A Walk of Many Experiences
After acclimating in the city of Cusco, capital of the majestic Inca Empire, join us on the express version of the ultimate trek to Machu Picchu, the 4 Days Salkantay Short Trek. This incredible route will take you to the glorious Humantay Lake, the savage Salkantay Mountain, down through the mysterious cloud forest, and to the brow of the Peruvian jungle.
Every night, you’ll enjoy sleeping in the comfort of our unique accommodation and delight in some of the tastiest dishes imaginable in the middle of the Andean mountain range. Our expert and professional guide will accompany you the entire route and share all they know about the region, the culture, and the history. Join us for an exciting journey in comfort and with the best company!
Short Salkantay Trek Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Accommodation
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
If you want to experience the best of the Salkantay Trek but don’t have enough time to enjoy the Classic 5 day version, this short 4-day trek is ideal for you. It combines an incredible trekking experience with visits to some of the most beautiful places in the world. You can join alone, in a group, or as a couple.
On this adventurous route, you’ll be in awe of the dramatic change in scenery from the snowy mountain peaks through the cloud forest and to the Peruvian jungle. With every step, you’ll be getting closer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and New World Wonder, Machu Picchu.
In addition to the amazing landscapes and scenery, you’ll get to visit some of the most sought-after destination spots on the globe. Along the route, stare in amazement at Humantay Lake and beat the challenging hike to the Salkantay Pass to come face to face with the imposing Salkantay Mountain. Of course, the biggest reward comes on day 4 when all your efforts culminate with a visit to Machu Picchu.
As you step inside the glorious Inca citadel, you’ll be transported back hundreds of years and be able to imagine what life was like back then. Your guide will fill your mind with history and conjure up pictures of ancient Inca life. You’ll also get the chance to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a spectacular view over the entire fortress. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets on the Salkantay Short 4 Days trek now and enjoy this life-changing experience for yourself.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Set off bright and early and head to Soraypampa before hiking up to the beautiful Humantay Lake. In the evening, gaze up at the stars from your igloo in our Sky Camp.
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Day 02
Soraypampa | Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Today, you’ll tackle the trek's highest point, the Salkantay Pass, and admire the Salkantay Mountain before descending through the Cloud Forest. You’ll spend the night at our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa.
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Day 03
Collpapampa | La Playa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a jungle hike in the morning before heading to Hidroeléctrica, from where you can walk or take the train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
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Day 04
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco*
The most exciting day has arrived! In the morning, you’ll explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Afterward, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
- Hike one of the 25 best trekking routes in the world, according to National Geographic, and one of the most incredible treks in South America.
- Enjoy the best alternative route to Machu Picchu in great company.
- Witness breathtaking views: snow-capped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, crystalline streams, cloud forests, and unique flora and fauna.
- Experience the drastic change of scenery and climate from the snow-capped mountains to the jungle, all on the same day.
- Sleep comfortably surrounded by the sounds of nature in our exclusive camp.
- Explore the magical and mystical Machu Picchu in the company of our expert guide, who’ll explain the history of the Incas.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Highlight of the day: Spend the afternoon admiring the spectacular Humantay Lake.
Hike to the Gleaming Gem in the Mountains
Wake up early to start your adventure. First, you’ll make a stop in Mollepata, where you will have a quick breakfast and continue to our starting point, Challacancha. From there, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour relatively flat hike to Soraypampa, where our first camp, where you will enjoy a delicious meal and have time to settle into your Sky Camp igloo.
In the afternoon, we will climb up to the glorious Humantay Lake on an approximately three-hour round-trip trek. Once at the top, you will have plenty of time to take in the beautiful views of the mountain jewel and catch your breath. Afterward, we will return to Soraypampa for dinner and head to your igloo to rest while gazing at the stars.
Today you will get an early start on this adventure. We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and travel for approximately two hours to have a quick breakfast in Mollepata. Our transportation includes cozy blankets in case you need to sleep for a few more minutes. After feeding and resting a bit, we’ll drive for another hour to the starting point of the trek in Challacancha.
Before we start our trek, you will meet the muleteers and cooks who are part of the team and do a final check of your luggage. Then, we will begin our relatively easy three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our first camp is located. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful glaciers and a deep valley. Also, you will see that an Inca water channel follows us most of the way and is still used by farmers in the area to this day. This stretch has a length of 7 km / 4.35 miles.
Once in Soraypampa, you’ll have some time to get settled into your cozy igloo in our Sky Camp and enjoy your first lunch cooked by our talented chefs. There’s no doubt you’ll be amazed by their talents in the middle of the mountains. Once you’re full of energy, we’ll begin our afternoon trek up to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), often called the jewel or gem in the mountains, and you’ll see why once you reach the top.
