What to Expect on the 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

We have always had a constant fascination for the incredible architectural achievements of lost ancient civilizations. Machu Picchu, located in Peru, has been widely recognized as one of the most impressive architectural marvels of the ancient world. It showcases sophisticated engineering techniques, including precisely cut megalithic stones that fit together seamlessly, that even to this day cannot be properly explained. Moreover, this hidden citadel was built on the steep terraced mountainside, with perfect alignment to the astronomical solstices. So when we heard about the 4 day Salkantay Trek leading to Machu Picchu, we knew this would be a life-changing experience!

To help you decide if this trek is right for you, we have written this guide describing all the important details of the trek, answering the most frequently asked questions, and reviewing our experience.

Spoiler alert: this was one of the most life-changing hikes we’ve ever done!

Read on below!  

What is special about the Salkantay Trek

The first and most obvious reason why the Salkantay Trek is special is that it leads you Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Although it is possible to visit Machu Picchu by simply taking a train to Aguas Caliente and then a bus up to the site, choosing this approach will cause you to forego experiencing some of the most jaw-dropping and unique landscapes Peru has to offer.

Embarking on a 4-day journey along this sacred path allowed us the chance to develop a deeper understanding of Pachamama. To the indigenous Andean people, Pachamama, or Mother Earth, holds a deep cultural significance and plays a central role in their world views. Along the journey, our guide showed us the ceremonies and offerings to Pachamama to bless us with safe passage.

We participated in the spiritual rituals with Coca Leaves that harnessed our connection with the land. Though the trek was arduous, we were gifted with the opportunity to visit the sacred glacial lagoon of Humantay and spend a night gazing at the limitless galaxies.

Hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is not only a journey into some of the most pristine landscapes of the Andes, but also a spiritual passage learning the history of the Inca.

Over these 4 days, we discovered more about Peru and their culture than over the entire remainder of the 2 weeks we were there. If you have the physical fitness to do this hike, we would whole-heartedly recommend doing it!

Salkantay Trek Difficulty

Before planning on doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, it is important to consider the level of difficulty. Considering the trek lasts for 4-5 days, reaches high altitudes of 4300metres, and involves hiking 6-8 hours per day, we would consider this hike moderate to challenging.

As a point of reference, we have done several multi-day hikes in the past, including a 12 day Everest Base Camp Trek and 2 day Volcano Trek in Guatemala, and felt the hike was slightly harder than moderate. 

It is important to also consider the difficulty imposed by the altitude. When hiking above 3000 metres, there is a risk of altitude sickness. This includes potential symptoms of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Your body’s response to the altitude has nothing to do with your fitness level and is unique to each person’s body.

One of the members of our hiking group was sick from day one and had a very difficult time doing the trek. Make sure to take this into consideration when planning your hike. Also, make sure to plan for 2-3 acclimatization days prior to starting the hike. 

Secondly, the altitude makes every physical task significantly more difficult. Your trek on day 1 will involve an altitude gain of 1400metres so if hiking uphill under normal conditions is already hard, then this hike will be substantially harder. You will get a good idea of your body’s response to altitude by simply walking in Cuzco since it is located at 3400m. We were surprised how out of breathe we were simply walking to our hotel!

Finally, make sure you are comfortable with hiking 6-7 hours per day, and that your body can tolerate doing this for several days in a row.    

How long is the Salkantay trail

The Salkantay Trek can range from 2 to 5 days but is typically 4-5 days long. 

The two day version allows you to visit Laguna Humantay, Sleep at the Sky Camp, do the Salkantay Pass, but not reach Machu PIcchu. This is a shortcut version and you are driven a good portion of the way to allow you to focus just on these two highlights.

The 4 day version allows you to see everything of the 2 day trek, then sleep in the Andean huts, visit the coffee plantation of Playa Sahuayaco, then take a bus to reach the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu. Take this route if you mostly want to see Humantay, cross the highest pass, and see Machu Picchu.

The 5 day version is similar to the 4 day version, except you will not be taking the bus shortcut, and instead you will walk through the forest trail to see additional Incan ruins. Take this route if you have the extra time, and want to see additional Inca ruins along the trail. 

Keep in mind that each company will plan their days and routes differently. Make sure to consult with the hiking guide company to see their exact offerings. We will recommend some of the best Salkantay Tours in a section below! 

Highlights of the Salkantay trail itinerary

We did our Salkantay Trek with the company Salkantay Trekking and had an absolutely amazing time!

Below we will share with you the highlights of our itinerary, offering you a clearer understanding of the hiking experience.

Keep in mind that each touring company will differ in how they plan their days as well as the accommodations. Nevertheless, these key attractions are nearly always incorporated into the itineraries.

Day 1: Laguna Humantay

On your first day of the Salkantay Trek, you will start your hike at Challacancha at 3800m and hike up to Soraypampa at 3900m where the beautiful Sky camp is located. Following a lunch break, you’ll have the choice to ascend to Laguna Humantay. While the 1.5km hike is quite demanding, it unveils one of the most breathtaking landscapes we’ve ever encountered.

At an altitude of 4200m, Laguna Humantay is a stunning glacial lake nestled high in the Andes mountain range. Surrounded by the towering peaks of Humantay Mountain, the lake’s turquoise waters create one of the most breathtaking visual spectacles.

Not only is this scene utterly captivating, but it also holds a spiritual significance to the Andean people. In fact, shamans embark on pilgrimages every year to arrive at this laguna, believing that the mountains and lakes are imbued with sacred and spiritual energies. 

Words cannot truly describe the experience of being there. Whether it is the extraordinary natural beauty, or maybe the area is truly filled with some magical energy, being there left an inedible mark on us. 

Day 1: Sleeping in the Sky Camp glass domes

One of the reasons why we chose to do the Salkantay Trail was the opportunity to spend a night at the Sky Camp. Perched high in the mountain ranges, the Sky Camp features multiple transparent glass domes where you can spend the night marvelling at the celestial night sky. From here, the entire Milky Way and sky full of stars unfold before you, even visible to the naked eye. 

At about 9-10pm, all the lights of the campsite shut down, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy stargazing. We ended up coming out of the glass igloo since it was fogging up with condensation.

There is a perfect rooftop platform above the central hall where you can get an elevated view of the entire campsite with the mountain range in the background. This was the first time we’ve ever seen the entire Milky Way so clearly and is a moment we will always remember. Check out our first attempt at doing star photography!

Day 2: Salkantay Pass and connecting with Pachamama

The second day of the Salkantay Trek will be the longest day of hiking, with a total duration of about 10 hours and climbing up to a maximum altitude of 4630m. However, once you reach the top, you will get one of the most breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain.

Our guide explained to us that the mountains are considered Apus, or mountain spirits, that house sacred deities. So whenever the locals pass through here, they will make a Coca Leaf offering on the rocks to thank them for blessing their safe passage. 

Here, we were encouraged by our guide to practice the same ceremony. We each individually found a quiet spot on the slope, aligned the coca leaves pointing towards the mountain, and closed our eyes.

We were instructed to speak to the spiritual energy about whatever was in our hearts. At that moment, we truly felt a connection with the nature and mountains all around us. This experience not only highlighted the utter beauty of the Andean mountain range, but allowed us to embrace the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the people.   

day 4: Machu Picchu

After hiking for 4 days, you will finally reach Machu Picchu, one of the seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu, located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is an ancient Incan citadel renowned for its remarkable architecture, historical significance, and mystery surrounding its construction.

The site is perched at an altitude of 2400m and was built on terraced slopes that were incredibly difficult to reach. To this day, historians do not understand how the city was built and how these intricately carved megalithic stones were brought there. 

Each stone structure exhibits such meticulous craftsmanship that the stones seamlessly interlock, leaving no room even for a razor blade to fit through. On top of that, some of the temples hold spiritual significance and were built with perfect alignment to coincide with specific solstices and astrological events.

Standing within the citadel of Machu Picchu, you can’t help but wonder how such a complex city was constructed, in such a remote location, and with such engineering precision. 

When we came back down from climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, we were fortunate to have had the opportunity to see the entire citadel from the perfect vantage point. Having spoken with one of the local guards, we were permitted to enter a temporarily closed off section. From here, we found ourselves alone to fully admire the awe-inspiring magnificence that is Machu Picchu.    

Day 4: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

The final highlight of our journey was climbing up the iconic peak of Machu Picchu Mountain to see the entire citadel from above.

This 2-3 hour hike brings you 600m above Machu Picchu offering a full panoramic view of the entire archeological site and surrounding mountain peaks. It is from here that you truly grasp just how isolated the citadel was and how challenging it must have been to transport the construction stones there.

It is also for this reason that the Spanish conquistadors were unable to find Machu Picchu, leaving it hidden and preserved from European colonial influence for centuries. 

Climbing up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain will give you an entirely new appreciation of the site and its architectural marvel.

The only drawback of doing this optional trek is that it will cut down 2-3 hours of time which could have been spent exploring the citadel itself. For us, we felt like it was worthwhile!  

Salkantay Trek cost

The cost of doing the Salkantay Trek will depend on several factors including how many days, what type of accommodation, and what are the inclusions. For the typical 4 or 5 day itinerary, the cost of the tour ranges generally between 300-650USD per person.

We would recommend not going with the cheapest companies since we met some travelers who did and they had a poor experience where not enough food was provided and they slept only in uncomfortable tents. 

Make sure to evaluate these important factors when considering the tour agency:

• How many people are in the group (some groups are max 12, whereas some are max 20)
• Will you sleep at the Sky camp (definitely worth doing!)
• Level of hotel accommodation in Aguas Caliente
• Is the Laguna Humantay entrance fee included
• Are sleeping bags included (you will definitely need one)
• Are porters included
• Are all the meals included and generally what type of meals
• Is the entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain included (it usually is not)
• Are you taking the train or a bus to return at the end of your trek

Our trekking tour

The tour we booked for ourselves was the 4 day Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking, which cost us about 500USD per person. We were 9 travelers in total in our group, slept at the Sky Camp, included all entrance fees/equipment/porter/meals, we took the train back after the trek, and we were able to add on Machu Picchu mountain for a reasonable price.

But what made it truly amazing was the delicious food, and our guide Franz who taught us so much about the Andean history. 

Best Salkantay Trek tours

Several companies offer the 4 or 5 day Salkantay Trek tour and we would recommend booking it ahead of time. The reason for this is that you need to make sure you reserve your permit to go to Machu Picchu. Also the number of permits to Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain are limited.

Although it is possible to just show up in Cusco and find a cheaper tour company, there is no guarantee about their quality. Also, sometimes they are simply outsourcing it and putting you in another group. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we believe it is worth spending just a bit extra to guarantee a positive experience!

For us, we ended up booking with Salkantay Trekking and loved our experience. They had very clear communication, were organized, and very accommodating to our specific needs. We paid for this trip ourselves so you can trust that our opinion is unbiased and honest.

👍👍👍 Here are some of the top recommended Salkantay Trail Tours:

Salkantay Trek Vs. Inca Trail

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular trek in Latin America and is one of the most recognized treks in the world. If, however, you are like us and also want to seek an alternative and more off-the-beaten-path route, then make sure to consider The Salkantay Trail.  

Each trail provides unique highlights and allows you to experience the landscapes of Peru differently. 

So you might be wondering which trail to choose during your trip to Peru. We have compiled this table comparing some of the most important elements you should consider. 

Comparison: Salkantay Trek Vs. Inca Trail

Feature	Salkantay Trek	Inca Trail
From – To	Connects Cusco to Machu Picchu	Connects Cusco to Machu Picchu
Difficulty	Moderate to challenging	Moderate
Number of days	Typically 4 or 5 days	Typically 2 or 4 days
Altitude	Higher maximum altitude (4,630 meters)	Lower maximum altitude (4,215 meters)
Scenery	More wild landscapes focusing on high mountain ranges, valleys, and cloud forest	Well preserved Incan-stone pathways, lower mountain ranges, wild forests, more cultural sites
Trail Length	Typically longer (between 62-78 km)	Well-preserved Incan-stone pathways, lower mountain ranges, wild forests, more cultural sites
Highest Point	Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters)	Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters)
Permits	Generally more available and flexible	Limited permits, must be booked in advance
Crowds	Fewer crowds, more remote experience	Limited number of hikers allowed per day, one of the most popular trails in Peru
Camping vs. Lodges	Sky camp glass domes, mountain huts	Generally camping in tents
Best Time to Go	May to September during the dry season	May to September during the dry season
Cultural Sites	Limited historical sites, more focused on epic mountain ranges and wild natural beauty	Numerous Incan ruins along the trail, tons of historical and religious sites/ruins
Accessibility	More accessible, less popular and easier to get permits	Requires advanced booking and permits

Ultimately, the choice of which trek to do will depend on your primary interests, physical level, and preference of trail popularity. 

Quick trek recommendation

Overall, we would recommend the Inca Trail for those who want to focus more on historical ruins, following the ancient Incan route, and prefer a slightly shorter and easier hike. The Inca trail is a sacred route and was believed to have been used by the Monarch and emperor for religious pilgrimages. 

The Salkantay Trail would be for those who want to see Machu Picchu, but prefer a focus on venturing high up into the wild mountain ranges of the Andes. Although there are fewer Incan ruins, climbing high up to 4630m on the Salkantay Pass allows you to experience a spiritual connection with Pachamama. I would also give Salkantay Trail a bonus point for the experience of sleeping in a glass dome under the stars. 

Best time to do the Salkantay Trek

The ideal months to do the Salkantay Trek is from April to June, and then September to October.

During these periods, there is minimal chance of rain and the temperatures are comfortable. It is important to know that Machu Picchu is located amongst the cloud forest. Therefore there is always the risk that the entire view and city can be fully covered by the clouds. When we went in May, we enjoyed perfect views of Machu Picchu. However the group that went the day before us didn’t get to admire the full view due to cloud coverage. 

July and August are peak season which means high visitor numbers and crowds at Machu Picchu.

This post is part of our series about Peru. If you want to learn more about Peru, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

10 Day Itinerary Peru: Machu Picchu hike, Cusco, and Lima (2024)

Is Salkantay Trek worth it?

The Salkantay Trek is 100% worth it! Not only do you get to reach Machu Picchu, one of the seven Wonders of the World, but you also get to admire some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Peru. Seeing Laguna Humantay, and sleeping at the sky dome under the Milky Way, is an experience we will always remember. In fact, the Salkantay trek was our favourite experience in the our entire Peru itinerary!

What also makes the Salkantay Trek worthwhile is that you will learn so much about the Andean culture, ceremonies, and beliefs, and gain an in-depth understanding of the marvels of the Inca people. Having done countless multi-day hikes from all over the world, the Salkantay Trek remains one of our favourite treks!

Important preparation tips

Acclimatization

Make sure to plan for 2-3 acclimatization days before starting the Salkantay or Inca Trail trek. Considering that Cusco sits at an altitude of 3400metres, simply walking around Cusco will be an excellent way to get your body used to the altitude. On the 2-3 days prior to your hike, make sure to go for walks around the town.Maybe also try do some day trips to Moray or Maras to help your cardiovascular system acclimatize. 

Coca leafs

The locals chew and drink Coca leaves to improve oxygen absorption in your body. You can try these remedies to help your body acclimatize. 

Equipment at Machu Picchu

You are not allowed to bring tripods, selfie sticks, walking sticks, drones, heeled shoes, or alcoholic beverages into Machu PIcchu. Your guide will surely remind you of this the night before entering but we wanted to inform you ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. 

Optional mountains

If you will be doing the optional Huyna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain trek, make sure to purchase your tickets far in advance as they do tend to sell out. Also, you will be assigned a specific time to start the mountain trek so make sure to plan accordingly. There is a counter at the entrance and they will check to see if you are respecting your entry time. 

To enter Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you are required to exit the entire Machu Picchu site and re-enter through the ticketing booth. This is because they do not allow you to backtrack through the site. Make sure to keep this in mind when calculating how much time you need to get to the mountain entrance. We had to sprint through the site in order to make our time since the site was quite large and there was a lineup at the entrance.

Required guide

It is mandatory to have a guide when visiting Machu Picchu.

Time management at Machu Picchu

If you do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, you will be losing a significant portion of visiting time at the main Machu Picchu Citadel. Huayna Picchu takes on average 3 hours to complete, and Machu Picchu mountain takes on average 4 hours to complete. If you prefer to visit the citadel slowly and completely, then it would not be advised to add on the optional mountain.

Summary: 4 day salkantay trek

Embarking on the Salkantay Trek was definitely one of the best experiences we had during our Peru trip. We learned so much about the Inca and Andean people, their history, and had the rare chance to witness some of Peru’s most incredible landscapes. Seldom have we experienced a hike that encapsulates such a multitude of positive elements in a single journey of 4 to 5 days!

If you are thinking about doing this hike, We wholeheartedly and unequivocally recommend it without hesitation!

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