Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
We start at 5:00 am with the pick up from your hotel, and then head towards Mollepata, enjoying beautiful inter-Andean valleys, mountains, ravines, rivers and farms. We will also be able to observe the mountains of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain and the Veronica.
After a 2-hour trip, we will stop at Mollepata where we can have breakfast and use the restrooms, then we continue until we reach Challacancha, here we will meet with our support staff (muleteers, horses, and our camping equipment), after a short meeting we will begin our walk.
At approximately 9:30 am we will begin our journey to Soraypampa. Our first path is made of paved rocks. Along the way we will see the old water channel that still supplies water to the locals. Our journey will be a 3-hour walk until we reach Soraypampa, where a comforting lunch awaits us, and where we will spend our first night camping.
After lunch and regaining energy, we will hike to the Humantay Lagoon (4200 meters above sea level), a 5 km journey that will take us 1 hour and 3 minutes to go up and 40 minutes to return.
Once at Laguna Humantay we will see the snowy Humantay and the valley that is understood by the entire route we have walked. On our return to our camp at night we will have our dinner and some hot drinks, and then rest for our next adventure.
- Meals: Lunch,Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Chaullay
Upon waking up at 5:00 am, we will have a coca tea served in your tent, then enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and prepare our equipment to continue our hike to Salkantay Machu Picchu.
Our highest point of the hike will be the Salkantay Pass (4620 masl), a 7 km long route, which we will have to walk for 4 hours. At the top of the route we will be able to enjoy a view of the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain and a spectacular view of mountain ranges and inter-Andean valleys. Among the main snow-capped mountains are Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo.
The Salkantay snow-capped mountain is considered one of the highest mountains in Cusco and one of the main guardian gods of the Incas known as the “Apu Salkantay”.
From the top of the trail, we will begin the descent along a rocky and gravel path until we reach our next destination Huaracmachay, where our lunch awaits us.
After resting we will continue the descent until we reach Challway (2900 meters above sea level), where we will set up our camp.
The rest of the day we will rest in a tropical and pleasant climate until the next day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
Very early at approximately 5:30 am we will wake up to have a hot drink and then have breakfast.
Another day of adventure awaits us. We will begin our walk through a thick jungle and following the river current, we will see several family farms that are dedicated to the cultivation of fruit plants such as passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange and others. With a little luck we will be able to observe the famous bird known as the Cock of the Rock.
Our journey will be a 16 km trip with a 7 hour walk to Lucmabamba, where we can have lunch and rest, also, this small town is surrounded by coffee trees.
After lunch on a local bus we will transfer to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant, from here we will begin our 3-hour walk until we reach Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), where we will settle into our accommodation and rest comfortably for our great adventure to the Machu Picchu archaeological park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
This will be the big day after so many adventures in the mountains and nights of camping.
Very early we will start our trip to Machu Picchu , we will take the first bus that takes us to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise.
Our tour guide will accompany you for 2 to 3 hours, explaining the most important aspects of the Inca citadel. At the end of the tour, if you have Huaynapicchu entrance (book in advance), you can go for a walk.
Finally, you will return to Machu Picchu Town where you can have lunch and wait for the train departure to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting for us to take us back to Cusco, and then transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast,
Tour: Visit Machu Picchu
We recommend bringing
Recommendations for Salkantay Trek 4 days
What you have to take into account for the trip, remember that this trip is a mountaineering tour where we will be far from the city and most of the basic services:
- A light backpack with a change of clothes for the entire period of the hike – be prepared for a wide range of temperature changes.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for about $1 in Cusco.
- Sturdy footwear, waterproof hiking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Plastic sandals or flip-flops are also good to allow your feet to breathe at night, if you wish to wear them.
- Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece, gloves and scarf.
- Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- It is hot in the Apurímac Canyon, so you should also be prepared for hot conditions on this hike.
- Sleeping bag (we can rent it).
- Flashlight and spare battery.
- Camera, film and batteries (batteries are consumed more quickly in cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain and cold.
- Sunscreen.
- After-sun cream or moisturizer for face and body.
- Insect repellent – a minimum of 20% DEET is recommended.
- Toilet paper.
- Bring snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruit, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- We advise you to bring water sterilization tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own first aid kit with special medications you may need, paracetamol, second skin for blisters and more
- Small towel or sarong.
- Cash: Enough for tips and souvenirs, or any drinks or snacks you might want to buy along the way.
- Walking sticks or poles (we can rent them).
- Binoculars (if you have them)
Additional Information
Highlights: Salkantay Trek 4 days:
The 4-day Salkantay Trek has spectacular views, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, Andean plateaus, waterfalls and high jungle. It even includes an original Inca trail to a small Inca ruin and a distant view of Machu Picchu, before reaching the famous city.
This 4 Day Salkantay Trek is approximately 50km/31 miles and climbs to 4,620m/15,092ft. It is the second most popular trek in the Cusco region (after the Inca Trail) so it is quite crowded.
