Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights Backpack service

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable experience with the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a shorter but equally breathtaking alternative route to the famous Inca City. This trek is designed for travelers who want to experience the essence of the Salkantay in less time, without sacrificing the beauty or excitement of the trail.

For four days of adventure, you’ll traverse majestic Andean landscapes, towering glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and tropical rainforests, culminating in a visit to the stunning Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

The first day begins with a visit to the spectacular Humantay Lake, a natural paradise of emerald waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You’ll then spend the night at the private Quiswarniyoc campsite, enjoying the starry Andean skies.

The second day takes you to the highest point of the trek: the Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters above sea level. From there, you can admire the majestic snow-capped Salkantay mountain up close before descending to the warm Chawllay campsite, where you’ll experience the transition from the Andes to the Peruvian high jungle.

The third day is more relaxed and focused on culture. You’ll descend through the fertile Santa Teresa Valley, known for its coffee plantations, tropical fruits, and wild orchids. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Finally, on the fourth day, you’ll experience the most anticipated moment: the guided tour of the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There, you’ll discover its temples, terraces, and mysterious structures, while learning about its history, architecture, and spiritual connection to the mountains.

The 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is designed for those with less time but who are looking for a profound, efficient, and enriching experience. Unlike the 5-day trek, this version focuses on the best of the route, omitting stops such as the Cocalmayo hot springs or the Llactapata viewpoint, to ensure a faster arrival at the Inca sanctuary.

With a perfect combination of physical challenge, lush nature, and ancient culture, this trek offers an authentic connection with the Peruvian Andes and a triumphant entrance to Machu Picchu.

TRIP ITINERARY

The 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco, with scheduled hotel pickups between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. During this time, the guide will collect participants from their respective accommodations.
Once the group is assembled, they will depart Cusco around 5:15 am for the town of Mollepata, a two-hour drive. Upon arrival, they will enjoy a full breakfast at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price). This stop usually lasts about an hour, ideal for resting and purchasing any last-minute supplies.

After breakfast, they will continue for another hour to Soraypampa, where they will meet the team of muleteers and horses, marking the official start of the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Before beginning the trek, they will hand over their duffel bags to the transport staff.

The hike from Soraypampa (3,900 m) to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m) begins with a gentle one-hour incline, followed by a more demanding climb during the final hour. The entire ascent takes about two hours.

Upon reaching the lagoon, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery, free time for photography, and the guide’s explanations. The visit lasts between one and one and a half hours, depending on the weather.
Afterward, the descent to Quiswarniyoc Camp will begin, with a one-hour downhill hike followed by a 45-minute flat section.

Arrival at the camp is usually around 2:00 pm, where lunch prepared by the kitchen staff will be waiting. After lunch, the guide will assign individual cabins for you to rest. The afternoon is free to relax or take short walks exploring the surrounding area and admiring the views of Salkantay Mountain, which rises opposite the camp.

At 6:00 pm a hot dinner will be served, followed by a short informational talk about day 2 of the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, when the highest point of the entire route will be reached.

Total hiking distance:

10 km / 6.2 miles (5-6 hours).

Campsite altitude:

(4000m/13123ft).

Area:

Andes

Difficulty:

Moderate

Meals:

lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

Mountain Hut

Weather:

Expect cold and windy nights during the dry season (May to August), with temperatures potentially dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.

The second day of the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins early, at 5:00 am, with a hot coca leaf tea, known as “wake-up tea,” offered by the kitchen staff to aid acclimatization to the altitude. Breakfast is served at 5:30 am, followed by a short rest to prepare before beginning the ascent to the highest point of the trek.

From Quiswarniyoc to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m above sea level), the hike takes between 3 and 3.5 hours at a steady pace, with planned breaks to replenish energy. Although the ascent requires stamina, with proper acclimatization it is entirely achievable.

Upon reaching the pass, travelers will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains, with time to take photographs and connect with nature. The guide will share information about the spiritual significance of Salkantay Mountain and, conditions permitting, will lead a small Andean ritual of gratitude to the Apus, the mountain spirits.

