4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Activity Type
Physical Grading
Service Level
Group Size
TripAdvisor
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4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Express
4 day Salkantay Trek–Experience the scenic wonders of Salkantay to Machu Picchu on this 4 day hiking adventure to reach Machu Picchu and spend each evening relaxing in roomy and comfortable tent accommodations.
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Peru’s second most famous trail, the 4 day Salkantay Trek! This shorter version trek is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the brilliance of the whole trail while taking advantage of their limited time.
Over four exhilarating days, you’ll be immersed in vast rolling grasslands, lush forests, unknown Inca ruins, and soaring peaks – a true trove of natural wonders. But this trek offers more than just deluxe camps and a great trek. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Incan civilization and the extraordinary legacy they left for generations to come.
Our professional cook will prepare innovative cuisine that has been gaining accolades worldwide, adding a flavorful element to your journey. Our Trek Leaders are dedicated to providing an authentic, informative, and unforgettable experience as you discover the wonders of the 4 day Salkantay Trek.
And the culmination of your journey is a full exploration of the historic site of Machu Picchu with your private Trek Leader. As you discover the mysteries and secrets of this sacred site, you’ll be awe-inspired by its beauty and grandeur.
So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the Andean culture and a lifetime of memories!.
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime – give us a call at +51 984 464 391 or shoot us an email at info@perusummit.com to learn more or book your spot today!
This hike is officially operated by Peru Summit Adventures, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
Think Green, Think Global for a Better Place for Everyone
Traveling with us you are making a big difference in favor of the environment, our trips are rated as eco-friendly trips to ensure that fragile ecosystems are protected and maintained for future human generations, also maintain ecosystem and environment integrity through considering a sustainable and ethical business model. Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translates to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices.
Trip Details
Service Level
Upgraded Comfort
UPGRADED COMFORT: Premium or Comfort trips are led by Peru Summit Adventures experts, an experienced crew at your side, or top trip leaders/guides, and tap into private local experts' resources to allow for in-depth exploration and special access to unique sites that only the local leaders/guides know. Itineraries are carefully crafted and fully planned, with plenty of free time to roam. Camping gears are high-end and accommodations are high-end or best available. Ground transportation and most meals (especially in hikes) and activities are included in the trip price.
Physical Grading
STRENUOUS: Designed for experienced active travelers in excellent physical condition. Full-day hikes (6-9 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 ft) on many hikes. 4-day to 6-day trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 14,500 ft are in this category with some exposed sections.
Activities
Hiking, Camping, Archaeology & Cultural Adventures
Important Note
While we expect the tour will run as the itinerary describes to 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes, being necessary liable to local conditions, eg, strikes, natural disasters, these changes might be at the discretion of your travel company.
Accomodation
Pro 4-season tents in Black Diamond and North Face with Pro Sleeping pads in Therma-Rest and pillows, tents are roomy and cozy designed for 3 people but used only for 2 guests. Our hotel in Machu Picchu town is the Inti Punku Suites & Hotels (or a similar hotel) a lovely hotel for pleasant rest.
Group Size
Min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl
Minimum of 02 people is needed to depart. Family groups, couple travelers, friends, or even if you’re a SOLO traveler, you are welcome to our trips. Price is per person, which is based on two people who might share a room/tent. The itinerary is described and based on shared services as well as semi-private service; however, if you are looking for a private service, that would be upon request.
Limited Spaces
YES. To protect MACHU PICCHU, the number of people allowed a day is limited to 3500 (spaces may vary depending on new regulations). That is why you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to four months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.
Acclimatization
Please allow a minimum of 2 days in Cusco before your hike begins to the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Why experience the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Since 2014 and since the very first day of our operation, Peru Summit Adventures has been blazing new ways of experiencing Salkantay to Machu Picchu treks. Our trailblazing is just one reason we are a uniquely qualified local company to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime.
- If you’re limited in time and still want to challenge yourself to reach Machu Picchu, this is the trail to take.
- Taste our innovative cuisine made by our professional cook like “Peru Summit Quinoa Salad”
- Explore the landscapes of the 4 day Salkantay to Machu Picchu, Peru’s second most famous trek to Machu Picchu.
- Spend two nights camping and 3 days hiking in the spectacular Andean backcountry.
- Spend the first night right close by to the Salkantay Mountain and enjoy very starry nights away from light pollution.
- Feel the real adventure to Machu Picchu by camping in cozy and roomy tents away from big crowds.
- Hike in the shadow of Salkantay mountain, the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region as you make your trek up to 4,632 m / 15,193, the highest point on the trail.
