Starts at
Starts at
Trip Overview
Four days can change the way you remember Peru.
The Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is made for travelers who want the force of the Andes, the quiet pull of Humantay Lake, the challenge of Salkantay Pass, the warm air of the cloud forest, and the final arrival at Machu Picchu without taking the longer 5-day version.
This is not a soft walk. Some parts are cold, high, rocky, and tiring. That is exactly why the route feels so rewarding. You leave Cusco before sunrise, walk under glaciers, cross a pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, descend toward warmer valleys, and finish in Aguas Calientes before entering Machu Picchu the next morning.
With Machu Picchu Gol Travel, the route is handled by a Cusco-based team that understands the trail, the altitude, the camps, the train system, and the timing needed for Machu Picchu.
Since this tour includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets, early booking matters. Spaces and circuits can run out quickly, especially during high season.
Tour at a Glance
Ends at
Ends at
Duration
Duration
From
US$ 100
Deposit
6%
Travel staff
Local Guide
Transport
by Bus
Accommodation
Accomodation
Departures
Daily Departures
Season
All year
Meals
1B, 1L, 1D
Physical level
Easy
Max altitude
15,090 feet (4,600 meters)
Sites to visit
Cusco, Soraypampa
Day by Day Schedule
Day highlight: Humantay Lake, with cold air, glacier water, and one of the strongest first-day rewards in the Andes.
The day starts very early in Cusco with hotel pickup. The road heads toward Mollepata, where the group has time for breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.
Before walking, your guide checks the group, explains the route, and helps with final details. You will also meet the mountain team that supports the first part of the trip.
The morning hike to Soraypampa is moderate. The trail follows a valley with dirt paths, open mountain views, and sections near an old Inca water channel still used by local farmers. The climb is gradual, but the altitude can be felt from the beginning.
After lunch at Soraypampa, the group hikes to Humantay Lake. This section is shorter but steeper. The ground can be rocky, dusty, wet, or muddy depending on the season. The climb asks for patience, especially at altitude.
At the lake, the reward is immediate: cold wind, glacier walls, turquoise water, and the feeling of standing in a place shaped by ice and time.
Later, the group returns to Soraypampa for dinner and rest. The night is cold, so warm layers are important.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Sky Camp or similar mountain camp
- Starting altitude: Approx. 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Highest altitude: Humantay Lake, approx. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Camp altitude: Soraypampa, approx. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 10 km / 6.21 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 5 to 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Trail type: Dirt path, gradual ascent, rocky lake section, high-altitude terrain
Transport: Tourist transport from Cusco to Challacancha
Day highlight: Salkantay Pass, the highest and hardest point of the trek.
This is the most demanding day of the route. The morning begins in the cold highlands, with Salkantay Mountain watching over the valley. After breakfast, the group begins the ascent toward Salkantay Pass.
The climb takes you through a winding trail known by many locals as the “Seven Snakes” because of its curves. The ground is rocky and uneven. In dry season, dust and strong sun can be tiring. In rainy season, mud, water, and slippery stones can make the trail slower.
At 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, the pass feels raw and powerful. The air is thin, the wind can be sharp, and the surrounding peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo give the day a dramatic mountain setting.
After the pass, the trail descends toward Huayracmachay for lunch. This section is steep and rocky, so trekking poles can help protect the knees. In the afternoon, the route continues downhill toward the cloud forest. The air becomes warmer, vegetation appears, and the landscape begins to shift from high Andes to greener valley.
The group reaches Collpapampa for dinner and rest after a long day.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Mountain Sky View campsite or similar
- Starting altitude: Approx. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Highest altitude: Salkantay Pass, approx. 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Camp altitude: Approx. 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 10 to 11 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail type: Rocky ascent, high pass, steep descent, dirt trail, humid lower sections
- Transport: No main vehicle during the hiking route
Day highlight: The route drops into warmer forest valleys and finishes at the base town of Machu Picchu.
The day begins with warm tea and breakfast at camp. The route follows the Santa Teresa Valley, where the trail becomes greener, warmer, and more humid. You pass rivers, small waterfalls, orchids, and farming areas with banana, coffee, and avocado crops.
The walking section is mostly descending, but the terrain can still be tricky. In rainy months, mud and wet stones are common. Some parts can feel narrow, and the humidity makes the body sweat faster than in the highlands.
Near Granadilla or a similar sector, private transport takes the group toward La Playa. This helps save energy and gives more time for the coffee activity. In this area, travelers learn about local coffee production and take part in the process from plant to cup.
After lunch, transport continues toward Hidroelectrica. From there, the group usually walks along the railway to Aguas Calientes. This section is mostly flat, but it is long and warm. You walk beside the Urubamba River, with dense vegetation around the tracks.
