Experience one of the best alternative treks to the Inca Trail with our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu, combining breathtaking mountain landscapes, glacier views, cloud forest trails, and a unique overnight stay in our exclusive Star Domes.
This unforgettable trekking adventure in Peru takes you from the majestic Andes to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, offering diverse ecosystems, cultural immersion, and comfortable accommodations along the route.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to the trailhead. Hike through beautiful valleys toward Soraypampa and enjoy a visit to the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise waters. Spend the night in our exclusive Star Hut, surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
The most challenging and rewarding day of the Salkantay Trek. Hike to the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) near the majestic Nevado Salkantay. After enjoying panoramic views of the Andes, descend into the lush cloud forest and camp in Chaullay Star Domes.
Walk through tropical landscapes, coffee plantations, and rivers in the Santa Teresa Valley. Continue toward Hydroelectric and hike along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with a professional guided tour. After your visit, hike approximately 3 hours back to Hydroelectric, where our driver will meet you for the scenic 6-hour return journey by minivan to Cusco.
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. After a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing to Soraypamapa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of our Salkantay Trek.
We begin a gradual 2-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Its turquoise glacial waters and dramatic backdrop make it one of the most beautiful highlights of the Salkantay route.
In the evening, relax in our exclusive Star Huts, designed for comfort and panoramic views of the Andes. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars and rest in a cozy bed at high altitude.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain Star Huts
After an early breakfast, we begin the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek.
We ascend for approximately 3–4 hours to reach the highest point of the Salkantay Trek: Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the sacred Nevado Salkantay, considered an Apu (mountain spirit) by the Incas.
After taking photos and resting at the summit, we descend toward Huayracmachay for lunch. The landscape gradually transforms from high Andean terrain into lush cloud forest.
We continue descending to Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we spend the night in comfortable camp facilities.
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Star Domes at Chaullay
Today we enter the tropical zone of the trek, walking through the Santa Teresa Valley surrounded by rivers, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards.
You will learn about local coffee production and rural life in this unique region of Peru.
After lunch in La Playa, we travel by transportation to Hydroelectric. From there, we hike approximately 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a comfortable hotel stay and prepare for the highlight of your Peru adventure.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Confortable Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Early in the morning, we take the bus (or optional uphill hike) to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the highlight of your Salkantay Trek 4 Days adventure.
Enjoy a professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu lasting approximately 2 hours. Your expert guide will lead you through the most important sectors of the Inca citadel, including:
The Temple of the Sun
The Main Plaza
The Temple of the Three Windows
The Sacred Intihuatana Stone
You will learn about Inca history, architecture, astronomy, and the mystery behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the guided visit and some free time for photos, we begin our return journey. Instead of taking the train, we hike approximately 3 hours back to Hydroelectric Station, following the scenic railway path surrounded by lush vegetation and mountain landscapes.
At Hydroelectric, our private driver will be waiting for you. From there, we travel by comfortable minivan for approximately 6 hours back to Cusco, enjoying beautiful views along the way.
Estimated arrival in Cusco: 10:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Difficulty: Moderate (due to afternoon hike)
End of services in Cusco
If you prefer a more comfortable and faster return, you may request the train option from Aguas Calientes instead of hiking to Hydroelectric.
This upgrade is available upon request and subject to availability, with an additional cost.
We recommend booking this option in advance, especially during high season.
Please contact us if you would like to include the train return in your Salkantay Trek package.
Beautifull trail through the heart of the andean mountains. We had the hounour of being guided by Persy Cusi, whose knowledge about nature and Inca history and culture bewildered us through 4 days of walking. In adition, Persy made even the imposible for our confort and for us to have a nice trip (he has also amazing cooking habilities and knows the best spots for pictures where no other tourists went). Higly recomended trail, guide and touring company.
first of all machu picchu was amazing,but only can re-entry twice! wayna picchu was amazing too but there were only 2 slot of time 200 people can get inside each time, need to book the ticket before. My slot was 10-11 entry time, so we thought we could spend more time in machu picchu so we reached the entry gate at 11.
I recently visited Peru for a wedding in Lima…I took it upon myself to extend my trip by visiting Cusco so I could do some sightseeing and hiking. I researched and found Peru…reached out to them, told them when I would be there and what I wanted to do. They in return sent me a whole itinerary detailing each day. The trips were absolutely amazing, the tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, personable and fun.
What else to say about this beautiful, historic and amazing place. We hiked up the Wayna piccu to get an overlook on the maccu piccu and where lucky. It was absolutely breathtaking!