Practical information for the Salkantay trek
- Salkantay is a high altitude route, so good acclimatization is essential.
- Drink plenty of water – hydration is very important for this hike.
- There are many streams and rivers along the way, but we recommend using water purification tablets or a straw bottle for life as many alpacas walk around the local water is not safe to drink.
- On the first and second day of the hike you gain altitude fairly quickly; don’t push yourself too hard if you feel tired; stop, rest and drink water.
- There are a couple of steep descents on the hike, hiking poles will be very helpful as they will take some of the pressure off your knees.
- From the third day onwards there will be villages along the way where you can get cooked food or buy some groceries, for example pasta, tuna, instant soup, snacks, cold drinks, etc.
How we classify Salkantay
- Difficulty level – 4 out of 5; the first two days are quite demanding; high altitude and steep climbs, the other days are easier.
- Landscape – 5 out of 5; Humantay and Salkantay Lake and Glacier were the highlights.
- Tourism – 3.5 out of 5; quite crowded compared to the Choquequirao or Ausangate treks, but not as crowded as the Inca Trail.
- For lovers of outdoor activities , South America is a true paradise, as there are many adventure activities and hiking is one of them.
Tour Details
What you should know about the 4-day Salkantay Trek
As all the routes can be done on your own or with an agency (except the Inca Trail which by regulation can only be done with authorized agencies), the departure is from the city of Cusco and you have to go to Av. Arcopata from where buses leave daily to Mollepata.
You must go early since the buses only leave until 7:00 am, the trip lasts around 2 to 3 hours and you will pass through important towns such as Poroy, Anta, Limatambo and Mollepata where you can take another vehicle that takes you to the Soraypampa sector which is 1 hour and a half away.
* If you cannot find a bus to Soraypampa you will have to walk from Mollepata, this walk takes approximately 8 hours.
On this first day you can stay camping in Soraypampa or climb the Abra del Salkantay (4600 meters above sea level) and camp on the other side of the mountain and in the jungle area.
Upon reaching the Abra del Salkantay you will be able to appreciate unique agglomerations of rock that are called “Apachetas” that are made by the hikers who pass through this place as a symbol of respect for the mountain and as a request for some wish they have, this is a custom that dates back to the Inca era and even to earlier cultures.
The descent route to pass through the Abra de Salkantay is jungle-like and passes through towns such as Chaullay, Colquepampa, La Playa and others.
- Physical classification: Demanding (3/5)
- Activities: Hiking, cultural, archaeology, nature, landscapes, flora and fauna, mountains, snow-capped mountains.
- Accommodation: Large campsites
- Group Size: Large groups, custom groups and private services.
- When to travel: All year round, most recommended from March to December
Tour Summary
Salkantay Trek Itinerary 4 days:
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance traveled: 14 km / 8,500 miles
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Chaullay
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance traveled: 21 km / 13.0488 miles to Chaullay
Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance traveled: Approximately 27 km / 16.9419 miles
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast,
- Tour: Visit Machu Picchu
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions: Salkantay trek 4 days
What does Salkantay mean?
Salkantay is a mountain whose name translated from Quechua means ‘Wild Mountain’. This summit is known as ‘Apu’ (‘Lord’) for its majesty and elevation.
Where is the 4-day Salkantay Machu Picchu Trek located?
The ‘Apu’ Salkantay is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the Andes of southern Peru. This mountain is the second largest in Cusco, after Ausangate (Mountain of 7 Colors).
How high is the Salkantay snow-capped mountain?
The Salkantay mountain reaches 6,271 meters above sea level. The trekking route that leads to Machu Picchu has its highest point at the ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650 meters above sea level. From there you can see the peak of the mountain.
What is the weather like along the Salkantay Machu Picchu 4 Days trek?
The mountain itself has an extremely cold climate (several degrees Celsius below 0º).
However, the climate during the Salkantay trek is varied. The intense sun and cold nights of the first days give way to the tropical atmosphere of the last days.
What is the flora and fauna like?
The 5 days and 4 nights of the Salkantay trek cover landscapes with a great variety of flora and fauna. Among the species of flowers and plants, the orchid and the ichu (Andean grass) stand out. Among the species of birds and animals, the llama, the alpaca, the vizcacha, the condor, the spectacled bear and the cock-of-the-rock (national bird of Peru) stand out.
What is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is a hiking route that takes visitors to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. The total distance of the hike is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days of hiking).
What is the best time to do the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
There are two seasons in the Cusco region: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from April to October, and the driest months are from June to August: there is very little rain and temperatures are lower, especially at night. July-August is the peak tourist season, prices are higher and sights are more crowded.
The rainy season runs from November to March, with the most rain falling between December and February. During this period, temperatures are higher, there is a lot of humidity, it rains a lot, and there are not many tourists. December to February is the worst time to go hiking in Cusco.
Precios
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