Departure from Cusco
Pickup and road transfer to Mollepata and the trailhead.
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Very early
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Machu Picchu trek ★★★★★5.0
Cross the high-mountain landscapes of Salkantay and descend into cloud forest before reaching Machu Picchu. This four-day program links Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Chaullay, the Santa Teresa area, Hydroelectric and Aguas Calientes. It is a demanding version with long days, camps and major changes in altitude and weather.
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General information
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
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Start: early pickup in Cusco
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Finish: return to Cusco on the evening of day 4
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Service: group trek
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Languages: English and Spanish
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Difficulty: challenging
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Maximum altitude: about 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
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Distance: roughly 50–65 km / 31–40 mi, depending on route
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What to expect
Day 1
Cusco — Mollepata — Challacancha — Soraypampa
Challacancha
Group organization and gradual hike through the valley.
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Trek begins
Soraypampa
Reach the high-altitude camp for meals and rest.
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Camp
Humantay Lake
Additional hike only when schedule, weather and group condition permit.
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Optional
Day 2
Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Huayracmachay — Chaullay
Ascent to the pass
The highest and coldest day begins with a sustained climb.
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Morning
Salkantay Pass
Cross the highest point with glacier views when skies are clear.
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About 4,650 m
Huayracmachay
Landscape gradually changes from alpine terrain to wetter vegetation.
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Descent and lunch
Chaullay
Reach the cloud forest for dinner and rest.
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Camp
Day 3
Chaullay — La Playa — Hydroelectric — Aguas Calientes
Santa Teresa Valley
Descend among rivers, vegetation and warm-climate crops.
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Hike
La Playa
Pause and transfer or continue according to the operating route.
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Lunch and connection
Hydroelectric
Prepare to walk beside the railway.
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Final section begins
Aguas Calientes
Arrive in town and stay in the confirmed lodging category.
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Overnight
Day 4
Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco
Access to Machu Picchu
Take the bus or walk according to the booked option.
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Reserved time
Machu Picchu
Follow the circuit assigned on the named ticket.
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Guided visit
Aguas Calientes
Return to town at the coordinated time for the train.
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After the visit
Cusco
Train to Ollantaytambo and final road transfer.
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Afternoon or evening
What you should know
Recommended gear
- Original booking passport
- Daypack with waterproof liner
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Thermal layers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat, gloves, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
- Headlamp and batteries
- Bottle, snacks and medication
- Repellent and hygiene items
- Peruvian soles and portable charger
Altitude, effort and safety
Seek medical advice for heart, respiratory, blood-pressure or mobility conditions. Report severe pain, dehydration or altitude symptoms to the guide. Obtain insurance covering high-altitude trekking and evacuation. Stay with the group, follow instructions and leave no waste. The operator may change the route, stop participation or arrange evacuation for safety; uncovered costs are the traveler’s responsibility.
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Before booking
This version completes the route in four days and requires very good fitness, long-hike experience and prior acclimatization. Before payment, confirm Machu Picchu circuit and time, train, camps, meals, luggage allowance and exact services.
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Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 full days.
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The pass exceeds 4,600 m and may bring cold, rain, hail or snow.
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Activity days may exceed 8 hours.
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Machu Picchu requires a named ticket with fixed circuit and time.
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The itinerary may change because of closures, landslides, weather or group condition.
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Included
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- Pre-departure briefing
- Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cook and stated trek meals
- Common camping equipment and confirmed lodging
- Pack horse for the allowed luggage on enabled sections
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Machu Picchu admission and return stated in confirmation
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Not included
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- Breakfast on day 1 and meals after the final visit
- Sleeping bag and poles unless rented
- Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu bus unless listed
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel, rescue and evacuation insurance
- Water and snacks outside the service
- Optional services and upgrades
- Gratuities and personal expenses
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Location
Cusco, Peru
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder than the 5-day version?
Yes. It covers a similar route in less time and normally has longer days.
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Is Humantay Lake included?
It may be an optional first-day visit but is not guaranteed because of time, weather and group condition.
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Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?
The available circuit is confirmed when the ticket is issued and depends on official capacity.
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Where do we sleep?
Usually at camps plus one night in Aguas Calientes; the exact arrangement is in the confirmation.
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Can I rent a sleeping bag?
Usually yes, at extra cost with advance booking.
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What if the route closes?
The safest authorized alternative will be used; extra costs depend on circumstances and insurance.
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Reviews
5.0
70 reviews
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Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
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Hi! I'm Maribel from Argentina. What can I say about our amazing experience in Cusco! It was incredible! I traveled there in October to celebrate my birthday. Words can't describe the wonderful experience we had! Thank you, Lost in Peru, for providing everything we agreed upon, and much more! A company to hire without hesitation! We paid for our tour, including accommodation, all covered by the company. Congratulations and may you continue to grow! I will definitely contact you again to plan my return trip to Peru! See you soon! Greetings from Argentina! Sending you kisses! Maria, Melissa, Ana, and Maribel
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I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have connected with such a wonderful company as Lost in Peru, with its amazing people. From the very first contact, over 3,000 km away, they arranged our entire stay, accommodations, transfers, guided tours, and much more, with remarkable kindness. And as if that weren't enough, they welcomed us and said goodbye with beautiful gifts. THANK YOU!! Highly recommended, without a doubt. Tupananchiskama
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Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
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I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
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