Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu (Low Cost) 4 Days and 3 Nights

Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

The adventure begins with high-altitude lakes and breathtaking peaks.

4:30 AM – 5:00 AM – Pickup & Departure: We start bright and early. We will pick you up directly from your hotel to begin a 3-hour drive in our private transport towards the start of the trail.

Breakfast in Mollepata: We stop in the village of Mollepata. Please note: The first breakfast is not included. We encourage you to eat at a local restaurant to support local businesses and fuel up for the day.

Start of the Trek: After breakfast, we take a short 20-minute drive to Challacancha. Here, you will meet our horsemen and horses who will carry the camping equipment and food. The real adventure begins now.

Hiking to Soraypampa: We hike for approximately 4 hours until we reach Soraypampa. Here, we will enjoy a nutritious lunch surrounded by panoramic views of the Humantay (4,120 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m) mountains.

Afternoon Hike to Humantay Lake: After lunch, we ascend for about 1.5 hours to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake. Soak in the views and snap incredible photos before a 1-hour descent back to camp.

Overnight at Soraypampa: We camp at Soraypampa (3,800 m), the highest and coldest campsite of the Salkantay tour. Prepare for a cold night where temperatures can drop to -5°C (below zero).

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 1

• Walking Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
• Walking Hours: 4 hours + Humantay Hike
• Highest Point: Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Weather: Cold / Windy
• Physical Grading: 3/5

Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Cloud Forest

Conquer the summit and descend into the Amazonian brows.

5:30 AM – Power Breakfast: Rise and shine for a hearty breakfast to prepare for the most challenging day of the Salkantay Trail.

The Ascent to the Pass: We begin a 4-hour uphill hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), the highest point of the trek. Located between the massive Salkantay and Tucarhuay mountains, the views are unparalleled. Note: Snow or rain is possible here, especially from November to February.

Andean Ceremony: At the summit, your guide will perform a small traditional ceremony to thank the Pachamama (Mother Earth), a deeply spiritual moment in the Andes.

Descent to the Cloud Forest: We descend through a dramatic change in scenery towards Huayracmachay for a well-deserved lunch. Afterwards, we continue downhill into the lush “high jungle.”

Flora & Fauna: Keep your eyes open for waterfalls, orchids, parrots, and hummingbirds as the landscape turns green. We finish the day arriving at our second campsite.

Overnight at Chaullay: We camp at Chaullay (2,900 m), where the climate is much milder and fresher than the previous night.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 2

• Walking Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
• Walking Hours: 9 to 10 hours (The longest day)
• Highest Point: Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Weather: Cold morning, fresh afternoon
• Physical Grading: 4/5

Day 03: Chaullay – Coffee Plantations – Aguas Calientes

Rivers, tropical fruits, and the road to Machu Picchu town.

6:00 AM – Jungle Trek: After breakfast, we start trekking through the Santa Teresa valley. This section of the Salkantay trek 4 days 3 nights traverses the upper jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and passing beautiful waterfalls.

Tropical Experience: Enjoy the warmer weather as we pass wild orchids, banana trees, and coffee plantations. We hike for 5 to 6 hours until we reach Playa Sahuayacco.

Transport to Hidroelectrica: From La Playa, we take local transportation to the Hidroelectrica train station, where we will stop for lunch.

The Final Stretch: We continue walking for approximately 2.5 hours alongside the train tracks. This flat, scenic walk takes us through crops and jungle vegetation until we arrive at Aguas Calientes.

Dinner & Briefing: We check into a hotel in town and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Your guide will provide a crucial briefing regarding the logistics for the visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 3

• Walking Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
• Walking Hours: 5 to 6 hours hiking + 2.5 hours track walk
• Highest Point: Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,725 ft)
• Weather: Warm and Humid
• Physical Grading: 3/5

Day 04: The Grand Finale – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Sunrise over the Inca Citadel and return home.

4:00 AM – 4:30 AM – Early Start: We wake up early for breakfast at the hotel to beat the crowds.

Getting to the Citadel: You have two options to reach the entrance:

1. Hike: A 1.5-hour uphill walk (strenuous but rewarding).
2. Bus: A 25-minute ride starting at 5:30 AM. (Not included: Cost is approx. $12 USD up / $12 USD down).

6:00 AM – Sunrise at Machu Picchu: We enter the site as it opens. Witnessing the sunrise over the ruins is a magical experience.

Guided Tour: Your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour, revealing the secrets of the main temples, plazas, and the history of this mysterious city. After the tour, you will have time to explore on your own.

Optional Mountain Hikes (Must book in advance):

• Huayna Picchu: 45-minute steep climb (2,720 m).
• Machu Picchu Mountain: 1.5-hour climb to the summit.

Return to Cusco: After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional). You will then board the touristic train back to Ollantaytambo.

• Train departure: Between 2:55 PM and 9:50 PM (subject to availability).

Transfer to Cusco: Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting with a sign with your name to transfer you back to Cusco in our private transport.

Budget Note: If you are traveling on a tight budget, we can organize a return via bus from Hidroelectrica instead of the train. Ask us for details!

BEAR IN MIND – DAY 4

• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
• Activity: Guided Tour + Exploration
• Physical Grading: 2/5
• Weather: Humid and Hot
• Meals Included: Breakfast only

Why Choose This Salkantay Trek?

This Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days is more than just a hike; it is a connection with the Andes. From the freezing heights of the Salkantay Pass to the warm embrace of the cloud forest, every step brings you closer to the history of the Incas.Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Contact us today to secure your space on the Salkantay trail. Spaces fill up fast for the dry season!

INCLUDES:

• Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
• A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
• Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
• Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
• Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth on the Salkantay Pass
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
• Guided Tour in MachuPicchu
• 1st night in our glass igloo camping, 2nd night in our andean huts camping, 3rd night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• A duffel bag where you can put inside 05 kilos from your personal stuff including your sleeping bag (it will be carry by the horses or mules until Hidroelectrica)
• Pick up from Hidroelectrica to back to Cusco, transports leaves in between 14h00 to 14h30 (Returning by bus)
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (if you book this trek returning by Train)
• Pick up from Ollantaytambo to back to Cusco (If you book this trek returning by Train)
• Confortable Mattresses in each campsite
• 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
• Professional Cook
• Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
• First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon.
• A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group.

DOESN’T INCLUDES:

• Transport to go from Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroelectrica (30 S/)
• Entrance fees to Waynapicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 60 dollars per person) If you want to visit one of these mountain and back  to Cusco by bus from Hidroelectrica you have to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes or take the train to back to Cusco the same 4th day. This to have enough time to visit MachuPicchu and one of these mountains.
• Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
• Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
• Mineral Water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in every campsite)
• First Breakfast and last lunch and dinner
• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu (Round trip bus cost 24 dollars but just one way cost 12 dollars)
• Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)

• Original Passport
• A valid student card if you book this trek as student (25 years old as máximum)
• Travel Insurance card (you have to le tus know the name of your Travel Insurance company and you travel Insurance Number)
• Day Pack
• Rain coat or Rain Poncho
• Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
• Trekking shirts and trekking pants
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Bottle of Water
• Flash Light
• Toilet Paper
• Sun Block
• Sun Glasses
• Caps or Hats
• Gloves (for the first and second day)
• Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
• Sleeping Bags
• Walking sticks
• Camera with extra batteries
• Extra money especially in soles to buy thing along the trek

POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.

PRICES FOR 2025 – 2026

SALKANTAY 4D/3N LOW COST RETURNING BY BUS FROM HYDROELECTRIC

• 285 USD STUDENT
• 305 USD ADULT

SALKANTAY 4D/3N LOW COST RETURNING BY TRAIN

• 355 USD STUDENT
• 375 USD ADULT

IF YOU WANT TO BOOK THIS TREK AS A STUDENT, PLEASE YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

STUDENT PRICE:

To have a student price you have to comply with the following rules of the Peruvian government since we get the discount at the time of buying the Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government. The Peruvian Government has 02 rates for foreigners that are ADULT / STUDENT.

TO ACCESS THE STUDENT RATE YOU MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING:

The student card must be an original student ID given from the university in PVC material. It must have been printed on the cardUniversity Information, Student name It must have a valid expiration date / valid only for one year if you visit Machu Picchu in 2025 the expiration date must be 2025 or 2026 If is more of that this is not Valid, Discount for students, not more than 25 years old

ISIC cards are not valid for the discount

If you meet these requirements, send us a photo of your student ID to this email at the time that you are booking the tour to buy tour Machu Picchu tickets as a student: info@localtrekkersperu.com

If you do not meet the requirements, it is better to buy the trek as an adult because if you buy your Machu Picchu tickets with the student rate without meeting the requirements, they will not let you enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for not meeting the requirements. that the Peruvian government requires since Machu Picchu is administered by the Peruvian government.uirements, they will not let you enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for not meeting the requirements. that the Peruvian government requires since Machu Picchu is administered by the Peruvian government.