Classic 4-Day Inca Trail adventure
Duration:
4 Days / 3 Nights
Location:
Cusco
Difficulty:
challenging
Availability:
All year
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days is a multi-day hiking experience through diverse Andean landscapes on the route to Machu Picchu. The trek includes a visit to Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise glacial waters, and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,629 meters above sea level near the Salkantay Pass, close to Apu Salkantay, one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region.
Throughout the journey, the scenery gradually changes from high mountain terrain to cloud forest and subtropical vegetation. The route continues toward Aguas Calientes, following valleys, rivers, and mountain landscapes before concluding with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Departure is scheduled at approximately 4:00 a.m. for a two-hour drive to the village of Mollepata, where we will stop for breakfast. Afterward, we continue for about one more hour to reach the trailhead at Challacancha.
Before starting the hike, you will meet the trekking team, including porters and cooks, and complete a final luggage check. We then begin a moderate three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), covering approximately 7 km (4.35 miles). Along the route, you will observe glacial peaks, a deep valley landscape, and an Inca irrigation canal that is still used by local farmers.
Upon arrival at Soraypampa, you will settle into the Sky Camp, featuring igloo-style mountain domes, and enjoy lunch prepared by the trekking chef. In the afternoon, we hike to Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise glacial waters and surrounding mountain scenery.
After returning to camp, dinner will be served, and you will have time to rest and observe the night sky in the high Andes.
Maximum Height: 4200 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
You will wake up early and enjoy coca tea before breakfast, with views of Apu Salkantay at sunrise. After a nutritious breakfast, we begin a 7 km ascent lasting approximately three hours to reach the highest point of the trek, Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). The climb follows a winding section known as the “Snake’s Path” due to its gradual curves along the mountain.
At the summit, you will have panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and a clear view of Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region and considered a sacred Apu. From this point, it is also possible to observe nearby mountains such as Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
After a rest at the pass, we descend approximately 7 km (4.35 miles) to Huayracmachay (3,850 m), where lunch will be served. This section of the trail is rocky and steep, offering wide views of the valley below.
Following lunch, we continue hiking into the cloud forest zone, where the landscape transitions from high Andean terrain to tropical vegetation. You will notice the change in climate and environment as the Andes gradually merge with the upper Amazon ecosystem.
After completing the day’s hike, we arrive at Collpapampa for the overnight stay. Dinner will be served before resting at our Mountain Sky View campsite.
Maximum Height: 4650 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
We will wake you at 6:00 a.m. for breakfast before beginning a five-hour hike through the Santa Teresa Valley toward La Playa. Along this section of the trail, you will walk through a lush landscape surrounded by rivers, native vegetation, and agricultural plantations, including coffee, banana, avocado, and passionfruit.
We will pass through small local settlements and continue along the valley, crossing to the opposite side of the mountains. In this tropical zone, you may observe waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, birds, and a variety of flora and fauna characteristic of the cloud forest region.
Upon arrival at La Playa, we will enjoy lunch prepared by our trekking team, followed by a short coffee demonstration. After a rest, private transportation will take us to the Hydroelectric train station. From there, we will continue with a scenic walk of approximately three hours along the railway track, following the Urubamba River toward Aguas Calientes. This section is relatively flat and surrounded by dense vegetation. Alternatively, you may choose to take the train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (optional).
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be transferred to your hotel, which includes a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast, and luggage storage. In the evening, we will meet for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Maximum Height: 2040 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
In the morning, at the scheduled time, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and accompany you to the bus station. You will travel approximately 20 minutes along a winding road, ascending about 400 meters, to reach the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas.
Upon entering the citadel, we will begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, visiting the main sectors of Machu Picchu and learning about its historical and architectural significance.
In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included). Afterward, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo, depending on train availability. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, a representative will assist you with the bus transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (not included)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Maximum Height: 2430 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Day 1:
Daily snacks (tea, coffee, popcorn, cookies)
Guided visit: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Professional guide
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Oxygen tank
Assistance
Day 2:
Daily snacks (tea, coffee, popcorn, cookies)
Guided visit: Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa
Professional guide
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Oxygen tank
Assistance
Day 3:
Daily snacks (tea, coffee, popcorn, cookies)
Guided visit: Collpapampa – La Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Professional guide
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Oxygen tank
Assistance
Day 4:
Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Professional tour guide
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Bus ticket: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (PeruRail or Inca Rail)
Transfer: Ollantaytambo train station – Cusco hotel
Assistance
Drinks (except those mentioned in the itinerary)
Meals (except those mentioned in the itinerary)
Snacks (except those mentioned in the itinerary)
Phone calls
Personal expenses
Tips / gratuities
Travel insurance
Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (USD 45.00 per person, optional)
Sleeping bag rental (USD 25.00 – Nikko brand, rated to -10°C)
Walking sticks (USD 10.00 per pair)
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