Salkantay Trek 4 Days | Lala Peru Travel

Salkantay Short Trek

This alternative route to the Inca citadel includes a visit to the stunning Humantay Lagoon and the imposing Salkantay Mountain, traversing a breathtaking cloud forest before reaching the edge of the Peruvian jungle.

After acclimatizing to the climate in Cusco, join us on the 4-day Salkantay Short Trek, the ultimate fast trek to Machu Picchu. This wonderful excursion will take you to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon and the rugged Salkantay Mountain, as you descend through the enigmatic cloud forest and reach the top of the Peruvian jungle.

We will explore:

Cusco & Mollepata
Soraypampa (Sky Camp & Humantay Lagoon)
Salkantay Pass Viewpoint
Chaullay & Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Sahuayaco Beach (La Playa)
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
Machu Picchu Sanctuary

⏳ Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights

💲 Price
USD 380

⛰ Maximum Altitude
4,630 m (15,000 ft)

🏔 Minimum Altitude
1,800 m (6,000 ft)

👥 Group Size
Max 12 people

📍 Start
Cusco

🏁 End
Cusco / Machu Picchu

🥾 Difficulty
Moderate

🚐 Transportation
Trains & Tourist Vehicles

⛺ Accommodation
Private Camps & Hotel

🥾 Activities
High-Altitude Hiking

🌈 Highlight
Humantay Lagoon & Machu Picchu

An experience filled with mountains, forests, and Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy sleeping in the comfort of our exclusive premium camps each night—such as the glass-domed Sky Camp and the mountain cabins—while savoring some of the most delicious dishes amidst the Andean mountains.

Our professional and expert guides will accompany you throughout the trek, sharing their extensive knowledge of the region, culture, and history. Join us on an exciting journey where you can relax and enjoy the ultimate alternative route to the world’s most famous Inca citadel!

Trek one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world according to National Geographic.
Witness massive transitions from snow-capped glacial peaks to a lush Peruvian jungle in a single day.
Spend the first night stargazing from your premium igloo dome at Sky Camp.
Conquer the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters above sea level.
Enjoy a unique local coffee demonstration during the rainforest trek.
Unveil the secrets and history of Machu Picchu with an expert private guide.

The perfect, faster route if you want the full Salkantay experience but lack time for the classic 5-day version.
Unbeatable premium glamping infrastructure that ensures superior rest and comfort after intensive hiking.
Stunning biodiversity and microclimates that display exceptional flora, fauna, and valleys every single mile.
Seamless logistics: includes all hotels, trains, buses, and archaeological entrance tickets.

Full Description

DAY 1

Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa & Humantay Lagoon Ascent

To begin your adventure, we wake up early and leave Cusco to stop in Mollepata for a quick breakfast before continuing to our starting point, Challacancha. From there, you’ll enjoy a gentle 3-hour hike to Soraypampa, our first campsite. There, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and have time to settle into your glass Sky Camp igloo.

In the afternoon, we’ll hike up to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon. Once you reach the summit, you’ll have ample time to take in the turquoise views of this mountain jewel and catch your breath. Afterward, we’ll return to Soraypampa for a delicious dinner and head to your igloo to relax under a roof of stars.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Sky Camp Igloos

DAY 2

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Descent to Collpapampa

Today is the most challenging day, but the rewards are unmatched. After an early breakfast, we’ll tackle the steep climb to the iconic Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters. Take your time photographing the colossal glacier ridges and rugged mountain peaks.

From the pass, we will begin our long descent into the warmer cloud forest, stopping for a hot lunch along the way. Watch the landscape change completely into dense green vegetation before arriving at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Camp in Collpapampa for a comfortable night in private cabins.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Mountain Sky View Cabins

DAY 3

Collpapampa – La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

We’ll begin our morning hike through the lush rainforest valleys of La Playa, surrounded by coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and local fruit orchards. After reaching La Playa, we will enjoy our final lunch prepared by our trekking chefs and witness an authentic local coffee demonstration.

Afterwards, our private transport will take us to the Hidroeléctrica station. From here, you will enjoy a scenic 3-hour walk along the train tracks winding under the mountains (or opt for an optional train ride) until reaching Aguas Calientes. We check into our hotel and gather for a final dinner at an excellent local restaurant.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Aguas Calientes Hotel

DAY 4

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Exploration & Return to Cusco

The grand finale has arrived! You’ll wake up before dawn to catch the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu, entering early to experience the mystical Inca fortress before the massive day-trip crowds arrive. Enjoy an immersive 2-hour guided history tour covering the main temples and terraces.

If you have pre-booked permits, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for unmatched bird’s-eye views. In the afternoon, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (on your own) before boarding the scenic expedition train to Ollantaytambo. Our private vehicle will meet you there to drive you directly back to your accommodation in Cusco.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast