Whatsapp

SALKANTAY TREK EXPRESS

  • Group Group Size:

    2-10 People

  • Group Destination:

    MACHU PICCHU

  • Group Departure :

    Everyday

  • Group Level :

    Modetare

  • Group Category :

    TREK

Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trekking
Salkantay Hike
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu
trekking to Machu Picchu
Salkantay route to Machu Picchu
Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trekking
Salkantay Hike
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu
trekking to Machu Picchu
Salkantay route to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek
BOOK ONLINE INQUIRE NOW

Salkantay Trek Express 4 days is a best alternative route to Machu Picchu, in the tour you can see the Humantay lagoon, Salkantay glacier, the cloud forest and appreciate fruit, wild plants, animals of the area, hot springs (cocalmayo - Santa Teresa), Desporte to deventura (zipline) to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu..

Our Salkantay trek 4 days is considered by most to be the best alternative route, This walk allows you to enjoy the options that there is in the salkantay route, you will go up to humantay lake, you will pass for the highets point of the salkantay route to be to see salkantay mountain up close, you hike through the santa teresa valley that is full of vegetation is the begining of the peruvian amazon, you have the chance to see, plantations of coffe, coca, avocados, bananas and much more, this valley is full of fresh wáter with many waterfalls. If you are an adventures person you got the chance to do the biggest and longest zipline of southamerica. choose this one and get a perfect adventures vacation to Machu Picchu.

Useful Information

Starting Altitude – 3350 meters / 10990 feet .
Highest Altitude – 4600 meters / 15091 ft
Walking Distance – 75 km / 46.6028 miles
Campsite Elevation – 3920 meters / 12861 ft
Meals – 3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner, 2 tea times, 2 wake up tea
Overall Difficulty – Moderate - Challenging
STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Salkantay snow-capped is one of the highest mountains in Cusco, along with the Ausangate mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
The Salkantay Trek is definitely one of the very best trekking adventures that you will find in Cusco and in Peru. After the Inca Trail classic or Inca Trail short, the Salkantay route is the 2nd most popular to Machu Picchu (and a lot less crowded).
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.

Brief Itinerary

- DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
- DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass- Huayracmachay - Chaullay
- DAY 3: Chaullay - La Playa - Aguas Calientes
- DAY 4: Aguas Calientes - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

We will leave Cusco approximately at 5:00 a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 7:30 in the morning, where you will have the chance to enjoy a delicious andean breakfast. After an hour aprox in Mollepata. we continue in the same car to the Trail head in Challacancha. There we will meet with our support staff. There we will organize all the equipment, horses and mules. Around 9:30 a.m. we will start our trek to Soraypampa (3850 m.a.s.l) the first section of the path are paved rock trail there are the old water channel still supply to new habitants, the begin is 8 km in 3 hours to Soraypampa the lunch place as well base camp, after lunch and nap to continued hiking up to the Humantay lake (4200 masl) 3 km in 2 hours round trip, bottom the glacier the most spectacular views to the back ground valley and sunset, Soraypampa is located on the middle of the glaciers valleys at night clear appreciate the constellation on the sky.

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass- Huayracmachay - Chaullay

The second day of the salkantay trek is considerat the hardest day. This is because the hiking distance is 22km/ 14 ft and also on this day you will get up to the highest point of the salkantay trail 4630 m / 15225 ft. in this day in order to make it on time to the second campsite. we're going wake up with coca tea at 5:00 to enjoy a dilisious breakfast after we get ready for the trek. Around 6:30 in the morning we start hiking to the highest point of the whole salkantay trail. After 4 hours hike you reach to the top to celebrate and enjoy a beautifull views of the salkantay mountain once at the top you have the chance to make a offering for the APUS (andean gods). From 4630 m / 15225 ml. We start hiking downhill to get 2900 m / 9510 ml in todo 15 km downhill hiking. we are going to do in two sections. The first section will be from the top to the lunch point which takes 2 hours approximately and then after lunch 3 hours more to the second camp call chawllay. on the way you are going apreciate diferent type of landscapes such glaciar mountains, lagoons, roccky mountains, grassy hill, by the time that you will be close to the camp you are going be in the jungle area. Once at the camp time to relaxing if you like you can enjoy cold beers while the cooks make the te time and the delicious dinner

