From
$ 300
/per person (Group service)
From
$ 300
/per person (Group service)
From
$ 300
/per person (Group service)
![salkantay-trek- classic machupicchu travel peru cusco okidoki] Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)](https://www.okidokitravelperu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/salkantay-trek-19.jpg "salkantay-trek- classic machupicchu travel peru cusco okidoki] Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)")
From
$ 300
/per person (Group service)
From
$ 300
/per person (Group service)
4 days / 3 nights
Daily departures
Max: 14 People
Moderate
INCLUYE:
Take your adventure to the limit with the Salkantay Trekking!
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru is part of an extensive network of Inca trails that stretches for more than 23,000 km. This system once connected the Tahuantinsuyu, the vast Inca Empire, which encompassed parts of what are now Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
The ancient Inca Road system
The Inca road system, stretching from the coastal regions to the high Andes Mountains, also reached the tropical edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. It was an incredible feat of engineering that united the empire and facilitated communication across its vast territory.
A unique trekking experience
Hiking from the snow-capped Salkantay mountain to the ancient archaeological site of Machu Picchu is an experience every adventurer should have at least once. This alternative route to the busy Inca Trail offers a unique perspective of the breathtaking landscapes of the Salkantay trek.
Stunning views and remote villages
Throughout the Salkantay trek, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush valleys, and remote villages in the Salkantay Mountains.
Machu Picchu from the west
At the end of the journey, you will arrive at Machu Picchu and see it from the west, a less common but equally captivating vantage point that reveals all the grandeur of this ancient wonder. Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu | Best Price Guaranteed
Mapa Tour Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)
Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (2026 Guide)
4 days / 3 nights, Group Hiking Tour
Trip Details
Highlights Trip
đïž Summary of Classic Salkantay Trek 4 Days: Small Groups & Expert Guides Itinerary
This trekking route combines demanding high mountain hikes with a descent into the high jungle, culminating in a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco â Soraypampa (Acclimatization and Humantay Lagoon)
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Main Route: Cusco â Mollepata â Soraypampa.
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Distance / Duration: 12 km (5 hours trekking).
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Key Altitude: Soraypampa (3912 m / 12834 ft).
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Highlights:
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Initial vehicle transfer and acclimatization.
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Trek to Soraypampa (base camp).
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Hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake (4200 m / 13779 ft).
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Day 2: Soraypampa â Salkantay Pass â Chaullay (The most challenging day)
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Main Route: Soraypampa â Salkantay Pass â Chaullay.
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Distance / Duration: 22 km (9 hours trekking).
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Key Altitude: Salkantay Pass (4630 m / 15190 ft), the highest point of the trek.
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Highlights:
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Demanding ascent to Salkantay Pass.
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Enjoy breathtaking views of the Salkantay snow peak.
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Long descent to Chaullay (second camp).
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Day 3: Chaullay â Aguas Calientes (Descent into the Cloud Forest)
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Main Route: Chaullay â Playa Sahuayo â Aguas Calientes.
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Distance / Duration: 25 km (7 hours trekking).
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Key Altitude: Chaullay (2900 m / 9514 ft).
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Highlights:
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Walk through the high jungle, observing native flora (orchids, coffee, coca) and fauna.
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Lunch at Playa Sahuayo.
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3-hour walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes town. (Optional local transfer available for an extra cost).
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Day 4: Aguas Calientes â Machu Picchu â Return to Cusco
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Main Route: Machu Picchu â Return to Cusco.
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Distance / Duration: 5 km (1.5-hour climb).
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Key Altitude: Machu Picchu (2430 m / 7972 ft).
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Highlights:
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Early morning climb (1.5h walk or optional bus) for sunrise view.
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2-hour guided tour inside the Machu Picchu citadel.
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Return to Aguas Calientes mid-day to start the trip back to Cusco (by bus or train, depending on the option booked).
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đ Return Options (Day 4)
After the visit to Machu Picchu, travelers have two main options for the return journey to Cusco:
1. Budget Option: Bus (Longer Duration)
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Return Route: 3-hour walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica $\rightarrow$ Tourist bus to Cusco.
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Estimated Total Duration: Arrival in Cusco center is approximately between 10:00 PM â 10:30 PM.
