Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Return by Car 4D–3N

OVERVIEW

The 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a breathtaking and adventurous journey through stunning landscapes. This trek is renowned for its glacier mountains, picturesque lakes, and a captivating trek through the Amazon jungle. By booking this tour, you can enjoy the best services at affordable prices, including exclusive campsites with Mountain Sky Huts and glass igloos, knowledgeable guides, and all-inclusive itineraries.

During the trek, you will encounter brilliant blue lakes, reach high altitudes of up to 4,630 meters, and pass by waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs. The trail also includes a visit to the Llactapata ruins, offering a unique view of Machu Picchu. Finally, the journey culminates with a guided tour of the world-famous Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience.

The Salkantay Trek is recognized by National Geographic as one of the «World’s Best Treks,» making it a must-do adventure. Choose a reputable company for your trek and create memories that will last a lifetime.

ITINERARY

Cusco to Quiswarniyoc Private Camp: Soraypampa and Enchanting Humantay Lake Adventure
  • Pick up in Cusco.

    • 5:00 am - Pick up from respective hotels or locations in Cusco.
    • Drive for two hours to the village of Mollepata.
    • Enjoy a delicious breakfast upon arrival in Mollepata.
    • Pay the 20 soles entrance fee to the local municipality (not included in the tour cost).
    • Continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa.
    • Meet the muleteers and horses in Soraypampa.

  • Begin to Humantay Lake.

    • Begin a two-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake.
    • Spend a couple of hours at Humantay Lake exploring, taking photos, and listening to the guide's insights.
    • Start a two-hour downhill hike from Humantay Lake.
    • Arrive at the exclusive Quiswarniyoc campsite.

  • Camping Quiswarniyoc.

    • Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the campsite.
    • Take advantage of free time to explore the surroundings or hike to the Salkantay Mirador for panoramic views.
    • Relax in the Mountain Sky Huts or glass igloos at the campsite.
    • Engage in additional short hikes, visit breathtaking mountain viewpoints, and explore cascading waterfalls at the Quiswarniyoc campsite.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: 13 km, approximately 6 hours of hiking
  • Campsite Altitude: 4,100 meters above sea level
  • Difficulty: Moderate day (acclimatizing to the Salkantay Trail)
  • Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with very cold nights
  • Accommodations: Mountain Sky Huts or Crystal Domes
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Quiswarniyoc to Chaullay Private Camp: Trekking through the Majestic Salkantay Pass
  • Morning Activities

    • Wake-up call at 5:00 am.
    • Enjoy a cup of hot coca tea and pack your belongings.
    • Have a hearty breakfast at around 5:45 am.

  • Hike to the highest point

    • Start a 3 to 4-hour uphill hike at a steady pace towards the trek's highest point at 4,630 meters.
  • photographic moment

    • Marvel at the breathtaking mountain vistas and capture photographs.
    • Learn about the revered mountain gods and participate in a traditional Andean ritual.

  • Hike downhill chaullay

    • Begin a 2-hour downhill hike.
    • Pause for a mouthwatering lunch.
    • Continue the descent for another 3 hours to reach the second camp, Chaullay, at an altitude of 2,900 meters.

  • Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica

    • Receive camping equipment, hot tea, and a delicious dinner at Chaullay.
    • Take an optional hot shower for 10 soles offered by locals.
    • Purchase refreshing drinks such as beer, soda, and water at Chaullay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: 22 km, approximately 9 hours of hiking
  • Campsite Altitude: 2,900 meters above sea level
  • Difficulty: Challenging day (conquering the highest point at 4,650 meters above sea level)
  • Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with cold nights
  • Accommodations: Mountain Sky Huts
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
From Chaullay to Aguas Calientes: Discovering Santa Teresa, Hydroelectric Station, and the Enchanting Path to Machu Picchu
  • Morning Activities

    • Despiértese a las 6:00 a. m. en el exuberante entorno selvático y disfrute de una taza de té de coca.
    • Desayuna delicioso.

  • Hike to La Playa Sahuayaco

    • Start the hike at 7:00 am.
    • Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
    • Traverse the pictures Santa Teresa Valley.
    • Explore plantations including coffee, bananas, avocados, coca, passion fruit, and more.

  • La Playa Sahuayaco to Santa Teresa

    • Arrive at La Playa Sahuayaco after the 5-hour hike.
    • Take local transportation for a one-hour ride to Santa Teresa.
    • Enjoy a well-earned lunch break.

  • Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica

    • Continue the journey by car for 45 minutes to Hidroelectrica.
  • Walk Along Train Tracks to Aguas Calientes

    • Embark on a leisurely 3-hour walk along the train tracks.
    • Enjoy the scenic route while heading towards Aguas Calientes.