- Direct & official local tour operator with headquarter in Cusco, accredited by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco - Humantay Lake - Soyruqocha Camp
At 4:30 am we come to your hotel to pick you up, we will then have a 2-hour driving to Mollepata town (the main town before the beginning of the trek, where we will stop for breakfast which is not included). After breakfast, we will keep driving for 1 hour until the place called Soraypampa 3,880 m/ 12,730 feet from which we will start hiking up for about 2 hours to see the Humantay Lake located at 4,500 m/ 14,764 feet. It’s a beautiful lake located right at the skirt of the snow-capped mountain of Tukarway (Humantay). After enjoying the views, we will come back by the same trail to Soraypampa where we will have our first nutritious lunch. After lunch, we will hike up to our first campsite following a highland valley, the trail goes gradually uphill for 3 hours to reach the campsite called Soyruqocha located at an altitude of 4,450m/ 14,600 feet, and located really close by to the Salkantay Mountain, upon our arrival at our campsite, we will find our tents already set up and will enjoy the camping experience, later on, we’ll have our tea time that comes with biscuits, popcorn, hot chocolate, milk, coffee, variety of tea, and shortly after we will have our dinner, next, you will have a refreshing briefing for the second day, eventually, we will go to our tents to rest. All meals included, except breakfast.
- Accommodation type: Tents (roomy 4 season tents, 3 people tents are used for 2 people)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours approx…
- Hiking Distance: 12 km/ 7.45 miles.
DAY 2: Soyruqocha Camp - Salkantay Pass - Lucmabamba Camp
The second day in the morning you will be woken up with a hot coca tea at your tent, and will have a stunning view of the sunrise at Salkantay Mountain (if the weather is nice); next, we will have breakfast while enjoying the awesome views around us, right after breakfast we will begin to walk uphill for 1 hour to reach the highest point on this trek, which is the Salkantay pass 4,632 m/ 15,197 feet. Once we arrive at this point, we will have the Salkantay mountain right next to us and will have meditation and spiritual time. After that, we will hike downhill for five-hour until reaching the place from we will take the local transportation, on this section we will have our lunch at about mid-day at a place known as Wayraqmachay, after lunch, hiking for about 30 minutes we will be getting the lush high jungle, from where we will be entering in a different ecological niche, alongside the trail we will see some orchids, native flowers, and birds. We will then arrive at a place called Collpapampa, from this place we will take a local transportation to Lucmabamba campsite at 2,050m/ 6,724 feet for 1 hour, where we will have tea time, dinner, and rest. All meals included.
- Outdoor accommodation: Tents (roomy 4 season tents, 3 people tents are used for 2 people)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours approx.
- Hiking Distance: 15 km/ 9.32 miles.
DAY 3: Lucmabamba Camp - Llactapata Ruins - Hydroelectric - Machu Picchu Pueblo
Early in the morning, a nutritious breakfast will make us ready for the longest hiking day, from the campsite we will hike up to the highest point (2,700m/ 8,858 ft) for 3 hours by a short section of the Inca trail, which is coming from the jungle side of Cusco and connecting to Machu Picchu, this ancient trail was used as a trading route between the jungle and the highlands during the Incan empire. Once we finish walking the 3-hour section we will arrive at the small Incan ruins of “Llaqtapata”, a place perched above a mountain and overlooking Machu Picchu, from this site we will have the first views of Machu Picchu at about 5 km/ 3.11-mile away. After enjoying the gorgeous sceneries around, we will begin to descend for three hours until getting Hidroelectrica where we will have our last lunch made by our chef, after lunch, we will still trek for 3 more hours to reach the Machu Picchu Pueblo/ Town, this section of the trail is pretty much flatter than the previous sections and the views are still impressive, you can even spot Machu Picchu in a further you from different angles. Upon our arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo/ Town, we will head to our hotel for the check-in and have enough time for a deserved shower.
By 7:00 pm we will have dinner at one of the local restaurants (this dinner is not included) your guide will recommend some good ones, based on it you will select one out of them. After dinner, your trek leader will deliver a refreshing briefing for the next day, we will eventually go back to our hotel to rest. Only breakfast and lunch included
- Hotel to stay: Intipunku Hotels & Suites Machu Picchu
- Hiking Time: 8-9 hours approx.
- Hiking Distance: 21 km/ 13.04 miles.
DAY 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Return to Cusco
Today, a great breakfast at the hotel makes us ready for a morning exploration of Machu Picchu on a private tour with your Trek Leader. We will take the bus to Machu Picchu for 25 minutes, you will then have reached the lost city of the Incas, nestled among the Andes mountains whose constructions are still original at 75% and align to the sunrise in the winter solstice, here you will enjoy a guided tour delivered by your trek leader for about 2-3 hours. After a great time at the Incan citadel, we will take the bus back to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes town), where we will have lunch (not included). In the afternoon we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station for 1 hour and 45 minutes, as of this place, you will be transferred by our private transportation to your hotel in Cusco (you will arrive at your hotel after 6:30 pm). End of the adventure. Only breakfast is included at the hotel.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our very best possible to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond our control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it!
