4 Day Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trekking

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

Your epic 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be picking you up between 0430 and 0500 in the morning and embark on a two hours drive to Mollepata. You can wink a nap in the vehicle so you arrive fresh to start hiking the emblematic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Mollepata is a remote Andean town at 2803 meters above sea level (9196 ft). We will be stopping for breakfast at a local restaurant here. Our local expert will be sharing some essential tips that would help you for the trek.

After breakfast, we will be driving further to Challacancha to start the trek. Here we will be meeting our support crew, chef and muleteers who will be assisting us.

After ensuring that all the gears are intact, we will begin with a gradual uphill hike to Soraypampa. It nestles at 3900 m/ 12795ft. Soraypampa houses our Signature Skydomes. Quechuas Expeditions is a pioneer in introducing Skydomes on this route.

Our luxurious sky domes are designed to offer seamless comfort during your stay. 

The trek from Challacancha starts with a hike through a flat surface with a sight of different Andean glaciers at a distance. We will be hiking through a restored Inca Canal which the locals use even today. 

The trek gets a bit steeper as we will get closer to our signature campsite. Our crew will welcome you with a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. Once you have settled in your respective Skydomes, we will meet for lunch.

We will be serving a freshly cooked meal using ingredients from the Cusco region. Our Andean chefs are renowned for their delectable meals. 

Lake Humantay Hike:

After lunch, we will be hiking up the hill to the enigmatic turquoise glacier lake, Lake Humantay. It nestles at 4200 meters above sea level (13780 feet). It is about three kilometers (1.86 miles) from our campsite. The round trip takes around three hours. 

However, we do recommend that you trek at your own pace immersing yourself in the beauty of the Andes. Once we get to the shores of Humantay Lake you will have plenty of time to contemplate the view as our guide will be explaining its prominence in the Andean mythology.

Once you have enjoyed it thoroughly, we will be hiking down the hill, back to the campsite where our crew will be serving dinner after witnessing the sunset. 

After dinner, you can settle in your Sky Dome and fall asleep under the constellation of stars shining in the dark Andean sky. 

Day 1 Trek Summary:

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

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

Another epic day on the Salkantay Trekking experience. You will be waking up to the golden rays of the rising sun beaming through the walls of your SkyDome through the mighty Salkantay Peak.

We will be serving you a cup of coffee or tea followed by a traditional Andean breakfast. The protein-rich breakfast would energize you to embark on a hike to the highest point of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters above sea level (15190 feet).

Salkantay Pass:

We will be hiking through the iconic “Trail of the seven snakes”. The route is named after the seven switchbacks that take you to the summit. This section of the trek is somewhat challenging because of the altitude. We will take it real slow so you can catch up with your breath and relish the views of the Andean peaks.

Salkantay Peak is the second-highest peak in the Cusco region and is one of the sacred entities in Andean mythology. Locals refer to it as “Apus” which means Father in Quechua. Even today they perform several sacred rituals including K’intu, seeking blessings using three Coca Leaves. Our guide will be sharing them with you.

We will have plenty of time at the summit to contemplate the view of Humantay, Taucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks. Once you have had your fill of the view and feel ready to continue the hike, we will be hiking down the hill for another 7kms. (4.35 miles) to our lunch camp in Huacarmachay (3850 meters/ 12631 feet). Our lunch camp is located in a valley snuggled by snow-capped views.

Our crew will be serving a freshly cooked Andean meal here. 

After lunch, we will be leaving the Andes and entering the Peruvian Amazon Jungle. We will be covering the 8 kms (4.97 miles) stretch in three hours at a normal pace. 

You will be witnessing a drastic change in the topography as we will be hiking down the hill. It would get slightly warmer. Our tour guide will explain about different plant, animal and bird species, most native to the region.

Once we reach our campsite in Chaullay (2900 meters / 9514 ft.) our crew will assist you to your respective Sky Dome where you will be spending the night. We will be meeting for dinner. 

Day 2 Trek Summary:

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

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

Our crew will be waking you up with a knock at the door of your Skydome at 0600 AM. After a cup of morning coffee, we will be serving breakfast.

The third day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu experience is relatively easier. We will be hiking through Santa Teresa Valley, home to different farms. We will begin the trek after crossing the Lluscamayo River towards La Playa for about six hours.

