Salkantay Trek 4-Day: Thrilling Journey to Machu Picchu with Scenic Views & Organic Coffee Farms

Embark on a thrilling 4-day journey to Machu Picchu with the Salkantay Trek. Experience scenic views, visit organic coffee farms, and support social projects with TreXperience.

Duration: 4 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SALKANTAYPAMPA

Humantay Lake - We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am and drive to Soraypampa (3900 m), arriving around 8:30 am. After breakfast, we will embark on a 2-hour hike up to Humantay Lake (4200 m / 13780 ft). After taking in the stunning views of this beautiful turquoise lake, we will proceed to our lunch spot where the chef will serve a meal made with organic local products. Along the way, you will encounter various flora and fauna, including the Andean goose (known as love birds), deer, and vizcachas (which resemble rabbits). After lunch, we will continue our ascent for another two hours to reach Salkantay Pampa (4100 m/13450 ft). At the campsite, our tents will be ready, and we will have tea time and dinner. You can stargaze before going to sleep.

SALKANTAYPAMPA – WAYRAJPUNKU – COLLPAPAMPA

Salkantay Trail - We will wake you up early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea. Stepping out of your tent, you will be greeted by a stunning landscape of vast plains and snow-capped mountain peaks. We will take in the breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in Peru. After breakfast, we will begin our ascent to the highest point of our trek, the Salkantay pass (4630 m /15190 ft). At the summit, we will take time to explore the incredible landscapes, including a beautiful lake at the base of the majestic mountain. From the top, we will hike downhill for another 3 hours to our lunch spot at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft). After lunch, we will descend from the highlands into the cloud forest, experiencing a rapid change in temperature and weather. Along the way, we will see various flowers, hummingbirds, and orchids until we reach Colpapampa at 2770 meters. We will spend the night next to a small village.

COLLPAPAMPA – COCALMAYO – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

Aguas Termales Cocalmayo de Santa Teresa - Day 3 is arguably the most beautiful of your Salkantay TreXperience! After a delicious breakfast, we will hike for 3 hours through the cloud forest and then drive for about 1 hour to Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6600 ft), where we will visit an organic coffee farm and prepare a special PACHAMANCA barbecue. After lunch, we will drive to Hidroelectrica and then hike for 3 hours to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 4:00 pm. We will have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a hotel.

MACHU PICCHU (LOST CITY OF THE INCAS)

Machu Picchu - On our final day, we will rise very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience: visiting Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. We will head straight to the line to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. As we arrive and the sky begins to brighten, you will enjoy incredible views of the city. On a clear day, you can witness the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu, an unforgettable sight. Your guide will lead a comprehensive 2 to 3-hour tour of the city before giving you time to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Montaña (tickets must be booked well in advance). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the Vistadome train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.

What's Included
  • Pickup from your hotel on the morning of the tour
  • All transportation, including buses to and from Machu Picchu
  • Panoramic Exclusive train ride back to Cusco
  • Visit to an organic coffee farm with a Pachamanca barbecue
  • Included entrance tickets to Salkantay, Hot Springs, and Machu Picchu
What's Not Included
  • Sleeping Bag, air mats, trekking poles (Can be rent from us)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
  • Montaña (need to be booked in advance)
Additional Information

Embark on the classic 4-day and 3-night Salkantay Trek leading to Machu Picchu, a highly rated route and one of the most thrilling and challenging journeys provided by TreXperience. The journey presents not only the majesty of Machu Picchu but also stunning views of Humantay Lake, snowy peaks, the cloud forest, and coffee farms.

Why should you choose TreXperience?
• We are a credible Local Tour Operator based in Cusco city
• Benefit from our free airport pick-up and drop-off service
• Enjoy an authentic camping adventure with tents and hot, revitalizing showers
• We offer a visit to local organic coffee farms
• Travel and contribute to our Social Projects simultaneously
• Return to Cusco on the last day in our exclusive Panoramic trains

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(277 Ratings)
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Nicktq9801gq
Jul 24, 2024
The ultimate high-service trekking experience - These guys know what they’re doing. Brilliant organisation from start to finish, despite all the logistical challenges that a large group of hikers brings. The only complaint I’d have is that they undersold the quality of accommodation and experience so we got even more value than we expected! Everything we needed was provided quickly and with a smile, the food was outstanding, communication was great and the level of knowledge of our guides was exemplary. I’d call out Pepe for expertly managing us through altitude challenges (all part of the experience!), pushing us up mountains and guiding us through the humid jungle, along all the rest of our super-family of hikers. Filio also, for his passion and knowledge of his Incan heritage, which added so much to our Machu Picchu tour. And Augusto, chef-extraordinaire, managing his team in the most challenging of cooking environments to deliver what can only be described as banquets. We ate well. Muchas gracias Augusto! Plus, not to forget the porters, horsemen and office staff, who I know did lots of things behind the scenes but which were pretty much invisible to us because to us things just happened seamlessly. Impressive. We had a fantastic trek and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend TreXperience for service, value and trek experience!
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Nadinearts
Jul 17, 2024
Loved it - Had a lovely time thanks to wiliam and his team. The food was amazing and the hike was so beautiful. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
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A3306ixlarsh
Jul 13, 2024
Great trip, team and guide - Went for the 4 day Salkantey trek + 1 day Macchu Picchu tailend of May 2024 and had a great time with Manolo and his team. We were a small group, 6 people, whereby the team from TreXperience was the same amount (chef + sous chef, server, and 2 porters). Everything was cared for and thought of and the food was delicious and locally produced and organic. Its a premium offering, however smaller group, good food and supporting a Peruvian owned operator compared to larger western corporation makes it totally worth it as opposed to other groups we saw being 25-30+ people. Manolo is an excellent guide, the type legends are made of. He's of indigenous origins and thus an oracle of knowledge covering everything from from plants, to culture, history, food, traditions, etc. With a great mood and always a witty comment this is the kind of guide you want for your 5 day hike and makes the experience.
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Ashleyby380wk
Jul 12, 2024
Best Trip Ever!!! - What an incredible trip. Seriously, it was life changing! Not only is Peru stunning everywhere you look, but our tour guides Gary and Fernando made the trip unforgettable. They were very knowledgeable about the trek and the country and brought such good energy throughout the whole trip. I shed a tear when we had to depart from them because they really made the trip so special. I made friends that I will never forget and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes in my life. 10/10 recommend.
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P3472btfredm
Jul 12, 2024
Good job Pepe and John! - Very well organized. All our needs were met. Our leader Pepe was competent, knowledgeable, and most of all always friendly and in a good mood. This is very important on a physically demanding trip like this. I hate to say it, but the price for this trip seems almost too low considering how many people made contributions over 5 days. I will not hesitate to recommend TrexPerience to others. Hats off to Pepe, his second in command John, and all the rest of the crew!
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Dianapervana
Jul 12, 2024
UNBELIEVABLE!!! - Our guide was Sara, she was AMAZING!!! I was a bit nervous about the hike as it was my first time but the experience was absolutely incredible. Sara made me feel comfortable and was very support and knowledgeable. She was supported by an incredible team; Chef Au Gustu, Miguel, Rosaleo, Lucas, Andres and Ale who transported our equipment and fed us the most incredible meals each day. This was a 5 STAR experience all the way. If you are thinking of doing this tour, ask for these guys. You will enjoy but you will also learn so much.
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Lucevans1
Jul 12, 2024
A fantastic experience and an amazing support team. - We originally booked the Lares trail but were persuaded to change to the Salkantay trek. Reluctantly we accepted but soooooo glad we did. It was fantastic. There were 7 of us trekkers and 7 support staff. The food, led by head chef Augusto, was phenomenal. On the last day , a traditional Peruvian pachamanca was cooked for us. Unbelievable 😋. Our guide Sarita (Sara) provided the best customer service we have ever had. She was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her local knowledge helped us avoid the queues at Machu Picchu and she gave us great recommendations for restaurants and massage. This was an amazing trip. Gracias to the whole team😎
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I1693gnjoeyd
Jul 12, 2024
Time of lives! - Best trip ever! The views and experience was amazing and thoroughly enjoyed the food prepared for us! Sara was the best host, she was really knowledgeable and great fun to have around. 10/10!
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Mattkp4685ro
Jul 12, 2024
Wow just wow. - The trek was amazing. Everything was really smooth and easy apart from the trek. Sarah was 10/10 guide and amiga. The food was incredible and would highly recommend the trip for anyone. Gracias ! -Matteo
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Stay05850194154
Jul 9, 2024
Would highly recommend! - They really look after you to make it an unforgettable experience - The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu expedition was a truly unforgettable experience, made exceptional by our outstanding tour guide, Filio. His extensive knowledge of the landscape, combined with a deep passion and connection for the Inca culture and history, transformed our trek into a captivating journey. Every step of the way, his attentiveness to our group, ensured a seamless and enriching adventure (even when conditions were tough and morale was low!) . Along with Filio, the chefs, Esteban and Tiboucius ensured that we were fuelled with the most delicious natural Peruvian cuisine. In particular, I was pleasantly surprised with the attentiveness to specific dietary requirements (i.e vegan and vegetarian diets). The genuine warmth and enthusiasm from the whole crew fostered a sense of camaraderie among our group, making the breathtaking beauty of Salkantay and Machu Picchu even more memorable. Finally, they really ensure the whole experience is stress free, from initially collecting you, luggage storage, ensuring you are comfortable all the way throughout, and even dropping you to any new hotels you have booked after the trek.
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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