The round trip is around 2:30 hours long and covers 3 km / 1.86 miles. The distance may seem short, but you may get tired due to its high altitude. You need to go slowly. When you reach the stunning lagoon, you'll have plenty of time to catch your breath, enjoy the fantastic scenery and contemplate its turquoise waters in contrast to the snowy backdrop. The views here are truly like something out of dreamland.
Once we return to camp, you will have time to enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset behind the mountains. It's hard to describe the energy of this place, but the inner peace is as close as it gets. Then it's time to head back to your Sly Camp for a good night's sleep and contemplate the constellations.
Soraypampa | Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Highlight of the day: Witnessing the energy and hugely powerful gigantic Salkantay Mountain.
The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Amazon Jungle
Today is the most challenging, but the reward will be great as you will get fantastic views of wonderful landscapes. After tasting our breakfast, we will hike for approximately three hours to the Salkantay pass, where we will spend time taking pictures of the incredible panorama. Afterward, we will descend through the cloud forest to the lunch spot before continuing to the jungle's edge amidst exotic scenery. Finally, we will arrive at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite in Collpapampa for the night.
In the morning, you will wake up with the day's first rays and see the Apu Salkantay while enjoying an energizing coca tea. Afterward, you will have a nutritious breakfast before embarking on the 7 km trek for approximately three hours to the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). It is a difficult ascent along the "path of the 7 snakes" because of its winding path.
Once at the top, you will appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys and the Salkantay mountain right in front of you (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). It boasts the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, and it’s considered an Apu (Inca God). You will also be able to observe the mountains: Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After enjoying the views and rest, you will start descending (7 km / 4.35 mi) to our lunch point at Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This section is rocky and steep but has impressive views of the surrounding valley.
After a revitalizing lunch, you will enter the edge of the rainforest, also known as the "cloud forest." This section has a distance of 9.5 km / 5.9 mi and lasts approximately three and a half hours. Along the way, you will enjoy the verdant rainforest and witness how the scenery changes rapidly and drastically from the Andes to the Amazon. You will observe colorful landscapes, unique fauna, and native plants and feel the warmer climate.
After a long day of hiking, you will be glad to arrive at Collpapampa for the night. Finally, we will serve you a hearty meal before resting at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.
Collpapampa | La Playa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Hiking through the lush jungle and reaching the base of Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes.
The Final Stretch to Aguas Calientes
In the morning, we will begin our hike to La Playa and contemplate the magnificent jungle landscape surrounding us. Along the way, you will observe flora and fauna unique to the area. Once at La Playa, we will enjoy our last delicious lunch prepared by our chefs and watch a coffee demonstration before heading into our private transportation to the train station in Hidroelectrica.
Afterward, you can take a three-hour hike along the tracks through lush vegetation above the Urubamba River or board a train to Aguas Calientes (not included in the program). Once in Aguas Calientes, we will go to our hotel before exploring the small town and tasting a delicious dinner at a good restaurant. You will have to go to bed early to wake up before sunrise.
We’ll wake you up at 6:00 am today for a quick breakfast before beginning our hike to La Playa through the stunning Santa Teresa valley. This morning, you can enjoy soaking up the new lush landscape over a 5-hour trek. You’ll be able to spot rivers, wild orchids, and lots of plantations, including coffee, banana, and avocado. You’ll also get to savor the granadilla and passion fruit on the route.
We will continue our hike and then keep going to the bottom of the mountains to cross to the other side of the valley. In this tropical section, we’ll be accompanied by waterfalls, birds, fruit trees, flora, and fauna.
When we reach La Playa, it’ll be time to enjoy our last lunch prepared by our incredible chefs as we relax and watch a show all about coffee. After we’ve had some time to rest a little more, we’ll board the private transport that’ll take us to Hidroelectrica train station. From there, we’ll hike alongside the tracks surrounded by lots of vegetation and joined by the Urubamba River. However, if you feel exhausted, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes for an extra US$ 37.00.
Among the tropical paradise, you’ll see more plantations and beautiful plants as well as a huge variety of birds, including the national bird of Peru, the cock of the rocks (El Gallito de las Rocas).