Travelers who feel very tired may request the optional train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. This service has an extra cost and depends on availability.
Once in Aguas Calientes, the group checks into the hotel. Dinner is served in town, and the guide gives final instructions for Machu Picchu.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Starting altitude: Approx. 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Lowest altitude: Hidroelectrica, approx. 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
- Accommodation altitude: Aguas Calientes, approx. 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Walking distance: Approx. 19.5 km / 12.12 mi
- Walking time: Approx. 6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail type: Dirt trail, humid paths, possible mud, railway-side walk
- Transport: Private transport on selected sections and optional train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
Day highlight: Guided entrance to Machu Picchu after three days of mountain walking.
The final day starts early in Aguas Calientes. After breakfast, the group goes up to Machu Picchu by bus, depending on the included ticket and the assigned entry time.
Inside Machu Picchu, the guide leads the group through the assigned official circuit. The route may include terraces, temples, stone structures, water channels, farming areas, and other sectors permitted by the ticket type.
Machu Picchu does not operate as a free-route site. Since June 1, 2024, the Ministry of Culture has organized the visit into 3 circuits and 10 routes, and travelers must follow the route assigned on their ticket.
After the guided tour, travelers return to Aguas Calientes. If an optional mountain ticket was booked in advance, such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu, the timing will depend on the selected entrance.
Later, the group boards the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, tourist transport takes everyone back to Cusco.
Technical details
- Meals: Breakfast
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate inside the site, depending on the circuit
- Guided tour: Approx. 2 hours
- Optional hikes: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu, only when booked in advance
- Transport: Bus to Machu Picchu, train to Ollantaytambo, tourist transport to Cusco
Inclusions
What’s Included
Permits and Entrance Tickets
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
- Access to the Salkantay trekking route
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, subject to official availability
- Assigned Machu Picchu circuit according to ticket availability
- Support with ticket coordination before the tour
Guide and Safety
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
- First aid kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Basic altitude support
- Route management according to weather and safety conditions
- Communication support during the operation
Accommodation
- Night 1: Accommodation in Soraypampa
- Night 2: Accommodation near Collpapampa
- Night 3: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Shared rooms in standard service
- Private room options with extra cost
- Hot showers where available, depending on camp or hotel conditions
Meals
- 4 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Hot drinks during trekking days
- Daily snacks during the route
- Boiled water during trekking days after meals
- Vegetarian, vegan, and special meal requests with advance notice
- Kitchen team and cooking equipment during trekking sections
Transport
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transport from Cusco to the trailhead
- Transport support on selected sections of the route
- One-way Consettur bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Duffle bag transport during trekking days, maximum 5 kg / 11 lb
What’s Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4
- Dinner in Cusco on Day 4
- Return bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, unless upgraded
- Optional train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Optional Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu tickets
- Optional horseback rides
- Travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear
- Tips for guide, cook, horsemen, drivers, and support staff
- Extra costs caused by weather, strikes, landslides, illness, train delays, government decisions, or force majeure
Recommendations
Months before the trek
- Book early if you want a better chance of getting a preferred Machu Picchu circuit.
- Train with hikes, long walks, stairs, and uphill routes.
- Break in your hiking boots before arriving in Peru.
- Check that your passport is valid for your travel dates.
- Send correct passport details when booking.
- Buy travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitude.
- Tell our reservations team about allergies, food needs, medical conditions, or special requests.
A few days before the trek
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek.
- Keep your first days in Cusco light so your body can adapt to the altitude.
- Drink water often.
- Avoid heavy alcohol before the route.
- Attend the briefing and ask practical questions.
- Pack your duffle bag carefully. The maximum weight is 5 kg / 11 lb.
- Keep passport, money, medication, and valuables in your daypack.
During the trek
- Walk at your own safe rhythm.
- Use layers because the route changes from cold highlands to warm forest.
- Keep rain gear close, especially from November to March.
- Use trekking poles if your knees are sensitive on descents.
- Respect local people, animals, farms, and private land.
- Ask before taking close photos of local residents.
- Carry small soles for bathrooms, drinks, snacks, hot springs, or local purchases.
- Stay mentally ready for cold, fatigue, mud, and altitude. These parts are real, but they are also part of what makes the route feel so strong.
More Tour Information
- Tour name: Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
- Starting point: Cusco
- Ending point: Cusco
- Main route: Cusco, Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Huayracmachay, Chaullay, Collpapampa, La Playa, Hidroelectrica, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
- Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Total walking distance: Approx. 57.5 km / 35.7 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Group size: Up to 12 travelers
- Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Accommodation: Camps and hotel
- Duffle bag: Included, maximum 5 kg / 11 lb
- Guide: Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Machu Picchu ticket: Included, subject to official availability
- Train: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Final transport: Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Recommended acclimatization: 2 to 3 days in Cusco before the trek
- Recommended booking time: 3 to 6 months in advance for better Machu Picchu ticket options
- Walk a shorter Salkantay route designed for travelers with less time but strong energy.
