New Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu By Car 4 Days

The second day of the Salkantay Trek + Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the adventure. Today, you will hike to the highest point of the Salkantay route, enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, visit the beautiful Salkantay Lake, and take part in a small Andean ceremony dedicated to the sacred mountain spirits.

Wake-Up with Coca Tea

Our trekking team will wake you up around 5:00 a.m. with a warm cup of coca tea, a traditional Andean drink commonly used in the mountains to help with altitude.

After that, you will have time to repack your belongings and get ready for breakfast.

Breakfast at the Camp

A nutritious breakfast will be served around 5:45 a.m. This meal will give you the energy needed for the most demanding hiking section of the route.

Hike to Salkantay Pass

After breakfast, we will begin the uphill hike to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route, located at 4,630 m / 15,228 ft.

The ascent takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, following a steady uphill trail at a slow and comfortable pace. Along the way, you will be surrounded by impressive views of glaciers, valleys, and the majestic Salkantay Mountain, one of the most important sacred peaks in the Cusco region.

Salkantay Pass and Andean Ceremony

Once we reach the highest point, you will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic mountain scenery.

Your guide will explain the spiritual importance of the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits in Andean culture. You will also participate in a small traditional ceremony to honor the Apus and Pachamama, Mother Earth.

Visit to Salkantay Lake

After spending time at the pass, we will continue toward Salkantay Lake, a beautiful high-Andean lagoon surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. This is a peaceful and scenic place to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the Salkantay region.

Descent to Soraypampa

After visiting Salkantay Lake, we will begin the downhill hike back to Soraypampa. The descent takes approximately 2.5 hours, with beautiful views along the way.

Once we arrive in Soraypampa, our team will be waiting with a delicious lunch.

Drive to Ollantaytambo

After lunch, we will continue by tourist transport from Soraypampa to Ollantaytambo. The drive takes around 4 hours, passing through scenic valleys, mountain roads, and traditional Andean villages.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will check in at your hotel and have time to shower, rest, and recover after the hike.

In the evening, we will enjoy dinner together. If you still have energy, you can take a short walk around Ollantaytambo, one of the most charming living Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.

Day 3 of the Salkantay Trek + Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days takes you from the Sacred Valley to the jungle route that leads to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. This day is less demanding than the previous hiking days and offers a scenic transition from the Andes to the warmer cloud forest.

Pick-Up from Ollantaytambo

We will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo around 9:00 a.m. From there, we will begin the journey by car toward Hidroelectrica, following a scenic route through valleys, mountains, and tropical landscapes.

Lunch in Santa Teresa

After approximately 5 hours by car, we will arrive in Santa Teresa, where we will stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. This is a great moment to rest, enjoy the warmer climate, and recharge before continuing the route.

Drive to Hidroelectrica

After lunch, we will continue by car for about 1 more hour until we reach Hidroelectrica, the final point accessible by road and the starting point of the hike to Aguas Calientes.

Hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes

Once in Hidroelectrica, you will get ready for a scenic and easy hike along the train tracks toward Aguas Calientes. The walk takes approximately 3 hours on mostly flat terrain, following the route beside the Vilcanota River and surrounded by lush vegetation, mountains, and jungle scenery.

This part of the journey is a beautiful way to approach Machu Picchu, with the landscape changing as you get closer to the base town.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, we will take you to your hotel or hostel so you can check in, take a shower, and relax after the hike.

Dinner and Preparation for Machu Picchu

In the evening, we will enjoy dinner in town and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu. Your guide will provide the final details about the schedule, entrance time, documents needed, and recommendations for the most important day of the tour.

The final day of the Salkantay Trek + Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days is the highlight of the entire adventure: your visit to the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.

Early Wake-Up in Aguas Calientes

You will wake up around 4:00 a.m. to get ready for the hike up to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. After picking up your packed breakfast, we will begin the walk from Aguas Calientes to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

The checkpoint opens around 5:00 a.m. Here, you must show your passport and Machu Picchu entrance ticket before continuing the hike.

Hike to the Machu Picchu Entrance

After passing the first checkpoint, we will continue with a 1-hour uphill hike along stone steps through the cloud forest until reaching the main entrance of Machu Picchu.

We expect to arrive at the entrance around 6:00 a.m., just in time to enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere and the first views of this incredible Inca site.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Once the group is ready at the entrance, we will enter Machu Picchu for a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours.

Your professional guide will explain the history, architecture, temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and the importance of this ancient Inca city. This is the perfect moment to learn why Machu Picchu is known as the Lost City of the Incas and one of Peru’s most iconic destinations.

Free Time in Machu Picchu

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own, take photos, and enjoy the spectacular views.

The amount of time you can spend at Machu Picchu will depend on your return option to Cusco and whether you have booked an additional mountain hike, such as Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Optional Mountain Hikes

If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, these tickets must be booked in advance because spaces are limited and availability depends on the official Machu Picchu ticket system.

These hikes require extra time, so we recommend choosing your return option carefully to enjoy the experience without rushing.