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Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life with our Classic Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu, the perfect choice for adventurers seeking breathtaking Andean landscapes and a memorable journey to the renowned Inca citadel. This trek guides you through some of Peru’s most stunning terrains, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Over the course of four days, you’ll traverse diverse ecosystems, from towering snow-capped mountains to lush, verdant cloud forests. Immerse yourself in traditional Andean culture as you pass through quaint villages and engage with local communities. The pinnacle of this trek is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city that offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into Peru’s rich history and architectural genius. If you’re yearning for an adventure that breaks away from the ordinary and leaves you with unforgettable memories, the Salkantay Trek 4 Days is the ideal choice.
Start your journey with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 4:45 AM. We’ll travel for three hours to the trailhead soraypamapa,(3900m) There we will meet with our support staff, cooker, horseman whit their horses and mules and we will have an introductory meeting.
Around 9:00 a.m. we will start our hiking to Humantay Lagoon (4200 m /13779 ft). The first part of the path is flat then uphill until the lagoon. We will explore it for about 45 minutes then hike back to Soraypampa (3900m 1285 ft) then we will continue hiking up to the Salkantaypampa (4150 m / 13615 ft) here you will have a nutritious Lunch then two more hours to Soyrococha 4400 m 14436 ft), which is our first and coldest camping site.
Wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee. As you leave the tent, you’ll be greeted by vast plains and snow-covered peaks. After breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet). From the summit, take in breathtaking views of the Andean valleys and the imposing, snow-drenched peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Here, we’ll conduct an Inca ceremony, offering prayers to the Apus for safe passage.
Descending through a winding, rocky path, we’ll reach Wayracmachay (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet) for lunch. After a brief rest, our journey takes us into the cloud forest, experiencing a dramatic shift from high mountain climates to the lush, mist-covered Amazonian rainforest. Marvel at the rich biodiversity as we make our way to Collpapampa (2,770 meters / 9,087 feet), from here you will take a local transportation to our next campsite for the night in Lucmabamba.
Day three is arguably the most beautiful part of the Salkantay Trek. After a satisfying breakfast, we’ll trek for approximately 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2,000 meters / 6,561 feet). Here, participate in a cooking demonstration, learning to prepare the traditional Pachamanca, a delicious dish made by burying vegetables, fruits, and various meats with hot stones. After lunch, visit an organic coffee farm to see the harvesting process and prepare your own espresso from freshly picked beans. We then transport for an hour to Hidroeléctrica (1,890 meters / 6,200 feet) and hike for another 3 hours to Aguas Calientes (2,020 meters / 6,627 feet). Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a top local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
On the final day, rise early to prepare for the highlight of the trek: the majestic Machu Picchu. We’ll head straight to the bus line to catch the first bus at 5:30 AM. As the sky brightens, ascend with stunning views of the ancient city. On clear days, witness the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu—a truly unforgettable moment.
Our guide will lead a comprehensive 2 to 3-hour tour of the citadel, exploring its intricate Inca architecture, including temples and key structures that showcase the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. After the tour, walk back to Aguas Calientes (2,020 meters / 6,627 feet), where you’ll have free time to explore the town or enjoy a leisurely lunch. Our package includes the scenic tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (2,790 meters / 9,154 feet), followed by transportation back to Cusco (3,350 meters / 10,991 feet). This concludes our four-day trek, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deep connection to the Andean wilderness.
What We Include in the Salkantay Trek 4 Days Standard Tour
What We Do Not Include
Note: At high altitudes, water boils at 86°C but does not completely eliminate bacteria. We recommend purchasing your own water along the way from local stores to ensure purity and safety.
What You Need to Bring for the Tour
Restrictions
“Illapa Peru Trip” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Illapa Peru Trip,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Illapa Peru Trip,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Illapa Peru Trip” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Illapa Peru Trip” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Illapa Peru Trip” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
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What is the Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu?
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu is a classic trekking adventure in Peru that takes you through some of the most stunning Andean landscapes. This four-day journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
What are the main highlights of the trek?
Highlights include Humantay Lake, the impressive Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), authentic Andean communities, and the breathtaking Machu Picchu. You’ll also experience diverse ecosystems, from snow-capped mountains to lush cloud forests.
What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek is rated as 4 out of 5 in difficulty, making it suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness who are comfortable with long days of hiking and high altitudes.
How long does the trek last?
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days spans four days and three nights, providing ample time to acclimate to the altitude and fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences along the way.
What is included in the tour package?
Included in the package are hotel pickup and return, all transportation during the trek, a professional tour guide, return train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, entrance fees to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu, camping equipment, meals prepared by an experienced chef, and accommodation in both campsites and a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
What is not included in the tour package?
Not included are the first breakfast in Mollepata, bottled water and beverages, sleeping bags and trekking poles, saddle horses, extra baggage fees, hot shower access in certain campsites, Cocalmayo Hot Springs entrance, additional Machu Picchu excursions like Huayna Picchu, and travel insurance.
What is the altitude range during the trek?
The trek starts at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) in Mollepata, reaches a maximum altitude of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) at the Salkantay Pass, and descends to 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in Santa Teresa. Machu Picchu itself is at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet).
What should I bring on the trek?
Bring a lightweight backpack with essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Additionally, carry a map, a small first aid kit, personal medications, warm clothing for high altitudes, light and fresh clothing for the jungle, hiking boots, and rain gear for unpredictable weather.
How should I dress for the trek?
Dress in layered clothing to accommodate varying temperatures. This includes a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring extra moisture-wicking socks, and include accessories like a hat, sunglasses, gloves, and a scarf.
What are the recommended seasons for the trek?
The best time to embark on the Salkantay Trek is from March to December. These months offer dry weather and clear skies, which are ideal for hiking and enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Are there any age restrictions for the trek?
Participants should be at least 12 years old to join the Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu. It’s recommended for individuals who are physically fit and can handle moderate to challenging hiking conditions.
Do I need to acclimatize to the altitude before the trek?
Yes, altitude acclimatization is essential. It’s recommended to spend at least a day in Cusco before starting the trek to help your body adjust to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What are the health recommendations for the trek?
To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consider taking acetazolamide (Diamox) if you’re prone to altitude issues. Use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to protect against intense UV rays, and carry any necessary personal medications. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and inform your guide immediately if you experience any.
What restrictions apply to the trek?
Health Conditions: Not recommended for individuals with heart issues or other severe health conditions. Pregnancy: Not suitable for pregnant women. Prohibited Items: Large backpacks, drones, and items that could damage archaeological sites are not allowed.
How do I prepare physically for the trek?
Engage in regular hiking or cardio exercises to build endurance and ensure you’re comfortable with ascending trails and long periods of walking. Gradual acclimatization by spending time in high-altitude locations like Cusco before the trek is also crucial.
What is the weather like during the trek?
During the trek, daytime temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The weather can be unpredictable, with possibilities of rain, wind, and sudden temperature changes, especially at higher altitudes like the Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lake.
Recommendations for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
What to Bring
Ensure you have a lightweight backpack containing essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, carry a map, a small first aid kit, and any personal medications you might need during the trek.
Photography Tips
Weather for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Seasonal Climate
Temperature Range
Altitude Considerations
Tips for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Acclimatization
Safety Tips
Cultural Respect
How to Dress for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Layered Clothing
Footwear
Accessories
Restrictions for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Age and Health
Permits and Fees
Group Policies
Physical Preparation for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Fitness Level
Acclimatization
Equipment Check
Health Recommendations for Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Sun Protection
Hydration and Nutrition
Emergency Preparedness
About Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu offers an extraordinary adventure through some of Peru’s most diverse and stunning landscapes. This classic trek takes you from the high-altitude Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet) through the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet) and the serene Humantay Lake (4,200 meters / 13,779 feet), before descending into the lush cloud forests and eventually reaching the historic Machu Picchu (2,430 meters / 7,972 feet).
Throughout the trek, you will experience a variety of ecosystems, from snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes to vibrant tropical jungles. Engage with local Andean communities, enjoy traditional Pachamanca meals, and relax in comfortable camping accommodations under the stars. The journey culminates with a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or embarking on your first trek, the Salkantay Trek 4 Days promises an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking views and lasting memories.
