Peru
Peru – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days)
Peru – Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days)
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
This spectacular trek takes you through diverse climate zones – from snow-capped peaks and Humantay Lake to cloud forests and coffee and banana plantations. The highlight is the Salkantay Pass with its views of the 6,271-meter-high Salkantay mountain, before you reach Machu Picchu via Llactapata.
The four-day Salkantay Trek is the compact version of Peru's most popular alternative to the Inca Trail. On the very first day, you climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, right below the glaciers of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), the highest peak of the Vilcabamba range. From there, the trail descends through ever-changing ecological zones – from high Andean grassland and cloud forest to the subtropical Santa Teresa Valley with waterfalls, bananas, avocados and coffee. On the third day, you see Machu Picchu from the Inca site of Llactapata before walking to Aguas Calientes, and on the last morning you explore the Lost City on a guided tour. Horses carry your luggage, our chef cooks fresh meals and you sleep in comfortable tents and, on the last night, in a hotel. We travel in small groups of up to 12 people with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayraqmachay
Campsite Wayraqmachay (3,919 m / 12,858 ft)
11 km / 6.8 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive about two hours via Anta, Ancahuasi and Limatambo to Mollepata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) for breakfast and last snacks. Another hour's drive brings us to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek, with views of Humantay Mountain (5,480 m / 17,979 ft). From Soraypampa, we hike for about three hours through a spectacular mountain landscape and wide grassland to Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), close to the Salkantay glacier, where lunch awaits. We then continue up to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), the highest point of the trek, with views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba range and the glaciated south face of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). A descent brings us to our first campsite at Wayraqmachay (3,919 m / 12,858 ft). Today you cover 11 km (6.8 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.
Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayraqmachay
Day 1
Campsite Wayraqmachay (3,919 m / 12,858 ft)
11 km / 6.8 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive about two hours via Anta, Ancahuasi and Limatambo to Mollepata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) for breakfast and last snacks. Another hour's drive brings us to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek, with views of Humantay Mountain (5,480 m / 17,979 ft). From Soraypampa, we hike for about three hours through a spectacular mountain landscape and wide grassland to Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), close to the Salkantay glacier, where lunch awaits. We then continue up to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), the highest point of the trek, with views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba range and the glaciated south face of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). A descent brings us to our first campsite at Wayraqmachay (3,919 m / 12,858 ft). Today you cover 11 km (6.8 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.
Day 2
Wayraqmachay – Collpapampa – La Playa
Campsite La Playa (2,050 m / 6,726 ft)
22 km / 13.7 mi · 8–9 h · max. 3,919 m / 12,858 ft
After breakfast, we descend past the campsites of Rayanniyoc and Andenes to Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, a pleasant walk along the Santa Teresa River leads through increasingly lush vegetation with waterfalls, passion fruit, bananas, avocados and coffee plantations. We reach our second campsite at La Playa (2,050 m / 6,726 ft), a small village with basic facilities. Today you cover 22 km (13.7 mi) in 8–9 hours of hiking.
Wayraqmachay – Collpapampa – La Playa
Day 2
Campsite La Playa (2,050 m / 6,726 ft)
22 km / 13.7 mi · 8–9 h · max. 3,919 m / 12,858 ft
After breakfast, we descend past the campsites of Rayanniyoc and Andenes to Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, a pleasant walk along the Santa Teresa River leads through increasingly lush vegetation with waterfalls, passion fruit, bananas, avocados and coffee plantations. We reach our second campsite at La Playa (2,050 m / 6,726 ft), a small village with basic facilities. Today you cover 22 km (13.7 mi) in 8–9 hours of hiking.
Day 3
La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
22 km / 13.7 mi · 8–9 h · max. 2,860 m / 9,383 ft
A climb of two to three hours leads to the viewpoint of Abra Qelloqasa (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), where you enjoy a rare view of Machu Picchu from the southeast. We then explore Llactapata, a well-preserved Inca site linked to Machu Picchu, before descending for about two hours through bamboo forest, orchards and coffee plantations to the Ahobamba River. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica, a pleasant three-hour walk brings us to Aguas Calientes, where you check into your hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today you cover 22 km (13.7 mi) in 8–9 hours of hiking.
La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Day 3
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
22 km / 13.7 mi · 8–9 h · max. 2,860 m / 9,383 ft
A climb of two to three hours leads to the viewpoint of Abra Qelloqasa (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), where you enjoy a rare view of Machu Picchu from the southeast. We then explore Llactapata, a well-preserved Inca site linked to Machu Picchu, before descending for about two hours through bamboo forest, orchards and coffee plantations to the Ahobamba River. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica, a pleasant three-hour walk brings us to Aguas Calientes, where you check into your hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today you cover 22 km (13.7 mi) in 8–9 hours of hiking.
Day 4
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to enjoy the citadel in the quiet of the early morning. Your guide then leads you on a tour of its most important buildings and temples; the tour ends around 9:30 am within our entry slot between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 4
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to enjoy the citadel in the quiet of the early morning. Your guide then leads you on a tour of its most important buildings and temples; the tour ends around 9:30 am within our entry slot between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Price from
€660.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Permits & Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for the Salkantay route and Machu Picchu.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 8 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa, bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu round trip, train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (double room); single room on request.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: First breakfast in Mollepata on Day 1 and last lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Trekking Poles: Available for rent for USD 15.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Choose this option when booking if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu. As availability is limited, booking in advance is recommended.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
High (up to 4,600 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – challenging: Three days of hiking with 11–22 km (6.8–13.7 mi) and up to 8–9 hours per day. The first day includes the climb to the Salkantay Pass, the following days long descents and distances. Good fitness, endurance and sure-footedness are required; multi-day hiking experience is recommended.
Altitude – high: The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft; the first campsite lies at 3,919 m / 12,858 ft. As the pass is reached on the first day, good acclimatization is essential – we recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) at least two days before the trek.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Glaciers, high Andean landscapes, cloud forest, waterfalls and coffee farms, combined with the Inca site of Llactapata and Machu Picchu.
Camping, hotel & horses: Two nights in tents and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 8 kg / 17 lb including sleeping bag); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
€25.00
per person
Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu)
Steep, narrow stone stairs with exposed sections and drop-offs – a head for heights and sure-footedness are required. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Machu Picchu Mountain
Long, steep stone stairs with some drop-offs – a head for heights is recommended. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€25.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Regulations
Entry times are strictly enforced by the Ministry of Culture. We secure permits for the 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM slot to ensure the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Good to know
Acclimatization: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek.
Small groups: Departures with 4 to 12 people; private treks on request.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.