After three hours of hiking, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes; from here, we will take you to your hotel to relax in your comfortable room with a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast in the morning, and luggage storage that will allow you to leave your things while you go on a visit to the town's hot springs. In the evening, we will meet for dinner at a prestigious restaurant before returning to the hotel to rest. Tomorrow you will have to get up before sunrise and start our last adventure to the majestic Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco*
Highlight of the day: Know every inch of the incredible lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Explore the Astounding Inca Fortress: Machu Picchu
(3 - 4 hours) Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation
(2 hours) Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation
(1.5 hours) Huchuy Picchu Mountain Elevation
Today our trip has an incredible ending, as you’ll wake up before dawn to reach the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, and thus avoid the arrival of large groups. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours and then have the possibility to take one of the additional hikes on Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain that will allow you to get a fantastic view of the entire citadel.
In the afternoon, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes and have time for lunch at a restaurant of your choice before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will be waiting for you to return to your accommodation in Cusco, taking the best memories of the trip with us.
Today’s the day you’ve longed since you set foot on the trail. You will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu! We’ll wake up while it’s still dark after enjoying a restful night’s sleep in our hostel. We like to begin this final day early to beat the large crowds at Machu Picchu and enjoy the soft morning light hitting the massive rocks. The entrance opens at 6:00 am, and we want to be one of the first inside.
From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a bus up to the Inca citadel before entering and gazing in awe at the incredible construction. Once in the complex, you’ll enjoy a tour of approximately two hours with your guide and visit the most essential parts: houses, temples, terraces, and cultivation fields, among others. You’ll truly be amazed by the Incas' ingenuity, which remains a mystery to this day.
The ancient culture didn’t have modern tools or even iron or steel to work with. Those who constructed the city were geniuses in organizing this community sustainably and beautifully on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals and aqueducts through its streets for the people to use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and disrepair. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world.
After your incredible guided tour of the citadel, you’ll have the chance to enjoy one of the additional hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tickets must be booked in advance. You’ll be able to contemplate an incredible view over the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the best panoramas in the world.
You need to ensure you come back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy some lunch before you catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your train time will depend on availability. In Ollantaytambo, our private transport will await you to transport you back to your accommodation in Cusco. You’ll now be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest, although your heart will be soaring high in the Andes like a condor for years to come.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Day 1: Entry Ticket to Humantay Lake & the Salkantay Trek
Day 4: Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
The "Machu Picchu Circuit 2" ticket offers the most complete tour of the Machu Picchu citadel and is also the most requested. For this reason, we recommend booking it well in advance to secure your entry.
Circuit 2
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You'll meet with your guide for an orientation the evening before the trek. The meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. at our main office in Cusco.
Experienced Tour Guide
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified in safety and quality service. Chosen for their experience, responsibility, and passion for exploration, they take pride in sharing our culture and history. With their guidance, you’ll stay informed, safe, and comfortable, ensuring a worry-free adventure and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
One Duffle Bag
For the trek, you’ll receive a duffel bag to pack your personal belongings, with a maximum weight limit of 5 kg (11 lb), which will be carried by our staff.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have specialized first aid training and attend mandatory training sessions every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit and oxygen to handle basic emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If needed, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Backpack Cover & Rain Poncho
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You'll receive a cover to protect your backpack and a poncho for extra comfort and protection along the way.
Professional long-range walkie-talkies
Walkie-talkies optimize communication, ensuring quick response and coordination in key situations and locations.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Exclusive Campsites
Like our ancestors, we’re very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). For this reason, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts.
Campsite Facilities
Our campsites are designed for your comfort and convenience:
- Bathrooms: Shared bathrooms are available at our Sky Camp, while our Mountain Sky View Campsite offers private bathrooms.
- Showers: Enjoy refreshing showers at the Mountain Sky View Campsite.
- Dining & Kitchen Areas: Each campsite features spacious dining rooms and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring you can enjoy your meals comfortably and worry-free.
- Our mules transport all fresh cooking supplies.
Day 3: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Enjoy your final night in a cozy hotel with a double, matrimonial, or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you explore Machu Picchu.
Meals
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the Trail
We’ll provide boiled, warm water after each meal on the trail. Make sure to bring an empty water bottle or camel bag for refilling—we recommend a 2-liter capacity.
Wake up tea
On the second day, you'll wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, delivered straight to your bed—perfect for warming up before you start the day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
During the trek, every afternoon before dinner, our cooks will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot water. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to unwind, warm up, and enjoy a tasty treat!
Daily snacks on the trail
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks—perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout your trek!
Transportation
Transportation for Your Group on the Salkantay Trek: Door-to-Door, Hassle-Free Service
- Day 1: You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transportation to Challacancha, the trek’s starting point.
- Day 3: Private transportation from La Playa to Hidroelectrica.
- Day 4: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 4: One-Way Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Day 4: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Expedition Machu Picchu by PeruRail or The Voyager to Machu Picchu by Inca Rail (trainf options and schedules subject to availability).
