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Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

Price per person 577USD
Duration:

4 days - 3 nights

Max. Altitude:

4650 M.S.N.M

Group Size:

8 person(s)

Service:

Group

Overview

A Unique and specially designed 4 day Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, which takes you around the stunning spectacular peak of Mount Salkantay while “trekking off the beaten track.” It is the second tallest mountain in the Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). The trek then explores a gorgeous turquoise glacial lake, waterfalls, and hike through the unforgettable Peruvian cloud forest, and take the opportunity to taste the fresh fruit grown there such as bananas, oranges, avocados, pineapple and much more.

Day 1 – CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAGOON – SALKANTAY PAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between at 4:00 am in our private transportation. We begin our adventure in the direction of Mollepata, which we pass on our 3 hour van ride towards the trail head at Soraypampa (3,800m/12,467ft). When we arrive at Soraypampa, enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by our chef. After breakfast, you will give your duffel bags to our horsemen and be ready to begin your trekking adventure on the Salkantay trek by hiking up to Humantay Lagoon.

This hike takes about 1.5 hours and will take you to the base of Humantay Mountain, where you get to take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lagoon. After time to be mesmerized by the beauty of such an incredible creation of nature,  begin hiking back down to the starting point to continue with your trek to the place, where you will enjoy a hot lunch. This return hike takes about 2 hours as you descend to Salkantaypampa at (3,900km/12,795ft) arriving at about 1 p.m. Salkantaypampa is located on the base of the Salkantay glacier mountain and has some incredible views of the Salkantay Mountain. After lunch, gradually hike uphill for around 3 hours until the campsite of Pampa Japonesa at (4,250m/13,943ft). There, you get to sleep under the unforgettable star filled night sky at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

Walking distance: 14km
Trail head elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft
Camp site elevation: 4,400m/14,435ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 2 – PAMPA JAPONESA – CONDOR PASS – INCA CANAL – PAUCCARCANCHA

After an early morning wake up, enjoy your breakfast and get ready for the day´s hike. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains. From Pampa Japonesa, you will slowly ascend for the next 3 hours until reach the Inca Chiriaska Pass located at (5,100m/16,732ft). Chiriaska Quechua means getting cold, this place is truly cold at most times of the year, but it has some of the best views of the Salkantay glacier peaks.

After taking time to admire the breath-taking scenery you will get to enjoy a hot drink before continuing on your trek. The hike from the pass to Sisaypata, our lunch stop, will take around 3.5 hour but it is all downhill. At Sisaypata, you will get the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.
After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours downhill to the campsite for the night at Paucarcancha at 3,770km.

Walking distance: 18km
Highest point of the trail: 5,100m/16,732ft
Campsite elevation: 3,300m/10,826ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3- PAUCARCANCHA – LLACTAPATA – KM 82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, you will visit the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing on with your trek. Today you get to trek on an original section of the Classic Inca Trail. As you are trekking you will be enthralled by the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. You will also get just a bit of the famous Inca Trail by visiting the famous Llactapata Inca archaeological site. This site is known for having been an Inca village characterized by its houses, water channels, and many farming terraces gently bordering the mountain side. From Llactapata, we will trek for about 1 hour and then stop for lunch.

After lunch, you will hike for about another 2 hours until you reach Km 82, where you will meet up with our private van and be transferred to the city of Ollantaytambo. At Ollantaytambo, you will get to enjoy dinner and we will take the 7:04pm train to Aguas Calientes where you will stay the evening in anticipation of visiting the famous Machu Picchu Citadel.

Walking distance: 15km
Campsite elevation: 3,300m/10,826ft
Trail end elevation: 2,700m/8,858ft
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,000m/6,561ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodations: Wirachocha Inn

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4 AGUAS CALIENTES- MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

 

  • Climb Huayna Picchu – appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (additional fee).
  • Climb Machu Picchu Mt. – appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (additional fee).
  • You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate. (No additional fee)
  •  Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fee)

***Note you get 2 hours extra at the Citadel of Machu Picchu to climb Huayna Picchu  or Machu Picchu Mountain.

You will descend to Aguas Calientes, eat a leisurely lunch and at 4:22pm board the Expedition Train to the Ollantaytambo station.  There you will be transferred by private van to Cusco and your hotel arriving at about 8:30pm.

Difficulty: Easy

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  •  English speaking, experienced professional guide
  • Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
  • Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant )
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • Comfortable & thick foam mattress
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent-$30 USD – (Tent for single travelers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  –$57 USD per person (Return Only)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  –$35 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain – $30 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation

“Our 4 days NEW Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

PRICE -$577 USD per person

PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:

  • 2 – 3 Trekkers: $677 USD per person
  • 4 – 5 Trekkers: $647 USD per person
  • 6 – 8 Trekkers: $617 USD per person

Personal porter included!

***This price includes an extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos,  we will provide you a duffle bag,  you can put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 man tents for each 2 trekkers.  

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old:$30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old:$30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old:$40 USD  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS 

  • Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent – $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  –$57 USD per person (Return Only)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – $35 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain – $30 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Single supplement-$30 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price
  • EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14lbs like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be riden if you get tired or sick
  • SMALL PILLOW
  • PLASTIC RAIN pocho made by Orange Nation is included

Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Wilderness Salkantay Trek

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange board reading Orange Nation Peru at the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING FOR THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

ABSOLUTELY! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Lares trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Lares trek Machu Picchu permit without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.  If you cancel your Wilderness Salkantay Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT 

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 Lares Trek 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 updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.  We must have a copy of your old and new passport 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 with you.  You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter Machu Picchu or the train.  If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS 

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. Walking one block could feel like walking ten blocks carrying a backpack full of rocks. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. If you do not feel like chewing leaves (which can be bitter, apart from numbing your mouth), you can try drinking coca tea, which is most commonly found in the lobby of hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

The evening before you start your Wilderness Salkantay Trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of porters 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 porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, 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 50L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Wilderness Salkantay Trek is a 44 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (5000MT). On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms  a day or go to the fitness club 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 (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

This has never happened but in the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, ORANGE Nation 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 Lares  trek to Machu Picchu.
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 original plan.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!   If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the Lares trek Machu Picchu. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many ORANGE NATION destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, 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.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that 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.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Couple Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS ?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Lfor 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.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves.
  • Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

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What our travelers say

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Gideon G 5 of 5 bubbles

Couples

Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!

Written July 2, 2025

Steven C 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.

Written July 4, 2025

Charlie C 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.

Written July 4, 2025

Ignacio R 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!

Written June 26, 2025

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