3 Day Salkantay Trek Challenge

5.0
(87 reviews)

Show all photos
3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 3 more

The ultimate Salkantay Trek Challenge takes you to hike 49 km (31 mi) to the world wonder of Machu Picchu in just 3 Days! Although this route is shorter, you still get the stunning scenery of the classic trek and the Salkantay Mountain. Cross the rugged highlands down to the sheer verdant Cloud Forest valleys as you sleep in comfort at the Andean Huts and Aguas Calientes. You’ll complete this immersive challenge when you reach The Lost City of the Incas.

• Enjoy 3 days along the Salkantay Trek, the best alternative to the Inca Trail
• Snap an epic photo at the Salkantay Glacier Mountain
• Hike from the Andean highlands down to the mighty cloud forest valleys in just 2 days
• Stay at exclusive campsites with small groups
• Explore the world-class site Machu Picchu with a private Guide

What's Included

Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All entrance fees (Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu)
Experienced Mountain Guide
Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones
Experienced cooks, horsemen and porters
Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Water, Tea Time, and snacks on the trail
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining room, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
One way bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
All Private Transport and transfers during the tour
Accommodations (1 night at the Andean Huts, 1 night at a Hotel)
Duffle bag for up to 7kg of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners
Sleeping bag (For rent US$ 15)
Walking sticks (For rent US$ 15)
Lunch and Dinner on the last day
Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Optional US$ 34)
Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (Can be booked, subject to availability)
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).

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay - Andean Huts

    1 stop
  • 1
    Cusco

    Begin your adventure in the early morning hours as we pick you up and take you to the starting point of the trek in Soraypampa. This morning, you’ll be taking on the biggest challenge of the trek, the hike up to the Salkantay Pass. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views all around the snowy mountain peaks. You'll head downhill for lunch and continue as you enter the Amazon jungle. Observe the scenery change dramatically around you with the contrast of the Andes to the jungle. Enjoy lush greenery and tropical wildlife along the way. You’ll be spending the night in the village of Chaullay, surrounded by nature’s sounds.

    10 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Chaullay - La Playa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

    1 stop
  • 2
    Cusco

    Continue your jungle trek this morning as the rainforest thickens around you. You’ll be able to spot wild orchids and many bird species on your way to the lunch spot at La Playa. Here, you’ll also enjoy a coffee demonstration before our transport picks you up and takes you to Hidroelectrica. From there, you’ll walk alongside the train tracks to Aguas Calientes or opt to take the train for an additional fee. The Urubamba River accompanies you all the way. Once in the town, you’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before going to bed early, ready for the big day tomorrow.

    9 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

    1 stop
  • 3
    Cusco

    Wake up early for the ultimate day and the one you've been waiting for. You'll likely get to Machu Picchu early to beat the big crowds with very few visitors, so we'll take the bus up to the entrance. Once inside, soak up the magic of the place and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the Citadel's key areas before taking in the last views from the lookouts. If you are up for a deep exploration, you can pre-book your tickets to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains and make the most of your time in the Inca city. After that, you'll head down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and catch a train to Ollantaytambo. Our transport will drop you back at your hotel in Cusco for the evening.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
  • Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least two months in advance to secure spaces.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking

Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Rail Tours
Archaeology Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

5.0 Based on 87 87 reviews
5 stars
85
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Check availability