Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco Hotel Pickup → Humantay Lake → Overnight at Quiswarniyoc Sky Star Crystal Domes
Your Salkantay trek 4 days Trek to Machu Picchu adventure begins early in Cusco, with hotel pickups between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. Once your guide has gathered the group, you’ll depart Cusco around 5:15 AM by car, heading to the town of Mollepata — a journey of about 2 hours. There, you’ll enjoy a hearty included breakfast at a local restaurant and have time for any last-minute supplies, with a total stop of around 1 hour.
From Mollepata, you’ll continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where you’ll meet the muleteers and horses who will carry the camping equipment and duffle bags throughout the trek. This is where the hiking begins.
The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake starts at 3,900 meters and climbs to 4,200 meters, the lake’s location. The hike takes around 2 hours total: a gradual ascent for the first hour, followed by a steeper climb during the second hour.
Once at Humantay Lake, you’ll have 1 to 1.5 hours (weather permitting) of free time to admire the stunning turquoise waters, take photos, and learn more about the area from your guide. Afterward, you’ll begin the descent toward Quiswarniyoc campsite, where you’ll spend the night in our exclusive Sky Star Crystal Domes — about 1 hour downhill followed by 45 minutes of mostly flat trail.
You’ll arrive at Quiswarniyoc around 2:00 PM, where a delicious lunch will be waiting, prepared by your cooking team. After lunch, your guide will show you to your accommodations so you can rest. The rest of the afternoon is free for short walks around the area, taking in incredible views of Salkantay Mountain rising directly in front of the campsite.
Dinner is served around 6:00 PM, after which your guide will brief you on Day 2 — the most challenging day of the trek, reaching the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the entire route, before continuing on to spend the night once again in the Sky Star Crystal Domes.
Day 1 Summary
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Hiking distance: 10 km (approx. 6 miles)
- Trekking duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Campsite elevation: 4,000 meters above sea level
- Weather: Cold and windy nights during the dry season (May–August), with temperatures dropping to as low as -5°C
- Good to know: Day 1 is a great warm-up for acclimatization, helping you prepare for Day 2 — the most challenging day of the trek
Day 1 Inclusions
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Sky Star Crystal Domes
- Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
- Duffel bag (7 kg limit) carried by horses
- Guide for the entire trek
Night One: These Sky Star Domes are located in Quiswarniyoc, at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, offering travelers a breathtaking view of Salkantay’s glacier peaks. It’s the perfect luxury spot for photography, as well as for taking in stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Salkantay Pass (4,700 m) → Descent to Chaullay → Transfer to Lucmabamba Sky Star Crystal Domes
The day begins early, at 5 AM, with a cup of coca leaf tea (“té despierto”) brought by the kitchen team to help with altitude acclimatization. You’ll have about 30 minutes to get ready and pack before breakfast, served at 5:30 AM. After breakfast, you’ll have a short window for last-minute checks before setting off on the most challenging hike of the trek.
The ascent to Salkantay Pass begins around 6 AM. From Quiswarniyoc, the climb to the highest point of the trek — 4,700 meters above sea level — takes about 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace, with regular breaks every hour to rest and recover energy. The climb is manageable for well-acclimatized trekkers, with altitude being the main challenge rather than the terrain itself.
Once at the pass, you’ll spend 30 to 45 minutes taking in breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain up close, photographing the surrounding peaks, and learning from your guide about the area’s history and culture. Many groups also take part in a traditional ritual to give thanks to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits of Andean belief.
From here, the descent begins: a 2-hour hike down to Wayracmachay, where the cooking team will have a nutritious lunch waiting for you. After a short rest (weather permitting), you’ll continue with the final descent of the day, heading toward Chaullay.
This descent takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and, although slightly steep, offers incredible views as the landscape transitions from the high Andes to the lush Amazon cloud forest. At Chaullay, your driver will be waiting to take the group by vehicle (about 1 hour) to Lucmabamba, where you’ll spend the night at our exclusive Sky Star Crystal Domes.