2. Faster Option: Train (Quicker and More Comfortable)
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Return Route: Bus or short walk to Aguas Calientes $\rightarrow$ Train to Ollantaytambo $\rightarrow$ Connecting bus to Cusco.
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Estimated Total Duration: This is the faster option, with arrival in Cusco center considerably earlier than the bus option.
đ Important Notes Classic Salkantay
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Entrance and Humantay Lake (Day 1): Includes an additional community fee of 20 soles.
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Transportation (Day 3): Local transport from Playa Sahuayo to Hidroeléctrica is not included (approx. 40-50 soles per person).
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Hot Springs (Day 3): Optional activity after the trek (extra cost of 20 soles).
Trip Itinerary - Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)
The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is a world-class journey for adventure seekers. This route offers a perfect balance between rugged nature and unique comfort.
To begin with, your first night takes place at the exclusive Soraypampa campsite. Here, you will stay in a spectacular Sky Lodge surrounded by the majestic Salkantay Snowy Peak. Certainly, these glass domes allow you to gaze at the Andean stars and constellations directly from your bed.
Afterward, you will hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to complete your first day.
Subsequently, the second day challenges you with the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters.
Furthermore, you will experience a dramatic scenery change as you descend into the lush cloud forest. In addition, you will explore tropical coffee plantations before arriving at Aguas Calientes.
Finally, the journey ends with a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel . In conclusion, this trek is the best choice for travelers who want to combine high-altitude hiking with a magical night under the stars.
To begin with, we will pick you up from your hotel between 4:20a.m. to 4:50a.m. then we will drive to the town of Mollepata which is located at a height of 2900 mt â 9514 ft which is at a distance of 2 hours approximately from Cusco where We will take a rest for about 20 minutes (We have a breakfast included and where you have to pay an entrance ticket not included to the community and Humantay lagoon of 20 soles).
Then we will continue our journey towards the place of Challacancha which is the beginning of the walk that has as a height 3600mt-11500ft.
Then we will have approximately 3 hours of travel until arriving at the base of the camp called Soraypampa (Sky Lodge salkantay okidoki) that has as height 3912mt-12834ft, where we will have a lunch enjoying the panoramic view of the mountains and its geography as -the snowy of humantay lake 4200mt â 13779ft and also the snowfall of the Salkantay trekking 6271mt â 20575ft after a rest we will make an acenso for one hour 30 minutes towards the lagoon of humantay and then we will return to the base of the camp where we will have the time of the tea and also the dinner.
 Classic Salkantay Sky Lodge Soraypampa Okidoki Travel
To begin with, This is the most difficult day, for this reason we wake up at 5:00 am and breakfast will be 5:30 am.
First, our walk will start at 6:00am, to make an acenso for about 3 to 4 hours to reach the passage of Salkantay 4630mt â 15190ft, Certainly, the view of the massive glacier from this height is breathtaking. In addition, you will have time to take photos and
where we will have a traditional Andean ceremony with the whole group, then we will make a descent to the place of huayramachay 3912mt-12834ft where we will have a lunch and then we will continue for 3 more hours towards the second camp Chaullay -2900mt-9514feet
Classic Salkantay Mountain
![salkantay-trek- salkantay-trek- classic machupicchu travel peru cusco okidoki]](https://www.okidokitravelperu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/salkantay-trek-17.jpg)
The day starts at 6:00am – 6.30am with a nutritious breakfast for the whole group. Afterward, start the walk in a high jungle with a very beautiful geography of rivers, waterfalls where we can appreciate the flora and fauna of this place such as orchids, coffee and coca plantations, fruit trees, bananas, papaya, avocado, passion fruit, and birds such as hummingbirds, parrots, and cock-of-the-rock, etc.
To get to Sahuayo beach 2064 mt â 6771 ft â where we will have lunch and then we will have a local transport (transportation NOT INCLUDED for day 3, from Sahuayaco beach place of lunch to the hydroelectric plant start of the walk to get to town of Aguas Calientes 40 or 50 soles per person)
of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the hydroelectric plant where we will start again our walk of approximately 3 hours to the town of Aguas Calientes or also known as the town of Machu Picchu 2000mt where we will have our accommodation in a hostel and we will also have dinner in a restaurant then we will rest because the next day will be the special day of the visit to Machu Picchu.
Optional Activity: Relaxing in the Hot Springs – NOT INCLUDED
Interestingly, there is an option to visit the famous hot springs of Aguas Calientes before dinner. If you wish to relax your muscles, this is the perfect activity for any person.
However, please coordinate this with the guide in advance (price of 20 soles per person)..
In conclusion, this day offers a perfect mix of nature, local culture, and relaxation before the grand visit to Machu Picchu.
This day we will start very early at 4:30 am.
The first part of the trip is flat for œ hour and then 1 hour of ascent towards Machupicchu where we will arrive at approximately 6:00 am to be able to see the sunrise and have the exploration of Machu Picchu with our guide for approximately 2 hours.
After a rest you can leave Machupicchu and begin your descent no later than 10:30 am to begin your walk for 3 more hours towards Hidroeléctrica where we will board the bus to return to Cusco.
Includes the return by bus from Hidroeléctrica at 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and arriving in Cusco between 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (approximately 7 hours). Cusco center
![salkantay-trek- classic machupicchu travel peru cusco okidoki]](https://www.okidokitravelperu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/salkantay-trek-10.jpg)
Transportation to return to Cusco on the last day.
This day we will start very early at 4:00am, the first part of the trip is flat for œ hour and for 1 hour it is an ascent towards Machu Piccho where we will arrive at approximately 6am to be able to see the sunrise and have the exploration of Machu Picchu with our guide for an average of 2 hours approximately,
It is the new government regulation and after your visit to Machu Picchu, you have to go down through the town of Aguas Calientes and to go down you have 2 options depending on your physical condition after the walkâŠ..
- First optionâŠa walk of 1 hour and 30 minutes to the town of Aguas CalientesâŠâŠ.
- Second optionâŠbus x 30 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes price 12 dollars per person not included.
Then you have time for lunch not included with some free time,
then you will take the train to Ollantaytambo for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and then a bus to Cusco for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the center of Cusco.
end of service okidoki travel peru operator
The Ultimate Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4-Day)
Essential Guide for your Classic Salkantay Trek 2026
How difficult is the 4-Day Salkantay Trek? The Classic Salkantay Trek is considered a challenging hike, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,630m (15,190 ft) at the famous Salkantay Pass. While no professional climbing experience is needed, we recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness. Our 4-day itinerary is designed for hikers with moderate fitness who want a direct connection to Machu Picchu.
Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Route The peak season for the Salkantay Trek 2026 is from May to September (dry season), offering clear views of the Humantay Lake and the Salkantay snowy peaks. However, Oki Doki Travel Peru operates this route almost year-round with expert guides and high-quality camping gear.
Whatâs Included in the 2026 Edition? Our classic service includes professional bilingual guides, muleteers, horses for equipment, nutritious meals, and the final entry ticket to Machu Picchu. Unlike other 5-day versions, this 4-day Salkantay trek is optimized for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss the most scenic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
What's Included - Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Detailed information about your tour booked 1 day before departure at the Okidoki Travel Peru office. Location: Calle Nueva Alta No. 644, Hostal Okidoki Cusco.
- EQUIPMENT DELIVERY: (Canvas bag to carry all your equipment on the mules for Salkantay).
- Transportation from Cusco to the start of the Salkantay trek.
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (Salkantay-Machu Picchu).
- SLEEPING BAG.
- Professional guide (English/Spanish) for 4 days, including Machu Picchu.
- Hot drinks in the evening and with each meal.
- Mules to carry 5 kg per person.
- Hostel in Aguas Calientes. 1 night.
- Return bus transportation to Cusco on the last day (if returning with the bus option).
Not Included - Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)
- The last lunch
- Entrance ticket to the Mollepata community â Humantay Lagoon costs 20 soles
- Transportation on the third day, after lunch, from Sahuayaco beach to Hidroeléctrica (40 or 50 soles). Start of the trek to reach the town of
- Aguas Calientes.
- Water (cold beer, champagne, whiskey, etc.)
- Trekking poles (PAR): US$10
- Hot waters in the town of Aguas Calientes: 20 soles
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: US$12 (one way)
- Entrance to HuaynaPicchu mountain: US$25 (book months in advance)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu mountain: US$25 (book months in advance)
- Tips (voluntary) on the trek
- Travel insurance
- Hot shower at the second campsite: 10 soles
- Wi-Fi: 10 soles
What to Pack - Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)
- Original Passport and original student ID (if you booked as a student): You will need it to enter Machu Picchu and the trail checkpoints.
- Backpack (30 liters): A comfortable backpack to carry your personal belongings, water, and snacks.
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hiking Boots: Well-worn, waterproof boots with ankle support. Do not bring brand-new shoes to avoid blisters!
- Flashlight
- Towel and toilet paper
- Personal medications for the trek
- Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm, as the sun is very strong at high altitudes.
- sunglasses, hat
- Mosquito repellent
- Chocolate and candy snacks
- Camera for Salkantay and Machu Picchu
- Extra money for the trek
- Technology: Extra camera batteries (the cold drains them faster!) and a portable power bank.
...
Classic Salkantay Trek 4 Days: Small Groups & Expert Guides
CONDITIONS FOR MAKING RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
To make your reservation, you need the exact departure date of your classic Salkantay trek because there are no changes or cancellations.
RESERVE MONEY DEPOSIT
To confirm your booking and participation in the trek, you must make a deposit. This deposit is to reserve all trek services and, most importantly, the purchase of your Machu Picchu ticket (the Machu Picchu ticket is personal and cannot be canceled, rescheduled, or transferred to another person).
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations and date changes are not accepted; you simply lose your deposit, and there are no refunds.
Your deposit is not for our use (it’s for purchasing Machu Picchu tickets, and these tickets cannot be canceled).
It’s for organizing a good trek in Okidoki. To ensure this organization, we need to make advance reservations for all the services you’ll need during your 4 or 5 days of trekking. These reservations are secured with deposits to avoid problems or last-minute cancellations from our suppliers. If we cancel these reservations, we lose our deposits because this is not a game. By making a reservation with our service providers for the treks, we are blocking spaces that they can easily offer to other tour operators who also need them.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO GET THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
The ISIC card is not valid because the government found counterfeit copies⊠and neither are certifications, documents, university transcripts, internship certificates, etc.
If you are a student, the discount is $20, but you must have a current university ID (2026 or 2027), not one from 3 or 4 years later (2028 or 2029). Your photo and the name of your university are required.
We need a copy of your original passport and your student ID to show to the government, who will determine its validity, as the discount is for Machu Picchu entrance, not the hike.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must bring your original plastic (PVC) student ID card, not a cardboard or paper one, for your Salkantay Classic Trek. Without it, your ticket will be invalid, and you’ll have to buy another one. This is a problem because if there are no spaces available, you won’t be able to visit Machu Picchu (you must be 25 years old or younger).
If you don’t have this original ID card or the information required by the government on your student ID, I recommend you buy a regular adult ticket to avoid problems, as we will not be responsible for this.
If you have this information and meet the student requirements, please send it immediately (it won’t be valid if you send it after confirming your reservation) to the government. The government will approve your ticket whether you are a student or not.
FAQs - Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days (2026 Guide)
Frequently asked questions from our travelers about the Salkantay trek
How much time do I get for the guided tour of Machu Picchu and what areas are covered?
The guided tour inside the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours. During this time, a professional guide will take you through the most emblematic sites of the circuit, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana, explaining the history and significance of this sacred place.
What is the distance and estimated time for the walk from Machupicchu to Hidroeléctrica?
After your visit to Machu Picchu, the walk to Hidroeléctrica takes around 3.5 hours in total.
This journey includes an initial descent of about 1 hour down a steep path to Aguas Calientes town, followed by a mostly flat trail of about 2.5 hours that runs alongside the train tracks, offering spectacular views of the jungle environment.
Is it necessary to acclimatize before starting the Salkantay Trekking, and why?
Yes, acclimatization is essential for your health and to fully enjoy the trek. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco 1 or 2 days before your trekâs start date.
This time will allow your body to adjust to the altitude of 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) and significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness, especially on the demanding second day of the trek.
Can vegetarians, vegans, or people with food allergies join the trek?
Absolutely. We are fully prepared to cater to vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with any type of food allergy or dietary restriction.
All you need to do is notify us in advance when you book so our chef can prepare delicious and safe meals tailored to your needs throughout the expedition.
What is the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trekking?
The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October.
During this period, the chances of rain are low, and the skies are usually clear, allowing for breathtaking views. However, the trek can be done year-round, even in the rainy season (November to March), when the landscape is greener, albeit with the possibility of slippery trails.
What is the difficulty level of the 4-day, 3-night classic Salkantay Trek?
The Classic Salkantay Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trekking. The second day is the most demanding, as it involves ascending to the highest point, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).
While the effort is considerable, the panoramic views and the natural beauty of the route make every step worthwhile.
What personal or camping gear is included in the tour price?
The Classic Salkantay Trekking package includes all essential camping gear, such as high-quality tents, inflatable sleeping pads, and thermal mats.
However, itâs important to know that trekking poles and sleeping bags are generally not included, but you can easily rent them at our office in Cusco before departure â Peru.
What kind of restrooms and showers are available at the campsites (sky lodge) on the trekking?
The campsites along the Salkantay Trek have basic restrooms and showers (sky lodge). Itâs important to note that conditions can be rustic.
Some of the more developed campsites offer hot showers for a small extra fee, so we suggest bringing some cash.
What should I bring in my daypack for the daily hikes?
For the daily hikes, we recommend only carrying the essentials in your daypack: a reusable water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, energy snacks, your passport, a camera, and a light rain jacket.
Your main luggage will be transported by mule drivers, so you wonât have to carry it.
How is the main luggage managed during the trekking days?
For your convenience and peace of mind, your main luggage (backpack or suitcase) will be transported by mule drivers, and you will only have access to it at the campsites.
Our service includes secure and free luggage storage for any extra bags you donât want to bring on the trek.
How do we get back to Cusco from Machupicchu? Are there return options?
We offer two return options for you to choose from, depending on your travel plan. The classic option is the train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
The alternative is the return by car from Hidroeléctrica, a longer but more budget-friendly trip.
Is it mandatory to hire a guide, or can I do the Salkantay Trekking on my own?
While the route does not require a mandatory guide permit like the Inca Trail, it is highly recommended to go with an agency and a professional guide.
This not only ensures your safety but also enriches the experience by providing cultural, historical, and botanical information about the journey, making the trek more complete and secure.
What do I do with my large backpack that I wonât need during the trekking?
Donât worry about the extra luggage. Our service includes a secure and free storage at our office in Cusco for any bags or backpacks you wonât be using during the hike.
This way, you only need to carry the essentials for the trekking days in your daypack.
Are there electricity or charging options for electronic devices during the trekking?
Yes, in some of the more developed campsites, there is access to electricity to charge phones or batteries, although sometimes itâs for an additional fee and with limited availability.
We recommend bringing a power bank to ensure you can charge your devices, especially if you plan to use your camera frequently.
What kind of clothes should I bring for the trekking? Is it necessary to pack for both cold and warm weather?
The Salkantay trek passes through different ecosystems, from the cold of the high mountains to the warm jungle climate. Therefore, it is essential to dress in layers.
We recommend bringing warm clothing for the cold nights and mornings, such as a down jacket or fleece. For the day, lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal. A hat, gloves, and thick socks are indispensable for the second night of the trek.
Is the MachuPicchu ticket and the bus ride up included?
The entrance ticket to the citadel of MachuPicchu is included in our tour price. However, the bus that goes up from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of MachuPicchu is not included.
Most travelers prefer to walk up (approximately 1 hour), but if you wish, you can buy a bus ticket in Aguas Calientes â Cusco â Peru.
5. Are there any additional fees or extra money I should bring?
Yes. We recommend bringing cash (Peruvian soles) for additional expenses not covered by the tour. These might include the use of hot showers at some campsites, buying extra snacks or drinks, and tips for the mule drivers and the guide operator. Tipping amounts are at the travelerâs discretion but are an excellent way to show appreciation for the teamâs hard work.
cusco, Mollepata,Soraypampa sky lodge, Salkantay Mountain, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, chaullay, aguas calientes, Machu Picchu
![salkantay-trek- classic machupicchu travel peru cusco okidoki]](https://www.okidokitravelperu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/salkantay-sky-lodge-okidoki-2.jpg "salkantay-trek- classic machupicchu travel peru cusco okidoki]")
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Starting at Price From:Adult: 320 /per person - Student: 300 /per person
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Tour Name:Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (2026 Guide)
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Trip duration:4 days / 3 nights
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