Group
12 people
4 Days
The Short Salkantay trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Cusco and an excellent alternative to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This route crosses some of the most impressive landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, where snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lagoons and lush cloud forests combine to announce the transition toward the high jungle. During the journey, travelers walk surrounded by sacred peaks such as the Nevado Salkantay, considered an Apu within the Andean cosmovision, which makes this experience both a natural and cultural adventure.
Along the way, the environment gradually changes from high Andean valleys and glaciers to areas of cloud forest full of biodiversity, creating a journey full of natural contrasts, panoramic views and contact with the local culture of Andean communities.
During this adventure you will visit emblematic places of the Salkantay trekking to Machu Picchu, such as Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, which is the highest point of the route, and trails that descend into the cloud forest surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical vegetation. The experience combines scenic hikes, camps in the heart of nature, a traditional coffee experience and the final arrival at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where a guided visit will take place. The entire journey integrates nature, adventure and culture in one of the most memorable hikes in the Peruvian Andes.
Early pickup in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., trip to Mollepata for an Andean breakfast and continuation to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike; approximately 3-hour trek to Soraypampa for lunch, followed by a hike to Humantay Lake to enjoy its glacial landscapes, return to camp and overnight in Sky Domes with dinner.
After breakfast, start of the hike to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route, from where the snow-capped peaks of the mountain range can be observed; then descent through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha to Wacracmachay for lunch, continuing the hike into the cloud forest until reaching Collpapampa for dinner and rest at the campsite.
After breakfast, hike through the cloud forest surrounded by coffee plantations, fruits and tropical vegetation to Lucmabamba, where lunch is enjoyed along with an experience of the traditional coffee-making process; later transfer by transport to Hydroelectric and hike following the railway line to Aguas Calientes, where dinner is served and the night is spent at a hotel.
Early departure to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the main Inca temples, terraces and squares; then free time to explore and take photographs, return to Aguas Calientes, train trip to Ollantaytambo and final transfer by tourist transport back to Cusco.
An incredible journey through the Andes, where you will hike past towering snow-capped peaks, turquoise lagoons, and lush jungle until reaching the majestic Machu Picchu. Get ready to experience one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Peru.
The Short Salkantay trek 4 Days begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to start an approximately 2-hour drive to Mollepata, a traditional Andean village where we will enjoy a hot breakfast surrounded by mountain scenery.
We will then continue by transport to Challacancha (3,800 m), the point where our hike begins. From here we will start the Salkantay Trek, following trails surrounded by mountains and open valleys for approximately 3 hours until reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m), a campsite located in front of the impressive glaciers of the region. There we will enjoy a nutritious lunch prepared by our cook.
In the afternoon, we will take an uphill hike of 2 km (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes) to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,220 m), one of the most iconic landscapes along the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu. Its intense turquoise waters, formed by glacial melt, contrast with the snow-covered peaks of Humantay Mountain and the majestic Salkantay Mountain, considered one of the sacred mountains of the Andes.
You will have time to explore the surroundings, take photographs, and enjoy the tranquility of this natural environment while the guide shares stories about Andean culture and the importance of these mountains.
At the end of the day, we will return to Soraypampa to rest in exclusive panoramic Sky Domes, where we will enjoy a unique experience during this trekking adventure along the Salkantay. The day ends with hot tea at sunset and a freshly prepared dinner, while the Andean sky fills with stars.
The second day of the Short Salkantay trek 4 Days begins early in Soraypampa. You will wake up with a hot coca tea, ideal for helping acclimatization, followed by a nutritious breakfast before starting the most demanding day of the trekking along the Salkantay.
The hike begins with a gradual ascent of approximately 3 hours to the highest point of the entire route: the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). During this section we will walk through high mountain landscapes surrounded by glaciers, one of the most impressive moments of the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu.
Upon reaching the summit, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the most imposing snow-capped mountains in the region: Salkantay Mountain, Humantay Mountain, Tucarhuay Mountain, and Pumasillo Mountain. This will be one of the most memorable moments of the Salkantay hike.
After resting and taking photographs, we will begin the descent crossing the plains of Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, where there is a small lagoon hidden among the mountains. We will continue descending for 2 hours until reaching Wacracmachay (3,800 m), where we will enjoy a hot lunch prepared by our team.
In the afternoon we will continue descending for 3 additional hours until arriving at Collpapampa, an area where the cloud forest begins, and where you will notice a change in climate and more abundant vegetation.
Upon arrival at the campsite, we will enjoy the traditional tea time, followed by a hot dinner before resting in comfortable mountain huts.
This day of the Short Salkantay trek 4 Days marks a fascinating transition: we leave behind the high mountains to enter the cloud forest, an area full of life and biodiversity along the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast in Collpapampa, we will begin a hike of approximately 5 to 6 hours to Lucmabamba. During this section of the Salkantay Trek, we will walk along trails surrounded by tropical vegetation, rivers, and mist-covered mountains, where it is common to find coffee plantations, bananas, avocados, and wild orchids.
Along the way, the guide will also explain the traditional use of medicinal plants used for generations by local communities in the region.
Before lunch, we will participate in a brief experience about the artisanal coffee process, where you will learn how one of the most representative products of this area of Cusco is cultivated, roasted, and prepared.
After lunch, we will continue the journey by transport to Hydroelectric. From there, we will take a walk of approximately 3 hours following the railway tracks, a peaceful route surrounded by tropical vegetation, rivers, and mountains, until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
In the evening, we will enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant and rest in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the most anticipated moment of the trip: the visit to the Inca citadel the following day.
