Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Sky Domes is the ultimate alternative to the Inca Trail for travelers seeking a faster pace. This high-altitude trekking tour covers approximately 50km of scenic trails, starting from the glacial heights of the Savage Mountain and descending into the tropical Amazon basin.
Unique Feature: Overnight stays in weatherproof, transparent Sky Domes at Soraypampa.
Key Highlights: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Best For: Hikers with good physical conditioning looking for a premium trekking experience in a shorter timeframe.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and Extra 1 hour minutes to Challacancha to get better views and skip the dusty road. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
Entrance Ticket
Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accommodations in domes and 1 night in a 2* hotel in Aguas Calientes
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Visit to Machu Picchu
Visit to Machu Picchu on the 5th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole inca site)
Bus Ticket
One way up-hill Consettur Bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
Train Ticket
Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.(2 hours ride)Train time is Between 14:55 , 18:20, 19:00pm. And if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 15:48, 16:22. US$80
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
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
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$550
Itinerary
4-Day Salkantay Sky Dome Trek: The Ultimate Express Path to Machu Picchu
Experience the perfect blend of rugged adventure and modern comfort. Our 4-Day Salkantay Sky Dome Trek is designed for active travelers who want to conquer the "Savage Mountain" and visit Humantay Lake while staying in exclusive luxury domes.
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake Trek
Witness the turquoise beauty of the Andes and sleep in luxury Sky Domes.
- Early Morning Departure: Your Salkantay adventure begins with a 4:30 AM pick-up from your Cusco hotel. We drive to Mollepata for a local breakfast before reaching the trailhead at Challacancha.
- The Trek Begins: Enjoy a gentle 2-hour uphill hike with panoramic views of Humantay Mountain (4,200m) and the iconic Salkantay Peak (6,271m).
- Glamping in the Andes: Arrive at Soraypampa and check into our exclusive Salkantay Sky Domes. Unlike standard camping, our domes feature private toilets and hot showers.
- Humantay Lake Excursion: In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (3,800m). Marvel at the turquoise glacial waters before returning to your dome for a gourmet dinner under the stars.
Day 1 Quick Facts:
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Max Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Highlight: Stargazing from your Sky Dome.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – La Playa Domes
Conquer the highest point of the Salkantay Trek and descend into the High Jungle.
- The Salkantay Pass: After a "Sky Dome breakfast," we begin the most challenging day. A 4-hour climb brings you to the Salkantay Pass (4,650m/15,200ft). Stand between the colossal peaks of Salkantay and Tucarhuay for the best views in the Peruvian Andes.
- Cloud Forest Descent: Leaving the snow behind, we descend into a dramatic cloud forest toward Huayracpunku for lunch.
- Jungle Transition: Continue through the lush, tropical start of the Amazon basin until Chaullay. From here, a comfortable transport takes us to the La Playa Domes Base Camp, nestled in a warmer, tropical climate.
Day 2 Quick Facts:
- Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
- Max Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (The Pass)
- Highlight: Dramatic landscape shift from glaciers to jungle.
Day 3: La Playa Domes – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Hike the Original Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu from a distance.
- Llactapata & The Inca Trail: After breakfast, we trek an authentic section of the Inca Trail. Reach the Llactapata archaeological site, a unique vantage point that offers your first distant glimpse of the Machu Picchu Citadel across the valley.
- Hidroelectrica Walk: Descend through coffee and tropical fruit plantations to Hidroelectrica for lunch.
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Enjoy a picturesque 2-hour walk along the railway tracks, following the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Spend the night in a comfortable hotel to prepare for the grand finale.
Day 3 Quick Facts:
- Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Max Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
- Highlight: Rare view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
The Grand Finale: Sunrise at the Lost City of the Incas.
- Machu Picchu Sunrise: Wake up at 4:30 AM to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sun rises over the ruins is a magical experience you will never forget.
- Guided Walking Tour: Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour of the citadel’s most important sectors, including the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana.
- Optional Huayna Picchu Hike: If pre-booked, challenge yourself to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain for an unparalleled aerial view of the ruins.
- Return to Cusco: In the afternoon, board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 4 Quick Facts:
- Tour Duration: 2-hour professional guided tour.
- Transport: Scenic train and private van back to Cusco.
- Max Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
