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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

4 days - 3 nights
547USD Price per person
Duration:

4 days - 3 nights

Max. Altitude:

4650 M.S.N.M

Group Size:

8 person(s)

Service:

Group

This is an alternative route to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which will take you through incredible landscapes with various types of exotic flora and fauna. A unique and specially designed 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Trek off the beaten path, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of LLACTAPATA with the greatest view of Machu Picchu. Orange Nation is the best choice if you want to enjoy the Salkantay trek in Peru with specialists in creating unique routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay trek, which many tour operators do not offer.

Highlights of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days

  • Enjoy one of the most iconic hikes on the planet: the 4-day Salkantay trek.
  • Cross the different climates and environments that the hike allows you to experience, from the high puna and freezing cold near the glacier to the valleys and cloud forests typical of the area near Machu Picchu.
  • During the first day, visit Humantay Lake, a true natural mirror at high altitude that will captivate your senses. A good training for your next adventures.
  • Get to know Mount Salkantay personally. With all the respect and good energy, we will pass through the Salkantay Pass to visit this protective apu.
  • Rest under the stars at our panoramic camps at the most strategic points such as Soraypampa and Collpapampa. Experience 3-star hotel–type amenities and enjoy comfort in the mountains.
  • Take the coffee tour, learning about this sacred bean and take the chance to taste a sip of the authentic flavor of Peruvian coffee.
  • You will have a privileged view from Llactapata, an archaeological site that will welcome you to the Machu Picchu area, seeing it for the first time from a distance.
  • Avoid unnecessary walks next to the railway tracks and enjoy a train journey to Aguas Calientes.
  • Close the hike with a golden touch! Visit the world wonder Machu Picchu with a team of professionals who will show you the best of the area. Discover ancient palaces, temples, and plazas.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO-CHALLACANCHA-HUMANTAY LAKE-SORAYPAMPA

Today the adventure begins! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will begin with the adventure. First will be 2 hours and half hour arrive at Challacancha, our starting point for the trek.

The path will take you for about 3 hours until Soraypampa by the Inca Channel. You will have a first look of the nature, ecosystem and the mountains in the zone. Finally, you will arrive at our exclusive panoramic glassy domes in Soraypampa. After being accommodated in your panoramic glass domes, you will be delighted by our professional chefs with a delicious lunch.

After resting, we will continue our adventure towards Humantay Lake for about 2 and a half hours. You fill discover a turquoise glacial lake nestled between tall mountains. An incredible sight to see, that totally worth it!

By the end of the afternoon, we will continue back to Soraypampa for dinner and having a night under the stars.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Glamping panoramic glass domes
  • Distance: 10kms / 6.21 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2: Soraypampa – The Salkantay Pass -Huayracmachay – Collpapampa

Wake up in the middle of the mountains and be ready for your next adventure. Your guide will bring you the morning coffee then prepare your belongings for the hike. Enjoy your breakfast at the campsite and be ready to conquer the Salkantay Mountain!

Today’s first hike will be up to the Salkantay Pass– the highest point of the trek. The hike up will take you over the 7 snakes path and after around 3 hours, you will arrive at the pass. Here you will directly face the glacier that will welcome you with the open arms. After some rituals, we will descend for 2 hours until Huayracmachay, a small place where you will have lunch. While you are walking, take a time to admire at the nature and the ecosystem in the zone.

With our heart and stomach filled, we can now continue for 3 more hours until Collpapampa. Here, you will enjoy the best of the glamping experience with our Glass domes up in the mountains with the best panoramic views of the valley.

Rest in front of the most impressive landscapes and have the pleasure of enjoying a 3-star experience hotel with many facilities such as: Sauna, jacuzzi and more!

Spend the night in a cozy environment.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Glassy panoramic domes.
  • Distance: 23.5kms / 14.6 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: Collpapampa – Llactapata ruins (View Point) – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Enjoy your last breakfast in the middle of the mountains! After having your breakfast, the last part of this trek is about to start. You will be picked up by our transportation towards Llucmabamba, and from here, you will walk in the authentic Inca trail Path located in the zone. We will hike for about 3 hours until we reach the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft).

Upon arrival, please, admire the views and the flora – fauna of the zone. Up in the mountain, finally, meet Llactapata archeological site, a stone door that will show you Machu Picchu from very far away. After the marvelous views, take a little time before go down to Hidroelectrica. This will be the last point were you will be able to enjoy our chef meals. After lunch, take the train to Aguas Calientes, for about 35 minutes. Once there, you will be accommodated in a nice hotel and, enjoy your reward dinner with all your pals!

Sleep in a comfortable hotel before the big day!

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ferre Hotel
  • Distance: 19kms / 11.80 miles
  • Time: Approximately 10 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After an early breakfast at your hotel, get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical place and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu during the tour.

When you have had your fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting in one of the numerous restaurants. (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 4 DAY SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  • English speaking, experienced professional guide
  • Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
  • Celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • Comfortable foam mattress and camping pillow
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo travelers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of ORANGE NATION PERU

Prices

Our Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 4  days may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

No. OF PEOPLEPRICE
2 to 8 people$ 547 USD per person

***This price includes an extra packhorse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kg,  we will provide you a duffel bag,  you can put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Hotel single supplement: $35 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
  • CAMPING PILLOW

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following information carefully; it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days.

ARRIVAL TO  CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210, Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

Absolutely! During your trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK:

FIRST, to book your trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our home page or click here on this link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge from PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

  • According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
  • All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
  • For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
  • Childrenunder the age of 2 are free.
  • All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
  • Send us a copy at info@orangenationperu.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought for Machu Picchu, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferrable nor refundable.

If you cancel your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ?

DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek.  In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number. Please send the new passport number as soon as possible.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! Most airlines are enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK?

Weather on Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days is very varied, due to the fact that it winds its way through wildly different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass, and the nearby areas. Temperatures here, and at the nearby Soraypampa campsite, can fall below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.

  • The months September, October, November and December have a nice average temperature.
  • On average, the warmest month is September.
  • On average, the coolest month is January.

We highly recommend you to bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days  is a 74 Km(45.98 miles) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region.

In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Oraneg Nation Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

Packing list

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3L  (Please bring only reusable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Travel)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece/ thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bag
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

What to Put in your backpack for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

from

$547

Price
per person

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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

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What our travelers say

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

Gideon G 5 of 5 bubbles

Couples

Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!

Written July 2, 2025

Steven C 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.

Written July 4, 2025

Charlie C 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.

Written July 4, 2025

Ignacio R 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!

Written June 26, 2025

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