Upon arrival at Lucmabamba (2,200 meters above sea level), your guide will show you to your accommodations. The day wraps up with a well-deserved, delicious dinner prepared by your cooking team a perfect way to recharge after a day that balances physical challenge with unforgettable Andean landscapes and cultural moments.
Day 2 Summary
- Difficulty: Challenging (the most demanding day of the trek)
- Highest Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft (Salkantay Pass)
- Hiking Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
- Hiking Time: Approximately 8–9 hours
- Overnight Elevation: 2,200 m / 7,218 ft (Lucmabamba)
- Weather: Cold at high altitude, becoming warm to hot as you descend into the cloud forest.
- Good to Know: Day 2 is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Cross the spectacular Salkantay Pass and descend into the cloud forest, enjoying breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding snow-capped peaks at your own pace.
Included on Day 2
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Overnight stay in our Sky Star Crystal Domes at the Lucmabamba Lodge
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Private transportation from Chaullay to Lucmabamba
- Horse service to carry your duffel bag (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs)
Night 2 Sky Star Crystal Domes: Spend the night in our exclusive Sky Star Crystal Domes at Lucmabamba Lodge. These unique 360° panoramic domes feature fully transparent walls and ceilings, allowing you to experience the surrounding nature from every angle. Relax in complete comfort, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the cloud forest, and fall asleep beneath a sky full of stars before waking up to spectacular mountain views.
Lucmabamba Coffee Tour → Llactapata Trek → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes
Today’s adventure starts at a more relaxed pace, with wake-up at 6:00 AM and breakfast at 6:30 AM, giving you time to pack before setting off around 7:00 AM from the Lucmabamba campsite toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.
The hike to Llactapata follows an original, well-preserved section of the Inca Trail and takes about 3 hours uphill. From this site, you’ll enjoy one of the most rewarding views of the entire trek: a unique, distant perspective of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding mountains, showing the citadel’s location within its dramatic landscape. After exploring the Llactapata ruins and taking in the views, you’ll begin the descent toward Hidroeléctrica.
This descent is the steepest of the trek, taking around 2 hours — trekking poles are especially useful here. Upon arriving at Hidroeléctrica, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant, followed by some time to rest before continuing your journey.
The final part of the day consists of an approximately three-hour walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), following the route alongside the railway tracks. Along the way, you can enjoy the surrounding scenery and see Machu Picchu from the valley.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will accompany you to your accommodation. If you do not yet have a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, your guide will assist you and accompany you to the Ministry of Culture office, where you can complete the process to purchase your ticket. There, you will be able to check the available visit date, entry time, and circuit.
Once this process is completed, you will continue with the scheduled program. Dinner will be served at approximately 7:00 PM at a local restaurant, followed by a final briefing from your guide with the necessary information for your Machu Picchu visit, according to the date, entry time, and circuit indicated on your ticket. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3 Summary
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Hiking distance: 24 km (approx. 15 miles)
- Trekking duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,700 meters at Llactapata
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,000 meters above sea level
- Weather: Hot
- Good to know: Day 4 combines a journey through Inca history at the Llactapata archaeological site with a scenic descent through the Amazon cloud forest, surrounded by untouched nature.
Day 3 Inclusions
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Transportation of your duffel bag (7 kg)
- Guide for the entire trek
Night 3: Tonight you’ll rest in the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) at a basic hotel featuring a private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, towel, and soap.
Machu Picchu Visit & Optional Return To Cusco
Day 4 of the Salkantay Trek is planned for your visit to Machu Picchu. However, your actual visit date will depend on the date, entry time, and circuit available on your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
If You Have a Machu Picchu Ticket for Day 4
If you already have a confirmed entrance ticket for Day 4, please send us your entry time and circuit details. Machu Picchu Team will assign a guide according to your ticket, and your guided tour of Machu Picchu is included in your Salkantay Trek package.
If You Do Not Have a Ticket for Day 4
If you were unable to obtain a Machu Picchu ticket for Day 4, you will need to stay additional time in Aguas Calientes until you obtain an available ticket. During this process, you should remain in contact with our customer service team and inform us as soon as your ticket is confirmed. Once you send us your confirmed visit date, entry time, and circuit, we will coordinate and assign a guide for your Machu Picchu guided tour.
