Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights

Overview

The Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights is an unforgettable journey for travelers who want to experience one of Peru’s most spectacular trekking routes in a shorter, more dynamic format. As a 4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, this route combines glacier views, high mountain passes, cloud forest scenery, and the excitement of reaching one of the world’s most iconic destinations through a true Andean adventure.

From the very beginning, the trek feels dramatic and immersive. You move through landscapes that change quickly and beautifully, from the open highlands near Humantay and Soraypampa to the powerful ascent toward Salkantay Pass, the highest and most demanding point of the route. This part of the Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu is where the trek reveals its wild character, with sweeping views of snowcapped peaks and a sense of scale that makes every step feel worthwhile.

As the trail descends, the scenery begins to transform. The cold, rugged mountain environment gradually gives way to greener valleys, warmer air, and the transition toward the cloud forest and jungle edge. That contrast is one of the reasons the short Salkantay Trek feels so memorable. It is not just a trek to Machu Picchu, but a journey through several worlds in just a few days, ending with the long-awaited arrival at Aguas Calientes and the final visit to Machu Picchu.

What makes the Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights especially appealing is the balance it offers between challenge and reward. It is ideal for active travelers who want a real trekking experience, dramatic mountain scenery, and the emotional payoff of reaching Machu Picchu, but within a shorter timeframe. The maximum altitude reached on this route is approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft at Salkantay Pass, so acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended before starting the trek

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Pampa – Ichupata
Day 2Ichupata - Inca Chiriaska Pass or Condor Pass – Inca Canal – Pauccar Cancha
Day 3Paucarcancha – Llactapata – km 82 – Ollantaytambo
Day 4Machu Picchu – return to Cusco

Day 1Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Pampa – Ichupata
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 am to 4.30 am in our private transportation before embarking on a 3.-hour car drive to the trail head at Soraypampa (3800 m.a.s.l / 12467.19ft). Once in Soraypampa, you will enjoy your first breakfast along with your hiking’s group´s chef, guides and support team. Your will also meet your group´s muleteers and give your duffle bags to them.
After breakfast, you will begin your trekking adventure to Machu Picchu by hiking up to Humantay Lagoon. This hike will be approximately 1.5 hours and will take you to the skirts of Humantay Mountain where the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lagoon lay. After breathing in the beauty of such magical place, you will begin making your way back down to the starting point to continue with your hike to the lunch spot. This hike will be approximately 2 hours of gradual ascent until reaching Salkantaypampa (4,000 m.a.s.l / 13123.36ft) – with an estimated arrival time of 1 p.m. Salkantaypampa is located on the skirts of the Salkantay glacier mountain and has some unmatched views of the Salkantay Mountain.
After lunch and a well-deserved break, you will take continue along gradually ascending terrain for approximately 3 hours until the campsite at Ichupata (4,400 m.a.s.l / 14435.7ft ). Needless to say, this campsite will have you closer to the magnificence of Salkantay Mountain and will make your overnight stay an unforgettable night under the stars.

Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Salkantay, Peru
- Hiking time: 5.30 hours
- Transport time: 3 hours
- Tour Type: Hiking tour – natural - History
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you will be finishing the Hike at 4.30 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3300 / 10826.7 ft
- Climate: Cold
- Total, Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 ml
- Highest Altitude: 4,400 m.a.s.l / 14435.7ft
- Overall Difficulty: Easy
Day 2Ichupata - Inca Chiriaska Pass or Condor Pass – Inca Canal – Pauccar Cancha
After a crisp, early wake up accompanied by amazing views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains, you will enjoy your breakfast and get ready for the day´s hike. From Ichupata, you will hike for approximately 3 hours until reaching the pass known as Inca Chiriaska, located at (5,100 m.a.s.l / 16732.28ft). Just as its name in Quechua implies, this place is cold (almost frozen depending on the time of year) but has the best views of the mountains by the Salkantay glacier peak. You will enjoy the breath-taking scenery with your hot tea drink before continuing on. The hike from the pass will be to the lunch spot at approximately 3.5 hrs downhill. At this spot, you will see yet another glacier beauty – the Paltayoc peak.
After lunch and a well-deserved break, you will continue hiking for another 3.5 hours downhill to the campsite at Pauccar Cancha. Pauccar Cancha is located near the Inca ruins of Pauccar Cancha at 3,300 m.a.s.l / 10826.77ft).

Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Salkantay, Peru
- Hiking time: 8.30 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking tour – natural - History
- Start/End Time: start at 6 am you and you will be finishing the Hike at 5 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 4,600 / 15,091 ft
- Climate: Cold
- Total, Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.69 ml
- Highest Altitude: 5100 m.a.s.l / 16732.28.ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult – Modererate (long down)
Day 3Paucarcancha – Llactapata – km 82 – Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, you will visit the Inca archaeological site of Pauccar Cancha before continuing on with your hike. Today´s highlight will be entering to the Inca Trail for a section of the original path. On this hike, you will be mesmerized by the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. In addition, you will also get a taste of the Inca Trail by visiting the famous Llactapata Inca archaeological site. This site is known for having been an Inca village characterized by its houses, water channels, and many farming terraces gently bordering the mountain side. From Llactapata, you will hike for about 1 hour until your lunch.

After lunch and a well-deserved break, you will hike for another 2 hours until Km 82 where you will take our local van to Ollantaytambo-bound. Once in Ollantaytambo, you will be taking to your hotel organize by the company and then have dinner in one the tourit restaurant. Finally organize you plan for machupicchu with your guide next Day.

Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Ancascocha, Peru
- Hiking time: 3.30 hours
- Transport time: 40 minutes transport by local cars
- Tour Type: Hiking – Cultural, History - nature
- Start/End Time: At 8 am from your Cusco hotel and you will be in your camp at 4 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3,133 / 10278.87 ft
- Climate: little Cold
- Total, Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 ml
- Highest Altitude: 3,133 / 10278.87 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Easy – Down – flat
Day 4Machu Picchu – return to Cusco
Today will be easy and the most impressive journey at 5.10 am we finally board the train to Aguas Calientes town. The train will take us 2 hours approximately, once arrived to aguas calientes train station our tour guide will take you to Bus station where the bus drive 25 minutes and leave you next to Machupicchu entrance. where you and your professional tour guide Show the original passport and entrance feet to citadel in order to visit.
Once passed the control our tour guide start with tour guiding for 3 hours in the citadel, where he will teach you the Peruvian, inca history and also, he will show you the most impressive places, such like temple, palace, fountain, plazas, ceremonial places, much more. after you finished to explore the citadel of machupicchu, you will have to return to aguas calientes town together with your guide. Here if you want you can go have lunch with your tour guide or by yourself any restaurant because this last lunch is not included in your trek.
At 3:20 or 4:20 pm according you booking trek you will be returning to Ollantaytambo train station and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Our driver will leave you to each of you at door of your hotel.

Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Machupiccu, Peru
- Hiking time: Full Day tour
- Transport time: 50 minutes transport by bus in aguas calienets couple hours by train
- Tour Type: Hiking – Cultural, History - nature
- Start/End Time: At 8 am from your Cusco hotel and you will be in your camp at 4 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2792 m / 9,160. 1 ft
- Climate: Templete weather
- Total, Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 ml
- Highest Altitude: 3,133 / 10278.87 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Easy – Down – flat

Included

Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
Official Salkantay Trek permit to Machu Picchu.
Humantay Lake entrance permit.
Ancascocha – Inca Trail connection permit.
Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit #2 – La Diseñada).
Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the trek.
Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry camping equipment.
Full-day transportation during trekking days as indicated in the itinerary.
Healthy organic breakfasts.
Organic buffet lunches.
Organic buffet dinners.
Snacks and drinking water during hiking days.
Dinner at a tourist restaurant in Ollantaytambo.
Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Round-trip bus tickets in Aguas Calientes (up and down).
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Private transportation from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
First-aid kit and emergency assistance throughout the trek

Not included

Trekking poles.
Sleeping bags.
Air mattresses.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance (highly recommended).

Recommendations

Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude.
Bring your original passport for permits, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Dress in layers to handle cold mornings, warm afternoons, and changing mountain weather.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and snacks.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on mountain passes.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
Respect local communities, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions.

Route map

Approximate route. Your guide will share the detailed map before departure.

Gallery

FAQs

How difficult is this Salkantay and Inca Trail trek?

This trek is rated as moderate, combining high-altitude mountain trails with sections of the historic Inca Trail. While it does not require technical climbing skills, good physical condition and proper acclimatization are important. The most demanding sections involve mountain passes and long hiking days, but our professional guides set a steady pace and provide support throughout the journey.

What is the best time of year to do this trek?

The best time to hike this route is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer. June to August are the busiest months and require early booking. March and November are good alternatives with fewer crowds, although occasional rain may occur.

Are meals and camping equipment included during the trek?

Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes healthy breakfasts, organic buffet lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike comfortably with only a light daypack.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented locally. A small backpack for daily essentials is also recommended.

Is travel insurance required for this trek?

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance offers extra peace of mind during this multi-day trek.

Overview

Itinerary

Included

Included

Not included

Recommendations

Route map

Gallery

FAQs

Questions about this tour?

Why travel with Machulas Journey

Award-winning local team

Small groups

Permits handled for you

Expert local guides

Responsible travel

Secure booking

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