Personal Belongings Transportation
- On days 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your baggage allowance (5 kg / 11 lb). Muleteers will take care of your duffle bag and personal items.
- On Day 3, your duffle bag will be transported by van and then by train.
What Is Not Included?
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- US$ 20.00 per person
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
- US$ 20.00 per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Up for a challenge? Climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu. This 45-minute uphill trek rewards you with breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re afraid of heights, push through—the reward is truly worth it!
- Cost: US$ 60 per person
- Booking: Reserve 2–3 months in advance due to high demand.
- Entry Times:
- 7:00 a.m.
- 9:00 a.m. (recommended)
With your 6:00 a.m. Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance, you’ll have time to climb Huayna Picchu after your guided tour. This portion is completed independently, following your guide’s instructions. For a more personalized experience, a private guide is available for an additional fee of US$ 120.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the breathtaking peaks that surround the archaeological site. Its trails are less steep, wider, and less intimidating than those of Huayna Picchu, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more relaxed climb. Reaching the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers unforgettable panoramic views. This hike requires an entrance ticket, which we can secure for you in advance upon request.
- Cost: US$ 60 per person
- Entry Times:
- 6:00 a.m.
- 8:00 a.m.
Since your Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance is at 6:00 a.m., you can choose to add a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket for 8:00 a.m., pausing your guided tour of the citadel to complete the hike independently, following your guide’s recommendations.
Return bus ticket Consettur from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
Optional Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
Optional Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass (Day 2)
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 3)
If you feel exhausted or unwell after the hike from Collpapampa to La Playa, you have the option to take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
- US$ 40.00 per person
Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
While our team receives fair salaries, any additional gesture is always appreciated in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Participants often choose to pool their tips and present them directly to the hiking team or through their guide.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative for the Inca Trail trek and better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) is not too strenuous nor very steep since it is at the beginning of the trek. Still, it does require stamina and a little time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before beginning the trek.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffle Bag or Travel Bag
The evening before the trek, we'll provide you with a duffle bag to pack your clothes and personal gear needed for the trip. Our horsemen will carry it on the route and hand it to you once you get to each camp. Please note that you will not have access to your items in the bag until the end of each day.
The maximum weight allowed is 7 kg / 15.4 lb, including the weight of your sleeping bag, clothes, and other personal items. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.4 x 8.7 in).
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Private & Exclusive Campsites
Sky Camp
Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an exceptional view of the constellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.
- Location: Soraypampa
- Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Igloos: 26
- Capacity: 2 people per Igloo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Mountain Sky View
Our campsite Mountain Sky View is a warm mountain accommodation and our novelty this year, and it’s with great pleasure that we prepared this place for all those looking for a glamping experience surrounded by nature. Each one of its individual Andean Sky Huts counts with a private bath besides spectacular tropical mountain views. You’ll find peace under the shining stars listening to the voices of wildlife and the whispers of the river in the valley.
- Location: Collpapampa
- Altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Cabins: 10
- Capacity: 2 people per Sky Hut
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Selected Hotels
We offer a set of well located hotels with very comfortable and tasteful decorated rooms. You will find them impecable, clean rooms and beds, adequate toilets and showers. A perfect place to rest before the great day!
- Location: Aguas Calientes
- Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Type: Double, Matrimonial, and Triple
- Meals: Breakfast
"Short Salkantay Trek" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 595.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 300.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 295.00 (Typically paid in Cusco two days before the start of your expedition)
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal and our credit/debit card payment gateway, Niubiz, charge a 5% processing fee for online deposits. We kindly request that our clients cover this fee, as it is necessary to use their secure service. Please be aware that this fee only applies to online deposits. If you choose to pay the full amount or remaining balance in cash, there will be no additional charges.
Hotel
All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the village rather than camping (shared room included in the trek cost). If you’d like to upgrade your hotel or prefer a single room, please consider that there will be an additional cost.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Huayna Picchu: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 50.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 30.00
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 50.00
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo): US$ 70.00
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure. The promotional prices only apply to confirmed departures, otherwise the normal price will be applied. You can enhance your Peru Adventure with a variety of optional extensions. Please note that promotional prices are valid only for confirmed departures. For any other dates or changes, the regular price will apply.
- City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Andean Textiles, Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Qeswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17-years-old or younger, and we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 392, Office 212 (2nd Floor), Cusco, Peru
From May to mid-August, tickets to Machu Picchu —especially for Circuit 2, which we include— are mostly sold out. For new bookings made from March 1st onward, if Circuit 2 is unavailable on your selected date, we’ll provide access to Circuit 1 or 3 at no additional cost. Both are excellent alternatives, subject to availability.