Optional Return Transportation to Cusco
Once your Machu Picchu visit date and time are confirmed, we can also assist you in arranging your return transportation to Cusco, if requested. Return transportation is not included in the tour price and has an additional cost. You can choose between:
- Return by train: We can assist you with purchasing your train ticket and coordinating your return to Cusco. The price depends on train availability, departure time, and current ticket price.
- Return by car via Hidroelectrica: We can arrange transportation from Hidroelectrica to Cusco for an additional USD 15 per person. There is only one daily departure, at approximately 3:00 PM from Hidroelectrica.
All return arrangements can be coordinated once we know the confirmed date and entry time of your Machu Picchu ticket.
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Pre-Trek Briefing – 7:00 PM at the Machu Picchu Team Office in Cusco
The day before your Salkantay Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu, you’ll attend a mandatory briefing at 7:00 PM at the Machu Picchu Team office in Cusco. This is your opportunity to meet your trekking guide and fellow hikers before the adventure begins. During the briefing, your guide will explain the complete itinerary, daily hiking schedule, weather conditions, altitude, safety recommendations, and your exact hotel pick-up time. You will also receive your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and, if your package includes it, your train ticket for the return journey. You’ll be provided with a duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal belongings, which will be transported by horse throughout the trek. If you have extra luggage that you won’t need on the hike, you can safely store it at our office free of charge until you return to Cusco. If needed, this is also the perfect time to rent trekking poles or a sleeping bag, settle any remaining balance on your reservation, and ask your guide any questions before starting your Salkantay adventure. Please bring only your passport to the briefing for ticket verification.
Professional Guide for the Salkantay Trek 4 days and Machu Picchu
Your Salkantay Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu is led by a certified professional guide with extensive experience in high-altitude trekking and the Salkantay route. Your guide will accompany the group throughout the entire journey and also lead your guided visit to Machu Picchu, following the circuit and entry time indicated on your ticket. For your safety, every guide carries a first-aid kit and an emergency oxygen tank during the trek. Our guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication, reliable assistance, and a safe, informative experience from the beginning of the trek until your visit to Machu Picchu.
Hotel Pick-Up Between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM
Your Salkantay Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu includes early-morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Pick-up is scheduled between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM, depending on your accommodation’s location and the day’s route. Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed during the pre-trek briefing the evening before departure. Please be ready in your hotel lobby at the confirmed time. If your accommodation is located close to our office, you may also meet the group directly at the Machu Picchu Team office at 5:00 AM. All arrangements will be confirmed with your guide during the briefing.
Private Transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa
Your tour includes private transportation in a comfortable tourist vehicle from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek 4 days. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, allowing you to travel comfortably before meeting the trekking support team and beginning your hike.
7 kg Duffel Bag Service
During the pre-trek briefing, you will receive a duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal belongings. The bag will be transported by horse during the trek and delivered to each campsite, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack for your daily essentials. At the end of the trek, you may return the duffel bag to our office in Cusco or leave it there for safekeeping until you collect your remaining luggage.
Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
Throughout the Salkantay Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu, our experienced chefs prepare fresh, nutritious, and energy-rich meals for the group. Your tour includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and daily snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated at no additional cost. Please inform us in advance so our team can prepare accordingly.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Special Dietary Options
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary options are available at no additional cost. Please inform us of your dietary requirements when booking so our cooking team can prepare suitable meals throughout the trek.
Professional Cooking Team Throughout the Trek
Our dedicated trekking chefs travel with the group and prepare fresh, nutritious meals throughout the journey, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request, helping every traveler stay well nourished and energized during the trek.
Kitchen Equipment and Dining Utensils
All necessary cooking equipment, kitchen supplies, and dining utensils are provided and transported to each campsite by our support team. This allows our chefs to prepare and serve every meal safely, efficiently, and under the best possible conditions.
Muleteers and Pack Horses
A dedicated team of muleteers and pack horses supports the trek by transporting the camping equipment, food supplies, and each traveler’s duffel bag, with a maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs), including the sleeping bag. Thanks to this service, you only need to carry a small daypack with your daily essentials, while the rest of your belongings are delivered to the next campsite in advance.
