Overview
The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days and 3 nights tour is the second most popular route to Machu Picchu, also the most challenging and adventurous tours we offer at TreXperience. You will be able to see the Humantay Lake, snow-capped mountains, the cloud forest, coffee farms, and finish the trek at Machu Picchu.
Why book with TreXperience
Travel with an authentic Local Tour Operator from Cusco city
We offer complimentary airport pick up and drop off
We offer a real camping experience with tents and hot showers
We visit local organic coffee farms
Support Social Project while traveling
Come back to Cusco on the last days in the exclusive Panoramic trains
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
All transportation during the duration of the trek
Buses up and down to Machu Picchu
Panoramic Exclusive train on the last to come back to Cusco
Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
Organic coffee farm tour and Pachamanca barbecue
Entrance ticket to Salkantay, Hotsprings, and Machu Picchu
Sleeping Bag, air mats, trekking poles (Can be rent from us)
Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
Montaña (need to be booked in advance)
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
Good to know
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
What to expect
Day 1 CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SALKANTAYPAMPA
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Humantay Lake
6 hours Admission ticket included
Pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am and drive to Soraypampa (3900 m) – arriving approximately at 8:30 am. After breakfast, we will start a 2-hour walk up to Humantay Lake (4200 m / 13780 ft) after enjoying the beautiful views of this spectacular turquoise water lake, we will continue to our lunch place where the chef will be waiting to serve your lunch using organic products from the area. Along the way, you will see a variety of flora and fauna such as the Andean goose (the love birds), deer, and vizcachas (which look a lot like a rabbit). After lunch, we will continue climbing for two more hours to reach Salkantay Pampa (4100 m/13450 ft). Once at the campsite we will have the tents ready, have tea time, and dinner. You can stargaze before going to sleep.
Day 2 SALKANTAYPAMPA – WAYRAJPUNKU – COLLPAPAMPA
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Salkantay Trail
10 hours Admission ticket included
We will wake you up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea. When exiting your tent, a beautiful scenery consisting of huge plains and snow-capped mountain peaks is waiting for you. We will enjoy the breathtaking views of the highest mountains in Peru. After breakfast, we will start ascending to the highest point of our trek, the Salkantay pass (4630 m /15190 ft), at the summit we will take the time to explore the amazing landscapes including a beautiful lake at the base of this majestic mountain. From the top, it will be another 3 hour downhill hike to the lunch place at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft). After lunch, we will start descending from the highlands into the cloud forest, experiencing one of the fastest changes in temperature and weather. Along the way, we will see types of flowers, hummingbirds, and orchids until we arrive at Colpapampa located at 2770 meters. This night we will stay next to a small village.
Day 3 COLLPAPAMPA – COCALMAYO – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES
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8 hours Admission ticket included
Day 3 is arguably the most beautiful of your Salkantay TreXperience! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will hike for 3 hours along the cloud forest and then drive for about 1 hour to Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6600 ft) where we will visit organic Coffee and prepare a special PACHAMANCA barbecue. After lunch, drive to Hidrolectica and a 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes, arriving at around 4:00 pm. Here we will have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4 MACHU PICCHU (LOST CITY OF THE INCAS)
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4 hours Admission ticket included
On our final day, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience; visiting Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas. We will go straight to the line to wait for the first bus going up to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Arriving as the sky brightens, with incredible views of the city along the way. On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is truly an unforgettable sight. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Montaña (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the Vistadome train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Lima).
Additional Information
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Classic Salkantay Trek 4-Day
Can I cancel Classic Salkantay Trek 4-Day for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 days.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- All transportation during the duration of the trek
- Buses up and down to Machu Picchu
- Panoramic Exclusive train on the last to come back to Cusco
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
- Organic coffee farm tour and Pachamanca barbecue
- Entrance ticket to Salkantay, Hotsprings, and Machu Picchu
What's not included?
- Sleeping Bag, air mats, trekking poles (Can be rent from us)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
- Montaña (need to be booked in advance)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Humantay Lake, Salkantay Trail.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by TreXperience















