Stage 4 of the Salkantay Trek covers 21.4 km from Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes, with 1,510 m of ascent and 1,506 m of descent. The highest point is 2,818 m. Allow about 9.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
The only bus up the Hiram Bingham road from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance (about 25-30 minutes, frequent departures from about 05:30). Buy tickets at the office in town the day before; the alternative is a steep 1.5-hour walk up the stone steps from Puente Ruinas.
Modern 4-star hotel on Avenida Pachacútec in the centre of Aguas Calientes, a short walk from the bus stop to Machu Picchu. Book through Inkaterra.
Long-running boutique hotel and hostel at Calle Colla Raymi 104, one block from the Plaza Manco Cápac. Book ahead, especially June to August.
Mid-range hotel in the centre of Aguas Calientes. Its website is online but shows no 2026 details; book ahead and confirm.
5-star hotel of Andean-style casitas in cloud-forest gardens by the railway at the entrance to Aguas Calientes, about 0.5 km from the plaza. Book through Inkaterra.
Backpacker hostel with dorms and private rooms near the river in Aguas Calientes, popular with Salkantay hikers. Book ahead.
Station at the foot of the Llactapata descent (1,890 m). Trains to Aguas Calientes take about 30 minutes and are the alternative to the 2.5-hour railway walk; buy tickets in advance. Shared vans for Santa Teresa and Cusco leave from the car park 0.2 km west.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. Most camps and domes on the Salkantay Trek are run by trekking agencies for their own groups; independent hikers stay with local families or camp, and should message ahead and carry cash in soles. No permit is needed, but book your Machu Picchu ticket before you start.
Emergency: call 106 (ambulance) or 105 (police). No mountain rescue. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.