Best Treks in Peru
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Your Ultimate 4-Day Adventure from Cusco
4 Day Dome Salkantay Trek
Price $590
Embark on an exclusive 4-day Sky Dome Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – a unique adventure designed for comfort and immersion in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Unlike standard treks, our Sky Dome Salkantay Tour offers a remarkable journey over approximately 50 km, starting conveniently from Cusco.
Experience unparalleled nights under the stars in our strategically located luxury Salkantay Domes, perfectly nestled amidst stunning natural beauty. From the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,750m (15,580ft) to lush cloud forests dropping to 1,500m, this Machu Picchu trek promises incredible biodiversity and unforgettable vistas.
Join Inca Trail Trek Peru for the ultimate glamping Salkantay experience, combining adventurous trekking with premium accommodation, all leading to the magnificent Machu Picchu.
AVAILABILITY
March to January
DURATION
4D/3N
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
LANGUAGE
English & Spanish
ACCOMODATIONS
Domes
TOUR TYPE
Trekking
4-day Sky Dome Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day Salkantay Trek from Cusco, an epic journey to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Experience breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca trails, and the unique comfort of our exclusive sky domes. This Salkantay Trek itineraryis designed for adventure seekers looking for an authentic Machu Picchu hike experience.
Your Salkantay adventure begins early! We'll pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 a.m. for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata, where a delicious local breakfast awaits. After breakfast, a 40-minute drive takes us to Challacancha, the official starting point of your Salkantay Trek.
Our experienced cook and horseman will meticulously pack all camping equipment and cooking supplies, preparing us for the trek. The initial hours involve a gentle uphill climb to the Inca Channel, offering spectacular panoramic views of majestic snow-capped peaks like Humantay (4200m/13500ft) and the towering Salkantay Mountain (6271m/20575ft) – just the beginning of your visual feast!
We'll continue our Salkantay hike for another 2 hours to Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping site. Here, you'll settle into our luxurious new Salkantay Domes, complete with hot showers and private toilets for ultimate comfort. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch and a short rest before our afternoon excursion.
In the afternoon, prepare for a captivating 2-hour Humantay Lake trek. This stunning turquoise lake, nestled at 3800m/11750ft, is considered the highest and coldest campsite of the trip, offering unparalleled views of the second-highest Salkantay snow-capped mountain of Cusco. Spend a comfortable night in our new, well-appointed Salkantay Domes.
1st Day Information:
- Total distance: 15 km (approx.)
- Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (approx.)
- Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
Included
- Profesional bilingual tour guide whole tour
- Entrance fees to The Salkantay Trek / Humantay lake
- Entrance fees to Machu picchu 4th day
- up-hill Bus Consettur Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Briefing time about the Salkantay Trek One day before Hotel or Trips to Machu Picchu office
- Second day andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth with coca leaves
- Maximum number of paxs 02 to 08 paxs maximun.
- Collection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying) 4:30 am
- Private transport to Soraypampa / Challacancha( trailhead)
- Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo (can be at 14:30 pm, 14:55pm or 18:20 pm leaving from Aguas calientes).
- Private transport back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel.
- Food: *3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 3 dinners
- Professional cook
- 2 or 3-people Dome Capacity 3 beds
- Camping equipment (2 domes capacity, cooking and eating dinning dome. Chairs and tables)
- Horseman , mules or porters (they just carry cooking stuff and camping equipment) and 6 kilos from your personal stuff
- 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carry by the horses
- 1 night accommodation in our 3 stars Hotel at Aguas Calientes (private room, cable tv, wifi) Night 03
- First Aid kit
- Vegetarian/special diet options available
- Optional: Ask in the office Bus from Hydroelectric to Cusco.
Excluded
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
- One sleeping bag, walking sticks.
- Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the 4-day trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain an additional fee of US$ 70.00 per person ask for availability.
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)=
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 25% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
- Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route.
- Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles
- Original passport
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)25
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ALONG THIS HIKE
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
When is the Briefing?
The briefing will take place the night before the trek departs at 6pm or 6:30pm in the lobby of your hotel so please let us know the name of your Hotel.
Where can I store my luggage?
During your trek or tour your primary luggage can be stored at our office or our deposit, you can also store it at your hotel for free.
How to Book a Tour?
To book a tour or trek re require a 50% deposit from the total tour price to be made online or a wire money transfer. To purchase Inca Trail permits, entrances to Machu Picchu, or make hotel or train reservations (it is a government requirement) we need the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender:
Passport number:
Birth Date (dd / mm / yyyy):
Nationality:
Hotel Name:
Food allergies, mansion if you are vegetarian:
What about the Price Balance?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash USD at our office or your hotel here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. Most banks in Cusco allow you to choose to withdraw either US dollars or Peruvian soles ($500.00 a day) Many only accept VISA cards, although our clients have found a couple banks which accept Mastercard and will distribute dollars. According to our clients, Banco de la Nación also accepts Mastercard but will only distribute Peruvian soles.
If I cancel, Can I get a refund?
NO, we won’t provide refund, please contact your Travel Insurance Company, we will be very happy to provide you a cancellation certificate.
How do I qualify for the student discount?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at incatrailtrekperu@gmail.com
Can I change the departure date after the tour is booked?
Unfortunately the answer is NO (this applies to the Inca Trail). Once the permits or entrance tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the permits or ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. You must ensure you are reserving the correct dates! Double check the date on your booking form because we buy your permits as soon as we have your booking form and deposit. Often there are limited spaces and we must purchase them immediately. They are paid for completely as soon as your complete your booking and deposit, which means that you must buy completely new permits if you change your dates. All of the permits and tickets sold by the Peruvian government are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
In regards to Alternative Treks, it may be possible to change your date for an additional fee. Please contact the office as soon as possible if this occurs so we can assist you in this matter.
*** If you cancel your tour or trek, the deposit is NOT refundable!
Do I Need to bring my original Passport for the Inca Trail and the Alternative Treks?
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 Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket or other entrances and reservations depending on your choice of trek.
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 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 the Inca Trail, 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.
YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM THE DAY YOU ENTER PERU! Most airlines will not let you board your flight if your passport has less than 6 months left from the date you enter Peru.
What is the Weather Like?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will have many different varieties of weather as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on the location. We highly recommend you dress in layers to adapt to the climate changes.
What about the Altitude Sickness?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley. You will acclimate normally!
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness
How many people are there in the group?
The maximum group size for all treks is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 4-6 persons. Trips to Machu Picchu specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized services.
Where are we dropped in Cusco after the tour?
In all our tours we will pick you up and dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! Also, if you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before your trek (if you are doing the Inca Trail), we will pick you up there.
At what time does the train departs from Aguas Calientes?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20. With this train schedule, you will have plenty of time to enjoy Machu Picchu
Vistadome Train upgrade, how much is it?
The upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and windows in the ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is $75 USD per person which includes the transfer from Poroy (Cusco) train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, the trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco), takes 3.5 hours, and then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at their hotel by 8pm
Are you Sustainable?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator that incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect local places and its people.
What is the best Period to travel to Machu Picchu?
Usually, May to October is considered the best period to visit Machu Picchu, as it is the dry season. However, it can get pretty crowded, especially during July and August, somewhat ruining the spiritual dimension of the experience. Besides, nights can get quite cold during these months.
The rainy season, from November to April, brings heavy rains, with most precipitations coming down in January and February. It’s usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. During this period, some roads might be closed by landslides or flooding, in particular those leading to villages off the beaten track. And still, some people will take more pleasure in travelling during this period, as there are much less tourists around and a can a more mystic atmosphere can be experienced. Just consider the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is usually closed during February for maintenance.
Inca Trail - When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The dry season, which runs from April to October is the best time (and most popular) to hike because of the milder daytime weather. You will need to make your reservations 3-6 months in advance if you want to be assured of space during this time. During the rainy season, the Trail is less crowded and less advance time is required for reservations. The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February each year.
Are the guides bilingual and licensed?
All guides for tours are bilingual (Spanish and English) and have received course work and graduated from a certified guide program. They are licensed by the INC. If they are doing any tours at Machu Picchu, they must have additional courses and certification to do so.
Note that most of your guides will also be fluent in Quechua, the language of the native people in rural areas. They may also speak German, French, or other languages.
I have heard about a "local" train, can I take it?
Yes, there is a “local” train between Cuzco and Aguas Calientes but the government has decided that it is only for Peruvian and local residents and they have to show a Peruvian ID. Tourists cannot take it.
What to do with my luggage during the tour?
If you choose the 1-day tour, your luggage will theoretically stay in Cusco. However, if you choose the 2-day tour, you will maybe need to leave your luggage in Cusco. Most of the places where you might stay (hotel, hostel, guest house) offer to guard your luggage for free during the tour. But we can also gladly do it; just bring your luggage to our Agency the day before the tour.
What equipment is required to be supplied by the individuals taking the trip?
All camping equipment will be provided by the tour operator, including tents, sleeping bags, cookware etc. please check our inclusion link.
What standard of accommodation do you use?
This entirely depends on your preferences and budget. In our example itineraries all accommodation is chosen primarily for its character, location and quality of service, and rooms will normally have private bathrooms. We offer 2-3 star hotels.
If you have more questions please feel free to email us at incatrailtrekperu@gmail.com
For tour requests please email us to incatrailtrekperu@gmail.com, with your tour request indicate what kind of tour you would like to book with us, travel date, number of people and leave us you telephone number if you would like us to contact you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We have had our customers report that our email replies to their questions regarding tours are going directly to SPAM or JUNK folders for some email providers. For this reason we recommend that you check your SPAM or JUNK folders for our reply if you do not receive a reply within 24 hours of sending us your questions. If this occurs please add our email incatrailtrekperu@gmail.com, to your contact list or address book to ensure the remainder of our email communications goes directly to your INBOX.
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