- Reach Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful high-Andean places near Cusco, with glacier water and cold mountain air.
- Cross Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
- See the landscape change from icy mountains to cloud forest in a single route.
- Spend the first night in Soraypampa, surrounded by high peaks and cold Andean skies.
- Descend toward Collpapampa, where the air becomes warmer and the route begins to feel greener.
- Walk through the Santa Teresa Valley, with rivers, waterfalls, orchids, coffee, banana, and avocado plantations.
- Take part in a local coffee activity near La Playa, where you learn how coffee is grown, roasted, ground, and served.
- Walk beside the railway from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, one of the classic final stretches before Machu Picchu.
- Enter Machu Picchu with a professional guide and follow the assigned official circuit.
- Travel with Machu Picchu Gol Travel, a local agency focused on clear logistics, trained guides, good meals, and careful traveler support.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is usually from hotels located in Cusco city. Some streets in the historic center are narrow, steep, or closed to vehicles. If your hotel or Airbnb has difficult access, we may coordinate a nearby meeting point.
The exact pickup time is confirmed during the briefing. Traffic and access conditions in Cusco can cause small variations.
Luggage storage
You can leave your main luggage at your hotel or at our office while you are on the trek. Bring only what you need for the route.
Do not leave valuables inside stored luggage. Passport, money, cards, cameras, medication, and electronics should stay with you.
Payment conditions
A deposit is required to secure logistics, staff, accommodation, trains, and Machu Picchu tickets. Some services must be paid in advance and may become non-refundable once issued.
The remaining balance should be paid before the trek according to the instructions from our reservations team. Cash payments in Cusco may avoid online transaction fees. Card or online payments may include gateway fees.
These conditions exist because Machu Picchu tickets, train seats, camps, food supplies, transport, and support staff must be arranged before departure.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the Machu Picchu tour, you return to Aguas Calientes. From there, you board the train to Ollantaytambo. You must be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo usually takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Ollantaytambo, tourist transport takes you back to Cusco, usually around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Train times are subject to availability and may change depending on season, operator, and booking date.
Availability
This tour includes Machu Picchu, so availability depends on official entrance tickets, circuits, train schedules, accommodation, and operation capacity.
For the best chance of securing a better circuit and train schedule, booking 3 to 6 months in advance is strongly recommended. Last-minute bookings may be possible, but Machu Picchu spaces can be limited.
The Ministry of Culture also sells 1,000 in-person tickets per day in Machu Picchu Pueblo for entrance the day after purchase, but this option requires the traveler to be physically present and does not guarantee the preferred route.
If the preferred Machu Picchu circuit is not available, we will offer the best available alternative. Each traveler can choose only one Machu Picchu circuit included in the tour. For a specific circuit request, private service is the best option, subject to official availability.
Trains to Machu Picchu
The included train is usually a standard tourist train between Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo, depending on availability.
Travelers should carry only a small bag for the train and Machu Picchu. Inca Rail states that each ticket allows one hand luggage item up to 8 kg / 17 lb and 118 linear cm.
For Machu Picchu itself, the official code of conduct does not allow backpacks, bags, or purses larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm / 16 x 14 x 8 inches.
Large suitcases should stay in Cusco. Bring only what you need for Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu visit.
Accommodation
Soraypampa
Soraypampa is located at high altitude near Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Nights are cold, and the air feels thin. Accommodation here is designed for rest after the first hiking day.
Collpapampa
Collpapampa sits lower than Soraypampa and closer to the cloud forest. The weather is warmer and more humid. This night is important because it comes after the hardest trekking day.
Aguas Calientes
The final night is in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Rooms are usually double, twin, matrimonial, or triple, depending on booking. Private room upgrades may have an extra cost.
Transport Included
- Tourist transport from Cusco to the trailhead
- Support transport on selected route sections
- Duffle bag transport during trekking days, maximum 5 kg / 11 lb
- One-way bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Transport times may vary due to traffic, weather, road conditions, strikes, landslides, or train operation changes.
Machu Picchu Circuits
Machu Picchu entrance is organized by official circuits and routes. Since June 1, 2024, the official system includes 3 circuits and 10 routes.
Circuit 2
Circuit 2 is usually the most requested option because it includes a broader route through the citadel and the classic photo area. It can sell out quickly in high season.
Circuit 3-B
Circuit 3-B focuses on the lower area of Machu Picchu, including important urban and ceremonial sectors. It may be used when Circuit 2 is not available.
Circuit 1-B
Circuit 1-B focuses mainly on the upper panoramic area. It is useful for travelers who want the classic upper view when other circuits are sold out.