The route is dotted with several waterfalls. The region is home to avocado, banana, and coffee farms. Often trekkers have spotted the emblematic Andean Cock of the Rock here. It is the Peruvian National Bird.

We will be stopping for lunch at our campsite in La Playa. Our crew will be serving lunch.

After lunch, we will be taking our Transportation to Hidroelectrica where we walk to Aguas Calientes for 2 hours and do overnight in Aguas Calientes in a Hotel

Day 3 Trek Summary:

• Total distance: 16 km (approx.)
• Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m
• Campsite altitude: 1,600 m 

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

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will be taking a 25-minute bus ride up the hill to the entrance of Machu Picchu citadel. Your original passport will be verified here against your Machu Picchu ticket so make sure to carry the passport.

As you enter the citadel, you will witness the golden rays of the morning sun beaming on the walls of Machu Picchu as the blanket of clouds would unveil the citadel to you. We will be giving you a brief introduction of the Inca empire.

We will be visiting different prominent sites of the citadel. This includes the ceremonial site, farming sector, remains of the royal quarters, and more.

After the guided tour, you will have some time to soak in the views of the Inca citadel. If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu peak, our guide will be guiding you to the respective trailhead.

Alternatively, you can hike to the Sungate. You won’t need to pay an entrance fee. Sungate or Inti Punku is the point of entrance to the citadel for those hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu citadel.

Once you have thoroughly enjoyed the sight, we will be exiting the citadel and taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time here for lunch or to walk around the town.

Later in the evening, we will be boarding an Ollantaytambo-bound train. Our representative will meet you at the train station and will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be reaching Cusco by 10:00 PM. 

Day 4 Trek Summary:

• Total distance: 4 km
• Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m 

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, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style. Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru. All these meals are prepared by our cook and his assistant.
• 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
• First Aid Kit
• 01 Oxygen tank
• Porters/Horseman, Horses (to carry All Food, Camping Equipment, and 7 kilos of passengers’ belongings) We Never overload our Horses (well Animal Welfare)

• 1st Night Private Campsite: 01 Night Glamping Mountain Sky Dome at Soraypampa
• 2nd Night Private Campsite: 01 Night Glamping Mountain Sky Dome at Chaullay 
• 3rd Night Private Hotel: 01 Night in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bedroom, 3 beds room, 04 beds room)
• Please Note: The DOME at 1st Campsite is 6 Meters in diameter and has Comfortable Beds, Blankets, Pillows Private Shower, and in Bathroom (Accommodation is upon request) (Twin Bedroom, 3 beds room, 04 beds room) and our domes use Solar Energy and Solar Water heater is base on the weather. And the 2nd Campsite of our domes is 3 Meters in Diameter to sleep only. So you will need a sleeping bag. And we only use biodegradable things and we Support Sustainable, Responsible & Ethical Tourism. 
• Expedition Train Back From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Train Time from 1:37 pm to 7:00 pm) Subject to Availability
• Bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and drop off at the hotel.
• Duffel bag for personal belongings (We will provide you with this 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.
• Water for Drinking: we will supply you with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time. Please, bring enough water for the 1st day only.
• 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, the 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) : 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:

• Huaynapicchu 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$70
• Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroomdon’t, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
• A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$30 per person / Twin Bedroom (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 dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with 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 Short Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu by Glamping Sky View Dome to Dome (Prices for 2023 & 2024)

Salkantay Trek Peru Availability And Permits 2023 – 2024: 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: Price per person: US$580 (Returning by Train/Train time between 1:30 pm to 9:00 pm
• Group Service: Price per person: US$510 (Returning by Bus From Hidroelectrica at 2:30 pm)

Daily Departures ( We are the Best Operator on Salkantay Trek with our own Private 

May 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31
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: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31
August 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31
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: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31
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: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 02 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco

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 used to purchase the Salkantay trek 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
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle 
• Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommended)
• Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also buy in Cusco.
• Flashlight (headlight recommended)
• Pocketknife.

Clothes:

• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swimwear
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair of Zipphiking 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
• 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 from us) we have goose down or synthetic 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 diarrhea from, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

FAQs of Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu

How difficult is the Salkantay?

For an average traveller or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Plus, all hikers should spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the salkantay trek, to get acclimatized. Being extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.

