Salkantay Tour to Machu Picchu

4 Day / 3 Night Tour

Introduction

The 4-day Salkantay Trek is renowned as the second most popular route to Machu Picchu, earning a spot among National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine’s top 25 hiking tours worldwide. Over the course of this epic journey, you’ll traverse towering Andean peaks, serene lagoons, and lush cloud forests, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Experience this adventure in the comfort of luxurious tents, savor traditional Pachamanca, and enjoy the finest Peruvian coffee. Conclude your trek with a scenic return aboard the panoramic train.

Highlights

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Itinerary

Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes with our 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This extraordinary adventure combines the thrill of hiking with the luxury of glamping, offering you an unparalleled experience in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 4:45 am and embark on a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,600 m), following an ancient aqueduct that irrigates the farmlands below. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our chef and take a brief rest before embarking on a 2-hour ascent to the stunning Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).

Along the way, you will encounter diverse flora and fauna, including Andean geese, deer, and vizcachas, which resemble rabbits. We then continue our climb for another two hours to reach Salkantay Pampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we will set up camp. Unwind with tea time, savor a delightful dinner, and marvel at the star-filled sky before drifting off to sleep in your comfortable glamping tent.

  • Walking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
  • Duration: 7 to 8 hours
  • Camp altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
  • Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Glamping camp
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Awaken early to a warm cup of coca tea or coffee, and step outside to a breathtaking landscape of vast plains and snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we ascend to the trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). At the summit, take time to explore and soak in the magnificent views, including a beautiful lagoon at the mountain’s base. We then descend for three hours to our lunch spot at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).

Post-lunch, we continue our descent from the mountain heights into the lush cloud forest, experiencing a dramatic shift in temperature and climate. Along the way, you’ll encounter a vibrant array of flora, hummingbirds, and orchids, ultimately reaching Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), where we will camp near a quaint village.

  • Walking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Camp altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
  • Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Glamping camp
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3 offers some of the trek’s most captivating scenery! After breakfast, we embark on a 3-hour hike to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft), where you’ll participate in a traditional Pachamanca cooking demonstration. Learn the ancient method of preparing this exquisite dish using hot stones to cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits.

Following lunch, we visit an organic coffee farm to discover the harvesting process and prepare your own espresso from freshly roasted beans. We then take a short transportation ride to Hidroeléctrica and hike for 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. Arriving around 5 pm, we will enjoy some dinner. Your guide will recommend a top restaurant in the place you are staying although dinner is not included this evening. Afterwards, you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

  • Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Aguas Calientes altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Difficulty: Moderate

Rise early to prepare for the highlight of your journey, the magnificent Machu Picchu. We catch the first bus at 5:30 am, arriving just in time to witness the sunrise over the ancient city—a truly unforgettable sight.

Enjoy a comprehensive 3-4 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning about its historical and cultural significance. After the tour, you have the option to explore further or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance tickets required). Your guide will explain how to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), followed by your train and bus journey back to Cusco. The Inca Glamping Peru team will greet you upon your arrival and ensure your safe return to your hotel.

  • Tour duration: 3 to 4 hours in Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
  • Difficulty: Easy

Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and group preferences. 

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FAQs

We understand that sometimes your plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you make a booking but then wish to cancel it, the following cancellation policies apply:

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Yes. We always recommend that you take out an insurance policy before travelling. We do not cover you on our insurance policy and we require you to sign a waiver prior to travelling for any damages, injuries etc that may occur on your trip. 

However, you can rest assured in the knowledge that our experienced guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

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