Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Salkantay Trek Private – 4 Days
day 1
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa (Humantay Lagoon)
Your private Salkantay adventure begins.
We travel in our private van to Challacancha, hike to Soraypampa and, in the afternoon, climb to Humantay Lake. If the sky is clear, the night is perfect for stargazing.
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Hotel pick-up and drive to Mollepata
By private van, pick-up at 5:00 a.m., approx. 2 hours · Cusco → Mollepata
Your guide and cook pick you up at your hotel. On the way we will see spectacular snow-capped peaks and colorful valleys until our first stop, the town of Mollepata, where we will have breakfast.
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Challacancha, start of the hike
By private van, approx. 30 minutes · Mollepata → Challacancha
We continue to Challacancha (3,500 m a.s.l.), where our muleteer is waiting with the horses and mules. There we prepare and load all the gear for the trip.
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Hike to Soraypampa and lunch
On foot, from 9:30 a.m., approx. 3 hours (10 km) · Challacancha → Soraypampa
We hike along a stone path next to an ancient canal that carries clean, cold water to the local people, up to Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.). There our cook will serve lunch and we will have time to enjoy and photograph the impressive canyon views.
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Humantay Lake
On foot, approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes uphill · Soraypampa → Humantay Lake
After a well-deserved rest, we climb to the beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m a.s.l.), with spectacular views of Salkantay mountain. It is the best moment to enjoy the beauty of the place and take fantastic photos.
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Sunset and night in Soraypampa
On foot · Humantay Lake → Soraypampa
We return to our cabins in Soraypampa to watch a beautiful sunset among the glaciers and enjoy a delicious dinner. If the night is clear, we can admire the constellations.
Day details
- Hiking time: Approx. 4 hours
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Weather: Cool and windy
- Altitude: minimum 3,500 m (Challacancha) · maximum 4,200 m (Humantay Lake)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Rustic wooden cabin at our private camp in Soraypampa
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – LORETA LA PLAYA
The big challenge: the Salkantay Pass!
The toughest day of the trek: we climb to the highest point facing the Salkantay and Humantay peaks, descend into the cloud forest and end the day at our Geodesic Domes, an eco-friendly lodge surrounded by nature.
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Climb to Pampa Salkantay
On foot, from 5:00 a.m., approx. 1 hour · Soraypampa → Pampa Salkantay
The cook wakes us up with coca tea at 5:00 a.m. After breakfast we begin a gradual climb through the Salkantay valley to Pampa Salkantay (4,200 m), where we take a short break with beautiful views.
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Salkantay Pass, the highest point
On foot, approx. 2 hours uphill · Pampa Salkantay → Salkantay Pass
We continue up the rocky valley to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m a.s.l.). From there we will see the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,271 m), the second highest in the Cusco region, Humantay mountain (5,400 m) and other snow-capped peaks. With luck, we may also see condors flying over the summits.
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Descent to Huayracmachay and lunch
On foot, approx. 9 km downhill · Salkantay Pass → Huayracmachay
We descend along a rocky zigzag trail to Huayracmachay, where we will have lunch.
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Cloud forest to Chaullay
On foot, arrival approx. 4:00 p.m. · Huayracmachay → Chaullay
In the afternoon we keep descending into the high jungle, also known as the cloud forest, with a warm, mild climate and native plants, until we reach the village of Chaullay (2,900 m a.s.l.).
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Night at the Geodesic Domes
In our vehicle · Chaullay → Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge (La Playa Sahuayaco)
Our vehicle takes us to our private Geodesic Domes camp, in a beautiful valley in the La Playa area. We will enjoy tea time (hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and popcorn), a campfire under the night sky and an amazing dinner prepared by our cook.
Day details
- Hiking time: Approx. 8 to 9 hours
- Distance: 19 km
- Difficulty: Challenging (the hardest day)
- Weather: Cool and windy
- Altitude: minimum 2,900 m (Chaullay) · maximum 4,630 m (Salkantay Pass)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury Geodesic Dome with private bathroom at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge
day 3
LORETA LA PLAYA – HYDROELECTRIC – VILLAGE OF HOT SPRINGS
Coffee, cloud forest and the way to Aguas Calientes.
An easier day: we visit local crops and an organic coffee farm, relax at the lodge and hike along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.
