- HOME
- TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
- Alternative route to Machu Picchu
- Full Photos
- Culture
- Nature
- Trek
- Transport
- Meals
- Tour guide
Description
Salkantay trek express 4 days, is one of the most popular alternative treks after the classic Inca trail to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, in this route you will see one of the most important apus of Cusco.
arrival at the sacred city of Machu Picchu. This lesser-traveled route offers a remarkable mix of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and misty cloud forests that reveal the true essence of Peru.
Guided by the presence of the powerful Apu Salkantay, travelers connect deeply with nature, local culture, and themselves. Featuring eco-friendly lodges, fresh Andean cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, the Salkantay Trek is more than a hike — it’s an unforgettable passage through the heart of the Andes and the spirit of the Inca world.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
The adventure begins with a drive from Cusco to Mollepata, the starting point of the trek. Along the route, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks Salkantay and Humantay, as well as the scenic Andean valleys.
In Mollepata, there is a brief stop before continuing to Challacancha, where the hike officially begins. The trail follows ancient irrigation channels still used by local communities.
Upon arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), lunch is served and the first campsite is set up. In the afternoon, there is a hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), located at the base of the glacier of the same name.
- Accommodation: Mountain cabins or domes with glacier views.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
After breakfast, the trek continues with an ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the route. From the summit, you can admire the magnificent views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay peaks.
The trail then descends to Huayracmachay, where lunch is served. In the afternoon, the route continues toward Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), entering the upper cloud forest — a transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon region, rich in vegetation, wildlife, and a warmer climate.
- Accommodation: Eco-friendly cabins or domes in the jungle area.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
The journey continues through the Santa Teresa Valley toward the area known as La Playa. Along the way, hikers can enjoy waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, and passion fruit.
The route passes through Colpapampa, also called the “cloud forest,” home to tropical birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock. After lunch in La Playa, a local transport takes the group to the Hidroelectrica train station.
From there, participants can either walk along the rail line to Aguas Calientes or board the train. Upon arrival, accommodation check-in is followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
The final day is dedicated to visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the highlight of the entire journey. After breakfast, the group ascends to the sanctuary either on foot or by tourist bus.
A guided tour is provided, offering insight into the history, cultural importance, and architectural brilliance of this world-famous site.
After the guided portion, visitors continue along the designated walking circuits, which lead through key scenic areas of the complex. These marked trails allow visitors to take photographs and appreciate the natural surroundings while respecting the preservation rules and staff instructions.
Later, the group descends to Aguas Calientes for lunch or to explore the local market. In the afternoon, a train ride takes travelers back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco, concluding the experience.
- Meals: Breakfast included.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Original passport and Student card (ISIC) green card
- Insurance card is essential
- Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sleeping bag
- Warm jack
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Rain pants
- Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
- Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
- Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
- Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
- Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand) Optional items to take
- Short pants
- Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us.$15 usd the all trip.
- Sleeping bags $20 usd the all trip.
- Plaster and bandage.
NOT INCLUDED:
Entrance fees to Waynapicchu.( $10 usd extra)Breakfast on first day and lunch on the last day in agues calientes
Entrances to the hot spring waters or transportation to get there (15 soles round trip ) Aguas calientes(10 soles)
Bus ticket from Aguas calientes to Machu Picchu (optional) $ 20 usd round trip ( one way $10 usd and you can buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station).
Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack.$ 120 usd 3 days.(you can share with other person.
Note: if you need something to hire from us, we will for you, without any deposit (because most of the rent camping shops use to ask like 50 or 60 dollars for anything you want to take.
What you need to take
- Original passport and Student card (ISIC) green card
- Insurance card is essential
- Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sleeping bag
- Warm jack
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Rain pants
- Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
- Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
- Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
- Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
- Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand) Optional items to take
- Short pants
- Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us.$15 usd the all trip.
- Sleeping bags $20 usd the all trip.
- Plaster and bandage.
+51-986888910 +51 972775776 |
(609) 470-8153 | (609) 470-8153
