Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4days

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Are you ready to embark on the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru is part of an extensive network of Inca trails that spans over 23,000 km. This system once connected the Tahuantinsuyu, the vast Inca Empire, which covered parts of present-day Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

 The Ancient Inca Trail System

The Inca trail system, running from the coastal regions to the high Andes mountains, also reached the tropical edge of the Amazon rainforest in Peru. It was an incredible feat of engineering that united the empire and enabled communication across its vast territory.

A Unique Trekking Experience

Hiking from the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain to the ancient site of Machu Picchu is an experience that every adventure enthusiast should have at least once. This alternative route to the crowded Inca Trail provides a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes.

Breathtaking Views and Remote Villages

Throughout the trek, you will be treated to breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush valleys, and remote villages.

Machu Picchu from the West

At the end of the journey, you will reach Machu Picchu and see it from the west — a less common but equally captivating vantage point that reveals the full grandeur of this ancient wonder.

4-Day Salkantay Trek Itinerary to Machu Picchu

Trek Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Lake Humantay — dist.12km (5 h)

We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:20a.m. to 4:50 a.m. then we will drive to the town of Mollepata which is located at a height of 2900 mt – 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 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 4200 mt – 13779 ft and also the snowfall of the Salkantay trek 6271mt – 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.

Salkantay Sky Lodge Okidoki Travel

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Camp Salkantay 4

sky lodge camp salkantay trek operator machu picchu trekking peru travel

 

Trek Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayrapunku – Chaullay — Dist.22km (9 h))

This is the most difficult day, for this reason we wake up at 5:00 am and breakfast will be 5:30 am our walk will start at 6:00am, to make an acenso for about 3 to 4 hours to reach the passage of Salkantay 4630mt – 15190ft,

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

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

TREK DAY 3: Chaullay – Playa Sahuayo – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes town hostel -dist.25km – 7 h approx.

We will start the day at 6:00a.m. and have breakfast at 6:30 a.m., then we will 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 – 6771 ft – 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.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

salkantay trek to machu picchu by train

TRAVEL PLAN RETURNING WITH THE BUS OPTION AFTER MACHUPICCHU

TREK DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – dist.5km (1h ½)

This day we will start very early at 4:30 am.

The first part of the trip is flat for ½ hour and then 1 hour of ascent towards Machu Picchu 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 Machu Picchu 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.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

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 to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

Transportation to return to Cusco on the last day.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days return by bus last day

TRAVEL PLAN RETURNING WITH THE TRAIN OPTION AFTER MACHUPICCHU

TREK DAY 4: Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu – dist.5km (1 h ½)

This day we will start very early at 4:00am, the first part of the trip is flat for ½ hour and for 1 hour it is an ascent towards MachuPicchu 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 walk…..

First option…a walk of 1 hour and 30 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes…….

Second option…bus 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,

salcantay treks

salcantay trekking

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

salkantay hike

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTE FOR YOUR VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU

MACHUPICCHU TICKETS ARE INCLUDED:

How many circuits are there now in Machu Picchu for your visit ???

For the visit to Machu Picchu there are now 3 different circuits and now it is really complicated for the guides because it is impossible for the guides to be at the same time in all the circuits…

  • Circuit 1 .. Panoramic … panoramic view of Machu Piccho … only exploration of the upper part of Machu Picchu Not inside Machu Picchu
  • Circuit 2 .. Classic Circuit … classic view of Machu Picchu and internal visit to a sector of Machu Picchu
  • Circuit 3 .. Machupicchu Royalty … No classic view of Machu Picchu ONLY internal visit to a sector of Machu Picchu

Which circuit does the guided tour in Machu Picchu include???

The guided tour is only included for the classic circuit or circuit 2. Entry time to Machu Picchu for the guided tour is from 6 am or 7 am. To be able to do this circuit you must book it in advance.

If you want to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, does it have an extra cost?

But if you want to climb HuaynaPicchu Mountain, it has an extra cost of 20 dollars per person, but you lose your guide service in Machu Piccho…

Because the guide service includes the normal circuit, which is circuit 2 in Machu Picchu, and the guide cannot be on 10 circuits at the same time.

If I do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for 4 days and 3 nights, returning by bus on the last day to Cusco from the hydroelectric plant, do I have enough time to climb HuaynaPicchu… ???

With the new government regulation you have time to return by bus that same day, but you will lose your guide service in Machu Picchu because the guide cannot be in 10 different circuits at the same time (but I recommend you return by train so you have enough time to enjoy the mountain or you can also stay one more night in the hostel in Aguas Calientes not included and the next day return to Cusco by bus from the hydroelectric plant included…

but it is only a recommendation – okidoki travel peru operator)

How much time do I have to visit Machu Picchu with the normal circuit 2 if I return to Cusco by bus on the last day after my visit to Machu Picchu…???

you have time to return to cusco by bus after your visit to machupicchu if we book the first entry times to machupicchu which can be 6am, 7am or 8am…..because with the new government regulation for the visit to machupicchu you have approximately 2 hours and you can only visit once…

but if we book check-in times to machupicchu after 8am like 9am or 10am you have to return by train or you can also stay one more night at the aguas calientes hostel not included and the next day return to cusco by bus from hidroeléctrica included… …but it is only a recommendation from the okidoki operator.

How much time do I have with the guide in Machu Picchu?
 
You have 2 hours of information with the guide in Machu Picchu.
 
How long do I have to walk to get to Hidroeléctrica after visiting Machu Picchu?
 
From Machu Picchu you have 1 hour of descent to the Machu Picchu bridge and then 2 hours and 30 minutes more of flat walking and following the valley and Urabamba river until reaching the hydroelectric power station; in total it is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of walking. 
 
What is the difference between HuaynaPicchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain and how hard is their ascent and descent?
 
They are two mountain peaks that are strategically located and at different heights in the citadel of Machu Picchu and with totally different views.
The Huayna Picchu mountain:
The Huayna Picchu mountain has some Inca constructions and is located at a height of 2,720 meters above sea level and has a duration of 1 hour and 1/2 average of ascent and descent of approximately 1 hour and is the one that appears behind Machu Picchu in its classic photographic postcard;
its Inca paths built on one side of the mountain can be intimidating for people who are afraid of heights because they are steep and narrow;
The Machu Picchu mountain:
The Machu Picchu mountain does not have any Inca constructions but it has a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the entire valley and is located at a height of 3,100 meters above sea level and has a duration of 2 hours and 1/2 average of ascent and descent of 1 hour and 30 minutes, it offers less steep, wider trails.
 
Should I acclimatize before in Cusco to be able to do the Salkantay trek?
 
In general, for any trek in Cusco it is suggested to acclimatize to the surroundings of the city of Cusco; for this you should arrive in Cusco between 1 to 2 days before doing the Salkantay trek or any other tour of your choice.
Remember to take into consideration the season in which you will do your excursion since the climate is mild and the temperature varies at any time; however,
it is important to bring a rain poncho among your necessary accessories that you will carry in your light travel backpack if it is for the Salkantay trek.
 
If I am a vegetarian and I have allergies to some foods, can I do the Salkantay trek?
 
Of course you can do the Salkantay trek but you have to inform us before the trek so that the cook can take precautions before preparing the food. That is why before your trek we have an informative meeting at the Okidoki office.

 
 

 

Contact Us Okidoki Travel Peru

Tour Name: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3nights

    For any tour reservation you need to make a deposit

    NOTE: EVERY ONLINE PAYMENT HAS A 7% MONEY SENDING COMMISSION FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED...

    Oki Doki Travel Peru

    NOTE: TO ALL YOUR MONEY DEPOSITS THAT YOU WANT TO SEND TO OKIDOKI YOU HAVE TO ADD 7%

    IMPORTANT FACTS

    SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS GROUP SERVICE:

    The prices for the salkantay vary according to the option how you want to return to Cusco after your guided tour in Machupicchu.

    • Group Services
    Price from $230.00 per
    person
    RETURN BY CAR
    Adult: 250 US Dollars
    Student: 230 US Dollars with student card
    RETURN BY TRAIN
    Adult: 320 US Dollars
    Student: 300 US Dollars with student card

    The student discount is for the Machu Picchu ticket, not for our trek. You have to send a copy of your student card before making your deposit, not after.