  • Arrival in Aguas Calientes

    • Check into your hotel for a refreshing shower and relaxation
  • Evening Activities

    • Gather around 7:00 pm for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
    • Return to your hotel for a good night's sleep, preparing for the next day's adventure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: A 25 km hike, approximately 8 hours of trekking
  • Lodging Altitude: 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level
  • Considered: A challenging yet gratifying day
  • Weather: Warm, hot, and tropical climate
  • Accommodations: Comfortable hotel stay
  • Meals: Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
Itinerary Machu Picchu
  • Arriving at Machu Picchu's Main Gate from Aguas Calientes

    • Choose between a 1.5-hour hike or a bus ride ($12).
    • Depart from Aguas Calientes at 4 am after breakfast.

  • Machu Picchu Guided Tour

    • Explore with a pre-arranged ticket (circuit 01 or 02).
    • Experienced guide leads a 2.5-hour tour, visiting iconic locations.

  • Leisure Time and Optional Hikes

    • Enjoy free time to explore and relax.
    • Optional hike: Huayna Picchu (2-hour round-trip, pre-booking required, $30) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3-hour round-trip, $30).

RETURN BY BUS:

Then from 11:00am to 11:30 am we have to leave the city of Machu Picchu to begin our walk for 3 more hours to the Hidroelectrica
where we will board our bus to return to the city of Cusco. The bus departure is at 14:00 p.m and arriving in Cusco between 21:30 p.m and 22:00 p.m (Approximately 6 hours of travel).

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

PRICES

Adult

$ 285 Book with $100
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off

Student

$ 265 Book with $100
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off
ASK FOR PRIVATE SERVICE

Book Online

Related Trekking

HOW TO BOOK

Choose Your Package

Select the package that best suits your travel plans.

Fill Out the Online Booking Form

Click on the “Book Online” button, choose your travel date, and complete the booking form.Important: Only one person should fill out the form for the entire group to ensure you're all booked together.

Make Your Payment

Secure your booking by paying online with any debit or credit card.Our system will charge 40% of the total amount in advance.

Send Passenger Information

After your payment is completed, our reservations team will contact you via email to request the following information for each passenger (please include a photo or scanned image of the passport): Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Gender, Phone number
Full Payment Method
You can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns. Ask for the total payment link.
Balance Payment
The remaining BALANCE is due 48 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in CASH (soles or dollars) or CREDIT CARD (+ 4 %) at the office in Cusco or in your hotel/hostal/apartament.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Additional Enhacements
Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain: 30 USD (subject to availability). → Check availability
Sleeping Bag Rental: 15 USD or the entire trek
Trekking Poles Rental: 10 USD one pair for the entire trek
Extra night: 20 USD per person based 2 people 40 USD single accommodation

STUDENT DISCOUNT

If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.

All university cards must be laminated and clearly show the following information:

SALKANTAY PACKING LIST

The essencial packing list for trek

SALKANTAY WEATER

The essencial guide to the climate

WHAT TO PACK

Get your backpack ready with the following recommendations!

  • Hiking boots or shoes

  • Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)

  • Long pants (hiking pants or leggings)

  • T-shirts or breathable shirts

  • Fleece jacket or sweater

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

  • Swimwear (for hot springs or swimming)

  • Sandals / Flip flops

  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Water bottle or hydration system (at least 1.5 liters capacity)

  • Personal medication (if necessary)

  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

FREQUENT QUESTIONS ABOUT SALKANTAY TREK

We help you solve any doubts you may have!

The Salkantay trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. It is a multi-day hike that goes through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, high-altitude passes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins.

The Salkantay trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves hiking at high altitudes, with the highest point being Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. However, the trek is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and previous hiking experience.

The Salkantay trek typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. Some tour operators offer longer or shorter itineraries, depending on your preferences and fitness level.

You should pack comfortable and waterproof hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, warm clothes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also essential to bring a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and snacks or energy bars.

While you don’t need to be an experienced hiker, it’s important to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete the Salkantay trek. You’ll be hiking for several hours each day, often at high altitudes, so it’s a good idea to prepare your body with cardio and strength training before your trip.

While it’s possible to do the Salkantay trek independently, it’s recommended to hire a guide for safety reasons and to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Most tour operators offer guided tours, which also include transportation, meals, and accommodation.

The best time to do the Salkantay trek is from April to October, which is the dry season in the region. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. However, it’s also possible to do the trek during the wet season (November to March), although the trails can be muddy and slippery, and you may encounter more rain and clouds.

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Coffee Snack Abra Malaga

A magical break at Abra Malaga

Discover the Experience of Quillabamba Coffee at Café Snack Abra Málaga, an unforgettable 15-minute stop on the Cusco – Hidroelectrica route. Enjoy organic jungle coffee, handcrafted chocolate, and a unique view of the Andes. Part of the exclusive Machu Picchu by Car VIP experience and without a doubt, a 100% Instagram-worthy spot

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