The final day of the Short Salkantay trek 4 Days begins very early. From Aguas Calientes we will head toward the majestic Machu Picchu, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most important destinations on the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca city was introduced to the world in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham, although it was already known by local communities.
Important: Entrance to Machu Picchu depends on the date of your reservation, as tickets are limited and assigned according to official availability. Depending on the spaces available at the time of confirmation, you may access different circuits (Circuit 1, 2 or 3 and their variants). For this reason, we recommend booking in advance to secure the best option.
Once inside, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, visiting the most important sectors of the citadel: agricultural terraces, Inca temples, ceremonial plazas and ancient astronomical observatories. During the tour you will discover the history, architecture, and mysteries of this wonder of the world while walking along ancient Inca paths.
After the guided tour you will have free time to explore and take photographs of this unique place. If you booked in advance, you may also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, optional hikes with spectacular views of the citadel (approximate additional cost: 65 USD).
After the visit, you will descend again to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and enjoy a short free time. Later, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, on a journey of approximately 2 hours alongside the Urubamba River and the landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival, our transportation will take you back to Cusco, thus concluding an unforgettable trekking adventure to Machu Picchu among mountains, jungle, and the living history of the Andes.
During this adventure along the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu, everything is organized so you can enjoy the trekking experience without worrying about logistics. From transportation and meals to accommodation and the visit to Machu Picchu, every detail is prepared to provide a safe and memorable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Although the tour covers most of the services necessary to complete the trek to Machu Picchu, there are some additional expenses that are not included in the package.
Prepare for one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Peruvian Andes. The Short Salkantay trek 4 days crosses different ecosystems: from high mountain landscapes near the Salkantay snow-capped peak to the warm cloud forest on the way to Aguas Calientes. During the hike you will experience sudden temperature changes, intense solar radiation, and possible rain, so packing correctly is key to enjoying the route comfortably and safely.
If you are planning to do the Short Salkantay trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu from Cusco, it is normal to have questions before booking the tour. Below, we answer your concerns so you can enjoy this unique experience.
The Short Salkantay trek 4 Days is located in the Cusco region, in southern Peru. The trek begins in the community of Challacancha (approx. 3,800 m / 12,467 ft), located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, about 3 hours by car from the city of Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft). From there, the route crosses the Andes and the cloud forest to reach the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The highest point of the route is Abra Salkantay, located at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level. This mountain pass is in the Vilcabamba range, Cusco region, and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay peaks.
Humantay Lake is at about 4,220 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the Humantay snow-capped mountain in the Vilcabamba range, Cusco region. It is one of the most photographed points of the Short Salkantay trek due to its turquoise waters formed by glacial melt.
The best season to do the Short Salkantay trek 4 Days is during the dry season in Cusco, between April and October. During this period there is a lower chance of rain, clearer skies, and better views of snow-capped mountains and Andean landscapes. However, the trek can be done all year round.
Yes, the Salkantay trek can be done between November and March, which corresponds to the rainy season in Cusco. During these months the landscapes are greener and there are fewer visitors, but it is important to carry waterproof clothing and be prepared for frequent rain on the route, especially in cloud forest areas.
During this trek, approximately 55 to 60 kilometers are covered in total. The route starts at Challacancha, passes through Soraypampa, Abra Salkantay, Collpapampa, and Lucmabamba, continues to Hidroelectrica, and finally reaches Aguas Calientes, from where Machu Picchu is visited.
The difficulty level is moderate to challenging. The greatest physical demand occurs on the second day during the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). It is recommended to have good physical condition and be acclimated beforehand in the city of Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Yes, it is highly recommended to acclimatize at least 2 days in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and allows the body to gradually adapt to the high altitudes along the route.
During the trek, the first night is spent in Soraypampa in panoramic Sky Domes in front of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain. The second night is spent in private huts in Collpapampa, at the beginning of the cloud forest. The third night is in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town, is at 2,040 meters above sea level in the province of Urubamba, Cusco region. It is the base town to visit Machu Picchu and the place where travelers spend the last night of the trek.
The trek crosses several ecosystems of the Peruvian Andes. It starts in high mountain landscapes with glaciers and lakes like Humantay, continues through high Andean pampas near Abra Salkantay, and then descends to the cloud forest with tropical vegetation, rivers, and coffee plantations near Lucmabamba.
Yes, from Aguas Calientes it is possible to hike to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The walk takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours along an ascending trail through the mountainous jungle of the historic sanctuary. There is also the option to take a tourist bus.
Temperatures vary considerably due to changes in altitude. In Soraypampa and Abra Salkantay, temperatures can drop to 0 °C or below at night, while in the cloud forest near Lucmabamba and Aguas Calientes, temperatures can range between 18 °C and 28 °C during the day.
Yes, it is recommended to book several weeks or even months in advance, especially during the high tourist season in Cusco (May to September). This ensures entry to Machu Picchu and availability of return trains from Aguas Calientes.
The main difference is the duration and pace of the route. The classic Salkantay Trek lasts 5 days and allows for a more gradual hike. The Short Salkantay trek 4 Days condenses the route while maintaining the main highlights such as Humantay Lake, Abra Salkantay, and arrival at Machu Picchu, but in less time.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
5 Days
From
4 Days
From
4 Days
From
4 Days
From
4 Days
From
5 Days
From
3 Days
From
At Peru Jungle Trips, we work every day to exceed our travelers’ expectations. The reviews on TripAdvisor reflect the commitment, dedication, and quality we bring to every journey through Peru. Thanks to our clients’ trust, we continue creating unique experiences surrounded by nature and Andean culture.
