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.
Sky Dome
4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek is our most popular itinerary, meticulously designed to showcase the dramatic shifts in the Andean landscape while maintaining a 3-star hotel standard of comfort. Over four days, you will journey from the towering ice walls of the Salkantay glacier to the misty orchid-filled trails of the Cloud Forest, ending at the iconic Machu Picchu.
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- The Sky Dome Experience: Includes overnight stays at both our Soraypampa and Colpapampa luxury campsites.
- Max Altitude: 4,650m / 15,367ft
- Difficulty: Challenging (The perfect balance of effort and reward)
The Skydomecamps Difference
- Dual Glamping Hubs: Stay in our exclusive glass-walled domes at two distinct altitudes, featuring private bathrooms and Wi-Fi.
- The Recovery Zone: Access to our private Sauna and Jacuzzi at the Colpapampa site after the hardest day of trekking.
- Guaranteed Access: We provide a 100% Machu Picchu entry guarantee (please book at least 4 or more months in advance).
- Small Group Focus: Limited to 8 hikers per group to ensure personalized service and intimate campsites.
Details of the trip
Day 1 | Glacier Views & Starlit Domes: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Start the adventure with a scenic drive to Challacancha. We trek to our base at Soraypampa, arriving in time for a fresh lunch. In the afternoon, we ascend to the turquoise Humantay Lake.
- The Night: Retreat to your panoramic dome at the base of the glaciers. Enjoy a chef-led dinner and sleep under the Milky Way in a Queen-sized bed.
- Stats: 10km trekking | Max Altitude: 4,200m.
Day 2 | The High Pass & Rainforest Recovery: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa
The most challenging and rewarding day. We conquer the Salkantay Pass (4,650m), standing between the sacred Apus of the Andes. We then descend into the lush “Ceja de Selva” (the eyebrow of the jungle) and finally we arrive to our Sky Dome camp at Colpapampa
- The Night: Arrive at our Colpapampa Skydomes. Rejuvenate your tired muscles in our Sauna and Jacuzzi before a social dinner by the fireplace.
- Stats: 23.5km trekking | Max Altitude: 4,650m.
Day 3 | Inca History & Tropical Trails: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata Ruins – Aguas Calientes
We explore the coffee and fruit plantations of the valley before driving to Lucmabamba. From here, we hike an original Inca Trail segment to the Llaqtapata ruins, offering your first distant view of Machu Picchu across the canyon. Finally arriving to Aguas Caliantes
- The Finish: A scenic descent leads to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a walk (or optional train) to Aguas Calientes for a 3-star hotel stay.
- Stats: 15km trekking | Max Altitude: 2,800m.
Day 4 | The Grand Finale: Machu Picchu – Cusco
The day of discovery. We take the early bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel for a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, with private transport to your Cusco hotel.
What’s Included for the 4 day Salkantay Trek?
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: A detailed pre-trek orientation with your guide to finalize all logistics and gear preparation.
Access & Expertise
- Official Permits: All required trekking permits and entrance fees to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Professional Leadership: A seasoned, bilingual professional guide (English/Spanish) specialized in high-altitude safety and Incan history.
- Guided Discovery: A comprehensive, private guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
- High-Altitude Glamping: Premium camping setup including high-quality tents and insulated sleeping mats (standard 2 travelers per tent).
- Basecamp Comfort: Dedicated dining tent equipped with comfortable tables, chairs, and social areas.
- Urban Comfort: One night’s stay in a hand-picked hotel in Aguas Calientes with private facilities.
- High-Energy Cuisine: All meals during the trek (from Day 1 breakfast to the final lunch), featuring hot drinks, snacks, and locally sourced ingredients.
Porterage & Safety
- Professional Porter Service: Our team handles the heavy lifting, carrying your main luggage throughout the trek (weight limits apply).
- Expedition Gear: We provide specialized duffel bags for your main luggage to ensure it stays protected and dry.
- Safety Protocol: Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency medical oxygen available 24/7.
Not Included
The following items and services are not included in the standard package but can be arranged independently or as add-ons:
- Optional Mountain Climbs: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($60 USD each). These require early booking.
- Trekking Gear Rentals: Professional walking sticks are not provided but are available for rent upon request.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory and must be arranged independently.
- Aguas Calientes Services: Meals on the final day in Aguas Calientes (dinner) and optional activities such as the local Hot Springs.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, bottled water, or snacks outside of our provided meal plan.
- Emergency Support: Access to emergency horses for tired trekkers or extra porters beyond the standard weight allowance.
- Extended Stays: Any hotel nights in Cusco or Aguas Calientes before or after the scheduled itinerary.
- Tipping: Gratuities for your hard-working guides, chefs, and porters are not included and are at your personal discretion.
Join Sky Dome Camps for an Unforgettable Glamping Experience in the Andes
- 100% Locally Owned and Operated in Cusco, Peru
- Expert Guides on the Salkantay & Inca Trail Routes
- Knowledgeable Staff Ready to Help You
- Private Transparent Domes at High Altitude
- Individually Curated Treks and Glamping Experiences
- The Highest Quality Personal Service
- Fantastic Value for Money with Many Added Extras
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Why Trek with Sky Dome Camps?
- Superior Service & Certified Bilingual Guides
- Salkantay Trek Specialists
- 100% Value for Money
- Small Groups — Maximum 8 People
- Delicious and Nutritious Meals Included
- Sustainable & Responsible Travel
- Private Bathrooms & Real Beds at 4,638m
Guest Reviews
What Our Guests Say
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
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.
Salkantay TrekBest 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.
Sky Dome
@skydomecamps
Transparent domes under the Andean sky. Tag us #SkyDomeCamps ✦
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