Inclusions
Included on the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Private transport from your hotel to the trailhead.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to the Salkantay trail.
- Round trip bus ticket in Machu Picchu town.
- Train ticket back to Cusco at the end of our trek.
- Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Town
- Camping Equipment 4 season tent (03 people tent for 02 people)
- Inflatable air sleeping pad (Therma rest).
- Other camping equipment, a dining tent with a table and chairs, and a kitchen tent, manned by a professional cooking staff.
- One night hotel in Machu Picchu town.
- Private transportation from the train station to your hotel in Cusco on the last day.
- Local transportation from Challhuay to Lucmabamba on day 2.
- Trek Leader.
- Meals: Breakfast (3), lunch (3), dinner (2), and snacks with option for vegetarians
- A professional cook.
- Horse and muleteer: horses carry 8 kg / 16 pounds of your personal items.
- Duffel bag, to put in your personal gears, which will be carried by pack horses.
- Oxygen tank.
Not Included on the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Sleeping bags (available for renting)
- Hiking poles (available for renting)
- First breakfast and last dinner on day 3.
- Extra expenditure during the trek or things of personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.such as soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks, tickets for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Gratuities for the guides, porters or muleteers, and other staff (expected but not compulsory).
- Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you please).
Prices & Dates
| Number of participants | Price per person | Total ($ USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Participant | We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| 2 Participants | $ 1,200.00 | $ 2 400.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 Participants | $ 1,180.00 | $ 3 540.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 Participants | $ 1,150.00 | $ 4 600.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 Participants | $ 1,100.00 | $ 5 500.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ Participants | We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| # | |
|---|---|
| 1 person (We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) |
Enquire Now |
| 2 people $ 1,200.00 |
Enquire Now |
| 3 people $ 1,180.00 |
Enquire Now |
| 4 people $ 1,150.00 |
Enquire Now |
| 5 people $ 1,100.00 |
Enquire Now |
| 6+ people (We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) |
Enquire Now |
- Flexibility on dates: Choose your own dates, you decide when to start your journey.
- Perfect for families, group of mates (friends), honeymoon: Make this trip for you and your loved ones or someone special.
- Totally customizable: Travel the way you want; so you can travel exactly how you want. Book this trip as is or customize it to be as active or relaxed, rustic or luxurious as you wish to go. Perfect for multi-generational families and to celebrate a special anniversary or milestone birthday.
- Go at your own pace: Walk or explore on your own rhythm, forget to stay or keep up with the large groups. It's your own journey.
Note on Prices
- A personal porter included to carry your 8kg / 16 pounds personal items.
Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Prices are per person based on SEMI-PRIVATE service; we depart with 2 ppl as a minimum, 8 ppl as maximum, and an average of 4 ppl in a group. This trek is also based on double occupancy for tents in the trail and a double twin-bed (matrimonial if requested) or triple occupancy in case of families or friends for hotel rooms, single rooms are subject to a single supplement fee.
Trip Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 30% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 70% of final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
What Makes Us Different!… Here’s, Why You Should Book With Us!
Making a choice of your right travel company/ tour operator is the most important decision you will make as you make your plans for a long-anticipated dreamed adventure. At first glance, some companies may seem cheaper. However, when you research a little deeper, you will see why traveling with Peru Summit Adventures assures that you will have the most memorable travel experience possible. In fact, we guarantee it, our TripAdvisor reviews say that.
Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translate to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices, here are the reasons why you should go with us!
1. We Focus on Details
2. Our Safety Record is Flawless
3. Knowledge and Expertise
4. The Smallest Groups en Route “4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu” – Averaging Just 4 Travelers
Besides, Machu Picchu offers one of the world’s most spellbinding travel experiences. But it’s also a world-renowned destination, and touring the site in a big group with multitudes of tourists shoving for photos, and competing to hear the guide, your once in a lifetime visit to this World Heritage Site may lose its magic. Our Machu Picchu Trips are scheduled with an average of just four travelers, allowing for a deeper exploration of the lost city of the Incas, with our Local Experts / Tour Leaders.
5. We Deliver on Our Promises
We are very confident the quality of our 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will get your expectations and that you will savor the best possible of cultural travel experience, nature travel experience, and adventure travel experience if you are dissatisfied, we’ll happily give you credit for an extra trip or for a future journey. It’s, to our knowledge, the best guarantee in the travel business.