The entire trek is approximately 60.5 kilometers (approximately 37.5 miles), and this hiking takes place during 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.

What’s the most challenging section of the hike?

The Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 m / 15,228 ft above sea level, is the most difficult section in the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, bitter cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.

Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?

Weather conditions during the rainy season makes the Salkantay trek into a risky decision. Therefore we cannot guarantee the availability of the Salkantay treks from mid-march to the end of February. If the weather is good, we will give the OK for a trek to start. If we think the safety of our porters and clients is being threatened, we will cancel the trek.

Before to hike to Salkantay, Where could I stay in Cusco?

You can choose your hotel by yourself, our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek and He or She will pick you up from there.

How many days did you walk from Mollepata to Machu Picchu? How many kilometers is Salkantay Trek per day?

4 nights and 5 days with the 5th night in Machu Picchu. you will go up to Machu Picchu the 5th day and is back in Cusco by 5th night. A very rough estimate is 60 km overall so maybe 12 km on average per day. (Some days are more than others though).

Why do I need to make a deposit?

We recommend to make your reservation in advance and we will guarantee your Spaces for this hike. Each reservation needs 30% of deposit as first payment. The final balance(70%) will be paid in Cusco (2 days before or at the office). About Payment you must choose where would you like to make the deposit: Payment system online ,

VISA card
Western Union, Money Gram
Peruvian Banking Account

We use the money from your deposit to make several important purchases, including the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and train tickets. In addition, making a deposit assures us that you will be coming on the trek, and are unlikely to cancel at the last minute. This helps us with knowing how much food to buy, how many of our guides to use for the trek, etc. The deposit is non-refundable once we receive it, because we will immediately use it to purchase the tickets mentioned above. Please note the final Balance will be once you are in cusc 2 days before you go on the trek.

How to book the Salkantay Trek?

Please, it is very much important to fill out in the blanks on the attached booking form we email you with a true and updated information so we can make your bookings with the right and appropriate information, as in case of a missing passport or wrong numbers, or name misspelling, to make fast booking you can send us: Full Names, Passport Number or ID Number, Nationality, Gender and Birthdate.

How long is the Salkantay trek and how many hours a day do we hike?

The Salkantay trek has many different trails and campsite options. The trail that we follow is approximately 60.5 km. On average you will hike about 8 -9 hours per day Aprox.

How difficult is the Salkantay trek?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is better suited for more adventuresome trekkers who are able to handle a little more altitude and distance. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend bringing a hiking stick or purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.

Is the altitude a problem?

The altitude is something that effects everyone differently. We had been at high altitude for a while, and this wasn’t as high for us–so we had no problems 🙂  If you haven’t had experience at this altitude, give yourself 2-3 days of time in Cusco to adjust. Drink lots of water, chew cocoa leaves, and you can even take medicine if it’s really bad. Probably though, the worst you’re going to feel is breathlessness while hiking and headaches and a little nausea.

When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?

You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 5. Your local guide will take you on an informative 2- hour tour of the site. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own, relax, meditate or simply write in your journal before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.

Do porters carry our luggage while on the Salkantay trek?

No, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain poncho jacket, etc.
We will provide you a duffel to put all your personal belongings, this will be provided to you at the briefing time

How cold does it get on the Salkantay trek? Will I need to bring hats and gloves?

The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cusco.

What type of accommodation is used on the Salkantay trek?

We are the only company who has private campsites along the salkantay Trek. and all our Domes are Green
Day 1: Private Soraypampa Campsite at our Green Eco DOME
Day 2: Private Chaullay Campsite at our Green Eco DOME
Day 3: Private Loreta La Playa Campsite at our Green Eco DOME
Day 4: Aguas Calientes Hotel

Are there restrooms available on the trek?

There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.

Is purified water available on the trek?

Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 of the Salkantay Trek however we discourage hikkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. Boiled water will be provided every evening after dinner so that you can refill your water bottle(s). If you wish to add water purification tablets you should bring these with you.

What type of food will we get on the the Salkantay trek?

Our Cheffs/cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. We also provide food for vegetarian, vegan, free gluten as well

Can I do the Salkantay with kids?

Children under 08 years old are not allowed to do the trek, and children who are over 08 years old should be in good physical shape and used to hiking long distances. And there is chance to ride on horseback for those who