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Local plantations and coffee experience
Walk, from 8:00 a.m. · Around the lodge
We wake up at 7:00 a.m. with coca tea and have breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Then we walk through plantations of bananas, avocados, oranges, passion fruit, papayas and medicinal plants that support the local people. We will visit an organic coffee farm, the main farming activity in the area, exported to the United States, Europe and Asia, and taste freshly roasted, ground and brewed coffee.
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Rest and lunch at the lodge
From 11:00 a.m. · Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge
We return to the lodge to relax and, at noon, have lunch in its dining room.
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Transfer to Hidroeléctrica
By vehicle, from 1:00 p.m., approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes · Lodge → Hidroeléctrica
We board our vehicle to the Hidroeléctrica station, arriving around 2:30 p.m.
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Hike to Aguas Calientes
On foot, approx. 3 hours, arrival 5:30 p.m. · Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes
The route follows the railway near the banks of the Urubamba River. On the way we visit the archaeological site of Intihuatana, an ancient Inca sundial carved into a large rock, with views of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. We cross the lush cloud forest, full of orchids, until we reach Aguas Calientes.
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Dinner and Machu Picchu briefing
Hotel and tourist restaurant · Aguas Calientes
We stay at a comfortable hotel and have dinner at a tourist restaurant. During dinner your guide will give you all the information for the next day, the most important of the route. We recommend going to bed early to leave for Machu Picchu at dawn.
Day details
- Hiking time: Approx. 3 hours
- Distance: 11 km
- Difficulty: Easy day
- Altitude: 2,000 m (Aguas Calientes)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel La Retama, in Aguas Calientes
day 4
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
The most awaited day: Machu Picchu!
We arrive at the citadel very early, with the chance to see the sunrise, before the Inca Trail hikers and the travelers arriving by train.
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Bus to Machu Picchu
By tourist bus, from 5:30 a.m., approx. 30 minutes · Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
After breakfast we walk to the bus station and ride up the zigzag road to the Inca sanctuary.
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Machu Picchu Highlight
Guided tour, approx. 2 hours · Machu Picchu citadel (2,400 m)
With your professional guide you will learn about the history and the magical places that have made Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World. Afterwards you will have free time to take photos or explore on your own and, with a pre-booked ticket and subject to availability, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
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Lunch in Aguas Calientes
By tourist bus, approx. 25 minutes · Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
In the afternoon we ride the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch at one of its good restaurants.
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Return to Cusco
By Expedition train and tourist bus · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
Around 6:00 p.m. we take the train to Ollantaytambo, arriving at 7:50 p.m. There our staff will be waiting to take you by tourist bus to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 9:30 p.m.
Day details
- Guided tour: Approx. 2 hours
- Altitude: minimum 2,000 m (Aguas Calientes) · maximum 2,400 m (Machu Picchu)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Arrival in Cusco: Approx. 9:30 p.m.
The Salkantay Trek as a private service, with a cabin, a geodesic dome and a hotel, at your own pace all the way to Machu Picchu. Prefer to travel in a group? Discover the Salkantay Trek with Domes and Cabins 4 Days.
Includes
Guide, assistance and safety
- Briefing meeting: With your guide, 1 or 2 days before the hike, at our main office in Cusco.
- Professional tour guide.
- Cook: Prepares all meals.
- Muleteers and horses: They carry all the camping gear: food, kitchen equipment and your personal items.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank: Carried by the guide.
- Secure luggage storage: At our main office in Cusco while you are on the hike.
Transportation
- Hotel pick-up: In Cusco or the Sacred Valley, on the start day.
- Outbound tourist transport: From Cusco to Challacancha, the start of the hike.
- Transfer from Chaullay to the Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge: In La Playa Sahuayaco.
- Transfer from the Eco-Lodge to Hidroeléctrica.
- Bus up and down: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Expedition return train: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Return bus: From Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.
Permits and tickets
- Humantay Lake entrance fee.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guided tour of the citadel.
Accommodation and meals
- 1st night: Rustic wooden cabin at our private camp in Soraypampa.
- 2nd night: Luxury Geodesic Dome with private bathroom at our Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge, Sahuayaco area.
- 3rd night: Hotel La Retama, in Aguas Calientes.
- All meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 afternoon snacks and 3 dinners. Vegetarian meals or special diets on request at no extra cost.
