4Days - 3Nights
minimum 2, up to 8 people
Adventure, hike
challenging
For those that are looking for an adventure and high altitude mountain landscapes that will challenge most trekkers, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is your best choice. We have designed a trek with its own distinctive features, an exclusive trek into the diverse landscapes. See incomparable views of the towering snow-hooded mountain peaks of Humantay (5 473m/17 956ft) and Salkantay (6 271m/ 20 574ft). Visit the picturesque deep blue, crystal-clear lagoons that are named after the great mountains that sustain them, Lake Humantay and Lake Salkantay. Encounter Amazon Jungle landscapes with several micro-climates, with their own exotic flora and fauna.
Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical trail. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of Llactapata where you have an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu. For your last morning, visit the famous and mystical World Heritage site of Machu Picchu Citadel! Experience for yourself what sets our alternative treks to Machu Picchu apart from what other tour operators have to offer. All our treks are customized, unique and personalized to suite the individual.
Your Salkantay Trek starts at 4:30am when we pick you up from your hotel and drive in our private van for 3 hours to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along the curvy roads in the Andes, you will have views of the villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. At the Soraypampa trailhead, we have our delicious and hearty breakfast while enjoying the spectacular views of the Humantay Mountain (5,900m/ 19,356ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217m/ 20,396ft) glaciers.
We then take a 2.5 hours round-trip hike up to visit the turquoise blue Humantay Lake. Where you get to take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lake. Be mesmerized by the beauty of such an incredible creation of nature, then we hike back down to the starting point to continue with your trek to Salkantay Pampa, where you will enjoy a hot lunch made by our chef.
Next, we make our way to our first campsite at Soroccocha (4,400m / 14,517ft), situated at the foot of the towering Salkantay Mountain. At camp, will have afternoon tea to warm up and appetizers waiting for us. Your tents will already be set up and you can settle in before dinner.
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of coffee or tea to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. After a tasty breakfast we continue onwards and upwards for one hour, we reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). Your will feel truly awed by the spectacular views of these three towering snow-capped mountains: Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay. These peaks are considered sacred by Quechua people and your guide will tell you about how important these Apus are in traditional Andean beliefs. Below you are spectacular rivers of whitewater and small scenic lakes. Then we head down for 2 hours to Huayracmachay for our hot lunch. Then we descend for 3 hours toward the rural community of Chayllay and along the way, you will love the refreshing lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. You have crossed over from the dry Andean highlands and are descending towards the warm and humid Amazon!
Then we will take the local transpotation to Lucmabamba where we will camp.
After another hot drink enjoyed in your sleeping bag, you will be treated to the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. From here, we walk in the footsteps of the Inca, along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will be amazed at the incredible views of deep valleys reaching into the distance with their fruit plantations. We finally arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins; located right across the valley from Machu Picchu. There, we take time to enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon. From there, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco. Nearby, we have lunch before we take the train for a half hour to Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and go to our hotel.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu you will have time to enjoy the hike and views on your own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 2:55pm or 3:20pm.
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:00pm depending on traffic.
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Our 4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can depart on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
Pack horses included! This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag in which you can put your things. We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days
You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek’s start. Look for our representative holding an orange SPIDER Travel Peru board outside the arrivals terminal.
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
During the Salkantay 4 day Trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to select your trek/tour date and the number of travelers on the right hand side. Then proceed to the next page to complete the booking form.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu permits and train tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@samcorporations.com to complete the payment.
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@samcorporations.com
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Salkantay 4 day Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.
We must have a copy of your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one. If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to enter the trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both passports, you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes between 1 to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Spider Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
The evening before you start your Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
The Salkantay 4 day Trek is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SPIDER Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night, if you need to use the toilet, it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the facilities supplied by the government which may be dirty.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Spider Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
It will depend on the train availability (during high season it could be booked out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and a chance to enjoy the amazing views of the landscape from the train, on the way back to Cusco. Therefore we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceilings. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SPIDER Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 3kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. Another option is to request an extra porter for an additional fee. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Lake Humantay 1 Day Hike
Explore the sites that you will actually see along your tours.
Cusco
Humantay Lake
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Hike from KM 104 to the Sun Gate
Imperial City of Cusco
Sam Corporations has flexible departure dates, willing to accommodate your needs and travel requirements as far as possible. We guarantee exclusive luxurious tours of the hidden gems of Peru, whilst providing the best quality and personalized service.
You can book confidently knowing we offer the best value for your money
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
The Huchuy Qosqo trek from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you to a combination of amazing Inca ruins, secluded indigenous villages, incredible snow-capped mountains and exotic vegetation of different types and varieties. The trail goes off the beaten track, over high Andean passes, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its unforgettable scenic views, and visits both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. It ends at the destination you have been anticipating, The New 7 Wonder of the World Machu Picchu! It is believed that the archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo was built during the reign of the eighth Inca Ruler, Wiracocha. Inca rulers acquired large royal estates to increase their power and wealth and that of their descendants who inherited the estates. Royal estates served also as elegant country palaces and, at times, fortresses to fend off rivals for power. Thus, the name Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, was for a royal estate or government center modeled on the Inca capital.
The Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru! For centuries it has been very important to the religious beliefs of the Andean people, who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. With spectacular glacial views, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for experienced trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. Hiking completely around this mystical mountain, you will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including the Andean goose and the massive Andean condor with a wing span reaching 16 feet! As you trek, you will walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native indigenous villages. In addition, you will get to enjoy the natural colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping the culture alive! You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range created by the various mineral deposits. The Rainbow mountain trek also offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicuñas, and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest natural phenomenon you will ever see. Click on the link to find out more about our Ausangate/Rainbow Mountain Trekking Experience..!
Inca Quarry Trek Trail to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
Our specialization is in trekking, “off the beaten track.” Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is a personally designed and unique trek taking you to remote and rarely visited Inca ruins. You’ll trek by beautiful waterfalls, view wild panoramic landscapes, ancient Inca aqueducts, and take yourself back in time to the Inca stonemason’s unmatched masterpieces. You will visit the old Inca quarry from where the Incas carved the rocks to build the important Ollantaytambo Inca city, the impressive gate to Machu Picchu. Take time to explore the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and hike up to the dusted remnants of the old Inca hillside storehouses. Then enjoy true luxury at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel! On your final day, will be the long awaited tour to explore and experience the magical UNESCO World Heritage site: Machu Picchu!
The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” Located above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and seated on a high ridge, Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited ¨Lost City of the Incas.¨ The Inca archeological site is considered to be the sister to Machu Picchu. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last refuges for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.
Choquequirao is situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3033m/9,951ft. Its secret to keeping away the crowds is also part of its charm: it is only accessible by footpath. It’s a relatively strenuous 40k/25 mile trek roundtrip, with highs and lows between 1400m/4,593ft. and 3100m/10,170ft.
*** The Km, time and campsite may change, depending of the speed of the group and the new regulation made by the government.
SAM CORPORATIONS is the only tour operator with its own scenic and cultural trekking route, that treks COMPLETELY OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU. You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities that are still keeping their Inca culture alive, and get the privilege to interact with them. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We are the only tour operator ending the trek at the natural HOT SPRINGS of Lares. NO ONE HAS A BETTER DEAL than SAM CORPORATIONS for this trek.
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