4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Camping (Low Cost) – 2023

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)

We will collect you from your hotel sometime between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Our journey will involve a drive of approximately 2 and a half hours to Mollepata, where we will make a stop for breakfast. Afterward, we will continue driving to challacancha, which serves as our starting point for the hike. Once we arrive at challacancha, the cook and the horseman will pack up all the camping equipment and cooking supplies. Our hike will commence, beginning with a slightly uphill climb for about 25 minutes until we reach the Water Channel. This location offers stunning panoramic views of the magnificent snow-capped mountains, including Humantay (4120m/13500ft) and Salkantay (6271m/20575ft). This is just the beginning of our adventure! From there, we will proceed with the Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa, where we will set up our first camping spot (3800 m/11750ft). This campsite is the highest and coldest of the entire trip, and it is situated in close proximity to the second-highest Salkantay snow-capped mountain in the Cusco region. Following lunch, we will visit Humantay Lake and explore the surrounding area before descending to our fantastic Sky Lodge Dome campsite in Soraypampa.

Day 1: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huaracmachay – Chaullay (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)

After enjoying our breakfast for the Salkantay Trek, we will begin our walk at approximately 6:30 am. It’s important to start early because this particular day will be the longest. The initial four hours of the trek will involve an uphill climb, leading us to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft). This point is situated between two massive mountains: Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. The views of these two snow-capped mountains from the pass are truly breathtaking. It’s worth mentioning that there is a chance of encountering snow in this area.

Following a well-deserved break to rest and take in the scenery, we will continue our journey. This time, we will be heading downhill, traversing a captivating cloud forest until we reach Huayracpunku, where we will enjoy a satisfying lunch. Once we’ve replenished our energy, we’ll resume our hike in the direction of the jungle’s starting point. Eventually, we will reach our second camping spot for the Salkantay Trek, which can either be chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).

Day 2: Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)

Day 3: Chaullay – LLuscamayo – Loreta La Playa Sahuayaco – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Hotel)

After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits ,plants and as soon as we are at la playa we will have lunch and we reach the hydroelectric station by bus. And after we keep walking about two and half hours along the train road till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hostel. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek

Day 3: Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hostel(aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Salkantay trek important day ,We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to Machupicchu which takes one and half hours up to machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machupicchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying machupicchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.

and those who return by bus they will have to walk back from Machupicchu to Hidroelectrica to take the bus back(you must be between 2:30pm to 3:00pm)

Day 4: Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)

Salkantay Trek Includes:

• Pivate Tourist Transportation Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha. (Salkantay Trailhead)
• Pick up from your hotel by your guide.
• Professional bilingual Tour guide in English/Spanish.
• Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu.
• Food service in the campsites (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 2 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style. Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! 
• Professional Cook/Chef: all our fresh vegetables are washed in iodine water prior to serving. Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-allergies and general dislikes can be catered for so long as a prior warning is given when booking the trip
• Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) including hot drinks such as mate de coca and locally grown coffee)
• Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
• Camping Tents and Mats to sleep
• First Aid Kit
• 01 Oxygen tank
• Porters/Horseman, Horses (to carry All Food, Camping Equipment, and 5 kilos of passengers’ belongings) We Never overload our Horses (well Animal Welfare)
• 1st Night Private Campsite SORAYPAMPA: Camping Tent / Foam Pad included
• 2nd Night Private Campsite CHAULLAY: Camping Tent / Foam Pad included
• 3rd Night Hostel: 01 Night in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bedroom, 3 beds room, 04 beds room)
• Please Note: 
• Expedition Train Back From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Train Time from 7:00pm to 9:20 pm) Subject to Availability or bus back from Hidroelectrica train station at your choice
• Bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (San Francisco or Regocijo Square)
• Duffel bag for personal belongings (We will provide you with 30-minutethis duffel bag at the briefing time)
• Pre-trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
• Free “I survived” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)

Salkantay Trek Doesnt Include: (Please, No hidden costs or surprises)

• Breakfast Day 1
• Lunch and dinner Day 4
• Entrance fee to Salkantay and Humantay Lake 20 soles
• Sleeping Bag (You can rent from us)
• Walking Poles (You can rent from us)
• Tips for our staff (Optional)
• Optional: If you feel tired after the trek to and from Llactapata, There is a chance to take a train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. (30-minute ride)(Cost of the Train Service is $35)
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu ($12 per person, one way)
• Travel and Health Insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.
• Additional costs or delays out of the control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)

• UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years)Machu Picchu: US$20. Please send us a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
• Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

UPGRADES:

• Huayna Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
• Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$60
• Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroom, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
• A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bed room (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS

• Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
• (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
• Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• BRIEFING: all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30 pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet your guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
• STORAGE: Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they don’t have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage at no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu by

Camping Tents & Sleeping Pads

(Prices for 2023 & 2024)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of US$150, and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service (Salkantay Trek Returning by BUS)
Price per person:

• Student: US$290 (You must send us your Valid University Student Card Copy)
• Adult: US$310

Group Service (Salkantay Trek Returning by TRAIN)
Price per person:

• Student US$370 (You must send us your Valid University Student Card Copy)
• Adult: US$390

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Upcoming Departures Dates ( We are the Best Operator On Salkantay Trek with our own Private Campsites)

May 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
June 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
July 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
August 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
September 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
October 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
November 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
December 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): Memorable Salkantay Operator provider

STUDENT PRICE:

For this Salkantay Trekking 5 Days If you like to apply for the student price, you need to comply with the next requirements of Peruvian regulation for students. If you are a student, you need to send us a copy or picture of both sides of your STUDENT CARD also a picture or photo of your PASSPORT in order to verify, to get a discount The student card must be an original student ID given from the university in PVC material and it must have the next requirements printed on it: University information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu, the discount until 25 years old. ISIC cards are not valid for the discount

What you need to bring on Salkantay Trek:

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

• Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
• Travel insurance  is essential (and some copies)
• Airline tickets (and some copies)
• US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and Memory cards
• Rechargeable batteries and adapters
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocketknife.
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
• Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
• Sport hiking sandals
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle 
• Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
• Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
• Flashlight (head light recommended)
• Money belt
• Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
• Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag 
• Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
• Thermal underwear
• Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Frequently Asked Questions