Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a truly remarkable 4-day adventure that invites adventurous travelers to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes Mountains. Trekkers will embark on a challenging hike to the Salkantay Pass, standing tall at 4,615 meters, before seeing the rich cultural traditions of local villages. With a limited group size of just 9 participants, this trek promises a personalized experience filled with camaraderie and the iconic exploration of the legendary Machu Picchu. But the journey doesn’t end there, as those who venture forth may uncover a deeper connection to the land and its people that will linger long after the final steps are taken.

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

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 4-day hike that includes breathtaking views of the Salkantay Pass at 4,615 meters and a transition to lush high jungle.
• The trek is priced at CZK 10,298 per person and has a group size limited to 9 participants, offering a personalized experience.
• Highlights include guided tours of Machu Picchu, cultural experiences in villages, and camping at Soraypampa, Colpapampa, and Aguas Calientes.
• The trek is not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the challenging terrain and high elevation.
• The non-refundable cancellation policy and limited customer reviews suggest the need for thorough research and consideration before booking the Salkantay Trek.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 4-day hiking tour that takes adventurers through the stunning Andean landscapes.

Priced from CZK 10,298 per person, this non-refundable trek has a limited group size of 9 participants and is offered in English and Spanish.

The trek features highlights like the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,615m, the transition from mountains to lush high jungle, and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu.

While hiking gear and most meals are included, this trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Trek Highlights

Salkantay Pass stands as the remarkable highlight of the trek, offering hikers a chance to ascend to an awe-inspiring elevation of 4,615 meters. The panoramic views from the pass are simply breathtaking, showcasing the Andes’ rugged beauty.

As the trail winds through diverse landscapes, trekkers will witness a captivating transition from the Andean mountains to the lush high jungle. The campsites at Soraypampa, Colpapampa, and Aguas Calientes provide comfortable respites along the way.

Passing through the villages of Playa Sawayaco and Santa Teresa adds cultural richness to the experience. Of course, the culmination is the guided tour and free exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu, a fitting reward after the challenging trek.

Daily Itinerary

Trekkers depart Cusco at 4:30 AM on the first day, enjoying a breakfast in Mollepata before embarking on the hike to the Soraypampa campsite.

The trek includes the following highlights:

• Hiking to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4615m, offering panoramic mountain vistas
• Descending from the Andean peaks into the lush high jungle landscapes
• Exploring the villages of Playa Sawayaco and Santa Teresa along the way
• Spending the night at the Colpapampa campsite after the challenging Salkantay Pass
• Reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.

Inclusions

The tour includes a duffle bag for up to 5kg of personal belongings, with pick up from Cusco’s Main Square.

Van transport takes you to Mollepata, where you’ll meet the muleteers and mules who’ll carry the group’s equipment.

A professional chef provides 3 meals per day, and you’ll stay 2 nights camping and 1 night in Aguas Calientes.

The Machu Picchu ticket, train tickets to Ollantaytambo, and a professional guide are also included.

A first aid kit, return bus to Cusco, and a sleeping bag round out the inclusions.

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and supported trek experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

As part of the important information, travelers should note that they must bring a passport or ID card, as a copy is accepted for this trek.

The trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. Entrance fees are required for Humantay Lake, which costs 20 soles.

Travelers should be aware of the following:

• Duffle bag capacity is limited to 5kg
• Sleeping bag rental is included
• First aid kit is provided
• Return bus to Cusco is included
• Trek isn’t recommended for certain groups

Customer Reviews

Unfortunately, the customer reviews for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour paint a disappointing picture.

Based on a single review, the trek received a dismal 1 out of 5 rating. The review provides little detail, simply stating an overall poor experience without elaborating on specific issues.

This lack of substantive feedback makes it challenging to determine the exact reasons behind the negative assessment.

Without more comprehensive reviews, it’s difficult to gauge the true quality and value of this trek.

Prospective travelers may want to exercise caution and seek out additional, more detailed feedback before booking this particular offering.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour is non-refundable. Travelers should carefully consider this policy before booking:

• No refunds are provided for any reason, including illness, injury, or personal emergencies.

• Changes to the booking, such as dates or number of participants, may incur additional fees.

• Tour operators strictly enforce the cancellation policy to maintain pricing and availability.

• Travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

• Flexible or lenient cancellation policies may be available through third-party providers, but come at an additional cost.

Group Size

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour limits group size to 9 participants. This small group format ensures a more intimate and personalized experience for travelers.

With fewer people, the guide can provide more attentive service and accommodate individual needs and preferences. The limited group size also allows for easier navigation through the trails and campsites, reducing the environmental impact.

Plus, smaller groups foster stronger social connections among the participants, enhancing the overall trekking experience.

This policy reflects the tour operator’s commitment to providing a high-quality and sustainable adventure while prioritizing the comfort and satisfaction of their guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Altitude Range During the Trek?

The trek covers an altitude range from 2,900m (Mollepata) to 4,615m (Salkantay Pass), providing participants with panoramic views of the Andean mountains and a transition from high alpine terrain to lush jungle environments along the route.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Luggage Allowed?

Participants are provided a duffle bag with a 5kg limit for their personal belongings. Any additional luggage or items exceeding the weight limit cannot be carried by the porters and mules.

Is It Possible to Extend the Trek Beyond 4 Days?

The tour operator doesn’t offer the ability to extend the trek beyond the standard 4-day itinerary. Extending the trek would require arranging additional accommodations, meals, and transportation separately, which isn’t part of the packaged tour.

What Are the Weather Conditions Like During the Trek?

The weather during the trek can vary significantly. Temperatures typically range from freezing at the high elevations to warm and humid in the lower jungle areas. Hikers should prepare for a mix of sun, wind, rain, and fog throughout the trek.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Machu Picchu?

The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours. After the tour, travelers have free time to explore the ruins independently, allowing them to enjoy the wonder of this ancient Inca citadel at their own pace.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable 4-day adventure through stunning Andean landscapes. Trekkers will challenge themselves at Salkantay Pass, immerse in local culture, and culminate their journey with the iconic exploration of the ancient Inca citadel. With a small group size, travelers can expect personalized attention and camaraderie throughout this breathtaking trek to one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here: