Cultural
We will travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu one day tour, to learn about the history, architecture and beauty of this Wonder...
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CuscoPeru.com invites you to join the Salkantay trek 4 days, an alternative hiking route to Machu Picchu through snowcapped mountains, Andean valleys, and tropical forest. Over four days, the itinerary passes through Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Chaullay, La Playa, Lucmabamba, and Aguas Calientes before the guided visit to the Inca citadel.
The Salkantay trek begins with a departure from Cusco at approximately 5:00 a.m. The first day travels through Mollepata and continues on foot to the campsite at Soraypampa. The published itinerary also mentions a visit to Humantay Lake after reaching camp and taking time to recover.
The second day is the most demanding part of this 4 day Salkantay trek. The trail climbs to Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,600 meters and then descends toward warmer terrain with denser vegetation. On day three, the route continues through the forest to La Playa and Lucmabamba for a local family visit and coffee experience before the transfer to Hydroelectric and the train to Aguas Calientes.
The final day of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu includes the bus to the citadel and a guided visit of up to three hours. You will then return to Aguas Calientes for the train to Ollantaytambo and the final transfer to your Cusco hotel. This route involves high altitude, long hiking days, and changing weather, so acclimatization and adequate physical preparation are important.
Day 1
Departure from Cusco and start of the hike
The journey begins with pickup in Cusco at approximately 5:00 a.m. Tourist transportation heads toward Mollepata and continues to the point where the group meets the muleteers and support staff. The hike then begins through a valley surrounded by Humantay and Salkantay.
This first section passes farming areas and offers a view of daily life in the local communities. The pace will be gradual so the group can settle into the hike and the altitude before reaching Soraypampa.
Soraypampa and the first night
The first campsite is in Soraypampa at approximately 3,900 meters. On arrival, the team welcomes the group with hot drinks, a snack, and a light meal. The itinerary states that travelers may continue to Humantay Lake after resting and then return to camp for dinner.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 2
Climb to Salkantay Pass
After breakfast, the most demanding day begins. The trail climbs through high valleys and terrain close to the glacier before reaching Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,600 meters. This point provides a direct view of Salkantay and the surrounding mountains.
The altitude and sustained climb require a steady pace. The guide will organize breaks according to the group's condition and the weather.
Descent toward the forest
After the pass, the trail begins a long descent. Vegetation becomes denser and the weather warmer as the group loses altitude. The detailed itinerary places the end of the day near Chaullay, Rayampata.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 3
Forest communities and coffee experience
After breakfast, the route continues through abundant vegetation. Orchids, bromeliads, bomareas, and other local plants may be seen along the way. The program visits families in La Playa and Lucmabamba at approximately 2,000 meters and includes a home cooked lunch.
The itinerary also includes a coffee experience with the local community. Travelers learn about part of the harvesting, roasting, and tasting process for organic coffee produced in the area.
Transfer to Hydroelectric and Aguas Calientes
The program then continues by vehicle to Santa Teresa and Hydroelectric. From Hydroelectric, the group takes the train to Aguas Calientes.
On arrival in Aguas Calientes, the group checks into the included accommodation and rests before visiting Machu Picchu.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 4
Guided visit to Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, you will take the tourist bus to Machu Picchu at approximately 2,400 meters. The bus journey takes about 25 minutes. The exact departure depends on the assigned entrance time, so sunrise should not be promised unless the confirmed ticket supports it.
The guide will accompany the visit on circuit 2, subject to availability. The page states a maximum visit of three hours to see the permitted areas and learn about the history and architecture of the Inca city.
Return to Cusco
After the guided visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. There will be time for lunch at your own expense before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Tourist transportation will then take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Train times and the estimated arrival in Cusco must be confirmed with the issued tickets.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Important: the published rate is for group service per person, with a minimum of two travelers. Confirm the Machu Picchu entrance, accommodation, and availability before booking.
The rate, Machu Picchu entrance, schedules, and additional services are subject to availability. Review the booking and cancellation terms before confirming.
During the trip, a few unexpected situations arose that were beyond the tour’s control, but the agency stayed in touch with us at all times and helped resolve everything quickly. Eduardo, our contact at the agency, was very professional and always made sure everything continued to go smoothly. We took home wonderful memories of this adventure and appreciated the peace of mind that came from feeling supported throughout the entire journey. We highly recommend the agency for its organization, attention, and commitment to its travelers.
See the camps, Salkantay Pass, the changing landscapes, and the arrival at Machu Picchu.
Find practical answers about acclimatization, camps, equipment, transfers, and the Machu Picchu visit.
We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or another high altitude area before departure. Day two reaches approximately 4,600 meters and involves about nine hours of hiking, so acclimatization can make the effort more manageable. Please speak with us before booking if you have a medical condition or concerns about altitude.
The itinerary mentions the visit after reaching Soraypampa and taking time to recover. Whether it can be completed depends on the group's pace and the conditions that day. Before booking, we will confirm how this section is currently operated and the approximate time planned for the lake.
The first two nights are spent at campsites, and the third night is in accommodation in Aguas Calientes. The page places the first camp at Soraypampa. We will confirm the exact second campsite and the accommodation details before departure.
Trekking poles are offered as an additional rental and can be helpful on the climb and long descents. The current sleeping bag information appears both under camping equipment and in the rental list. We will therefore confirm clearly before booking whether you need to bring your own or rent one.
On day three, the program uses vehicle transfers toward Santa Teresa and Hydroelectric. From Hydroelectric, the group continues by train to Aguas Calientes for the overnight stay. The guide coordinates the schedule for each connection.
The program includes the round trip bus from Aguas Calientes, entrance for the available circuit, and a guided visit of up to three hours. You will then return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and continue by vehicle to your Cusco hotel. Final times depend on the issued tickets.
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