Afterward, the descent to Wayracmachay begins, where the kitchen team will serve a well-deserved lunch. After a short rest, the trek continues for another 2.5 to 3 hours to the Chawllay campsite (2,900 m). The somewhat steep trail offers a beautiful change of scenery as you transition from the Andes to the Amazonian cloud forest.

Upon arrival, participants will settle into their tents and enjoy a hot dinner prepared by the kitchen team, perfect for regaining strength after the most challenging day of the trek.

Total hiking distance:

22 km / 13.7 ml (8 - 9 hours).

Campsite altitude:

(2,900 m / 15,584 ft).

Area:

Andes

Difficulty:

Challenging

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation:

camping tents

Weather:

Warm and hot at lower elevations.

The third day of the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins with a cup of hot tea at 5:30 am, offered by the kitchen team to energize you for the day. Afterward, you’ll have time to pack your belongings and enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on the day’s hike.

The route starts from Chawllay and leads to the Lucmabamba campsite, traversing the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley for 5 hours. This section offers a flatter terrain and allows you to appreciate the abundant biodiversity of the Andean rainforest: waterfalls, orchids, exotic birds, and fruit plantations. Upon arriving in Lucmabamba, you’ll experience an authentic coffee tour led by a local family.

During this tour, you’ll learn about the traditional coffee process—from harvesting and roasting to grinding—and taste a cup of aromatic Santa Teresa coffee, renowned for its intense flavor and smooth aroma. After this cultural activity, you’ll enjoy a lunch prepared by our kitchen team, perfect for replenishing your energy.

After lunch, you’ll take a 1.5-hour ride to Hidroeléctrica, the starting point for a 10-km (approximately 3-hour) hike to the charming town of Aguas Calientes. The trail follows the train route and offers a relaxing walk surrounded by lush vegetation.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel to rest, shower, and relax. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at 7:00 pm, where your guide will give you final instructions for the highly anticipated visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Walking distance:

25 km / 15 ml (8 to 9 hours)

Accommodation altitude:

2,040 m / 6,693 ft

Difficulty:

Extended day hike

Area:

cloud rainforest

Weather:

warm and humid

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

hostal in Aguas Calientes Town

Visit to the Lost City of the Incas

The last day of the 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins very early, after a well-deserved night’s rest in Aguas Calientes. At the crack of dawn, you’ll prepare for the most anticipated moment of the trip: the visit to the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu.

From your hotel, you’ll take a 25-minute bus ride to the entrance of the sanctuary. You’ll arrive just in time to witness the sun illuminating the ancient ruins, bathing the mountains in a breathtaking golden hue. This moment offers one of the most memorable views of the entire trek.

Your expert local guide will lead you on an approximately two-hour tour of the main archaeological sites: temples, terraces, staircases, and viewpoints. During the visit, you’ll learn about the history, architecture, and spirituality of the place that was once the heart of the Inca Empire.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore or, if you wish, take one of the optional hikes to nearby mountains (advance booking required and an additional cost of US$75.00):

Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft): The iconic mountain behind the archaeological site, with a steep 2-hour round-trip hike. Ideal for adventurers seeking unique panoramic views.

Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft): A wider and less challenging trail, with a total hike of 3 to 4 hours, perfect for enjoying the scenery from a privileged height.

After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to rest or have lunch before continuing your journey.
At 11:00 am, you’ll begin the 3-hour return hike to Hidroeléctrica, following the railway line through the jungle and along the rivers. From there, you’ll board the vehicle back to Cusco (departure at 3:00 pm, approximate arrival at 10:00 pm, with the final stop at Plaza Regocijo).

If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can enhance your experience by returning on the tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo—contact us for more details about this alternative.

Includes: Breakfast at the hotel.
Highlights: Guided tour of Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.

At the end of this journey, you can rest with the satisfaction of having completed one of the most impressive treks in Peru. Although the trek is over, the memories and energy of the mountains on the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will stay with you forever.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note that you can reserve these services even if you are only one person, because they are shared and all costs are in dollars. If you have any questions, please shoot us an email.

