Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

4 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru

Visiting: Cusco, Soraypampa, Aguas Calientes

Tour operator:

Bamba Travel

Tour code:

10186

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Challenging

Age range:

18-90

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $758 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day adventure with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru. Begin your trek from Cusco, traversing the majestic Andes to reach the stunning Humantay Lake and the challenging Salkantay Pass, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Experience the thrill of camping under the stars for two nights and enjoy a comfortable stay at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. With professional bilingual guides, you'll explore the iconic Machu Picchu at sunrise, immersing yourself in its ancient mysteries. This active adventure includes meals, transfers, and essential equipment, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a nature enthusiast, this trek promises awe-inspiring vistas and a deep connection with the rich cultural heritage of Peru.

Highlights

  • Hike to stunning Humantay Lake amidst towering Andes peaks.

  • Explore the iconic Machu Picchu at sunrise with a local guide.

  • Cross Salkantay Pass for breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.

  • Trek through the upper jungle with views of waterfalls and tropical plants.

  • Visit the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes with its cafes and shops.

  • Experience the panoramic views from the challenging Salkantay Pass.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cuzco-Soraypampa Camp, Peru

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Camp

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha, Trek to Soraypampa Camp (3,920m) (L/D)

Today we pick you up at 05:30am and travel by tourist-class bus to Mollepata (2,900m) where you can stretch your legs and buy snacks. Continue by car to Challacancha where we will make final preparations and double check our equipment. Embark on a 3-hour walk that will take us to Soraypampa (3,920m) where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains. Hike up to Laguna de Humantay (approx. 1.5 hours each way) for more incredible views of the Andes mountains and then return to camp for the night. Our first campsite is located at 3,920m and is the highest and coldest campsite of the trip. Take some time to rest up and enjoy your first night immersed in nature. Have dinner and go to sleep early.
Inclusions: Accommodation pick-up, Transfer Cuzco - Challacancha, 1N Camping, Meals 1L/1D (14km, 6hrs)

Day 2: Soraypampa Camp-Challhuay, Peru

Location: Soraypampa

Accommodation Name: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Challhuay or Colcapampa Camp via High Pass (4,650m) (B/L/D)
We will have breakfast at around 6:00 am and begin our 4-hour walk to the highest pass on this trek (4,650m) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Humantay on the left. (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass for 100 - 120 soles). From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible with a possibility of snow here. After a 2-hour downhill hike, a well-deserved lunch will be served at Huayracpampa, followed by another 3-hour trek to our campsite at Challhuay or Colcapampa as we near the beginning of the high jungle region at 2,900 meters.
Inclusions: 1N Camping, Meals 1B/1L/1D (22km, 910hrs)

Day 3: Challhuay-Aguas Calientes, Peru

Location: Aguas Calientes

Accommodation Name: 3* Hotel Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to La Playa, Transfer to Hydroelectric Station, Trek to Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)
After breakfast at 6:30 am, we start trekking for the day through the upper jungle crossing the Santa Teresa River and a variety of little brooks. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will have lunch at La Playa (2,200m) and continue by car to Santa Teresa town (1,700 meters) with a warmer climate. From here we will take another car to Hydroelectric Station (40 minutes) and then walk 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. There are internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for an extra cost.
Inclusions: Car La Playa - Santa Teresa Town - Hydroelectric Station, 1N 3* Hotel Aguas Calientes, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (24km, 9hrs)

Day 4: Aguas Calientes-Cuzco, Peru

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco(B)
Catch one of the first buses (05:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus to Cuzco. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco.Upon arrival you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.
DESCRIPTION OF MACHU PICCHU GUIDED SITE VISIT: The one and only, the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place. Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. When you decide to head back down to Aguas Calientes, there are buses departing every 15 minutes from the entrance or you can take the walking trail down if you feel like another 1 hour stair stepping downhill to Aguas Calientes town.
Take and OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 - 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.
Inclusions: Round trip Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo, Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco, 2-hour Machu Picchu Guided Visit, Meal 1B

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    The tour includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night at a 3-star hotel.

  • Transport

    Transport includes pick-up from Cuzco accommodation, various transfers, and round trip tourist bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

  • Activities

    The tour includes an active adventure trek with a professional bilingual guide.

  • Guides

    A professional bilingual guide is provided for the trek tour.

  • Extras

    Extras include a pre-departure briefing, Machu Picchu entrance fee, tent for 2 people, first aid kit, foam sleeping mat, and horseman and mules to carry equipment.

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport pick-up and drop-off are not included; you must make your own way.

  • Meals

    Day 1 breakfast, day 4 lunch and dinner, and bottled water are not included.

  • Sleeping Bag

    A sleeping bag is not included but can be rented for $15 USD for the trek.

  • Guide for Transfers

    A guide is not provided for bus and train transfers; these portions are on your own.

  • Accommodation in Cuzco

    Accommodation in Cuzco is not included.

  • Optional Services

    Optional services are not included.

  • Train Transfer

    Train transfer from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes is not included and costs 30 USD.

  • Huayna Picchu Trek

    The Huayna Picchu Trek is not included and costs 200 soles, requiring booking at least 2 weeks in advance.

  • Trekking Permit

    A trekking permit is not included.

  • Tips

    Tips for guides, assistant guides, horsemen, and cooks are not included.

  • Machu Picchu Mountain Hike

    The Machu Picchu Mountain Hike is not included and costs 200 soles, requiring booking at least 1 week in advance.

  • Trekking Permit Fees

    The Peruvian government may require a trekking permit for Salkantay, with rates around 133 soles for adults and 67 soles for students.

Mode of Transport

Experience seamless transportation with pick-up from Cuzco, transfers to various trek points, a round trip tourist bus to Machu Picchu, and a scenic train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Accommodation

Enjoy 2 nights of camping under the stars and 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel, providing a blend of adventure and relaxation during your trek.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

    During the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you will spend 2 nights camping and 1 night at a 3-star hotel.

  • Are meals included in the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

    Yes, meals are included. You will receive 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 2 snacks during the trek.

  • Is there a guide provided for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

    Yes, a professional bilingual guide will accompany you on the trek to Machu Picchu.

  • What is the highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek?

    The highest point reached during the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters.

  • What is included in the equipment for the Salkantay Trek?

    The equipment includes a tent for 2 people, a foam sleeping mat, and a first aid kit. Horsemen and mules are also provided to carry cooking and camping equipment, along with a total of 5 kilos for each trekker.

  • Is there an option to rent a horse during the trek?

    Yes, there is an optional horse rental available to reach the high pass for 100 - 120 soles.

  • What happens on the final day of the Salkantay Trek?

    On the final day, you will catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to explore the site with a guided tour. Afterward, you can explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes and then back to Cuzco.

  • Is there an age limit?

    No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.

Reviews of this operator

Jonas Nesset(Norway)  

The company is exceptional. When...

Dec 10 2019

The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!

Shane Alce(United Kingdom)  

For true explorers....

Aug 12 2019

For true explorers.

Marian Reder(Germany)  

To this day, this is...

Oct 2 2019

To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.

Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)  

The Bamba Team really made...

Jan 9 2020

The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable!

Braiden Rowe(United States)  

The tour was fantastic; I...

Feb 12 2020

The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!!

Aaron Davies(Australia)  

I only have good words...

Oct 23 2019

I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company.

Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)  

Bamba Experience has been the...

Jun 5 2019

Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!!

Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)  

We organized a trip through...

Feb 20 2020

We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again!

Marius Halvorson(Norway)  

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...

Jun 25 2019

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.

Alexis Helman(Australia)  

I had booked our Uyuni...

Jun 25 2019

I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba.

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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