Fast route

Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
the pass, in less time

4 days / 3 nights Challenging Max. 12 travelers 4.9 (96 reviews)

High mountains in 4 days

The Salkantay Pass,
compact edition.

If you have one day less, this version keeps the essentials: Humantay Lake, crossing the Salkantay Pass and descending into the high jungle. On day three we walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes and on day four we visit Machu Picchu.

Ideal for fit travelers who want the high mountains on a more compact itinerary.

START / ENDCusco, Peru

MAX. ALTITUDE4,630 m

BEST SEASONApr — Oct

DISTANCE60 km

Your route day by day

Four days
of contrasts.

DAY 1

Cusco — Soraypampa — Humantay Lake

Early drive to Soraypampa (3,900 m) and hike to Humantay Lake. Night in domes facing the glacier.

7 km · 4 h · 4,200 m

DAY 2

Salkantay Pass — Chaullay

Climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) and long descent to the cloud forest of Chaullay.

22 km · 9 h · 4,630 m

DAY 3

Chaullay — Santa Teresa — Aguas Calientes

Hike down the valley to La Playa, transfer to Hidroeléctrica and a 3-hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes.

25 km · 8 h · 2,040 m

Chaullay — Santa Teresa — Aguas Calientes

DAY 4

Machu Picchu — Cusco

Guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco by train and bus or by car via Hidroeléctrica, as you choose.

3 h visit

Everything under control

What is included

Professional bilingual guideTransport Cusco – Soraypampa2 nights camping + 1 night hotelMeals on the trail (3B, 3L, 3D)Machu Picchu entrance ticketBus up to Machu PicchuReturn by the option you chooseMules for personal gear (7 kg)

Not included

Sleeping bagLast lunchTips

Rest is part of the journey

Rest
facing the glacier.

Domes in Soraypampa, eco camp in Chaullay and a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

NIGHT 01 · DOMES

NIGHT 02 · ECO CAMP

NIGHT 03 · HOTEL

Double roomPrivate and readyThermal comfortHigh-mountain gearHot showerNights 2, 3 and 4

Before you go

Essential information

Physical preparation

We recommend 6–10 km hikes in the weeks before and two acclimatization days in Cusco.

Weather and season

April to October brings drier days. Temperatures range from −5 °C to 24 °C.

Packing list

After booking you receive a detailed list. Bring layers, broken-in boots and a 25 L daypack.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to travel with peace of mind.

01How is it different from the 5-day trek?

The 4-day version skips Llactapata and the coffee farm; it reaches Aguas Calientes on day three from Hidroeléctrica.

02Is it harder?

Days 2 and 3 are longer, so it requires better fitness.

Still have questions?

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FromUS$ 490