Ride, Bike and Explore to Machu Picchu with Two Sky Dome Nights
You want Salkantay Glacier, Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu, but you do not want four days of only hiking. This Multisport Expedition gives you three sports in four days and two nights in our private Sky Domes.
First, you ride on horseback to Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters and sleep in glass domes at Soraypampa at 3,900 meters. Next morning you ride to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, then trek down into cloud forest to our second Sky Domes at Colpapampa with private sauna and jacuzzi waiting. On Day 3 you trade boots for eBikes and ride 25 km through coffee plantations to Lucmabamba, plus optional Cocalmayo Hot Springs and train to Aguas Calientes. Finally, enjoy a full morning in Machu Picchu with the classic Circuit 2 photo.
Most 4 day tours are just hiking. This one is horseback plus eBike plus trekking plus train. Horses carry you at altitude, eBikes carry you in the jungle, you carry nothing but daypack.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights from Cusco to Cusco
Route: Soraypampa to Humantay Lake to Salkantay Pass to Colpapampa to Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Activities: Horseback riding Day 1 and 2, trekking Day 2, eBiking Day 3, cultural visit Day 4
Max Altitude: 4,630m / 15,190ft at Salkantay Pass
Accommodation: 2 nights in Sky Domes at Soraypampa and Colpapampa, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
The Difference: Only Salkantay with horses at altitude, eBikes in jungle and domes at both camps plus sauna and jacuzzi
The Sky Dome Camps Difference
Two Sports at Altitude, Not Just Hiking: Horses and local arrieros take you to Humantay Lake and to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters. You ride where others suffer uphill.
eBikes in the Cloud Forest: Electric mountain bikes Day 3 through Santa Teresa Valley, coffee farms, fruit orchards and warm jungle air. You cover distance without exhaustion.
Two Glamping Hubs: Private Sky Domes at Soraypampa and Colpapampa with real bed, private toilet, hot shower and chef dinner. Only we have domes at both sites.
Recovery Zone: Private sauna and jacuzzi at Colpapampa at 2,850 meters after crossing the pass. Hot tub before dinner.
Day 1 | Horseback Riding to Humantay Lake to Soraypampa Sky Domes
Private Transfer to Soraypampa – Gateway to Salkantay Scenic drive from Cusco to Mollepata for breakfast, then to Soraypampa base camp at 3,900 meters at the foot of Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
Horseback Ride to Humantay Lake at 4,200m Ride steadily toward Humantay Lake, one of the most striking alpine lakes in Peru. The trail climbs through open mountain terrain until turquoise water appears beneath Humantay Glacier. On horseback you reach the viewpoint without the uphill hike day trippers suffer. One hour to explore and photograph before hiking downhill back to camp.
Soraypampa Sky Domes – Night Under the Glaciers Check into your private Sky Dome with queen bed and private toilet inside. Chef dinner as sunset illuminates the glaciers, then clear Andean night filled with stars.
Stats: Activity Horseback and Hiking | Riding time 1 to 1.5 hours | Max altitude 4,200m at Humantay Lake
Day 2 | Salkantay Pass Ride and Trek to Colpapampa
The highest pass of the route and your best recovery after.
Horseback Ride to Salkantay Pass at 4,630m – Apacheta Ceremony After breakfast we saddle up for the most iconic segment. Ride through high Andean valleys toward Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, highest point of the Salkantay trail. Prayer flags mark the summit where massive glacial walls surround you. Small Apacheta ceremony to thank the mountains.
Trekking Descent to Cloud Forest From the pass the journey changes character. Trekking descent begins, leaving alpine puna behind and entering greener valleys with waterfalls, orchids and cloud forest. Horses carry your duffel up to 7kg, you carry daypack only.
Colpapampa Sky Domes – Sauna and Jacuzzi Night By afternoon arrive at Colpapampa Sky Domes camp at 2,850 meters deep in cloud forest zone. Hot shower, hot tub and sauna before dinner in the panoramic dining dome.
Stats: Activities Horseback plus Trekking | Distance 15 to 18 km total | Max altitude 4,630m at Salkantay Pass
Day 3 | eBike Adventure to Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Trade boots for wheels through coffee country.
eBike Ride Through Santa Teresa Valley After breakfast meet electric mountain bikes for scenic ride through lush Santa Teresa Valley. The motor helps on uphills while you enjoy coffee plantations, fruit orchards and warm jungle air. Arrive at Lucmabamba, a small agricultural community known for coffee farms. Taste fresh coffee with local families.
Cocalmayo Hot Springs and Train to Aguas Calientes Optional visit to Cocalmayo Hot Springs where steaming natural pools overlook the Urubamba River, perfect recovery after three active days. Then walk or drive to Hidroelectrica and train to Aguas Calientes.
Stats: Activity Electric mountain biking | Distance 20 to 25 km riding | Max altitude 2,800m
Day 4 | Machu Picchu to Return to Cusco
From horseback to eBike to Wonder of the World.
Early Bus and Private Guided Tour – Circuit 2 Classic Photo First bus 30 minutes up the switchbacks. Enter as mist lifts for your private 2.5-hour tour on Circuit 2 – The Classic Postcard Circuit – the circuit everyone wants.
What you will see on Circuit 2:
Guardian’s House Viewpoint: The iconic postcard shot of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu behind
Temple of the Sun: Curved masterpiece built over a natural cave, the most sacred temple
Main Temple & Sacred Plaza: Perfectly fitted stonework that survived 500 years of earthquakes
Intihuatana Sector & Temple of the Three Windows: Carved stones aligned with the sun
Sacred Rock & Agricultural Terraces: Endless terraces that made life possible at 2,430m
Expedition Train Return Free time for photos. Optional Huayna Picchu $60 or Machu Picchu Mountain $60 if pre-booked. Afternoon Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to Cusco, arrival ∼8:00 PM. Vistadome upgrade available $67 if requested at booking.
Stats: Activity Guided cultural visit | Guided tour 2.5 hours Circuit 2 | Max altitude 2,430m | Return to Cusco evening
Package Details
Included & Not Included
What’s Included in this 4-Day Salkantay with Horses & eBikes?
Transportation & Logistics
Private Door-to-Door Service: Private pickup from your Cusco hotel to the Soraypampa trailhead and private transport from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel after the trek.
Rail Journey: Expedition or Voyager train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo for a scenic return.
Machu Picchu Shuttle: Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Expert Briefing: Detailed pre-trek orientation with your guide to finalize logistics and gear.
Access & Expertise
Official Permits: All required trekking permits and entrance fees to Machu Picchu archaeological site (Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 included, extra Circuit 2 available for $55).
Professional Leadership: Seasoned, bilingual professional guide specialized in high-altitude safety and Incan history.
Guided Discovery: Comprehensive private guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
Two Sky Dome Nights: Private glass domes at Soraypampa 3,900m and Colpapampa 2,850m with queen bed, private toilet, hot shower and private entrance. Only we have domes at both camps. Sauna and jacuzzi included at Colpapampa.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes: One night in hand-picked 3-star hotel with private bathroom, hot shower and luggage storage. Your duffel arrives by vehicle while you ride eBikes.
Chef Meals on the Trail: All meals from breakfast Day 1 to breakfast Day 4 except dinner Day 3 and lunch Day 4. Fresh ingredients, hot drinks, snacks and boiled water to refill bottles. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free on request.
Porterage & Equipment
Duffel & Luggage Transfer: We provide a 7kg duffel for your overnight gear. Horses and mules carry it Day 1 and 2, support vehicle carries it Day 3 to Aguas Calientes. Main suitcase stays free and safe at our office in Cusco at Garcilaso 210.
Horse & eBike Equipment: One mountain-trained horse per rider Day 1 and 2 with arriero, plus extra horses for safety. One electric mountain bike per rider Day 3 with helmet in sizes S, M, L.
Not Included
Optional Mountain Climbs: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain $60 each. Early booking required.
Trekking Gear Rentals: Walking sticks available for rent on request.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance highly recommended.
Aguas Calientes Services: Dinner on final day and optional Hot Springs $4.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, bottled water outside meal plan.
Extended Stays: Hotel nights in Cusco or Aguas Calientes before or after itinerary.
Tipping: Gratuities for guides, chefs and porters at your discretion.
Travel Essentials
Important Information
Riding to 4,630 Meters and How to Acclimatize
This is a high altitude expedition that reaches 4,630 meters at Salkantay Pass and 4,200 meters at Humantay Lake. That is higher than any point on the Inca Trail. Even though you ride on horseback Day 1 and Day 2, altitude is the same. You sleep at 3,900 meters Night 1 in Soraypampa Sky Domes and at 2,850 meters Night 2 in Colpapampa Sky Domes. You must arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours before Day 1. Day 2 is the hardest with riding to the pass then 10 km trekking descent into cloud forest. Ride at your own pace, tell your guide how you feel and drink at least 3 liters of water per day. Your guide carries oxygen and pulse oximeter.
What Our Horses, Bikes and Train Carry for You
You travel light. Our horses carry your duffel up to 7kg on Day 1 and Day 2 so you only carry a daypack on horse and on trail. Your big suitcase stays free and safe in our office in Cusco at Garcilaso 210. Your duffel meets you each night at our Sky Domes in Soraypampa and Colpapampa and is transferred by vehicle to your hotel in Aguas Calientes on Day 3. On Day 3 your duffel goes by car while you ride eBikes. On Day 4 you only need daypack for Machu Picchu. No need to carry heavy gear while riding.
Money and Extra Costs on the Route
Everything big is included: private transport, two Sky Dome nights, hotel in Aguas Calientes, all meals from breakfast Day 1 to breakfast Day 4 except dinner Day 3 and lunch Day 4, horses and arrieros, eBikes and helmets, train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket, bus and train back to Cusco. You only need small cash in Peruvian soles for Humantay Lake entrance 20 soles, water on the road, Cocalmayo Hot Springs 10 soles, dinner Day 3, lunch Day 4 and tips for guide, chef, arrieros and bike team if you want to tip. Shops in Aguas Calientes rarely take cards and never have change for large bills. Get soles in Cusco.
Insurance That Covers Horses and eBikes
We recommend real mountain and adventure insurance, not basic travel cover. Your policy must cover horseback riding, eBike mountain biking and trekking up to 5,000 meters, emergency evacuation in the Andes, medical treatment, trip cancellation and train delays. Machu Picchu and Salkantay permits are 100 percent non refundable by Peruvian law. Check that horse riding and biking are included in your adventure activities list. Helicopter evacuation from Salkantay is very expensive without cover.
Passport and Tickets You Cannot Forget
Bring your original passport that matches your Machu Picchu ticket. Exact same number and name you gave at booking. You will show it at Mollepata checkpoint Day 1, to board train Day 3 to Aguas Calientes, to board train Day 4 and at Machu Picchu entrance for Circuit 2. A photo or photocopy is not accepted and means no entry and no refund. Carry your train and bus tickets on Day 4, we give them to you at briefing in Cusco.
Packing List for Horse, Bike and Trek in One Duffel
You need freezing and hot jungle in one duffel. Ice at Salkantay Pass, warm cloud forest at Colpapampa and humid jungle on eBike Day 3.
Keep your duffel for horses at 7kg max. Carry only essentials in your daypack.
Note: Your daypack inside Machu Picchu must not be bigger than 25L. About 40 x 35 x 20 cm.
Essential Documents: Original passport mandatory, plus train and bus tickets for Day 4.
Protection: Sunscreen SPF 50, sunglasses with UV protection, sun hat for riding, insect repellent for Day 3 jungle, lip balm with SPF.
Weather Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants always in daypack, warm down jacket for Salkantay Pass at 4,630m, gloves and beanie for pass. Weather changes fast above 4,000m.
Clothing for Riding and Biking: Long trekking pants mandatory for horseback Day 1 and 2, no shorts while riding, quick dry leggings fine, 2 moisture wicking shirts, thermal top for nights at 3,900m, light long sleeve for eBike Day 3, swimsuit for sauna, jacuzzi and optional Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
Footwear: Closed shoes with ankle support mandatory for horseback and trekking. Waterproof hiking shoes ideal. No sandals on horse or bike. Sandals or flip flops fine for domes and hotel. 3 pairs trekking socks.
Hydration: Reusable 1.5L water bottle or hydration bladder. We provide boiled water to refill from lunch Day 1. Water available at every meal and from guide Day 3.
Small Extras: Headlamp for early dome mornings and Day 4 bus to Machu Picchu, power bank, trekking poles with rubber tips recommended for descent from pass Day 2, gloves for eBiking, helmet provided for horses and bikes in all sizes, camera with waterproof bag.
Multisport Pro Tip: Pack long pants you can both ride and bike in. Morning at Soraypampa at 3,900m is freezing, afternoon at Colpapampa at 2,850m is warm, Day 3 on eBike in jungle is hot. Dress in quick layers, not one big jacket, so you can adjust between horse, trek and bike without changing clothes.
Still comparing Salkantay treks?
If this 4-day with horses and eBikes isn’t the perfect fit, these are our two closest alternatives on the same route to Machu Picchu:
This is moderate and the easiest way to do Salkantay with domes. Instead of hiking 23 km over the pass, you ride on horseback to 4,630 meters on Day 1 and Day 2. Horses are mountain trained and led by local arrieros, you just sit at a walk. No galloping.
eBikes Day 3 are electric mountain bikes with pedal assist. You do not need to be fit, the motor helps on uphills. Trail is mostly downhill on dirt road through coffee plantations, 20 to 25 km. If you can ride a bike and sit on a horse, you can do it. No trekking experience needed, but you still cross 4,630 meters so acclimatization is important.
You need three sports in one small bag. Our horses carry duffel max 7kg, you carry daypack only.
In daypack daily: Waterproof jacket and pants, warm down jacket for Salkantay Pass, fleece, long trekking pants mandatory for riding, no shorts on horse, 3 wicking shirts, thermal top for domes, warm beanie, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses SPF.
For eBike Day 3: Lightweight long pants or leggings, gloves recommended for biking, closed shoes with grip. We provide helmet for horses and eBikes. Bring small backpack 25L max for Machu Picchu.
Leave at home: Sandals for riding, big backpack over 25L, drones, selfie sticks, tripods banned in Machu Picchu.
Maximum 8 travelers for multisport, average 5. Smaller than standard 4 day Salkantay groups. One horse per rider on Day 1 and Day 2 plus extra horses for duffels and safety. One eBike per rider Day 3, size S, M, L available. Arrieros from Soraypampa lead horses on steep sections. Support vehicle meets you Day 3.
Even with horses you go to 4,630 meters at Salkantay Pass. Riding is easier than hiking but altitude is same. Arrive in Cusco at least 2 full days before Day 1. No hard tours before. Sleep at 3,900 meters Night 1 at Soraypampa domes, that helps you adjust. Drink 2 to 3 liters per day. Your guide carries oxygen and pulse oximeter. If you feel headache or nausea tell guide immediately.
Porters not needed for this experience. With transportation supported by horses, eBikes and train you do not carry heavy gear. Your 7kg duffel is carried by horses Day 1 and 2 and by vehicle Day 3 to Aguas Calientes. If you want to carry almost nothing on Day 2 trekking descent you can hire private porter or emergency horse to ride down from pass, around 80 to 120 USD, ask at briefing.
Yes. Sky Dome Camps is owned and operated by Sam Travel Corporation, licensed Peruvian operator based in Cusco with office at Garcilaso 210. We hold full permits for Salkantay route and Machu Picchu entry. Our Sky Domes at Soraypampa at 3,900m and Colpapampa at 2,850m are private to us. Guides are licensed, horses insured, eBikes maintained. We provide 100 percent Machu Picchu Circuit 2 guarantee if you book 4 months ahead for 2026 and 2027.
For horse welfare, maximum rider weight 100 kg or 220 lbs including daypack. If you are over 95 kg tell us at booking so we assign strongest horse. For eBikes maximum weight 110 kg or 242 lbs including bag. Helmets provided in all sizes for both activities. If over limit we can arrange hiking option for pass sections.
Your ticket included is Circuit 2A or 2B, the classic circuit that gives you Guardian’s House classic photo plus upper terraces. In 2026 and 2027 Circuit 2 is limited to 900 tickets per day and sells out first. Circuit 2 allows 2.5 hour stay. If you want to add Huayna Picchu 60 USD, Machu Picchu Mountain 60 USD, Sun Gate and Inca Bridge 55 USD you must book 3 months ahead at booking time. These are without guide.
Yes, this is our most family friendly Salkantay option. Kids from 10 years can ride horses with arriero holding lead and can ride eBikes with guide close by. From 12 years they ride alone. Minimum height for eBike 150 cm. For kids under 150 cm we use regular mountain bike with support vehicle behind. For travelers over 65 this is safer than trekking because horses do uphill work. Tell us age and height at booking.
Included: Private transport Cusco to trailhead and Ollantaytambo to Cusco, 2 nights in Sky Domes with private toilet, hot shower, electric blanket, sauna and jacuzzi at Colpapampa, 1 night 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes, all meals from breakfast Day 1 to breakfast Day 4 except dinner Day 3 and lunch Day 4, horses and arrieros Day 1 and 2, eBikes and helmets Day 3, train Hidroelectrica or Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket, bus tickets, guide, oxygen.
Not included: Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs 10 soles, entrance to Humantay Lake 20 soles, dinner Day 3 and lunch Day 4, travel insurance, Vistadome train upgrade 67 USD, early train, tips.
4-Day Salkantay Trek with Horses, eBikes & Sky Domes to Machu Picchu
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
James WhitfieldOctober 8, 2025London, UK
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★★★★★
Sleeping Under the Stars at 4,600m
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
Sofia MartínezOctober 7, 2025Buenos Aires, Argentina
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★★★★★
The Dome Made the Trek Unforgettable
We did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay Trek
Thomas BrauerOctober 7, 2025Munich, Germany
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★★★★★
Best Night of My Life
I have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
SDC
@skydomecampsTransparent domes under the Andean sky. Tag us #SkyDomeCamps ✦
