Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 4-Day Wild Adventure

The Salkantay Trek (meaning “Savage” or “Wild” in Quechua) is the most famous and spectacular alternative to the traditional Inca Trail for reaching Machu Picchu on foot. This route takes you through unparalleled landscapes: from the towering glaciers of the Andes to the lush tropical rainforest. It is a moderate to advanced expedition, ideal for those seeking to connect with pure nature. We recommend a good physical condition and arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek for proper acclimatization.

ℹ️ General Information

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights.

• Frequency: Daily departures from May to September (contact us for other dates).

• Start Point: Hotel pick-up in Cusco (04:30 AM).

• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging.

• Price: $459.00 USD (Group service).

⭐ Salkantay Trek Highlights

• Apu Salkantay: Get up close to the majestic Mount Salkantay (6,264 m), one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes.

• Salkantay Pass: Reach the highest point of the route at 4,650 meters, a physical challenge with epic visual rewards.

• Ecological Diversity: Cross from high-altitude Andean cold to the cloud forest and high jungle in a single trip.

• Llactapata Views: Enjoy a unique perspective of Machu Picchu from the surrounding mountains.

• Authentic Experience: Camp under the stars and connect with local Andean culture.

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

• • Departure: Departure from Cusco at 04:30 AM in our tourist bus toward the village of Mollepata.

  • Trek Start: We will walk through open valleys with the scent of eucalyptus. The ascent is gradual but steady, offering incredible views of the valley.

  • Soraypampa Camp: Arrival at our first campsite at 3,900 m, located at the base of towering snow-capped peaks. It is an enchanting and chilly place where the peace of the mountains will surround you.

• Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Challway

• • The Big Challenge: This is the hardest day. We will ascend narrow switchbacks for 3-4 hours until reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m).

  • Epic Views: At the summit, you will be surrounded by glaciers and thin, pure mountain air. We carry emergency oxygen if needed.

  • Tropical Descent: We will drop over 1,700 vertical meters toward Challway. You will notice the landscape change drastically from barren rock to green jungle before sunset.

• Day 3: Challway – La Playa – Aguas Calientes

• • Landscape Shift: We will walk through the high jungle among waterfalls and rivers. You will see coffee and tropical fruit plantations.

  • Connection: We continue by transport toward the Hydroelectric plant and then walk along the train tracks toward Aguas Calientes.

  • Relax: Tonight you will sleep in a hostel with a hot shower and a real bed. A well-deserved luxury after the hike! Group dinner to plan the final visit.

• Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

• • Inca Sunrise: We take the bus very early to the Machu Picchu citadel. Being among the first allows you to enjoy the sunrise over the stone ruins.

  • Guided Visit: A professional tour of the most important sectors. You will feel the effort was worth it as the citadel is illuminated by the sun.

  • Return: In the afternoon, return train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco city.

For more information about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@coclatours.com — we’d love to hear from you and help you plan your next adventure!

✅ What’s Included

• Pick-up and drop-off transfers (Hotel – Mollepata / Cusco).

• Professional bilingual tour guide (Assistant guide for groups of 9+).

• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.

• Full board: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (Vegetarian/Vegan options available).

• Professional cook and full dining equipment.

• Horses for camping gear (tents, food, and kitchen equipment).

• Quadruple waterproof tents (used for 2 people) and sleeping mats.

• 01 night in a tourist hostel in Aguas Calientes.

• Return train ticket (Expedition Service) and bus to Cusco.

• Round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu.

❌ Not Included

• First breakfast and last lunch.

• Extra horses for personal belongings (Optional: $100 USD for 4 days).

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires an additional $20 USD fee and early booking).

• Other expenses not mentioned.

🎒 What to Bring

• Documentation: Original passport (Essential for control points).

• Clothing: Dress in layers. Thermal clothes for nights and light clothes for the day. Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.

• Footwear: Well-broken-in trekking boots (not new) and sandals.

• Protection: Strong insect repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Gear: Sleeping bag (you can rent one from us), headlamp, and trekking poles (recommended).

💡 Expert Recommendations

1. Acclimatization: The Salkantay Pass is high. Do not underestimate the altitude; drink plenty of water and coca tea in the days leading up to the trek.

2. Huayna Picchu: If you want the extra challenge of climbing the “young mountain,” let us know when booking. There are only 400 spots daily!

3. Daypack: Carry only the essentials (water, camera, snacks, waterproofs). Heavy gear will go with the horses.

4. Respect the Mountain: The Salkantay is a sacred Apu. Enjoy the silence and keep the trail clean.

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How difficult is the Salkantay Pass? It is demanding due to the altitude but not technical. If you walk at your own pace and have acclimated well, you will succeed without issues.

2. Can I rent gear from you? Yes, we rent down sleeping bags and professional trekking poles. Just let us know a day in advance!

3. Are there bathrooms on the route? Campsites have basic services. By the third day in Aguas Calientes, you will enjoy full amenities.

Some other treks:

• Lares Trek