Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
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:
Tour code:
10186
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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)
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
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Friday
Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 25, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jan 28, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Feb 25, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 26, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 03, 2025 - May 06, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 06, 2025 - May 09, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 10, 2025 - May 13, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 13, 2025 - May 16, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 17, 2025 - May 20, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 20, 2025 - May 23, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 24, 2025 - May 27, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 27, 2025 - May 30, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 27, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 28, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Nov 25, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 27, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Book 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.