A four-day high-altitude trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. Expect glacier views, camping under cold stars, and a final guided visit to Machu Picchu.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of Cusco before dawn and the road rises into a raw Andean sky: serrated ridgelines, wind that seems to push you forward, and the distant white of glaciers. Day one carries you to Soraypampa and the jewel-toned Humantay Lake, where the turquoise surface sits like a cooled ember beneath Salkantay’s glacier.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with prior day hikes; experience at altitude is helpful. Be prepared for long uphill days and cold nights.
Wildlife
History
Salkantay is an Apu—sacred to local Quechua communities—and the route passes landscapes shaped by Inca agriculture and pre-Hispanic pathways that linked highlands to jungle.
Conservation
Trail erosion and campsite waste are ongoing concerns; use guide-operated camps, pack out trash when possible, and support operators who follow Leave No Trace and community-based tourism practices.
Reserve your spot on the Salkantay Trail 4 Days and 3 Nights today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude sickness risk; hydrate and avoid heavy exertion the first day.
Pack for rapid weather changes
Layering and a waterproof shell are vital—days can switch from sunny to windy sleet within hours.
Protect feet and blisters
Sturdy boots (broken-in) and moleskin or blister kits will keep you moving comfortably on steep, rocky sections.
Limit personal load
Use the provided pack-horse allowance (up to 5 kg) and carry only day essentials to preserve energy on long ascents.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on steep, rocky and sometimes muddy trail sections.
Layered insulation (base, fleece, down jacket)
Temperatures swing from warm midday to sub-freezing nights at camp.
Water treatment (filter/tablets) or 2–3L hydration system
Reliable clean water prevents illness on sections between settlements.
Lightweight sleeping liner or warm sleeping bag (rated to -5°C)
Camp provided gear is basic—extra insulation improves sleep and recovery.