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 5 DAYS | SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| Duration & Pace | 5 Days / 4 Nights — Progressive pace with optimal acclimatization | 4 Days / 3 Nights — Fast-paced intensive trek |
| Humantay Lake | Included on Day 1 with full time for hiking & photography | Not included (direct accelerated route bypassing sections) |
| Accommodation | High-mountain camping tents (comfortable & safe) in camps and 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes | High-mountain camping tents (comfortable & safe) in camps and 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Traveler Profile | Hikers who want to enjoy the Andean scenery at a comfortable pace | Travelers with tight schedules and good 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 start 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 start early on our ascent to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). You can hike up the stone Inca stairs (approx. 1.5 hours) or take the Consettur eco-bus (optional extra not included: +$12 USD one way / +$24 USD return, 25 min). 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
