
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
3 Days

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
3 Days
Overview
Join us on a moving Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days followed by the legendary Salkantay Trek to the stunning Machu Picchu. This condensed version of the hiking route is perfect for people looking for an emotional and efficient route through the Palestinian lands, combined with the longing for a general hiking route with the reward of exploring the iconic lost city of the Incas
. The 3-day Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu offers an even more immersive experience that combines the beautiful nature, cultural encounters and the wonderful village of Machu Picchu in an unforgettable and efficient adventure on a trip through the Andes.
Highlights
- Salkantay Mountain Views: Marvel at the awe-inspiring views of the towering Salkantay Mountain, a sacred peak in Inca cosmology.
- Salkantay Pass Ascent: Challenge yourself with the ascent to the Salkantay Pass, reaching an altitude that provides stunning panoramic vistas of the Andean landscape.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Experience the diverse ecosystems along the trail, from high-altitude plateaus with glacial scenery to lush cloud forests teeming with biodiversity.
- Cultural Interaction: Interact with local communities along the way, gaining insights into their traditions, daily life, and the significance of the Salkantay region.
- Condensed Yet Rewarding: The 3-day trek offers a condensed yet rewarding experience, making it suitable for those with limited time while still providing a meaningful Andean adventure.
- Inca Heritage: Trace the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you traverse the Salkantay Trail, discovering remnants of their civilization and understanding the historical importance of this route.
Trip Details
- Starting altitude: 2,900 m / 9,512 feet
- Hightes Altitude: 4, 630 m / 15,187 feet
- Type Tour: Cultural; Adventure
- Difficulty level: Demanding
- Total Walking Distance: 50 km
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Quisarniyoc – Salkantay Pass - Chawllay
Begin your adventure with an early hotel pick-up in Cusco at 02:00 am, followed by a scenic 3-hour drive through the Andes to Soraypampa, the starting point of your trek. Upon arrival, enjoy a nutritious breakfast and meet the Salkantay trekking group before preparing for an epic high-altitude hike.
Start trekking around 06:30 am, ascending steadily toward the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)—the highest point of the Salkantay Trek. After approximately 3 hours of uphill hiking, reach the summit and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Andean offering to the Apus (mountain spirits).
From the pass, begin a long 15 km downhill trek, descending from the high Andes into the lush cloud forest. This section is divided into two parts:
- Salkantay Pass → Lunch Camp (2 hours): Hike through dramatic landscapes featuring glaciers, turquoise lagoons, rocky valleys, and alpine terrain
- Lunch Camp → Chaullay (3 hours): Continue descending into warmer climates with green hills, waterfalls, and tropical vegetation, marking the transition into the edge of the Peruvian Amazon
Arrive at Chaullay Camp (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) in the afternoon. Relax and unwind in a jungle setting, enjoy tea time, and if you wish, treat yourself to a cold drink from local vendors. End the day with a freshly prepared dinner by your trekking chef, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
A full day of adventure, altitude, and diverse landscapes—from snow-capped peaks to tropical forest.
Day 2: Chaullay - Santa Teresa - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
Wake up around 06:00 am with a warm cup of coca tea, followed by a delicious energizing breakfast surrounded by the lush tropical jungle. Today, you’ll fully immerse yourself in the cloud forest ecosystem of the Salkantay route.
Start hiking at 07:00 am along the scenic Santa Teresa Valley, following the powerful Salkantay River. This 5-hour trek offers a unique experience through vibrant biodiversity, where you’ll encounter coffee plantations, banana trees, avocados, coca plants, and exotic fruits like passion fruit an authentic glimpse into the local agricultural culture of the Peruvian jungle.
Arrive at La Playa Sahuayaco, where you’ll take local transportation for approximately 1 hour to Santa Teresa, a warm jungle town. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch and short break before continuing.
Travel by vehicle for 45 minutes to Hydroelectric, then begin a scenic 3-hour flat hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush vegetation, river canyons, and tropical landscapes a relaxing and picturesque walk.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, check into your comfortable hotel to shower and unwind. In the evening (around 07:00 pm), enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant, followed by rest in preparation for your Machu Picchu adventure the next day.
Day 3: Machupicchu - Cusco
On the final day, experience the highlight of your adventure with a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Wake up early around 04:00 am and get ready for an unforgettable sunrise hike. After enjoying your packed breakfast, begin a 30-minute walk to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint (opens at 05:00 am), where you will present your passport and entrance tickets.
Continue with an iconic uphill hike (approx. 1 hour) through the jungle stairs to reach the main gate of Machu Picchu by 06:00 am, just in time for the magical sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.
Once inside, enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour exploring the most important sectors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the history, architecture, and mysteries of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, take photos, or simply enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of this iconic destination.
Optional hikes (advance booking required):
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – short but steep hike with spectacular views (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – longer hike with panoramic views of the entire citadel (approx. 3.5 hours)
You will spend approximately 7–8 hours at Machu Picchu, depending on your schedule and activities. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to board the scenic train (around 18:20) to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours), followed by a comfortable transfer to Cusco (2 hours), arriving around 10:30 pm.
End of an unforgettable Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu experience.
Notes Itinerario
Included
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco & all ground transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Pre-trek briefing
- Horsemen & pack horses (up to 7 kg per person)
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, dining & kitchen tent)
- Accommodation: 2 nights camping + 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners + snacks & tea time
- Professional cook & kitchen staff
- First aid kit & oxygen bottle
- Transportation: Soraypampa access + Santa Teresa / Hydroelectric transfers
- Train ticket Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
- Transfer Ollantaytambo → Cusco
Not Included
- Entrance fee to Humantay Lake / local community
- Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on the last day
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (optional – advance booking required)
- Sleeping bag & trekking poles (available for rent)
- Hot showers at campsites (extra cost)
- Drinks, snacks & personal expenses
- Tips for guide, cook & horsemen (optional)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
What To Bring
- Original passport (mandatory for Machu Picchu entry)
- Daypack (20–30) for daily essentials
- Layered clothing (thermal, fleece, warm jacket)
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Comfortable trekking shoes (well broken-in)
- Extra clothes (for changing after hikes)
- Hat, sunglasses & high SPF sunscreen
- Gloves, scarf & beanie (cold high-altitude mornings)
- Reusable water bottle / hydration system
- Snacks & energy bars
- Headlamp or flashlight (early morning hikes)
- Toiletries & personal medication
Insect repellent (essential for jungle areas)
Camera or smartphone (for epic landscapes)
Cash (Peruvian soles) for extras and small purchases
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