- Boiled water: To refill your bottle.
Experiences and equipment
- Stargazing: With our digital telescope.
- Coffee farm experience.
- Campfire night at the Eco-Lodge.
- Guided hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your luggage carried: In duffel bags we give you at the briefing; you only carry a small daypack with water.
Not include
Optional
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: Pre-booked, subject to availability.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
Prices Salkantay Trek Private – 4 Days
Rates per person
Traveling solo? The private service is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people. Message us to check the options for your date.
Payment
Option 1
Full payment when booking
Pay the full amount when you make your booking.
Option 2
Deposit of US$ 200 per person
Secure your spot; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Pack your bag now: If you are missing anything on this list, there are many stores in Cusco where you can buy or rent it. Review it carefully: everything matters for the success of your trip.
- Documents: Original passport, valid student card (only if you are a student), a few copies of your travel insurance and the travel voucher we issue.
- Essentials: Small daypack, some snacks (cookies, candy, chocolate, cereal, dried fruit) and extra money if you want to buy souvenirs.
- Clothing and footwear: Warm jacket, rain jacket and/or poncho, cotton or synthetic clothing (pants, T-shirts, socks and underwear), sun hat, hiking shoes and sandals. Swimsuit, if you would like to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs.
- Health and protection: Personal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm.
- Personal hygiene: Small towel, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, shampoo and conditioner, brush or comb, wet wipes, deodorant and toilet paper.
- Other: Flashlight (headlamp recommended), sunglasses, camera with extra batteries and memory cards, rubber-tipped trekking poles (optional), pocket knife and a few plastic bags.
Recomendations
- Book in advance: Book your tour as early as possible, as Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly.
- Acclimatization in Cusco: Arrive at least 1 day before to acclimatize, and travel in good general health. Remember that Cusco sits at 3,400 m a.s.l.
- Check your luggage: Review the personal items you will bring on the hike.
- Briefing: Visit us at our main office in the historic center of Cusco, one day before the hike at 7:00 p.m., for a briefing led by your guide. It will help you be better informed, safe and ready for the trek.
- Luggage storage: Leave the luggage you will not take on the excursion free of charge at our main office.
- Personal documents: Bring your valid documents, as Peruvian officials request them at the Machu Picchu checkpoints.
- Any questions?: If you would like more information about this tour, feel free to message us.
- Why you will love it: The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was named one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure magazine. You will discover lakes such as Humantay Lake, Andean valleys, snow-capped peaks and the cloud forest, with an expert, friendly local guide, all entrance fees included, a different lodging each night (cabin, dome and hotel) and the return by train through mountain and high-jungle scenery. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
F.A.Qs
How is it different from the shared Salkantay Trek?
It is a private service, just for your group, from 2 people. You hike at your own pace with your own guide, cook and muleteers, and stay in a different lodging each night: a rustic wooden cabin at our private camp in Soraypampa, a luxury Geodesic Dome with private bathroom at our Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge and Hotel La Retama in Aguas Calientes. It also includes the Humantay Lake entrance fee, the bus to Machu Picchu, the coffee farm experience, stargazing with a telescope and a campfire night.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, ideally 3 to 4 months ahead, especially in high season (April to October). Machu Picchu tickets are assigned by time slots, with limited daily spots, so we suggest booking as soon as your dates and flights are confirmed.
What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?
The Andes have two seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March, when rain, sun and clouds can alternate in a single day. The best time is the dry season, with better hiking conditions and clearer views, although the tour runs all year round.
Does the tour run all year, including February?
Yes, including February and March, always subject to the weather. In those months rains are more frequent and intense, so the itinerary may be modified, rerouted or even cancelled if there is a risk to travelers’ safety.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu, ideal for couples, groups of friends and families with an adventurous spirit who prefer a private, more comfortable experience. It requires good fitness and being ready to hike several hours a day over different terrain and altitudes.
What is the recommended age? Is there a maximum age?
We recommend it for children from 8 years old who are used to hiking and outdoor activities. For adults there is no maximum age: many travelers aged 60 to 65 or older complete the route successfully, always with good fitness, a prior medical check-up and travel insurance. As a private service, the pace adapts to your group.
What is the minimum group size for the private service?
2 people. If you are traveling solo, message us and we will check the options for your date.