    **Important points:

    CONDITIONS FOR MAKING A RESERVATION AND CANCELLATIONS

    to make your reservation you need the exact date of your salkantay trek departure because there are no changes or cancellations

    RESERVATION MONEY DEPOSIT

    To confirm your reservation and your participation in the salkantay trek, you need to make a deposit. This deposit is to reserve all your trek services and, most importantly, the purchase of the Machu Picchu ticket (the Machu Picchu ticket is personal, it cannot be canceled or change date, or transfer to another person )

    CANCELLATION POLICY

    Cancellations and date changes are not accepted, you simply lose your deposit, there is no refund.

    your deposit is not for our pocket ( It is to buy the Machu Picchu tickets and these tickets cannot be cancelled).

    And it is for the organization of a good salkantay trek in okidoki and to have this good organization you have to make advance reservations of all the services that you are going to have during the 4 or 5 days of your salkantay trek.

    And these reservations are made with deposits so as not to have inconveniences or last minute cancellations from our suppliers and if we cancel these reservations we lose our deposits because this is not a game and by making a reservation with our service providers for the salkantay trekking we are blocking spaces that they can simply give to other tour operators who also need it.

    WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO YOU NEED TO OPTAIN THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

    THE ISIC CARD IS NOT VALID BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT FOUND FAKE COPIES… AND IT IS ALSO NOT VALID, CERTIFICATIONS, DOCUMENTS, NOTE FROM UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, INTERNSHIPS, ETC.
     
    If you are a student, the discount is 20 dollars but you must have a card from your university with the current date (2024) not 2 or 3 years later (not 2025 or 2026). Yourimage.
    The name of your university.
    We need the copy of your original passport and your student card to show it to the government and he will say if it is valid or not because the discount is for the entrance of the Machupicchu and not for our trek.
     
    IMPORTANT: you have to take your original plastic (PVC) student card, not cardboard or paper for your salkantay trek because if you don’t have it your ticket will not be valid and you will have to buy another ticket it is a problem because if there are no spaces you will not visit Machupicchu ( you must be 25 years old or younger)…
    If you do not have this original card or this information on your student card that the government requires,
    I recommend you buy a normal adult ticket to avoid problems because we will not be responsible for this…
     
    If you have this information and the requirements as a student, send them immediately (it is not valid if you send them after confirming your reservation) to present them to the government and the government approves them whether you are a student or not...

    WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

    • ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ORIGINAL STUDENT CARD (IF YOU MADE YOUR RESERVATION AS A STUDENT)
    • BACKPACK (30 LITERS)
    • RAIN JACKET OR RAIN PONCHO
    • WALKING SHOES
    • LANTERN
    • TOWEL + BATHING PAPER
    • PERSONAL MEDICATION
    • SOLAR BLOCKER-SUNGLASSES-HAT HAT ..
    • MOSQUITO REPELLENT
    • CHOCOLATE CARAMELOS SNACKS
    • PHOTO CAMERA
    • EXTRA MONEY FOR SALKANTAY MACHU PICCHU

    WHAT INCLUDES

    • ENTRANCE TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU
    • Detailed information about your booked tour 1 day before departure at the Okidoki Travel Peru office. Location (Calle Nueva Alta # 644 in Okidoki Hostal Cusco).
    • EQUIPMENT DELIVERY, such as: (DUFFEL BAG to place all this equipment on the mules for salkantay)
    • transport from cusco to the beginning of the salkantay trek.
    • 4 breakfasts-3 lunches-3 dinners – salkantay machupicchu
    • SLEEPING BAG
    • Professional guide english spanish x 4 days including the machupicchu
    • Hot drinks at night and at each meal
    • Horses (mules) to carry 5 kilos per person
    • Hostel in Aguas calientes. x 1 night
    • Return transportation x bus to Cusco the last day (if you return with the bus option)

    DOES NOT INCLUDED

    • The last lunch
    • The entrance ticket to the community of Mollepata – Humantay Lake price 20 soles
    • hiking poles a pair $10
    • transportation day 3 after lunch from sahuayaco beach to hydroelectric (40 or 50 soles). start of the walk to get to town of Aguas Calientes.
    • Water (cold beer champagne wiski etc.)
    • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu US $ 12 only up
    • Entrance to huaynapicchu mountain US$ 20 (book months in advance)
    • Entrance to machupicchu mountain US$ 20 (book months in advance)
    • Tips (voluntary tips)
    • Travel insurance
    • hot shower in the second camp for 10 soles
    • Wifi internet for 10 soles

    DOUBLE CLICK VIEW MAP TOURS: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4days return by bus last day

    Salkantay Trek Oki Doki Travel

    FAQs Frequently asked questions of our travelers

    ¿Which circuit is included in the guided tour to machupicchu ???

