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is the best alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail, shorter and only four days long, leading to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay. This high-altitude trek is famous for its fantastic views, such as the Humantay snow-capped mountain at an altitude of 6000 meters above sea level and at its foot, the Turquoise Lagoon, also with the same name, at an altitude of 4250 meters above sea level, as well as the Salkantay snow-capped mountain with a height of 6200 meters above sea level that enchant travelers, even if the Salkantay Trekking experience does not include visits to any other Inca monument apart from Machu Picchu.
But if for the different microclimates, starting from the mountains and crossing through the cloud forest, where you can appreciate a very varied flora of the most outstanding are the passion fruit, ferns, orchids, bromeliads, bamboos, coffee plantations, papayas and many more, as well as a variety of fauna such as the Andean Condor, some hummingbirds, vizcachas, toucans, and the most outstanding, the national bird of Peru, called the Cock of the Rocks, ending in Machu Picchu.
In general, the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is for adventurous people and embarks on the heart of the Andes, where National Geographic named it one of the 25 dream trails that you expect to take this tour with the Go Treks Peru agency.
The Short Salkantay Trek 4 Days is tailored for efficiency, differing from the 5-Day version in its pace and focus. While the 5-Day trek allows for leisurely pursuits like soaking in the hot springs and trekking to the Llactapata viewpoint of Machu Picchu, the 4-Day variant optimizes your time. This approach omits certain activities to ensure a timely arrival at Machu Picchu, making it the ideal option for those with limited time who are eager to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Salkantay trail and the majestic Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco with hotel pickups scheduled between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. During this period, the guide will gather participants from their respective hotels in Cusco. After assembling the group, you will depart from Cusco around 5:15 AM, heading towards the town of Mollepata by car, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Mollepata, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local restaurants, included in the tour. Typically, the stay in Mollepata, including breakfast and last-minute supplies shopping, lasts about an hour.
Day Summary
Early Morning Awakening:
Breakfast:
Ascent to Salkantay Pass:
Time at Salkantay Pass:
Descent to Lunch Spot:
Post-Lunch Rest and Second Descent:
Arrival at Chawllay:
Day Summary
Morning Start:
Trek from Chawllay to Lucmabamba:
Coffee Tour Experience:
Lunch at Lucmabamba:
After Lunch: Journey to Aguas Calientes:
Day summary
The final day of our tour is a thrilling experience:
Alternative Route: Bus to Machu Picchu
Arrival and Entry Procedures
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Independent Exploration Time
Post-Visit Itineraries
IMPORTANT NOTE: ITINERARY FOR THE LAST DAY AT MACHU PICCHU
At Go Treks Perú, we offer fair and transparent pricing for the Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu. Here’s everything you need to know:
Our prices reflect the value of a quality experience, including expert guides, all necessary permits, and logistical support. We ensure that every part of the journey is organized for your comfort and enjoyment.
Booking Information & Important Notice
From July to October, tickets for Machu Picchu—especially for Circuit 2, which is included in our package—are often sold out. For bookings made from March 1st onwards, if Circuit 2 is unavailable on your chosen date, we will offer access to Circuit 1 or 3 at no extra charge. Both are excellent alternatives, subject to availability.
If you meet all the requirements, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to gotrekstoperu@gmail.com at the time of booking. Submitting the ID after booking will not qualify you for the student discount.
Making your Reservation: Booking the Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu is easy. You can pay using any debit or credit card. A 2.9% processing fee will apply to the customer. For clients in the United States, we offer the option to pay via bank transfer without extra charges.
Remaining Balance Payment: If you only pay the deposit, the remaining balance is due upon arrival in Cusco at our Go Treks Peru office, at least 24 hours before the tour starts. You can pay the balance in cash (either in soles or dollars) or by card (with an additional 3.9% fee). Alternatively, you can pay the remaining balance online through our website with a 3.9% fee.
Full Payment Option: You also have the option to pay the full cost of the tour at the time of booking. In case you need to cancel, we will refund the total amount, minus the non-refundable $180 deposit.
Packing efficiently for the 4-day Salkantay trek is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a detailed packing list to guide you:
Horses will transport up to 7 kg of your gear, including your sleeping bag.
For Machu Picchu, bags over 25L are not permitted inside. Larger bags must be stored outside.
Notes
Following this comprehensive list will help ensure a memorable and comfortable experience during your Salkantay trek.
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days is a stunning alternative to the classic Inca Trail, crossing landscapes ranging from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests, culminating in the majestic Machu Picchu.
Training: 6–8 weeks of cardio, trekking with a backpack, and leg strength training. (Training Guide)
Acclimatization: Arrive in Cusco (3,400m) 2–3 days before the trek to avoid altitude sickness. (Acclimatization Tips)
Hydration: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. Avoid alcohol. (Health Tips)
Prevention: Drink coca tea, take altitude medication if necessary, and walk at a steady pace.
Book in advance: It’s recommended to book 4–6 months ahead of your trek. (Booking Guide)
Travel insurance: Essential for covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. (Insurance Recommendations)
If you’re wondering which trek is better, the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, it really depends on what you’re looking for. The Inca Trail is more moderate, offering a mix of beautiful landscapes and Inca ruins over four days. It’s popular, so you’ll need to book early. On the other hand, the Salkantay Trek is a more challenging route with spectacular mountain views, wildlife, and less crowded paths. It’s perfect for hikers who want to experience a quieter adventure and amazing high-altitude scenery.
The Salkantay Trek is considered moderately difficult. It’s not an easy walk, as it has steep climbs and high-altitude sections. Most people will find it challenging, but it’s not impossible if you’re in good physical shape. You should also spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting the trek. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even if you’re very fit. The trek covers around 72 km (45 miles) over 4 days.
Mount Salkantay is famous for being one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region. It stands at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) and is revered as “Savage Mountain”. The trek takes you close to its base, where you can hear avalanches in the distance. Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters, offers breathtaking views and is the highest point on the trek. It’s a sacred mountain in Peruvian culture and is known for its stunning, rugged beauty.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek includes all the incredible views of the 5-day trek but in a quicker format. You’ll see snow-capped mountains like Salkantay and Humantay Lagoon, hike through cloud forests, and pass stunning lakes like Salkantay Lake. It’s a challenging but rewarding route, and the trek finishes with a visit to Machu Picchu. The entire trek covers around 69 kilometers (42.87 miles) over 4 days.
The main difference between the 4-day and 5-day Salkantay Treks is the pace. In the 4-day trek, you climb to Salkantay Pass on the first day, making it a more intense start. The 5-day trek allows for a slower pace, giving you an extra day to enjoy the landscapes and visit Llactapata or other viewpoints. The 5-day trek is great for those who want a more relaxed experience, while the 4-day trek is better for those with less time but still looking for an adventure.
The Salkantay Trek is about 69 kilometers (around 42.87 miles) long. It can be completed in 4 days or 5 days, depending on the itinerary you choose. The trail takes you through diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to cloud forests and jungles, ending at Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek reaches impressive elevations. You’ll start at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) at Challakancha, then climb to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,400 feet). Afterward, the trek descends through cloud forests and jungles to Machu Picchu, which sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet). Altitude can be tough, so make sure to acclimatize in Cusco for a few days before starting.
The Salkantay Trek is more strenuous than the Inca Trail. While the Inca Trail is moderate and great for those looking to mix nature with Inca archaeology, the Salkantay Trek is a more challenging route with higher altitudes and rugged terrain. If you’re fit and want to experience dramatic mountain landscapes, the Salkantay Trek is the right choice. However, the Inca Trail is better for those seeking a historical and scenic trek with more comfortable camps.
The Salkantay Trek is special for its incredible mountain scenery, wildlife, and less crowded trail. Unlike the more popular Inca Trail, this trek lets you experience the beauty of the Andes with fewer people around. You’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, from high-altitude peaks to lush cloud forests and jungle. Plus, you’ll have the chance to see Humantay Lagoon and the massive Salkantay Mountain, one of Peru’s highest peaks.
The Salkantay Trek is 69 kilometers (42.87 miles) long, and it takes about 4 days to complete. The route is quite scenic, passing through rugged mountain terrain, cloud forests, and tropical jungles, all the way to Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek can typically be completed in either 4 days or 5 days, depending on how much time you have. The 4-day trek is faster-paced, while the 5-day trek allows for a more leisurely experience, with additional activities and rest time at campsites.
The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. These months offer clearer skies and more predictable weather. However, the trail is open year-round, and the wet season (from October to April) can also offer a quieter experience, though it comes with a higher chance of rain.
The ancient Inca Trail 4 Days, was originally part of the Inca Road system interconnecting the Inca Empire. This classic trek hike through diverse scenery. The Salkantay Trek, on the other hand, is more strenuous and famous for its mountain scenery.
For an average traveler or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Plus, all trekkers should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco before the trek, to get acclimatized. Being extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.
The entire hike is approximately 72 kilometers (approximately 45 miles), and this hiking takes place for 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.
The most notable landmark on the Sakantay trek is Mount Salkantay, for which the trail is named. Mount Salkantay (or Nevada Salkantay / Salcantay) is the most well-known mountain in the vicinity of Cusco. Additionally, it is the highest peak in the Willkapampa range.
The summit is approached by hikers on the Salkantay trail from the south. On the first night, you can occasionally hear avalanches from your campsite in the valley below this alpine peak.
On day two, trekkers ascend the Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters / 15,400 feet). At the summit of this pass, the mountain will be in proximity. This elevation also offers breathtaking views of the valley below. This mountain is revered within the culture of Peru. It is difficult to ascend, and there have been few expeditions to its summit.
The 4 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu includes every highlight of the Classic 5 Days Salkantay Trail only at a faster pace. You will admire snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes such as the Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Lake, and pass through the cloud forest and the Peruvian jungle.
The length of the Salkantay Trek is approximately 69 kilometers/42.87 miles. There are variations in the route depending on where you begin and with whom you trek.
