Cusco: Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights With Return by Train

The Salkantay Trek is a captivating outdoor adventure that whisks travelers through Cusco’s breathtaking landscapes. This four-day, three-night journey promises an unforgettable experience, from the serene shores of Humantay Lake to the towering Salkantay Pass. While the trek presents a moderate-to-strenuous physical challenge, the rewards are nothing short of extraordinary – including the chance to witness the timeless wonder of Machu Picchu. With a professional guide leading the way and essential gear provided, adventurers can enjoy the natural splendor of Peru’s Andes. But what makes this trek truly exceptional goes beyond the itinerary…

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 4 Day Tours In Cusco.

Key Points

• This 4-day, 3-night trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu includes a guided hike to Salkantay Pass, Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu, with accommodations in camping and a hostel.
• The tour costs $450 per person, with a group size limited to 15 participants, and is available in English and Spanish.
• The trek is rated moderate-to-strenuous difficulty, involving challenging uphill climbs and long hiking days at high altitudes, requiring good physical fitness.
• The tour includes various amenities such as entrance tickets, duffel bags, guides, meals, and emergency equipment, but excludes some additional fees and rentals.
• The non-refundable cancellation policy and clear communication around pickup expectations are important considerations for this tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour is called "Cusco: Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights with return by train" and costs from $450.00 per person.

It’s a 4-day adventure with a group size limited to 15 participants. The tour is available in English and Spanish.

Pickup from the hotel is included, and guests should wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

The cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Highlights include hiking to Humantay Lake, trekking to the Salkantay Pass, and visiting Machu Picchu with a guided tour.

Included are meals, camping accommodations, and transportation during the trek.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, the tour begins with a 5:45 AM pickup from the hotel. Breakfast is served in Mollepata before heading to Soraypampa. Hikers then trek to Humantay Lake, spending 2 hours climbing uphill and 2 hours descending. The day ends with camping at the Salkantay Pass.

Day	Time	Activity
1	5:45 AM	Pickup, breakfast in Mollepata, hike to Humantay Lake, camp at Salkantay Pass
2	5:00 AM	Wake up, hike to Salkantay Pass, Andean ritual, lunch, descend to Chaullay camp
3	6:00 AM	Wake up, hike to Sahuayaco beach, transport to Santa Teresa, walk to Aguas Calientes
4		Breakfast, walk to Machu Picchu, guided tour, return options

Included in the Tour

Comprehensive inclusions characterize this Salkantay Trek, ensuring a memorable and well-supported experience for participants.

The tour package covers the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, a pre-departure briefing, and a duffel bag for carrying up to 5 kilograms of belongings by horses.

Travelers will have the guidance of a professional guide throughout the trek. Accommodations include 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Meals, cooking equipment, a first aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies are also provided. Transportation from the beach to Santa Teresa is included.

However, tips, snacks, and sleeping bag rentals are excluded, along with some additional fees.

Tour Exclusions

Certain expenses aren’t included in the tour package.

The entrance fee of ten soles (approximately $3) to Mollepata is an additional cost.

Plus, the bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu isn’t provided.

On top of that, any extra expenses, such as the entrance fee to Machu Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu, aren’t covered by the tour.

It’s important to note that this trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory issues.

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Customer Feedback

According to the available customer feedback, the Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights tour has received mixed reviews.

On a scale of 5, the tour has an overall rating of 3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable and helpful guide.

However, some customers reported issues with the pricing, group changes, lack of guided tours, and communication problems with the company.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory issues.

Pickup and Cancellation Policy

The Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights tour includes pickup from participants’ hotels, with the expectation that travelers will be waiting in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

• Pickup from the hotel is included in the tour price.
• Travelers should be ready in the lobby 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.
• The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, which means participants won’t receive a refund if they need to cancel their trip.

Group Size and Languages

The Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights tour limits group size to no more than 15 participants. This ensures a personalized experience and allows the guide to provide attentive support to each trekker. The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience. This multilingual approach enables travelers from various backgrounds to fully engage with the cultural and historical aspects of the trek.

Languages	Participants
English	Up to 15
Spanish	Up to 15

The small group size and language options contribute to the overall quality and enjoyment of the Salkantay Trek experience.

Suitability and Considerations

The Salkantay Trek may not be suitable for all travelers due to its moderate-to-strenuous difficulty level.

The trek involves:

• Hiking at high altitudes up to 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), which can cause altitude sickness for some.
• Challenging uphill climbs and long hiking days of up to 20 kilometers (12 miles).
• Camping in remote areas without access to modern amenities.

As such, the trek isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory conditions.

Travelers should ensure they’re physically fit and prepared to handle the demands of this multi-day hike through the Andes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Weather Can I Expect During the Trek?

During the trek, hikers can expect varying weather conditions. The higher elevations may bring cooler temperatures, rain, and even snow, while lower areas could have milder, warmer weather. Layers and proper gear are recommended to adapt to the changing environment.

How Challenging Is the Salkantay Pass for an Average Hiker?

The Salkantay Pass is challenging for average hikers, with a strenuous 20 km trek and a steep ascent to 4630 meters. Altitude, steep terrain, and long hiking distances make this pass demanding, but it offers stunning views for those physically prepared.

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear or Is It Provided?

Hikers can bring their own hiking gear, but duffel bags for 5 kilos of belongings carried by horses are provided. The tour outfit also supplies camping equipment, first aid kits, and oxygen for emergencies.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trek?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but it is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory issues. The trek may be challenging for some participants due to the high altitude and strenuous hiking.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group One?

Customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour for an additional fee. Private tours allow for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary. However, the tour operator must be contacted to check availability and pricing.

Recap

The Cusco: Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights with Return by Train offers an unforgettable adventure through stunning Peruvian landscapes. Though the trek can be physically demanding, the tour includes a professional guide, meals, and essential gear, ensuring a personalized experience. While the cancellation policy is non-refundable, the opportunity to visit Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and Machu Picchu makes this trek a must-consider for adventure-seekers.

You can check if your dates are available here: