Full Itinerary – Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
Full Itinerary Salkantay Trek Cusco ➝ Machu Picchu | An Epic Journey Through the Andes : Experience the Magic of the Inca Trail: Plan Your Adventure with Us
Are you ready for an unforgettable experience to Machu Picchu? The classic 4-day Inca Trail is not just a hike; it’s a total immersion in the history, culture, and nature of the Peruvian Andes. With us, you’re not just preparing for the journey; you’re becoming part of a legendary journey.
Full Itinerary Salkantay Trek -What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. It covers 43 km (26 miles) of ancient cobblestone paths, built by the Incas themselves centuries ago. Over four days, you’ll traverse majestic mountain landscapes, lush cloud forests, and hidden valleys that still preserve the essence of this ancient civilization.
This trail is part of the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park, and the number of people hiking it each day is limited. Therefore, it is essential to plan your experience in advance and with a reliable operator.
Day 1:Full Itinerary Salkantay Trek From Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
- Starting altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Maximum altitude: 4,220 m / 13,845 ft
- Distance: approx. 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
We’ll pick you up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco to begin this incredible adventure. After a scenic two-hour drive, we’ll arrive in the town of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast with breathtaking mountain views.
Then we’ll head to Challacancha (3,800 m), the official starting point of the trek. From here, we hike for about 3 hours along ancient Inca water channels and scenic trails until we reach our base camp in Soraypampa (3,900 m), where a revitalizing lunch awaits.
In the afternoon, we ascend to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,220 m), a turquoise gem nestled between towering glaciers. Here you can relax, take photos, and connect with the energy of the Andean landscape.
Upon returning to Soraypampa, we’ll welcome you with hot coca tea and a homemade dinner prepared by our local chefs. You’ll spend the night in cozy domes or tents under a sky full of stars.
Day 2:Full Itinerary Salkantay Trek to Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wacracmachay – Collpapampa
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass)
- Distance: 22 km / 13.5 miles
- Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
This is the most challenging — and most rewarding — day of the trek. After an early breakfast, we’ll begin a 3-hour ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point on the route. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay.
We then begin a gradual descent, passing by Soyrococha and a hidden alpine lake tucked in the Andes, until we reach Wacracmachay, where we’ll stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue descending into the cloud forest ecosystem until we arrive at Collpapampa (2,950 m), where your tent or dome, a hot drink, and a warm dinner will be waiting.
Perfect for: Mountain trekking lovers & landscape photographers
Day 3: Full Itinerary Salkantay Trek to Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Lowest altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
- Total distance: approx. 27 km (16 km by car + 11 km walking)
- Total hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
After breakfast, we continue descending through lush subtropical cloud forest, surrounded by coffee, banana, avocado, and orchid plantations. Along the way, you’ll learn about medicinal plants and traditional rural life in the Andes.
We pass through Lucmabamba, where time permitting, you can enjoy a traditional coffee experience. Afterward, we take a private vehicle to the Hydroelectric Station and hike the final 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, we’ll check into a comfortable hotel where you can shower, rest, and relax before the big day. In the evening, we’ll share dinner at a local restaurant and go over the plan for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Don’t want to walk from the Hydroelectric Station? You can take the train for an additional cost.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Estimated time at the site: 2.5-hour guided tour + free time
The big day has arrived! Early in the morning, we’ll head to the entrance of Machu Picchu, hiking up the Inca stairs or taking the bus (optional – $12 USD). Once inside, enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Inca Citadel, exploring its plazas, temples, terraces, and ancient observatories.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or, if you booked in advance, hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets not included).
In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private vehicle to Cusco. You’ll arrive around 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a heart full of unforgettable memories.
What’s Included?
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco
- 3 nights of accommodation (domes/tents + hotel in Aguas Calientes)
- All meals during the trek
- Certified professional guide
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Option to hike or take train from Hydroelectric Station
Helpful Tips
- Stay hydrated — it’s key to acclimatizing to the altitude
- Book in advance, especially for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Bring only a small backpack to Machu Picchu (max. 25L)
- Bring extra batteries — the landscapes are nonstop photo ops!