6. The Best Fare For The Best Trip
7. You Book, You Go…Don’t Worry… We Won’t Cancel
8. We are Local Entrepreneurs, A Family Enterprise (we are not a gringo company)
Probably you will see that most of the tour operators mention it on their websites that are local tour companies, however, if you research a little deeper you will find out that’s not true, they might be although half of the operation is done from here and another half abroad, they even have NorthAmerican phone number or European phone numbers, which is a clue to find out, we are not against the foreigner companies or half foreign companies, what we are against is that they lie.
In Cusco exist just few truly local tour operators. If you did not know, foreign companies come to Peru to get rich without paying a General Sales Tax or Tax Contribution to our country. If you did not know that, according to the United Nations, for every US $100 spent on a tour in a developing country or foreign travel companies, only $5 stays in the local economy. Normally, almost all of the money flows back to large companies operating outside the destination countries. As we are a local family enterprise, we guarantee that your travel expenditures will support the local economy, and improve the lives of Peruvians through contributing to general sales tax.
9. Responsible Travel
Be a responsible traveller! Let’s make this world a better place for everyone and for everyone that lives in it! The natural environments that we travel to are fragile and abundant with beautiful culture and traditions that are often reliant on tourism. We have a responsibility as travelers to minimize the impact of our presence, protect what is delicate, and leave a positive influence everywhere we can.
As a locally owned and based Peruvian tour company, we integrate these practices into our in-country operations we are aiming for a style of travel that makes the world a better place for everyone, and for everyone that lives in it. Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Peru Summit Adventures is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference by helping and investing in local communities, education initiatives, environmental conservation projects. These values are not more than just words, they are ingrained in the culture and philosophy of our crew, daily operations of Peru Summit Adventures trips, and at our office too.
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- Original passport and some copies.
- Travel insurance and some copies.
- Sleeping bag (available for renting).
- Sleeping bag liner.
- Backpack to carry your things.
- Phone and Camera charger and adapter.
- Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Camera.
- Torch or headlamps.
- Deet or mosquito repellent ( recommendable 30% deet).
- Hands sanitizer.
- Hiking poles ( or you can rent one pair from us).
- Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March).
- Comfortable hiking clothes, including warm clothes for the nighttime.
- Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
- Sunblock and sunglasses.
- Hiking long sleeve T-shirts.
- Hiking trousers.
- Thermal underwear.
- Hiking socks.
- Water bottle or canteen.
- American dollars and peruvian soles in cash.
- Sun hat, cap, and warm hat and gloves for the nighttime.
- Toilet paper, and face tissue paper.
- Credit or debit card.
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen).
- Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Diamox (acetazolamide), Aspirin, Band Aids, Anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may take).
Whats the Trip Like
Weather in the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Trip Leaders
Trek Leaders or Guides Are Part of the Core of Peru Summit Adventures and Your Perfect Local Companion
The perfect custom-made private tours, adventure tours, or expeditions don’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced professionals to bring it all together and possible. Our team of Peru Summit Adventures Leaders is comprised of local trip veterans, seasoned tour veterans with rich backgrounds in history, archaeology, culture, cuisine, geology, biology, and more.
With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the travel industry, our Trip Leaders safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your Peru journeys and adventures every step of the way. Our Tour/Trek Leaders have worked extensively in the Peru isolated mountains, archaeological sites, hiking the Inca Trail (at least 150 times), Amazon jungle, and being at Machu Picchu for over 400 times at least, this guarantees your trip a unique and memorable experience.
Extend your Experience
Lodging
Camping Equipment: Great gear is a key part of every great journey, so we’ve made our gear warehouse featuring top-performing brands like Black Diamond, Patagonia, North Face Summit Series, Therma Rest, Marmot, Leki, this is a fantastic collection of our outdoor gear, accessories, which are offered in all trekking adventures, expeditions, and Peru Summit Adventures Logo items.
In all hikes, you’ll enjoy Pro 4-season tents in Black Diamond and North Face with Pro Sleeping pads in Therma-Rest and pillows, tents are roomy and cozy designed for 3 people but used only for 2 guests.
Hotels: We select carefully our hotels in each destination all over the country. And we select our accommodations for how well they represent the distinctive character of the destination you’re in. Some of these rooms and cabanas draw their inspiration from history and others from the views they offer. What’s consistent, however, is that we stand by each and every one of these for what they’ll add to your experience.
Suggested Reading List
We have created a custom comprehensive listing of 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu and Peru, Machu Picchu, and Peru travel books for this trip. Our reading list Peru is custom-designed to complement specific Peru Summit destinations. We feature a handpicked selection of travel guides, maps, literature, books on art, cuisine, nature, and culture, designed to help you get more out of your travels to Machu Picchu & Peru.
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