Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights

5.0
(101 reviews)
Cusco, Peru

3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 5 more

The Salkantay Trek Challenge covers 49 km (31 miles) to Machu Picchu in just 3 days, offering the highlights of the classic route in a shorter timeframe. Hike past the impressive Salkantay Mountain, cross rugged Andean highlands, and descend into lush cloud forest valleys. Enjoy comfortable nights at exclusive Andean huts and in Aguas Calientes before reaching the legendary Lost City of the Incas.

• 3-day trek along the Salkantay Trail, the best alternative to the Inca Trail
• Epic photo opportunities at the Salkantay Glacier Mountain
• Trek from high-altitude Andes to cloud forest landscapes in just two days
• Stay at exclusive campsites in small groups
• Guided visit to Machu Picchu with a professional guide

What's Included

Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Experienced Mountain Guide
Backpack cover and rain poncho
Gear: Sleeping bag and Trekking Poles
Lunch (Optional[2])
Lunch
Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (The voyager or Expedition)
Dinner (Optional[2])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[3])
Breakfast
Experienced cooks, horsemen and porters
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 3-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
Water, Tea Time, and snacks on the trail
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining room, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
Duffle bag for up to 5 kg/11 lb of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
One way bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
All Private Transport and transfers during the tour
Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, walkie talkies, and emergency satellite pones
All entrance fees to Salkantay Trek
Accommodations (1 night at Mountain Sky View, 1 night at a Hotel)
Optional train transfer Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the train operator)
Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
Personal Hiking Clothing and gear
Lunch and Dinner on the last day
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Tips for the staff (Optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

    3 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    Start your adventure early with pickup in Cusco (2:30 a.m.) and head to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Enjoy an energy-packed breakfast before beginning the ascent along the 7 Serpents Trail to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), surrounded by imposing mountains and glaciers. After lunch in Wayracmachay, continue the descent into the high Amazon rainforest, where the climate becomes warmer.

    10 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3

    End the day at the exclusive Mountain Sky View camp (Collpapampa, 2,950 m / 9,678 ft) and enjoy a comforting dinner under the stars.

    10 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 2

    Collpapampa - Santa Teresa - La Playa - Hydroelectric Plant - Hot Springs

    4 stops
  • 4

    Wake up to the sounds of the forest and enjoy a homemade breakfast before setting off on a leisurely hike through the Santa Teresa Valley.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Lucmabamba Coffee Experience

    Walk through landscapes filled with waterfalls, orchids, and coffee plantations until you reach the village of La Playa, where you will enjoy a lunch made with local products and a demonstration of artisanal coffee making.

    5 hours Admission ticket included
  • 6

    Then, travel to Hidroeléctrica and continue on foot along the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical jungle.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Aguas Calientes

    At the end of the day, arrive in Aguas Calientes, rest in a comfortable hotel, and share dinner with the group as you prepare for the most anticipated day: Machu Picchu.

    10 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

    4 stops
  • 8
    Aguas Calientes

    Start early with a light breakfast before taking the bus to Machu Picchu. As you ascend through the mist of the cloud forest, the surroundings become filled with magic and anticipation.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

    Upon arrival, explore the Inca citadel on a two-hour guided tour of its temples, terraces, and sacred sites, discovering the grandeur of the ancient Inca Empire.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 10
    Ollantaytambo

    Then enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before heading back. In the afternoon, you board the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Cusco

    From there, private transportation takes you to Cusco, ending this unforgettable experience with spectacular views and unique memories.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking

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Hiking Tours
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Private and Luxury
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Small Group
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 101 101 reviews
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