Typically, the trek is completed in 5 days and 4 nights, with a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. However, it is also possible to complete the expedition in 4 days and 3 nights.
The Salkantay Trail connects Cusco to the Citadel of Machu Picchu and runs approximately 89 km/55 miles through high Andean peaks, cloud forests, and steamy jungles. The hike starts at the village of Mollepata, a few miles from Cusco.
The Salkantay Peak – Savage Mountain – is located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, to the northwest of Cusco. Salkantay is one of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Andes (6,271m/20,574ft).
National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named the Salkantay trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World
On the 4-day Salkantay Trek, we will walk through the same beautiful and scenic landscapes as the 5-day Trek. The difference is that we will climb to the Salkantay Pass on the first day of the trek instead of the morning of the 2nd day. We will also stay in different campsites along the trail than the 5-day Salkantay Trek.
to show the image Salkantay trek 4 or 5 days map
| Inca Trail Hike | Salkantay Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenery | Mountains, cloud forests, and Incan Archaeological Sites | Mountains and abundant wildlife |
| Distance | 26 miles over 4 days | 46 miles over 5 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate (3/5) | Strenuous (4/5) |
| Highest Altitude | 13,828 feet | 15,000 feet |
| Availability | 200 people per day, book in advance. More customizable than Salkantay. | No permit restrictions, an average of 50 hikers per day. |
| Facilities | Mid-range camping or luxury glamping. Porters are available to carry gear. | Options range from rudimentary camping to luxury lodges. |
| Best For | Travelers in good hiking shape who value comfortable camps and don’t mind a popular trail. | For experienced hikers who want to get off the beaten path and value solitude, mountain scenery, opportunities to view wildlife, and a wider range of overnight options. |
The cloud forest and the high Andes on the way to Machu Picchu. Fantastic vistas of Apu Salkantay (which means “savage mountain” in Quechua) at 20,574 feet, Cusco’s second-highest peak, await you along the route (6,271 m). This route to Machu Picchu takes travelers through less-visited regions rich in history and heritage, as well as beautiful flora and fauna unique to Peru. There is no better way to obtain a feel for Andean culture than by spending time in the genuine Andes under ideal weather circumstances.
The city of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level (masl), is the starting point for the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. After a four-hour bus ride from Cusco, you’ll arrive at the trailhead at Challakancha, 3,800 meters above sea level, and begin your hike surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Beginning in the Soraypampa region, the ascent continues to the 4,650-meter-high Salkantay Pass. This means that between the time you leave Challakancha and the time you reach the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, you will gain a height of 850 meters.
You’ll need to take it easy and take in the scenery along the Salkantay trail in order to make it over the significant altitude changes. Each day will involve an average of six to eight hours of walking and the gain or loss of many meters in height. The only day of your TREKKING where you will walk less than usual and gain some elevation will be the last. Due to your exploration of the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu, you will ascend 850 meters in elevation and drop 3,150 meters to reach the Santa Teresa region.
One of the few hikes that allow you to see the Andes from a more manageable altitude is the Salkantay Treks. Although you won’t be climbing to extremely lofty altitudes on this hike, you’ll still be in close proximity to some impressive peaks
The elevation of the Salkantay Trek is very different each day and the standard route of the Salkantay Trail is the northeast mountain range. Access to the route usually involves three days of hiking from a place called Challacancha.
The hike involves about 1,800 m (5,900 ft) of elevation gain, on glaciers, snow, ice, and some rocks.
We are not going to climb to the top of Salkantay or Salcantay mountain, but the Salkantay Trek 5 days / 4 nights, which is why we write details for the Salkantay Trek elevation and distance, because we consider it very important for you to read and know this information.
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100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
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We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.
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At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.
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All of our treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.
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Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.
Our guide Marco Antonio and assistant William were amazing—knowledgeable, motivating, and caring. Hiking through diverse landscapes every day felt like a dream. Staying in Sky Camp domes added a magical touch under the stars. Meals were hearty and tasty. I felt both supported and inspired throughout.
The climb to the Salkantay Pass was tough but exhilarating. Our guide Omar kept us focused and explained Inca legends along the way. Accommodations were cozy and food surprising! Despite the altitude, the pace and care made it achievable. We returned exhausted but exhilarated.
This trek in a smaller group with guide Amaroso was perfect. He taught us about local plants, culture, and Andean traditions. We walked at a comfortable pace, enjoyed delicious food, and bonded with fellow trekkers. It was intimate, relaxed, and richly informative.
Starting the trek was physically challenging, but the vegetarian menu—rich in hearty stews, fruits, and quinoa dishes—kept me energized. Guide Alex was patient, storytelling about Pachamama and local customs. Nights camping under stars were unforgettable.
With two teenagers in tow, guide Carmen created a balanced pace, alternating hikes with rest and storytelling. Camping nights sparked laughter and connection under the Andean sky. Food and logistics catered to all ages. A perfect blend of challenge and comfort for a memorable family trip.
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