    For the visit of machupicchu now there are different circuits for example circuit 1 and 2 is the normal circuit for tours in machupicchu and mountain huaynapicchu is circuit 4 and mountain machupicchu is circuit 3 and are totally different circuits.

    But if you want to climb huaynapicchuo mountain machupicchu mountain has an extra cost of 20 dollars per person but you lose your guide service in machupicchu…

    Because the guide service includes the normal circuit which is the circuit 1 And 2 in machupicchu and the guide cannot be on 2 OR 3 circuits at the same time.

    ¿if I do the salkantay trek tour to machu picchu of 4 days and 3 nights returning by bus the last day to cusco from the hydroelectric power plant I have enough time to go up to huaynapicchu …?

    With the new government regulation you have time to return by bus that same day , because your option or circuit is to climb the mountain huaynapicchu and you will lose your guide service in machupicchu

    (but I recommend you to return by the train option so you have enough time to enjoy the mountain or you can also stay one more night in Aguas Calientes hostel not included and the next day return to Cusco by bus from the hydroelectric plant included ……

    but it is only a recommendations – okidoki travel peru operator )

    ¿how much information time do I have with the guide in machu picchu…?

    You have 2 hours of information with the guide in MachuPicchu.

    ¿How long do I have to walk to get to hydropower after visiting machu picchu..?

    From Machu Picchu you have 1 hour of descent and 2 hours and 30 more minutes of plain walking to reach the hydroelectric power plant; In total they are 3 hours and 30 minutes walking hours approximately

    ¿what is the difference between mountain huaynapicchu and mountain machu picchu and how hard is its climb and descent…?

    They are two mountain summits that are strategically located already different heights in the citadel of Machu Picchu and with totally different views.

    The mountain HuaynaPicchu:

    The mountain HuaynaPicchu features some Inca constructions and is located at a height of 2,720 msnm and has a time duration of 1. hour 1/2 average ascent and descent 1 hour approximately and is the one that appears behind Machu Picchu in its classic photo postcard;

    Its Inca paths built into one side of the mountain can be intimidating for people who are afraid of heights because they are steep and narrow;

    The mountain Machu Picchu:

    The mountain Machu Picchu does not have any Inca construction but has a panoramic view of the whole valley and is located at a height of 3,100msnm and has a duration of 2 hours 1/2 average ascent and descent 1hour and 30 minutes, offers paths less steep, broader.

    ¿Should I acclimatize before in Cusco to be able to do the Salkantay trek?

    In general, for any walk in Cusco it is suggested to acclimatize to the surroundings of the city of Cusco; For this you must arrive in Cusco between 1 to 2 days before doing the Salkantay trek or any other tour of your choice. 

    Remember to take into consideration the season in which you will carry out your excursion since the climate is temperate and the temperature varies at any time; 

    However, it is important to take a rain poncho with you among your necessary accessories that you will carry in your lightweight travel backpack if it is for the Salkantay trek.

    ¿What is the best time to do the Salkantay trek?

    The best date and time to be able to do the Salkantay trek, with good weather, is between the months of April – October in Cusco – Peru, since we have the presence of clear skies and less chance of rain for the Salkantay trek. 

    Mainly the driest months are between June – August, which is winter in the Andes of Peru. The rainy season is from December to March in Cusco-Peru.

    ¿If I have health allergies, can I do the Salkantay trek?

    To some extent you can do the Salkantay trek. For this okidoki operator, we ask that you communicate with us in a recommended time detailing your allergic condition at the time of making your reservation for the salkantay trek. 

    In this way we can give you an optimal solution and we will be aware of your situation, because our goal is that you can enjoy your trip without any problem on the Salkantay trek. 

    In the case of having a very severe and serious allergy, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or person who is aware and fully responsible for your physical situation and ready with any medication during the salkantay trekking.

    See travel video: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4days return by bus last day