How difficult is the 4-day Private Salkantay Trek?
It is a challenging hike. The second day is the hardest: you climb to the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 m a.s.l., and hike for 8 to 9 hours. The third day, on the other hand, is easy. With good acclimatization and a steady pace, most travelers complete the route without problems.
How many kilometers and hours do we hike each day?
- Day 1: 14 km, approx. 4 hours (including the climb to Humantay Lake).
- Day 2: 19 km, approx. 8 to 9 hours.
- Day 3: 11 km, approx. 3 hours, from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Times depend on your group’s pace, the weather and the stops to rest and take photos.
At what altitude does the hike start, and what is the maximum altitude?
The hike starts in Challacancha, at 3,500 m a.s.l., and the highest point is the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 m a.s.l., reached on the second day. From there the route descends into the cloud forest and high jungle.
How many days before should I arrive in Cusco to acclimatize?
We recommend arriving at least 1 day before and traveling in good general health. If you have more time, we can help you organize acclimatization activities, such as a half-day City Tour or a trip to the Sacred Valley.
What happens if the altitude affects me during the trek?
Your guide is trained to handle any discomfort due to altitude or exhaustion and carries a first aid kit and an emergency oxygen tank. They will assess your condition and coordinate the necessary assistance depending on where you are. Your safety and health come first.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
Yes. We arrange your ticket based on circuit availability for your date, always prioritizing Circuit 2; if there are no spots, one of the other two circuits is assigned. The bus up and down and a guided tour of about 2 hours are also included.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, as an option with a pre-booked ticket, subject to availability. Spots are limited, so it is best to request it when you book.
Are all meals included?
Yes: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 afternoon snacks and 3 dinners, prepared by your cook during the hike. Dinner on the third day is served at a tourist restaurant in Aguas Calientes. If you are vegetarian or have a special diet, we prepare it at no extra cost; just let us know when booking.
How much luggage can I bring?
The horses carry up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your personal items, in the duffel bags we give you at the briefing. You only carry a small daypack with water. The rest of your luggage can stay free of charge at our office in Cusco.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are optional but highly recommended: they ease the pressure on your knees on steep descents and help on the climbs. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips.
Is there cell phone signal during the hike?
There is connection up to Mollepata, on the morning of the first day. After that, signal is limited or non-existent along most of the route, and it improves when you reach Aguas Calientes. We recommend letting your family or friends know before you start.
How do strikes or road blockades affect the itinerary?
External factors such as strikes, protests or blockades may force changes. Our team monitors them constantly and offers alternatives such as schedule or route adjustments or rescheduling. That is why we recommend travel insurance that covers these unforeseen events.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but we recommend it for your peace of mind, as it can assist you in case of lost luggage, cancellations, strikes, natural disasters or other unforeseen events. Bring a few copies of your policy.
Can I change my passport number after booking?
Only with a copy of both the new and the old passport. If you no longer have the old one, any official ID with the same name is accepted. Also make sure your passport does not expire within the six months before or during your trip.
How do I get to Cusco?
Most travelers arrive by plane. Cusco airport only receives domestic flights: if you are coming from abroad via Lima, you must collect your luggage in Lima and check it in again for the flight to Cusco. LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART fly Lima – Cusco with similar schedules; we recommend LATAM because it responds better to unexpected cancellations or delays.
Will I receive information before the trip?
Yes. One or two days before the hike you will have a briefing meeting with your guide at our office in Cusco, where we will also give you the duffel bags.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To arrange the tickets and tour services we need, exactly as shown on the passport, the full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Deposit: Once we have the completed forms, you can pay in full or make a deposit of US$ 200 per person so we can buy the tickets. Book in advance, as spots sell out quickly.
4. Final confirmation: Once the tickets are secured, you will receive the official invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.
How do I pay the balance?
No later than the day before the tour, in cash, in US dollars or soles, at our office in Cusco or as indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Once the booking is confirmed, the Machu Picchu ticket cannot be cancelled or refunded, since it is purchased immediately to secure your spot. Date changes are subject to availability and the program’s conditions. We recommend reviewing the cancellation policies with your sales executive.
Are tips expected?
Tips are entirely voluntary. Our whole team is paid fairly, so any gratuity for your guide, cook or muleteers is up to you.
