The 4-day, 3-night Salkantay Trek is a high-performance express expedition tailored for experienced hikers wishing to explore the route’s most iconic landscapes in a streamlined timeline. Covering a dynamic distance of 58 km (36 miles), this premium trek takes you to climb to the turquoise Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,779 ft) on Day 1, conquer the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft) on Day 2, hike vigorously down through high cloud forests directly to Aguas Calientes, and enjoy an elite guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel with a return via the classic train.
Power through the iconic Salkantay route in a high-performance express format. Crafted for fast-paced hikers wanting glacial passes, turquoise lakes, and cloud forests in a streamlined itinerary.
If you have more time, we suggest the Salkantay Trek 5 Days for a full immersion, or the legendary Classic Inca Trail if you seek the ancestral route with Inca history.
| Feature | Salkantay Trek 5D/4N | Salkantay Trek 4D/3N |
|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | 74 km / 46 miles | 58 km / 36 miles |
| Trekking Pace | Paced, progressive and enjoyable | Fast and intense (highly demanding) |
| Humantay Lake | Full Day 1 visit with paced hiking | Express hiking with accelerated ascent |
| Coffee Route | Included (coffee experience on Day 3) | Omitted (direct transit to Aguas Calientes) |
| Acclimatization | More time for physical adaptation | Requires prior physical fitness |
🚶♂️ Hiking distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) / 6.8 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 5 to 6 hours
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 4,200 m (13,779 ft) / 2,900 m (9,514 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Pick up at 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco to travel by private transport to Challacancha. We begin our acclimatization hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m (12,795 ft) / 12,795 ft). In the afternoon, we make a vigorous ascent to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,200 m (13,780 ft) / 13,779 ft) to contemplate its intense turquoise waters under Mount Humantay. We return to Soraypampa for dinner and overnight in our Andean campsite.
🚶♂️ Hiking distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) / 13.7 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 7 to 9 hours
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 4,630 m (15,190 ft) / 2,900 m (9,514 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We start at 5:00 a.m. heading towards the demanding Salkantay Glacial Pass (4,630 m (15,190 ft) / 15,190 ft), reaching the highest point of the trek under the shadow of the spectacular snow-capped Mount Salkantay. After taking premium photos, we descend sharply along mountain paths to Huayracmachay for lunch. We continue descending through high cloud forests to reach Chaullay for dinner and overnight.
🚶♂️ Hiking distance: 21 km (13 miles) / 13 miles
⏱️ Estimated time: 6 to 7 hours
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 2,900 m (9,514 ft) / 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, we start an active hike through the high jungle, passing by orchids and coffee plantations. After lunch at La Playa, we transfer by local vehicle to Hidroelectrica station. From there, we embark on a scenic, flat 3-hour walk along the railway, flanking the Urubamba River under the silhouettes of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu peaks, until reaching Aguas Calientes for hotel check-in and dinner.
🏛️ Primary Activity: Guided visit to Machu Picchu Citadel
🚶♂️ Citadel walk: 3 to 4 km (2.5 miles) walk inside the archaeological site
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft) / 3,400 m (11,154 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast
The big day is here! We take the eco-bus (25 min) up to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430 m (7,972 ft) / 7,972 ft). We enjoy an elite 2.5-hour guided tour exploring the main temples, sacred rooms, and classic viewpoints with our expert guide. In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the classic train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver awaits to return you directly to your hotel in Cusco.
Additional details of the 4-day Salkantay tour are as follows:
Cusco
4:30 am
