they never came to pick us up at the hotel. They didn't answer any of our calls or messages, and of course, they didn't refund our money. I strongly advise against using this agency.

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From USD $420 per person

Select travel dates and number of travelers

Subject to Machu Picchu circuit, train, weather and operating minimum.

Secure payment in USD

Guide and camping logistics

Subject to Machu Picchu availability

Do you have any questions about your reservation?

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4-day Salkantay Trek itinerary

Cusco — Mollepata — Challacancha — Soraypampa

Start

Pickup Point

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Departure from Cusco

Stop: Very early

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Challacancha

Stop: Trek begins

Admission included

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Soraypampa

Stop: Camp

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Humantay Lake

Stop: Optional

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Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Huayracmachay — Chaullay

Ascent to the pass

Stop: Morning

Admission included

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Salkantay Pass

Stop: About 4,650 m

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Huayracmachay

Stop: Descent and lunch

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Chaullay

Stop: Camp

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Chaullay — La Playa — Hydroelectric — Aguas Calientes

Santa Teresa Valley

Stop: Hike

Admission included

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La Playa

Stop: Lunch and connection

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Hydroelectric

Stop: Final section begins

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Aguas Calientes

Stop: Overnight

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Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco

Access to Machu Picchu

Stop: Reserved time

Admission included

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Machu Picchu

Stop: Guided visit

Admission included

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Aguas Calientes

Stop: After the visit

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Cusco

Stop: Afternoon or evening

Admission included

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End

End of the tour

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

The Salkantay route condensed into an intense four-day trek

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