4-Day Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Sky Camp Stay
by Salkantay Trekking
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This 4-day short Salkantay trek begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco and a pre-departure briefing. The route starts near Soraypampa and passes Humantay Lake before climbing toward Salkantay Mountain. The trek covers rugged Andean terrain and descends toward the edge of the Cloud Forest. One night is spent at the Sky Camp, where guests stay in igloo-style tents designed for stargazing. Another night is at Mountain Sky View camp, and the final night is in a hotel. Meals are included daily except for lunch and dinner on the last day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, tea time, and snacks are provided on the trail. The trek is led by experienced mountain guides, supported by cooks and porters who carry up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of personal gear per person. Private camping facilities include dining rooms, kitchens, tables, and chairs. The tour includes entrance fees for the Salkantay trail, Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu (Circuit 2, or Circuit 1 or 3 if Circuit 2 is unavailable). Travelers use private transport throughout the itinerary and take the Tourist Class Train (Expedition or The Voyager) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. A one-way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is included. The itinerary also features a visit to a local coffee farm for cultural interaction. Optional add-ons include horseback rides on Day 1 or Day 2, a train transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, and hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains for an additional fee. Participants should be in good physical condition and arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimate to the altitude.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Begin your adventure with a pickup from your accommodation at 5:00 a.m. and enjoy a ride to Mollepata
150 min
In Mollepata, you will enjoy an energizing breakfast before heading to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike.
60 min
After about three hours of hiking along an ancient Inca canal, you will arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), home to our exclusive Sky Camp, where a delicious, freshly prepared lunch awaits you.
180 min
In the afternoon, ascend to the stunning Humantay Lake, whose turquoise waters reflect the sacred glaciers.
180 min
Enjoy the scenery before returning to camp for dinner and rest under a starry sky.
600 min
Wake up with a cup of coca tea and enjoy an energy-packed breakfast before beginning the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the trek.
60 min
At the summit, take in the views of the imposing Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo mountains, considered sacred apus by the ancient Incas. After enjoying the views, descend to Huayracmachay for a revitalizing lunch.
240 min
Then continue through the cloud forest, where the landscape transforms from snowy to tropical. Admire the lush vegetation before arriving at Collpapampa.
60 min
In Collpapampa, a hearty dinner and a restful night await you at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Camp.
600 min
Wake up at 6:00 a.m. and enjoy a nutritious breakfast before setting off on a five-hour hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. During the hike, you will enjoy lush scenery with rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. If you are lucky, you may see the cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird.
120 min
Upon arrival in Granadilla, a private vehicle will be waiting to take you to La Playa to visit an organic coffee farm and learn about the entire process, from harvesting to export-ready beans. After this enriching experience, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and continue our journey to the train station in Hidroelectrica.
120 min
From there, you will walk along a beautiful stretch surrounded by vegetation until you reach Aguas Calientes.
180 min
Once in Aguas Calientes, settle into your hotel, relax in your free time in the hot springs, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before resting.
660 min
Today we wake up very early for a light breakfast and board the first buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to arrive before the crowds and enjoy the sunrise over the ancient Inca ruins.
120 min
During a two-hour guided tour, you will explore temples, terraces, and sacred enclosures. If you wish, you can take an additional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required).
120 min
Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.
180 min
There, our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
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Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
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