Upgrade your experience and optionally climb up to the following mountains below:

Huayna Picchu Mountain
Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)

You can climb the renowned mountain that appears in images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb, and the descent might be frightening if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this trip after your guided tour of Machu Picchu ends. Due to the high demand, permits must be provided at least one month in advance. Consider that there may be adjustments to maintain your integrity, primarily due to weather conditions.

The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain
Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3 – 4 hours)
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the mountains that surrounds the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The pathways are less steep, wider, and visually less intimidating than those at Huayna Picchu, with a 1.5 hour climb to the peak. This trek requires an entrance ticket, which we may obtain for you if we have enough time in advance.

The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure briefing
Attend our full briefing at 6:00 p.m. the day before your departure to ensure you’re trekking ready. To ensure a smooth setup, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a bespoke session with your tour guide.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary
Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2)
As soon as we get your complete information and the payment required to book your reservation, we will purchase all necessary permits. These permits are granted on a certain date and will be in your name. They cannot be altered under any circumstances. Changes to passport numbers are only permitted for renewal reasons. In that scenario, bring both your old and new passports.
Duffle Bag Service for 7 Kg
During the informational session, you’ll be given a duffel bag to store up to 7 kg of personal gear. Our staff will haul these duffle bags on horses for the duration of the walk, and you will have access to them at each campsite. This allows you to hike comfortably with only a daypack. When your trek is over and you return to Cusco, you can conveniently leave the duffle bags at your hotel.
Experienced Tour Guide
The official tour guide speaks both English and Spanish. All of our guides have completed a professional tourism program. We chose them because of their expertise, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbounded enthusiasm for exploration, and genuine desire to proudly convey our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable throughout your journey, allowing you to enjoy your time without concern!
Muleteer and Horse Team
Our dedicated muleteers and horses play an important part in ensuring a smooth trek. They are responsible for safely transporting all equipment and personal belongings to each campground. This includes food, camping supplies, sleeping bags, and personal stuff in your 7-kilogram duffel bags. They expertly pack and handle the bags to assure prompt delivery to each camp, even preparing for inclement weather such as rain. With their efforts, you may concentrate on the voyage while your belongings are safely and efficiently handled.
Convenient Hotel Pick-Up Service (4:30 – 5:00 am)
Start your tour with simplicity by utilizing our direct pick-up service from your Cusco hotel or Airbnb. Our team ensures a fast and smooth start between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., allowing you to focus solely on the excitement of your upcoming journey.
Private Group Transportation
Our service includes private transportation for your group from Cusco to the trek’s beginning site, Soraypampa. You’ll travel in a nice tourist car from Cusco to Soraypampa, where you’ll meet the support staff and begin your hiking trip. This journey by automobile takes about 3 hours and is a practical and effective method to begin your trek with leisure and pleasure.
Cooking Team
The chef and culinary workers are committed to producing the delectable meals you’ll enjoy along the Salkantay path. These cooks have been trained to manage food appropriately in isolated regions like the Salkantay Trek, and they are skilled at creating balanced and nutritious dishes to stimulate every traveler. They are skilled at producing vegetarian or vegan options and will be sensitive to any allergies or dietary constraints you may have.
Meals and Refreshments
Our tour includes three nutritious lunches, three delectable dinners, and three hearty breakfasts to keep you fueled for the journey. In addition, we provide morning teas and snacks at the camps for an extra boost. Notably, the first breakfast is not included with your package. All of these meals are expertly prepared by our professional kitchen crew to provide you with a balance of flavor and energy that you need for your journey.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining
We serve vegetarian and vegan meals and may accommodate dietary needs such as gluten-free choices. These adjustments have no additional cost; simply notify us when making your reservation.
Accommodations
Dive into nature’s embrace with our thoughtfully organized accommodations on the 4-day tour.
Night 1.- Spend 1 night in spacious panoramic hut
Night 2.- Spacious camping tents
Night 3.- Cozy hostel in Aguas Calientes town.
Our camp rooms are spacious enough to accommodate four people, however we normally limit them to two for increased privacy and comfort. We are, however, flexible and can accommodate parties of three or four who want to remain together. Each location has nice mattresses and pillows for a good night’s sleep. Please remember to bring or rent a sleeping bag. Expect a peaceful and comfortable refuge, strongly connected to the scenic wonders of your tour.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Your package includes a scheduled trip to Machu Picchu. Within this, we provide an exhaustive 2.5-hour guided tour led by one of our expert guides. The tour is tailored to the admission time and circuit of your ticket, enhancing your comprehension of this historic monument. Following the intriguing exploration.
One-way bus up CONSETTUR to Machu Picchu inka site
You’ll travel a short distance from your hotel to join a bus that will take you on a 25-minute drive to the entrance of the Inca fortress.
Return to Cusco by car
Begin a three-hour walk from Machu Picchu to the hydroelectric station by 11:00 a.m. This hike begins with a 30-40-minute descent and lasts around 1.5-2 hours on flat terrain along train tracks. Get to the hydropower station by 2:30pm to catch the 3:00pm car. The automobile ride takes approximately 6-7 hours and returns you to Cusco around 10 p.m., with a last stop at Plaza Regocijo in the city center.
Emergency Provisions
In preparation for emergency situations, the facility guarantees that during excursions, the tour guide is provided with an essential oxygen bottle and a fully filled first aid kit for fast assistance.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
Our guides have all undertaken specialist first-aid training. We undertake obligatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen on hand in case of a basic emergency (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, scratches, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we will promptly evacuate you from the path and transport you to a clinic for treatment.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication leading up to your trek.