Circuit assignment depends on official availability at the time of booking. If you want a specific circuit, you should request it before booking. Availability cannot be guaranteed without confirmation.
Travel Restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some tours. Roads can be blocked, and train services may stop. When this happens, we will try to keep your trip as close as possible to the original plan, even if this means leaving earlier than scheduled.
In some cases, tours may be changed or canceled. Any change will be coordinated by our operations team. Safety comes first, and decisions will be made to protect travelers and staff.
Lost objects
Please check your belongings whenever leaving transport, camps, hotels, restaurants, trains, or buses. You are responsible for your personal items during the tour.
Keep passport, money, cards, medication, electronics, and cameras with you at all times.
Health and physical condition
The Short Salkantay Trek is a moderate to challenging high-altitude route. It includes long hiking days, cold nights, steep ascents, long descents, rocky ground, mud in rainy season, and the highest point at around 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Travelers should be in good physical condition. Older travelers, people with heart conditions, respiratory issues, recent injuries, pregnancy, or other medical concerns should speak with their doctor before booking.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even fit travelers. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and unusual tiredness. Arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek helps reduce risk.
Essential documents and money
- Valid passport
- Student card, if applying for a discount
- Travel insurance information
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Credit or debit card
- Offline copy of passport
- Emergency contact information
Clothing
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Light shoes or sandals for camp
- Trekking pants
- Thermal pants
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho
- Warm gloves
- Sun hat
- Wool hat
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Trekking socks
- Shorts for warm sections
- Sleepwear for cold nights
Personal gear
- Medium daypack, 15 to 25 liters
- Sleeping bag, if not renting
- Trekking poles, if not renting
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Power bank
- Camera and charger
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Quick-dry towel
- Small dry bag or plastic bags for wet clothes
- Snacks such as energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit, or candies
Health and personal care
- Personal medication
- Altitude medication, only if approved by your doctor
- Sunblock, SPF 50 or higher
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Personal hygiene items
- Hand sanitizer
- Blister care
- Small personal first aid items
- Electrolytes or hydration salts
Special requirements
Travelers with special requirements must inform our reservations team in advance. This includes mobility aids, medical equipment, professional photo or video gear, service animals, special diet tools, or any condition that may affect the route.
Add-ons and Upgrades
| Add-on or upgrade | Extra cost |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | US$ 60 per person |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | US$ 60 per person |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain | US$ 50 per person |
| Single room in Aguas Calientes | US$ 35 per person |
| Extra night in Aguas Calientes | From US$ 60 to US$ 100 |
| Vistadome train upgrade | From US$ 70 to US$ 150 |
| Sleeping bag rental | US$ 20 per person |
| Trekking poles rental | US$ 20 per person |
| Horse to Humantay Lake section | US$ 30 per person |
| Horse toward Salkantay Pass section | US$ 50 per person |
| Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes | US$ 40 per person |
| Private guide for optional mountain hike at Machu Picchu | From US$ 70 to US$ 120 |
Discounts
18 to 25 years old: US$ 30 discount.
To apply for this discount, the student card must show the university name, student name, student photo, and expiration date. A clear copy of the card is required at the time of booking to request government approval.
Under 18 years old: US$ 30 discount.
Please send a passport copy at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: US$ 40 discount.
Please send a passport copy at the time of booking.
Important note about Huayna Picchu Mountain: Huayna Picchu is an optional hike inside the Machu Picchu area and does not include a guide. The climb is usually done independently after the guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you want this extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. An extra cost applies.
Machu Picchu Gol Travel is a Cusco-based travel agency operating tours in Cusco and across Peru. Our work focuses on quality service, personal attention, well-run logistics, and respect for the local people who help make each route possible.
The Short Salkantay route passes through areas linked to Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa, Huayracmachay, Chaullay, Collpapampa, La Playa, Hidroelectrica, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. These places include mountain farming areas, rural communities, local transport points, and trekking zones where tourism must be handled with care.
Our team works with trained guides, cooks, drivers, horsemen, and local providers. A good trek is not only about the trail; it is about the people who prepare food, carry equipment, check the route, manage the timing, and support travelers when the altitude or weather becomes difficult.
For this trek, equipment and planning matter. The route includes cold nights, high altitude, long descents, warm forest sections, rain risk, and a final train connection. We organize the service with suitable trekking logistics, clear communication, and practical guidance before departure.
Meals are an important part of the route. Our kitchen team prepares fresh, balanced food for long walking days, with attention to hygiene and dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and other food requests can be arranged with advance notice. In private service, meal planning can be more personal and may include extra costs depending on the request.
Traveling with Machu Picchu Gol Travel means having a local team that understands the route, the weather, the ticket system, the train timing, the camps, and the details that help travelers feel supported from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back.
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