Cross the high Andes from Soraypampa to Machu Picchu in four days — a dramatic mix of alpine passes, glacier views and a tropical descent into cloud forest. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and practical on-trail tips.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You wake before sunrise in a thin, bright air and step out into a world where the mountain keeps its own hours: Salkantay’s glacier faces glare with morning light while the valley below still holds mist like a secret. The first day’s climb through hard-packed puna gives way to the blue-green of Soraypampa and, if you choose, a sidestep to the Humantay lagoon. By day two the trail grinds up to the Salkantay Pass (~4,600 m) — a wind-checked ridge with jagged rock and distant condors circling — then suddenly the world softens as you descend into cloud forest and the smells of coffee and passion fruit.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Requires strong aerobic fitness, experience with multi-day hiking and previous high-altitude exposure recommended
Wildlife
History
The Salkantay corridor intersects Inca-era routes that linked high Andean communities to the Sacred Valley; Salkantay itself is an Apu — a revered mountain in Andean cosmology.
Conservation
Stick to established campsites, pack out waste, and follow local guide rules; tourism pressure near Machu Picchu demands strict adherence to trail etiquette to protect fragile ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days (Small Group) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco or nearby before starting to reduce altitude sickness risk and test your legs on local walks.
Limit your pack
Pack animals carry up to 7 kg per person — bring essentials only and test your bag for comfort over long days.
Time your trek for dry months
May–September typically offers clearer skies and firmer trails; expect heavy rain and muddy sections in December–March.
Bring cash for extras
Small towns en route sell snacks, and the optional hydroelectric train or hot springs require local payments.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction are vital on rocky ascents and muddy descents.
Warm down jacket and layers
Temperatures at the pass can drop sharply; insulating layers keep you safe at night.
winter
Lightweight rain shell
Protects against sudden cloud-forest storms and persistent drizzle in wet months.
summer
Trekking poles
Reduce strain on knees during long descents and aid stability on loose terrain.