Voyager Tours Peru
Overview
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days/3 nights) combines adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery. It's a challenging yet incredibly rewarding trek, considered one of the world's best by National Geographic. Each day will surprise you with different landscapes: snow-capped mountains, Andean valleys, waterfalls, and a unique transition into the Amazon rainforest.
Along the trail, we'll camp in breathtaking locations under starry skies. We'll live alongside local communities. You'll discover the mystical energy of the Salkantay mountain.
We'll culminate the experience by arriving at Machu Picchu , where you'll learn about the history and architecture of the last stronghold of the Inca Empire . This journey is perfect for those seeking to connect with nature and discover the grandeur of Peru step by step.
What’s included
Included
- Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish / English)
- Full board during the hike (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, utensils)
- Horses or mules to carry the luggage
- Entrance to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Return train to Cusco (Expedition or similar)
- First aid kit and oxygen
Not included
- First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Optional entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Tips for guides, muleteers or cooks
- Personal expenses
Meeting and pickup
Hotel pickup and meeting point
Hotel pickup included
Itinerary
Day 1Day 1 – Cusco to Soraypampa & Humantay Lake
Hotel Pickup: Early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco
Drive to Mollepata: Scenic drive to the village of Mollepata
Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast before starting the trek
Start of Trek: Begin the hike through beautiful Andean landscapes
Hike to Humantay Lake: Ascent to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lagoon
Visit Humantay Lake: Time to explore, take photos, and rest surrounded by snow-capped mountains
Continue Trek: Descend and continue toward the campsite
Arrival at Soraypampa: Reach the first campsite located at 3,850 meters
Dinner: Enjoy a hot dinner prepared by the trekking team
Overnight: Rest at the campsite under a clear, star-filled sky near Nevado Salkantay
Day 2Day 2 – Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass
Wake Up: Early wake-up at the campsite in Soraypampa
Breakfast: Nutritious breakfast prepared by the trekking team
Start of Trek: Begin the ascent toward the highest point of the route
Salkantay Pass: Reach the summit at 4,650 meters with views of glaciers and Nevado Salkantay
Rest at the Top: Time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic scenery
Descent: Begin the descent into the cloud forest
Landscape Change: Transition from cold mountain terrain to warm tropical environment
Arrival at Chaullay: Reach the campsite located at 2,900 meters
Dinner: Enjoy a well-deserved hot dinner
Overnight: Rest at the campsite surrounded by nature
Day 3Day 3 – Chaullay to Aguas Calientes
Wake Up: Early wake-up at the campsite in Chaullay
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast before starting the day
Start of Trek: Begin a more relaxed walk through the cloud forest
Sahuayaco: Walk through coffee plantations, fruit orchards, and tropical vegetation
Coffee Experience: Optional visit to a local farm to learn about artisanal coffee production
Lunch: Enjoy lunch along the route
Transfer to Hidroelectrica: Transportation to the Hydroelectric station
Hike to Aguas Calientes: Walk along the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu Pueblo
Arrival at Aguas Calientes: Check-in at a comfortable hotel
Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Rest in the hotel preparing for Machu Picchu visit
Day 4Day 4 – Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu & Cusco
Wake Up: Early wake-up in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast: Optional breakfast before heading to Machu Picchu
Ascent to Machu Picchu: Bus or hike up to the archaeological site
Sunrise Experience: Enjoy the sunrise over the sacred mountains (weather permitting)
Guided Tour: Explore the main temples, terraces, viewpoints, and Inca structures with your guide
Free Time: Time to take photos or explore the site at your own pace
Optional Hike: Opportunity to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires prior booking)
Return to Aguas Calientes: Descent back to the town
Train Back: Board the train to Ollantaytambo
Return to Cusco: Transfer back to Cusco, arriving in the evening
Recommendations and preparation
Before booking
- Book in advance, especially during high season (May–September)
- Check availability for your preferred travel dates
- Make sure your passport details are correct for Machu Picchu entry
- Confirm your fitness level — this is a moderate to challenging trek
- Inform us in advance about dietary restrictions or special needs
Before traveling
- Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2–3 days before the trek
- Bring layered clothing for cold nights and warm days
- Wear proper trekking shoes with good grip
- Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, and essentials
- Bring cash for optional expenses along the route
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek and do I need prior experience?
The trek is challenging and recommended for physically fit travelers. No technical experience is required, but you should be comfortable hiking several hours per day at high altitude.
Do I need to acclimatize before the trek?
Yes, we strongly recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What is included in the tour and is Machu Picchu entrance guaranteed?
The tour includes Machu Picchu entrance, guided service, and key logistics. Availability is subject to booking in advance, so we recommend reserving early with correct passport details.
What should I pack and how much can I carry?
You should bring essential items in a small backpack (water, snacks, layers, rain gear). Main luggage can be left in Cusco, and additional support (horse/porter) may be available depending on your package.
What happens if I can’t complete the trek?
Our team will assist you and provide alternative solutions such as horse support or transportation in certain sections, depending on the situation.
Traveler rating and reviews
Real traveler feedback, photos and direct replies from our team.
