4-Day Salkantay Trek, Sky Camp

Take on an adventurous 4-day trek along the Short Salkantay route to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The plan challenges trekkers across the 4 days, and a Sky Camp stay forms part of the itinerary.

Overview

Four days on the Salkantay route, starting with hotel pickup in Cusco and a drive through Mollepata to Soraypampa, where the trail work begins. Day one includes the climb to Humantay Lake before settling in for the night at the Salkantay Sky Camp, a camp of igloos set up for stargazing at altitude. Day two is the big one: crossing Abra Salkantay, then descending past Huayracmachay to Collpapampa and the Mountain Sky View lodge.

Day three softens. The trail drops toward the cloud forest, passing through La Playa and a coffee farm stop at Lucmabamba before reaching Hidroeléctrica and the walk or ride into Aguas Calientes for a hotel night. Day four is Machu Picchu itself, roughly two hours at the site, then the train back to Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco.

This is a challenging trek, not a sightseeing shuttle. The listing asks for a strong fitness level, and reviewers repeatedly echo that warning, some saying it was the hardest thing they have done. Porters carry a set amount of personal gear, cooks handle the meals, and the group tops out at twelve travellers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Cusco to SoraypampaHotel pickup, then 2 hours 30 minutes through Cusco and a stop in Mollepata (1 hour) before the drive to Soraypampa (3 hours), where trail time begins. Admission to the Salkantay route is included.
2. Humantay LakeRoughly 3 hours at the lake with admission included. The horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake on Day 1 is optional and costs extra.
3. Night at Sky CampAbout 10 hours at the Salkantay Sky Lodge, overnighting in the igloo camp built for stargazing. Lunch and dinner are served, and the second-day breakfast comes here.
4. Abra Salkantay passA 4-hour stretch over the pass. A second optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay is available at extra cost.
5. Collpapampa and Mountain Sky ViewA 1-hour stop in Colcapampa, then around 10 hours at the Mountain Sky View with all meals included.
6. Coffee farm and HidroeléctricaA 2-hour cultural stop at the Lucmabamba coffee farm, then about 3 hours at Hidroeléctrica. The train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes is optional and not covered.
7. Aguas Calientes hotel nightRoughly 11 hours in Aguas Calientes with a hotel night, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The next morning brings the bus up to Machu Picchu.
8. Machu Picchu and returnAbout 2 hours at Machupicchu with entry included, then a 3-hour stop in Ollantaytambo and the pass-by transfer to Cusco. The one-way bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is covered; the return bus is not.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trek goes, from fitness demands to what the crew handles for you.

• Fitness demands. The listing states travellers need a strong physical fitness level and good health, and several reviewers insist the trek is genuinely hard, not marketing talk. One describes it as the most challenging trip of a long hiking life. Train before arrival and take the altitude seriously.
• Altitude timing. The listing recommends arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize. Day two crosses a high pass, and reviewers note the physical strain of the route. Buffer days in Cusco are the simplest way to protect the trip.
• Guides and crew. Reviews across the board praise the guides by name for patience, organization and local knowledge. Cooks and porters come along, and each traveller gets a set weight of personal gear carried in a provided duffle.
• Food and water. Meals on the trail are covered, including breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, plus water, tea time and daily snacks. Reviewers repeatedly say the food exceeded expectations for a camping trek. Vegetarian and vegan options exist if requested at booking. Lunch and dinner on Day 4 are on you.
• Sleeping arrangements. Nights split between the igloo Sky Camp, the Mountain Sky View lodge and a hotel in Aguas Calientes. One reviewer highlighted the glamping setup, hot showers and cooked meals. Private dining and kitchen facilities travel with the group.
• Extra costs to plan. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes each cost extra, as do the optional horseback rides and the return bus from Machu Picchu. Travel insurance is recommended but not included. Budget for gratuities and the final day's meals.

Common issues. The trek is demanding and the listing is blunt about it: not wheelchair accessible, not advised for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, heart conditions or other serious medical issues. One reviewer felt the booking page understated how strenuous the days would be and was frustrated that a packing list arrived only the night before departure. Weather can cancel the experience, with a different date or a full refund offered, and a minimum traveller count applies, with the same remedy if it is not met. Machu Picchu circuit availability is not guaranteed, and the optional extras, horses, return bus, mountain hikes, add up.

Common Questions