Two Nights in Our Sky Star Crystal Domes
our trek includes two nights in our exclusive Sky Star Crystal Domes, designed with panoramic transparent walls and ceilings for an immersive experience surrounded by nature and under the stars. Each dome includes comfortable mattresses and pillows. You only need to bring a sleeping bag or rent one from us during the pre-trek briefing. The domes are normally arranged for two guests but are spacious enough to accommodate three or four people who wish to stay together.
One Night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Your package also includes one night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The room includes a private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, towels, and basic toiletries, allowing you to rest comfortably before your visit to Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Your tour includes an approximately 2.5-hour guided visit to Machu Picchu, led by one of our professional guides and organized according to the entry time and circuit shown on your ticket. During the tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the citadel while accompanying you through the authorized route. Depending on the circuit and current regulations, you may also have a short period of free time to enjoy the views and take additional photos. The guided service is included for all travelers, including those who purchased their Machu Picchu entrance ticket separately or obtained it in Aguas Calientes. Our team will coordinate the guide service according to the circuit and entry time assigned to each ticket.
Free Luggage Storage in Cusco
Machu Picchu Team offers complimentary luggage storage at our main office in central Cusco, just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. The service is available every day, including Sundays, from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing you to safely leave any extra luggage before your trek and collect it upon your return.
Emergency Oxygen and First-Aid Equipment
For your safety, every guide carries an emergency oxygen cylinder and a fully equipped first-aid kit throughout the trek, allowing them to provide immediate assistance when necessary.
Not Included
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket Not Included
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is not included in the tour price. You must purchase your ticket independently and choose your preferred available circuit, entry date, and time. Once you have purchased your ticket, please send us a copy so we can coordinate the Machu Picchu guided tour, which is included in your package.
Return Trip Options From Machu Picchu Not Included
Your return transportation to Cusco is not included in the tour price. You are responsible for arranging and paying for your return transportation independently. You can choose between the following options:
- Return by train: You can purchase a train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and arrange transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Return by car via Hidroelectrica: You can walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica and arrange transportation from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.
Machu Picchu Team can assist you in arranging either option at an additional cost. Once you have confirmed your Machu Picchu entrance date and time, please contact our team so we can help coordinate the most suitable return option.
Humantay Lake Entrance Ticket
On Day 1, you’ll visit the stunning Humantay Lake, which requires an entrance fee paid to the local Mollepata municipality. This costs 20 soles (approx. $6 USD) for international visitors and 10 soles (approx. $3 USD) for Peruvians. This fee must be paid in cash, in soles, directly at the lake’s entrance.
Sleeping Bag Rental
If you don’t have suitable cold-weather sleeping gear, we offer rentals for the full trip. Our sleeping bags are designed to handle temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), which is essential for the cold nights at higher altitudes. Rental costs $10 USD for the entire trek.
Trekking Poles
We also offer professional, adjustable trekking poles for rent. These provide valuable support across different terrain types, especially on steep ascents and descents, helping reduce strain on your knees and improve stability. Rental costs $10 USD for the entire trek.
Drinking Water Refills
While hot and cold beverages are provided at every meal, bottled or refilled drinking water is not included. Along the trail, you’ll find small local shops roughly every 4 hours selling 2.5-liter bottles of mineral water for 10–15 soles. Alternatively, you can bring your own water filter or purification tablets to refill from natural water sources along the way.
Internet Access
There’s no cellular signal from around 9 AM on Day 1 until you reach the second campsite, where Wi-Fi is available for 10 soles. From Day 3 onward, cellular signal and internet connectivity are generally available again.
Shower and Restroom Facilities
Restrooms at campsites are free to use, though some local facilities along the trail may charge 1 sol. Showers vary by location: the second camp offers hot showers for 10 soles, with cold showers available at no cost. On Day 3, you can use the hot springs, and on Day 4, hot showers are available at your hostel in Aguas Calientes. Due to the cold temperatures, there are generally no shower facilities at the first campsite.
Gratuities
Tipping is entirely optional and at your discretion. While it’s common practice across the tourism industry in Cusco, and trekking staff often appreciate it, no one is obligated to tip. At Machu Picchu Team, all staff receive fair wages — often higher than what other companies pay for similar treks — so tipping is a way to show appreciation, never a requirement.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the trek. We strongly recommend purchasing coverage before your trip, ideally from your home country, as arranging insurance once in Peru can be difficult.
What to Pack
Prices
Pricing
SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS TREK ONLY – 2026 AND 2027 SEASON PRICES
The price of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days – Trek Only is the same for adults, students, and children. There is no price difference between traveler categories because this package does not include the Machu Picchu entrance ticket or return transportation to Cusco. Adult, student, and child discounts apply only to packages that include Machu Picchu entrance tickets, where ticket prices vary by traveler category.
SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS TREK ONLY
Adult: $250 USD per person
Student: $250 USD per person
Child (Minor): $250 USD per person (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
Group Size
Our Salkantay Trek 4 Days Trek Only groups usually consist of 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16 participants. Travelers from different countries who book the same departure date are combined into one group. You can book as a solo traveler, couple, family, or group; you do not need to organize your own group. When a group has between 14 and 16 participants, we assign two guides: one lead guide and one assistant guide.
Student Price
For this Trek Only package, adults, students, and children pay the same tour price. Student and child discounts do not apply because the Machu Picchu entrance ticket is not included. The price difference between adults, students, and children applies only when a package includes a Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Therefore, no student ID is required to receive a different tour rate for this package.
Daily Guaranteed Departures
We offer daily guaranteed departures for the Salkantay Trek 4 Days Trek Only. You can book for your preferred departure date whether you are traveling alone or with others, and we will add you to the group departing that day. Because this package does not depend on the availability of Machu Picchu entrance tickets, you can book if you:
- Already have your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, or
- Plan to obtain your ticket directly in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Reservations can be made up to one day before departure, subject to operational availability.
Addons & Upgrades
Addons & Upgrades
Trekking Pole Rental – $10 USD
Adjustable, professional trekking poles for the entire trek, providing stability and reducing knee strain on steep terrain. Note: poles aren’t permitted inside Machu Picchu or during the optional mountain hikes. Reserve in advance or rent at our Cusco office.
Sleeping Bag Rental – $10 USD
Premium sleeping bags rated to -10°C with thermal liners, for a comfortable night’s rest even on the coldest evenings. Reserve when booking or rent upon arrival in Cusco.
Zipline Adventure (Day 3) – $25 USD
Add extra adrenaline to Day 3 of your Salkantay Trek with a zipline adventure in Lucmabamba, featuring 5 cables ranging from approximately 700 meters to 1 kilometer, crossing above the Salkantay River, plus a 300-meter Tibetan bridge suspended approximately 500 meters above the valley. The activity is professionally operated following established safety procedures. Book in advance through Machu Picchu Team for only USD 25 per person, compared with USD 35 when booking directly at the zipline location. Your reservation is also 100% refundable before starting the activity; if you decide not to participate for any reason, even after arriving at the zipline base, the full amount paid for the zipline will be refunded.
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS TREK ONLY
Booking the Salkantay Trek 4 Days Trek Only is simple and flexible. Since this package does not include the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, availability for the trek is not dependent on Machu Picchu ticket availability.
Book Online
You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred departure date and completing your reservation online. We operate daily departures for the Salkantay Trek 4 Days – Trek Only and have sufficient capacity for travelers who only want to book the trekking services. Even if Machu Picchu entrance tickets are sold out for your travel dates, you can still book this Trek Only option.
Book at Our Office in Cusco
You can also book the tour directly at our Machu Picchu Team office in Cusco. For this Trek Only option, we can accept last-minute reservations, including bookings made one day before departure, subject to operational availability.
Important Before Booking
Please remember that the Salkantay Trek 4 Days Trek Only does not include the Machu Picchu entrance ticket or return transportation to Cusco.
This option is ideal if you:
- Already have your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, or
- Plan to obtain your Machu Picchu ticket separately in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
You can select your preferred Salkantay Trek departure date independently of Machu Picchu online ticket availability.
Gallery
Photo Gallery
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