DAY 3: Chaullay - La Playa - Aguas Calientes

You will hike through the jungle are of Santa Teresa. The valley is formed by the salkantay river that discures from the white mountain. In this valley you have the opportunity to see waterfalls, rivers, plantations like coca, coffee, avocado, passion fruit, bananas and much more is a tropical valley and the climate is quite warm. After of our breakfast we will start the trek to the town of sahuayco, after 5 hours of crossing through the dense vegetation we arrived at the lunch point. After our lunch we will board a bus that will take us to Hidroelectrica, we will hike 3 hours more to aguas calientes town on the flat trail. Then we take you to the hotel for showering and relaxing, in the evening around 7:00 pm we organised a dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes after dinner we go to sleep to climb Machu Picchu early on the next day.

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast
- Tour: Two-hour tour with our guide in Machu Picchu

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES

Trek briefing with your guide. one night before the trek at your hotel
Professional trek guide - in different languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more) - Second tour guide for groups of 9 passengers to more.
Private transport to the starting point of hike – at Challacancha
Return transport From Ollantaytambo To Cusco
All entrance tickets and permits for Salkantay hike and Machu Picchu
Horses or mules and Indigenous horsemen to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables).
Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu (one way or return).
Machu Picchu guided tour (2 hrs) and free time for you.
Train Ticket Service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Village (Expedition Tourist Train)
Personal items to carry 8 kg/17 lb. (so you just need to carry your day backpack with everything you will need during the day).
2 nights camping
Spacious tents / Sleeping mat.
1 night in a Hostel in Aguas Calientes. based on sharing a room; either double, matrimonial or triple depending on availability. Hotel brand rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers and Wi-Fi.
We provide a duffle for personal items.
One Cook and Excellent Meals (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners)
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request.)
Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking).
Wake up coca tea in your tent.
Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
Oxygen Tank & First aid kit

NOT INCLUDED

Breakfast on the first day
Lunch and dinner on the last day
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$75)
Hot springs (US$7.00)
Sleeping bags
Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
Zipline Optional (Santa Teresa) US$30.00
Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance.
Travel Insurance
Optional up – grades (train and hotel)
**Tips, for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)

What you need to take:

A backpack
A beanie hat or ear warmer
Sun hat
Scarf
Gloves
A mid weight sweater
A longsleeve t-shirt
1 – 2 t-shirts
A lightweight suater or vest
A pair of long pants
Hiking shoes
An extra pair of shoe
2 – 3 pairs wool socks
A jacket
A small towel
Rain gear
1 – 2 pair shorts
Sunglasses
A small headlamp
Waterbottle
A toothbrust and other personal toiletries
Toilet paiper
Sun cream
Insect repelent
Camera and film
Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
Extra money for drinks.
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)


List of objects to take to the trek.

Cusco Destination

OUR PRICES:

Remember that!!! This walk is available everyday - We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights prices are based on the number of people in a group.

380.00 USD.

Per person ( Eight, or more, trekkers)

“This trek to Machu Picchu is available everyday provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

Discounts:

  • Student Discount: US$30.00 off per person, this discount only apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.Please send all to info@cuscodestination.com.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

  • Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

  • Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy) Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:

  • Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
  • Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).
Cusco Destination
 

For an average traveller or tourist, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Plus, all trekkers should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco before the trek, to get acclimatized. Being extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness. The entire hike is approximately 75 kilometers (approximately 46 miles), and this hiking takes place during 5, 4, and 3 days. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.

The Salkantay Pass, at 14,760123 feet above sea level, is the most difficult section in the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, bitter cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.

The dry season is the best time for this trek. In Cuzco, the dry season lasts from April to November, and the wet season is from December to March. From June to September are the most popular months to do the trek, due to summer vacations in Europe and the US. It is generally thought that May and October offer the best weather conditions.

It is better to request a horse before you go on the trail rather than realize halfway through that you’re not enjoying carrying your pack at this altitude and want some help.

You will get sporadic phone coverage during the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights and there will not be anywhere whilst trekking to charge your phone.

One of the trek leaders will be carrying a satellite phone. However this is emergency use only.

Weather is very varied on this trek, due to the fact that it winds its way through wildly different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass, and the nearby areas. Temperatures here, and at the nearby Soraypampa campsite, can fall below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.

We recommend to make your reservation in advance and we will guarantee your Spaces for this hike. Each reservation needs 50% of deposit as first payment. The final balance(50%) will be paid in Cusco(Briefing Day). About Payment you must choose where would you like to make the deposit: Payment system online:
- Paypal
- Western Union
- Peruvian Banking Account
We use the money from your deposit to make several important purchases, including the entrance fee to Salkantay, the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and train tickets. In addition, making a deposit assures us that you will be coming on the trek, and are unlikely to cancel at the last minute. This helps us with knowing how much food to buy, how many of our guides to use for the trek, etc. The deposit is non-refundable once we receive it, because we will immediately use it to purchase the tickets mentioned above.

First, we will send you an email to confirm your payment. Then we will contact you to offer you different hotel or hostel options in Cuzco, as well as inform you of other tours you might be interested in.
Two weeks before your tour date, we will contact you by email to request the final payment. We will also ask you where you will be staying in Cuzco, to be able to pick you up on the day of your hike.
After we receive the final payment, we will send you an email confirming your tour date and informing you of important contact information for our tour agency, as well as some final tips to prepare for the trek.

Once we have purchased your tickets, with your security deposit, you can only change your start date if you pay an additional amount. This amount is usually around $150 USD. The reason for this is the tickets we purchase are non-refundable and non-transferable, so we are not allowed to simply change your tour date.

To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time in Cuzco to acclimatize to the change in altitude. Two days minimum is recommended!!! Try to avoid alcohol before and during your trek, and make sure you eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Make sure to stay hydrated during the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights, don’t force yourself to walk faster than your body wants to, and take frequent breaks. Drinking coca leaf tea helps a lot, and you may wish to speak with your doctor about Diamox pills.

If you get altitude sickness while on the trail, let your guide know immediately. They will help you. Recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness: a headache, nausea, extreme tiredness, dizziness, and a general malaise are all symptoms.

Having a good guide is an essential part of having a good trek. Because of this, CUSCO DESTINATION hires and works with some of the best guides in the business. Our guides are knowledgable in the areas of history, archaeology, ecology, and are natives of the Cuzco area.

Depending on availability, there are dome-type camps and classic camp tents, so it is important to book in advance.

Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If travelling between May and October a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented with us. For approximately $25 for the length of the trek. Foam mats are provided however some travellers also bring their own self-inflating mat (i.e. a Thermarest).

Yes, you can do, But we recommend you buy water or rehydration drinks from local people, as it is a form of power these people support them.
of course that we offer them every morning boiled water so you can take during the day.

Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.

Tipping is at your discretion, but is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed from your guides and porters or Horseman.

The Salkantay trek is a low-impact activity. We will only be travelling short distances by bus and train, and almost the entire trek is done by walking. We will avoid areas with endangered plants, and we will give you steps on minimizing your impact even further. For example, please give your trash to you porters at the end of the day. This helps keep the trail as clean as possible.

We are keeping to a small group so that we limit the impact we have on the surrounding environment. The Salkantay Mountain National Park is a very delicate environment.

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L., you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the route. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.

SALKANTAY TREK:

Permits: Permits for the trek are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

You must advise Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.

Delays:

Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L.!!!

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
10% off

INCA TRAIL CLASSIC

live the history of the Incas while crossing different ecological ...

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS READ MORE
Salkantay Trek
20% off

SALKANTAY TREK CLASSIC

Salkantay Trek Classic is a best alternative trek to Machu Picchu...

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS READ MORE
Inca Jungle To Machu Picchu
15% off

INCA JUNGLE CLASSIC

Inca Jungle Trail To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports...

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS READ MORE
Lares Trek To Machu picchu
15% off

LARES TREK CLASSIC

Offers a unique experience, at an ancestral tourism route...

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS READ MORE