The new 4-day Salkantay Trek offers a unique and exclusive way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. Highlights include stunning views along the Salkantay Trail, a campsite at the base of the majestic Apu Salkantay, and the opportunity to hike a portion of the Inca Trail before arriving at the iconic Machu Picchu.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek is a thrilling and scenic adventure to Machu Picchu, offering higher altitudes and more diverse landscapes than traditional routes. Hike through dramatic mountain terrain, lush micro-climates, and visit stunning spots like Humantay Lake and the remote Inca ruins of Llactapata—where you'll enjoy a rare view of Machu Picchu. This specially crafted trek features unparalleled views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Designed by Quinoa Expeditions, specialists in unique and exclusive trekking experiences, this off-the-beaten-path journey ends with a guided visit to the majestic Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay
Early morning pick-up and drive to Soraypampa with a short stop in Mollepata. After breakfast with mountain views, begin a 3.5-hour hike to Soyrococha for lunch. Continue one hour uphill to Salkantay Pass (4,600 m), where your guide performs a traditional Andean ceremony. Descend for two hours to the campsite at Wayracmachay. Dinner under the stars.
Distance: 14 km.
Day 2: Wayracmachay – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba
Begin with breakfast and a 4-hour descent to Colpapampa (3,000 m). Enter the lush cloud forest with orchids and birdlife. After lunch, choose to hike 5 more hours or take transport to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. Later, visit a local coffee farm to learn about the bean-to-cup process and sample fresh coffee. Dinner at the tropical campsite.
Day 3: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Early start with coca tea and breakfast. Hike 3 hours uphill on original Inca Trail to the Llactapata ruins, with the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch with a view, then descend 2 hours to Hidroelectrica. Continue a 3-hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes, passing through diverse flora and fauna. Dinner with your chef and overnight at a hotel.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Catch an early bus to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour. Optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if ticketed). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus or on foot. Optional lunch (not included), then take the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private transfer takes you back to your Cusco hotel.
This trek combines dramatic mountain landscapes, Inca history, and cultural immersion, culminating in a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Includes
- Pick up from your hotel
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9 or more trekkers
- Chef
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 2 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetaian food please let us know.
- Dining tent with confortable tables and chairs
- 4 person tent used by only 2 trekkers
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Private Transportation by bus cusco to Soraypampa
- 3 star Hotel at aguas calientes on day 3 with private room(hot shower, wifi and storage where you can
- leave your luggage while you visit Machupicchu)
- Round trip bus ticket(Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu- Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 2 hour guided tour of Machupicchu
- Return transportation by tourist train from Aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo then van back to your hotel in Cusco.
Does Not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Trekking poles
- Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machapicchu Mountain
- Travel Insurance (for the duration of your trip). You are strongly recommended to take out for the duration of your trip.
- Tips
What you need to take
- Original Passport
- ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag( you can rent from Quinoa Expeditions )
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket Warm jacket
- Warm clothes: layers for variable temperatures, especially at night. Thermals:Hat, gloves.
- wool socks and wool hat for cold nights
- T-shirts for the intire trek
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries : poilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes and hand sanitizer
- Personal medical kit
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
- Camel bag or wáter bottle
- Extra money for drinks,tips and souvinirs. Etc( soles or dollars). At least 300 extra soles.
- Bathing suits for the hot springs( optional) recommended for those who stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes)
ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:
- Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
- Valid, Student Card (if you booked as a student)
- Trekking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
- A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)
FOR YOUR DAYPACKS:
Below is a list of items that we highly recommend you keep with you at all times in your personal backpack. Remember you will be carrying this with you everyday of the trek so we recommend you bring a good quality daypack which is both light and comfortable. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger backpacks can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (fleece / long sleeved tops)
- Sun cream, bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Band-aids, moleskin
- Camera, extra batteries
- Head Torch
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers’ toilets on the first day)
Salkantay 4-Day Trek – Pricing & Booking
Group Service Price:
US$ 580 per person
Private Service Prices:
2 people: US$ 640 per person
3 people: US$ 620 per person
4 people: US$ 600 per person
5+ people: US$ 580 per person
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$30 (with valid ISIC card)
Under 18 Discount: US$30
Note: Prices include mules to carry up to 7 kg of personal belongings.
Equipment Rental:
Walking Poles: US$15 (pair)
Sleeping Bag: US$20
Inflatable Mattress: US$20
Single Tent Supplement: US$20
Optional Extras (Must be booked in advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain Climb: US$75
Huayna Picchu Mountain Climb: US$75
Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo): US$50
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Price varies by hotel
Booking Process:
Provide Main & Backup Departure Dates: Authorizes the agency to book either date.
Confirmation: A receipt and trek date will be sent within 24 hours of deposit and form submission.
Required Personal Details:
Full name
Passport number (notify of any changes)
Gender
Nationality
Date of Birth
Passport changes may incur an extra fee, especially for official permits.
Student Rate Conditions:
Must present a valid ISIC card at time of booking and in Cusco.
A scan must be emailed during booking.
Deposit Payment:
US$200 per person for Salkantay Trek only
US$275 per person for Salkantay Trek + Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb
Mountain Climb Time Slots (must be requested in advance):
Salkantay 4-Day Trek – Important Information
Arrival in Cusco: Airport pick-up included. Send flight details at least 14 days before.
Pre-Trek Briefing: Held the night before at 6:00 PM at SAM Travel Peru's office (Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213).
Luggage Storage:
Store your main luggage at the Quinoa office or your hotel.
You’ll receive a small duffel bag (7kg max) for items carried by pack horses.
Carry a daypack (30–40L) for essentials during the trek.
How to Book:
Fill out the booking form with full personal details.
Pay a $211 USD deposit per person via VISA or PayPal.
Remaining balance can be paid in cash (no fees) or via PayPal/VISA (+5.5% fee).
Student Discounts:
Under 18: $30 discount (passport copy required).
Students 18+: Must show a valid university ID with name, photo, and current year.
Passport Requirements:
Bring your original passport (same one used during booking).
If renewing, send old and new passports. Passport changes cost $25 unless you bring both passports to Peru.
Altitude & Fitness:
Spend 2–3 days in Cusco/Sacred Valley before the trek to acclimate.
Trek is moderately difficult; fitness and prior conditioning recommended.
Guides carry oxygen; remedies include coca tea, water, and rest.
Group Details:
Small groups of 2–8 people.
1 cook per group.
Horses carry camping gear and personal items.
Weather:
Unpredictable—dress in layers for varying temperatures and climates.
Toilets:
Clean, private toilet tents provided by Quinoa Expeditions at campsites.
Difficulty & Emergencies:
Trek is challenging; if unable to continue, assistance will be provided to reach help or town (no refunds).
Travel insurance is recommended for emergencies (e.g., helicopter evacuation).
Post-Trek:
Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley included.
Train from Aguas Calientes: Usually departs around 14:55 or 15:20.
Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD – includes panoramic windows, snacks, and onboard show.
Tipping:
Optional but appreciated if service was excellent. Encouraged in the tourism industry in Peru.
Sustainability:
Quinoa Expeditions is committed to sustainable, responsible tourism, protecting the environment, and supporting local communities and culture.
Why Choose Quinoa Expeditions
Quinoa Expeditions is a 100% locally owned Cusqueñian travel agency and tour operator, founded on years of experience and a passion for authentic Andean adventures. Our mission is to offer personalized, small-group treks and tours with a strong focus on quality, responsibility, and sustainability.
- Locally Rooted & Responsible
- Entirely run by locals with no outside shareholders.
- We ensure fair wages and respectful treatment for all our staff our extended family.
Committed to giving back through community service projects and local employment.
Small Group Policy
- Max 8 people per group to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, far from the crowds.
- Top Guides
Professional, fun, and fluent in English. - Hold degrees in fields like archaeology, history, tourism, and anthropology.
- Passionate about Inca culture and constantly expanding their knowledge.
- Well-Cared Pack Animals
- Fully supported treks with mules to carry your gear.
We prioritize the health and humane treatment of our pack animals.
BuffetTrekking Cuisine
Delicious and abundant meals crafted by expert cooks using local and international ingredients.
We cater to all dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.).
High-Quality Equipment
4-season EUREKA or Doite tents (4-person tents used for 2 people) with extra space.
Foam and inflatable mattresses for better comfort (inflatable available for rent).
Complete camping setup: dining tent, chairs, tables, duffel bags, and biochemical toilet.
Extras: hot showers, survivor T-shirts, rain covers, and more.
Community Commitment
We invest in local communities through education, donations, and hiring.
Proud to strengthen ties with highland villages and promote sustainable tourism.
Choose Quinoa Expeditions for a life-changing trekking experience, where every step supports local people, respects nature, and delivers exceptional service and cultural authenticity.