What is not included?

Water along the trek
It is possible to buy in the campsites and in the local families’ mini markets, please, consider they don’t accept cards, only cash.
Hiking equipment
To camp, each of our travelers must provide a sleeping bag. Inflatable mattresses and hiking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but strongly encouraged. If you don’t have them, don’t worry; you can rent them from us.
Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
Trekking poles (pair): US$ 15.00
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the renowned mountain that appears in images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb, and the descent might be frightening if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this trip after your guided tour of Machu Picchu ends. Due to the high demand, permits must be provided at least one month in advance. Consider that there may be adjustments to maintain your integrity, primarily due to weather conditions.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the mountains that surrounds the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The pathways are less steep, wider, and visually less intimidating than those at Huayna Picchu, with a 1.5 hour climb to the peak. This trek requires an entrance ticket, which we may obtain for you if we have enough time in advance.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.
Return by touristic train
Our package, regularly includes the transportation back to Cusco by 6 our car, for your comfort and experience the return way landscapes you can consider the return
Expedition train service US$ 65.00
Vistadome Regular Train US$ 90.00
Vistadome Observatory train and private transportation to Cusco US$ 140.00
Bus down CONSETTUR from Machu Picchu Inka site
It is not included, it is optional and an additional US$ 12.00 extra. Or walk down 1.5 hours
Tips for our staﬀ
Tipping is customary on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire crew well, anything extra is always appreciated, especially given how hard they work. Typically, group members collect their tips to distribute to the porters and chefs collectively.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, inclement weather, itinerary alterations for safety reasons, disease, pandemic, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, acts of God, and so on.

What to Pack?

If you choose to hike the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days, you should pack appropriately for the five-day trek. Here are some important items to consider.

CLOTHING:

Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
Moisture-wicking hiking socks
Quick-drying pants
Lightweight t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt
Fleece jacket or sweater
Rain jacket and pants
Hat or cap
Gloves

SLEEPING GEAR:

Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you do not have you can rent one from the company
Pillow (optional)

TREKKING GEAR:

Backpack of 30 to 40 liters
Hiking poles, if you do not have you can rent from the company
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water bottle or hydration system
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Passport and necessary documents
Original student card if you apply for the student price
Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
Portable charger for electronic devices
Lightweight towel

Short Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu 4 days / 3 nights "Backpack service"

Trip Details

OVERVIEW

TRIP ITINERARY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION