Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Group Tour
From, per person
US$ 950
Duration4 days / 3 nights
DifficultyChallenging
Max. altitude4,630 m
Group sizeMax 16
- Tour type
- Adventure and cultural
- Languages
- EN / ES
- Starts in
- Cusco
- Ends in
- Cusco
Overview
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights is an unforgettable journey for travelers who want to experience one of Peru’s most spectacular trekking routes in a shorter, more dynamic format. As a 4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, this route combines glacier views, high mountain passes, cloud forest scenery, and the excitement of reaching one of the world’s most iconic destinations through a true Andean adventure.
From the very beginning, the trek feels dramatic and immersive. You move through landscapes that change quickly and beautifully, from the open highlands near Humantay and Soraypampa to the powerful ascent toward Salkantay Pass, the highest and most demanding point of the route. This part of the Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu is where the trek reveals its wild character, with sweeping views of snowcapped peaks and a sense of scale that makes every step feel worthwhile.
As the trail descends, the scenery begins to transform. The cold, rugged mountain environment gradually gives way to greener valleys, warmer air, and the transition toward the cloud forest and jungle edge. That contrast is one of the reasons the short Salkantay Trek feels so memorable. It is not just a trek to Machu Picchu, but a journey through several worlds in just a few days, ending with the long-awaited arrival at Aguas Calientes and the final visit to Machu Picchu.
What makes the Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights especially appealing is the balance it offers between challenge and reward. It is ideal for active travelers who want a real trekking experience, dramatic mountain scenery, and the emotional payoff of reaching Machu Picchu, but within a shorter timeframe. The maximum altitude reached on this route is approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft at Salkantay Pass, so acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended before starting the trek
- Humantay Lake
- Inca Chiriasca pass under the Salkantay glacier
- Original Inca path to Llactapata
- Night in Ollantaytambo
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day01
Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Pampa – Ichupata
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 am to 4.30 am in our private transportation before embarking on a 3.-hour car drive to the trail head at Soraypampa (3800 m.a.s.l / 12467.19ft). Once in Soraypam…
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Day02
Ichupata - Inca Chiriaska Pass or Condor Pass – Inca Canal – Pauccar Cancha
After a crisp, early wake up accompanied by amazing views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains, you will enjoy your breakfast and get ready for the day´s hike. From Ichupata, you will hike for approximately 3…
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Day03
Paucarcancha – Llactapata – km 82 – Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, you will visit the Inca archaeological site of Pauccar Cancha before continuing on with your hike. Today´s highlight will be entering to the Inca Trail for a section of the original path. On this hike,…
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Day04
Machu Picchu – return to Cusco
Today will be easy and the most impressive journey at 5.10 am we finally board the train to Aguas Calientes town. The train will take us 2 hours approximately, once arrived to aguas calientes train station our tour guid…
What's included
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
- Official Salkantay Trek permit to Machu Picchu.
- Humantay Lake entrance permit.
- Ancascocha – Inca Trail connection permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit #2 – La Diseñada).
- Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the trek.
- Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry camping equipment.
- Full-day transportation during trekking days as indicated in the itinerary.
- Healthy organic breakfasts.
- Organic buffet lunches.
Not included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
- Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Packing list and tips
- Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toilet paper
- Some Peruvian soles in cash
- Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route
Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude.
Bring your original passport for permits, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Dress in layers to handle cold mornings, warm afternoons, and changing mountain weather.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and snacks.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on mountain passes.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
Respect local communities, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Important information and precautions
- This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
- Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
- Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
- Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing
- Machu Picchu circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on availability at the moment of purchase
- Tickets are nominal: bring the same passport you used to book
- Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person
- Hotel pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed the evening before
- Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have very limited spaces: request them when you book
Route map
- 1Cusco
- 2Mollepata
- 3Soraypampa
- 4Humantay Lake
- 5Salkantay Pass
- 6Paucarcancha
- 7Llactapata
- 8Km 82 (Piscacucho)
- 9Ollantaytambo
- 10Aguas Calientes
- 11Machu Picchu
Frequently asked questions
This trek is rated as moderate, combining high-altitude mountain trails with sections of the historic Inca Trail. While it does not require technical climbing skills, good physical condition and proper acclimatization are important. The most demanding sections involve mountain passes and long hiking days, but our professional guides set a steady pace and provide support throughout the journey.
The best time to hike this route is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer. June to August are the busiest months and require early booking. March and November are good alternatives with fewer crowds, although occasional rain may occur.
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes healthy breakfasts, organic buffet lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike comfortably with only a light daypack.
You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented locally. A small backpack for daily essentials is also recommended.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance offers extra peace of mind during this multi-day trek.
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