Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days – 2026

Overview:

The Salkantay route is renowned for its biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, descending from 4600 meters to 1950 meters. The variety of climates and microclimates along the way make this trek an unforgettable experience.

Open to all, this historic path connects Cusco with Machu Picchu, passing through remote areas where towering snow peaks contrast with lush tropical forests. Salkantay, standing at 6271 meters in the Vilcabamba mountain range, has been a sacred site for Andean inhabitants for centuries.

As an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek offers a more private and authentic experience, with even more breathtaking views. Challenging but rewarding, it ranks among the most spectacular trekking routes in Peru and the world.

Altitude: 1950 – 4600 meters / 6398 – 15092 feet

High season: April – November

Duration: 04 Days / 03 Nights

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Itinerary:

 Day 01: Cusco — Soraypampa – Humantay Lake — Soyrococha

We will depart from Cusco between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m., taking a bus to the town of Mollepata (2900 m.a.s.l.), where we’ll make a brief stop to purchase any last-minute supplies and use the restrooms at a local restaurant. From there, we’ll continue our journey to Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike.

Upon arrival, we’ll meet our muleteers and horses, who will load the equipment, and we’ll begin our hike toward the stunning Humantay Lake. After approximately 3 hours of walking, we’ll reach a vantage point offering panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain and other snow-capped peaks.

Between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in Salkantaypampa. Afterward, we’ll resume our hike to Soyrococha, our first campsite, where tents will be set up and dinner will be served.

Transportation time: 4 hours

Hiking time: 7 hours

Climate: Cold

Included: Lunch and dinner

Day 02: Soyrococha — Challway

Today, we’ll experience a dramatic shift in nature, from dry landscapes to snowy peaks and lush tropical areas. After breakfast, we’ll begin the most challenging part of the hike at around 8:00 a.m. We’ll ascend for about 2 hours until we reach the highest point of the trek at 4600 meters, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the towering, snow-capped Salkantay (6266 m), the second highest peak in the region.

On our descent, we’ll visit the stunning Salkantay Lake. Around 1:00 p.m., we’ll enjoy lunch at Huayracmachay. After another 3 hours of trekking, we’ll reach our campsite in Challway (2900 m). Dinner will be served around 7:00 p.m.

Hiking time: 8 hours.

Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 03: Challway — Sahuayaco — Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)

At 7:00a.m., we will begin our trek. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Sahuayaco, on the route we will observe Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where we can view waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds. If we are lucky, we will be observing the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. Arrive to Sahuayaco, where we will have lunch. After lunch, we will drive you to the hydroelectric, where we will start walking during 2 or 3hours approximately until Aguas Calientes (2000 masl). Here, you have the option of going to the thermal hot springs. We will have dinner at 7:00p.m., and accommodation at the hotel.

Hiking time: 8 hours.

Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 04: Machu Picchu — Aguas Calientes — Cusco

Today, we will start early in the morning at around 4:30a.m., to take the bus to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour around 2 or 3 hours and after that we will have free time to explore the citadel and take pictures. Bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). At according time (Depending on availability), we will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and from there, a bus will drive you to Cusco.

Included: Breakfast

Recommendations:

Rucksack, sleeping bag, clothes for warm and cold weather such as a waterproof jacket, fleece, walking trousers and walking shoes, t-shirts, rain poncho, headscarf, sunblock, insect repellent, hand gel, bottle for water and sterilizing tablets, camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), torch and batteries, a few small snacks like bars of chocolate or dried fruit, original passport and/or student card issued by your university (valid for passengers up to 25 years old).

Important: The itinerary is referential and is subject to modification for weather conditions and/or the passengers’ walking pace.

Tourist Class

First Class (Particular).

Terms & Conditions

Please read carefully the following terms and conditions to avoid misunderstandings that may arise days before and/or during the experience, in case you have additional questions please contact us and we will gladly assist you. We want your experience with us to be extraordinary. DMC Peru Agency is not responsible and will not make any refund and/or reimbursement for any misunderstanding.

2.- Rates:

• Rates are valid until December 2026 and are expressed in US dollars (USD).
• Rates are subject to change without prior notice according to availability and rates, please consult with your executive before confirming availability.
• Rates per person are based on 02 passengers, with an additional cost per individual traveler.
• Rates include charges for credit card payments.
• Rates do not apply for Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Special dates (*)

3.- The programs are quoted in the standard room category of the hotels, for higher categories, please contact us.

4.- It is the responsibility of each passenger to have the required documents for his/her trip, in force (with more than six months of validity after the end of his/her visit to our countries) and in good condition. As a general rule, these include, for each passenger, a passport, identity card, for countries that exceptionally allow entry with this document in replacement of the passport, visas when required, for countries in transit and destination countries, and certificates of certain vaccinations, for countries that require it, the passenger’s travel document must be the same with which he/she confirmed his/her reservation.

5.- Check-in and check-out times are set by each hotel. In general, rooms are available for check in from 3:00 PM and check out must be before 12:00 PM. Later departures may mean additional charges, it is important to follow the recommendations of the assistant who accompanies you at the time of check in at the hotel and/or ask at the hotel the respective schedules in case it is not published at the front desk.

6.- The requirements for double rooms (double or twin beds), triple rooms, extra beds and/or cribs are subject to confirmation by each hotel.

7.- Triple rooms in some destinations and hotels are composed of 2 double beds, which requires sharing these beds.

8.- Tourists are obliged to conduct themselves respecting the rights of people, the environment, the cultural and natural heritage of our countries, as well as the multi-ethnic conditions, beliefs, customs and ways of life of the inhabitants of the localities they visit.

9.-It is strictly forbidden to engage in conduct that interferes with the safety and comfort of the other participants of the group, such as the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The use of female or male escorts (prostitution) is not tolerable within a trip, the use of minors for this type of services is penalized by the authorities. DMC PERU AGENCY protects the integrity of minors and adolescents.

Itineraries. – The itineraries have been planned with great care, although for operational reasons, climatic or political factors or any other eventuality it may be necessary to change the sequence of activities in the itinerary or the specified route; such cases are exceptional and the passenger will be informed.

In order to improve the tourists’ experience, the order of the excursions may vary.

Services not included. – The passenger is responsible for all administrative formalities such as: Obtaining and updating passports, visas, travel insurance, payment of excess baggage, beverages, laundry service, communication (calls, faxes, e-mails, etc.), domestic and international airport departure taxes, tips or other services and fees not specified in the itinerary.

Services not used. – Some services may be interrupted or canceled due to weather conditions, force majeure such as acts of nature, social upheaval, strikes, etc., or others beyond the control of the hotels, airlines, other suppliers or DMC PERU AGENCY. No reimbursement shall be made as a consequence of such interruptions or cancellations beyond our control. DMC PERU AGENCY will at all times assist the passenger and modify the itinerary for the passenger’s benefit, as well as provide permanent assistance.

Insurance. – We recommend passengers obtain trip cancellation, repatriation and international medical insurance to cover any discomfort that may arise during the trip. We also suggest that you consult with your doctor and update your vaccination records and review any medical concerns regarding international travel.

Airline Tickets. – 100% payment is required for ticket issuance. Fares are subject to availability and only the final price is guaranteed with the purchase of the ticket; refunds, changes allowed/not allowed, penalties applied and not applied are in accordance with airline policy. Tickets are non-refundable or non-endorsable in case of cancellation.

Baggage Responsibilities. – DMC PERU AGENCY recommends that all passengers arrive in Peru with their own travel insurance, and that they have coverage for lost luggage. DMC PERU AGENCY cannot be held responsible for: – Luggage lost or delayed during domestic or international flights, as well as carry-on items, or personal items. – Objects forgotten by passengers in hotels, vehicles, or places visited during the trip. – We recommend our passengers not to include any valuable items in their checked baggage during transfers and flights.

Reservation Policies. – Any reservation must include the following information of the passenger(s) or group: a. Full names and surnames. b. Nationalities. c. Passport or identity card number. d. Date of birth. e. Gender. f. Dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerance to certain products, vegans, vegetarians, etc.) if any. Dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerance to certain products, vegans, vegetarians, etc.) if any. The consequences generated by the omission of information on physical and medical conditions, among others, are the sole responsibility of the passenger. Airline reservation code in case the passenger makes the reservation on his/her own or through an external organization to DMC PERU AGENCY. In the case of foreign students, it must be duly accredited with the respective student card in which the validity of the same is clearly shown. No other type of document will be accepted to request the respective discount for admission to the tourist attractions. g. The passport / ID number is MANDATORY for issuing admission tickets to tourist attractions, bus, train and/or airline tickets. h. Passengers must have a valid passport to enter our countries. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry to Peru.

Definition of Group Size. – INDIVIDUALS or FITS: Up to 8 passengers. In case of more passengers send us a quotation as a group.

Payment policies. – DMC PERU AGENCY requires payment in full: 35 days prior to arrival for Individual passengers / FITs. 60 days prior to arrival in case of Groups. Payment term in case of groups may vary depending on the policy of some hotels and/or suppliers. Please consult. Payment constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in this document, as well as those indicated in the quotation or booking confirmation.

Payment Methods (For Groups or FIT’s)

Bank Transfer: Payments must be made to the following bank account in Lima, Peru, BANCO DE CREDITO DEL PERU – MIRAFLORES AGENCY, Avenida Larco # 611, MIRAFLORES, LIMA 18, PERU Telephone: (511) – 4441717, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 285-11840622-1-90, ACCOUNT NAME: AMARA EXPERIENCE E.I.R.L., SWIFT CODE: BCPLPEPL

We accept all major credit and debit cards.

Other payment alternatives, we accept transfers via Western Union or Money Gram, in case you wish to pay with this option please indicate it to your sales executive to provide you with the corresponding information.

All transfer costs are assumed by the sender and must have in reference the tour number(s) or name of DMC PERU AGENCY.

In addition, we request a copy of the payment confirmation issued by the bank via mail, with the following information attached:

– Name of the Travelers.

– Name of the Tour.

– Date of the Trip.

The information requested is key to be able to make the correct follow-up of payments and operations.

Cancellations and Refunds. – Requests for cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing and include all related information, and we will respond immediately after consultation with the service providers, indicating the respective charges for cancellation or cancellation of services.

The request will be applied within working days.

Cancellation Charges. – Cancellation charges tend to increase when the arrival date is closer.

DMC PERU AGENCY will do its best to keep these charges as low as possible.

Policies for Children. – Discounts will be applied only for children under 8 years of age in case of admission to tourist attractions.

Hotel discounts apply according to the policies of each hotel and / or provider.

Child rates apply when accompanied by 02 adults.

Liability Clause: DMC PERU AGENCY shall not be liable for any injury, death, loss, delay, inconvenience, damage to personal belongings in connection with the provision of any goods or services due to force majeure: illness, government restrictions, acts of civil war, insurrection or rebellion, strikes or other activities, criminal or terrorist of any kind, food poisoning, mechanical failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for your delay of departure or arrival on time.

DMC PERU AGENCY is not responsible for the error or omission of any supplier (such as accommodations or the Transportation Company) if the client makes any reservation on his own account with a service provider other than DMC PERU AGENCY.

The necessary support will be provided according to our competences.

DMC PERU AGENCY reserves the right to take photographs or film recordings of any of its trips, and to use such photographs or film recordings for promotional and/or commercial purposes.