Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days is an ideal experience for travelers who want to reach the Inca citadel through a shorter, scenic, and adventure-filled route. During this journey, you will hike through snow-capped mountains, Andean valleys, mountain forests, and subtropical landscapes, enjoying one of the most impressive alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
On this trek, you will experience the excitement of getting close to the majestic Salkantay Mountain, crossing high-altitude areas and discovering trails surrounded by nature, history, and Andean culture. The experience becomes even more special with an overnight stay at the Eco Lodge Majestic Sky Domes, designed to connect with the natural surroundings and enjoy the landscape after a day of trekking.
The journey continues along trails with privileged views, including the Llaqtapata area, where you can admire Machu Picchu from a distance before reaching Aguas Calientes. Finally, on the third day, you will enjoy a guided visit to the world wonder of Machu Picchu, completing an unforgettable adventure along the Salkantay route.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3-Day Tour Itinerary
CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO (ECO LODGE MAJESTIC SKY DOMES)
Your hotel pickup is at 3:00 a.m. to begin the transfer to Soraypampa, where the cook will be waiting with breakfast before starting the trek.
The route begins with a gradual ascent through the valley to Salkantaypampa, where we make a short stop, and continues over rocky terrain to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the journey. From there, you will have direct views of the Salkantay Mountain, the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, and Humantay Mountain. On clear days, it is possible to spot Andean condors flying above the area.
The descent follows a rocky trail to Huayracmachay, where lunch is served, and continues in the afternoon toward the high jungle region until reaching Chaullay, where transportation will be waiting to take you to the Eco Lodge Majestic Sky Domes in Playa Sahuayaco.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with afternoon tea (coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn), followed later by dinner, both included. If weather conditions allow, you can enjoy a nighttime bonfire. Accommodation is provided in panoramic wooden domes with private bathrooms. As an optional activity (with an additional transportation cost), you can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs.
- Trekking time: approximately 8 hours.
Distance: 38 km (19 km hiking + 19 km by transportation). - Climate: cool at higher elevations, warmer during the descent.
- Altitudes:
Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l.
Soraypampa: 3,900 m.a.s.l.
Salkantay Pass: 4,630 m.a.s.l.
Chaullay: 2,900 m.a.s.l.
Playa Sahuayaco: 2,100 m.a.s.l. - Accommodation: Eco Lodge Majestic Sky Domes, panoramic wooden dome with private bathroom, Playa Sahuayaco.
PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LLAQTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC STATION – AGUAS CALIENTES
Breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. before starting the hike along an original section of the Inca Trail, with a 2-hour uphill walk to the Llaqtapata archaeological site. There, your guide will explain the history and importance of this place during the Inca period. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a partial distant view of Machu Picchu.
Afterwards, we descend toward the Aobamba Valley, crossing an old bridge until reaching the Hydroelectric Station, where lunch will be waiting. From there, you have two options to continue: take the train to Aguas Calientes, a short ride not included in the tour, or continue walking along the railway tracks beside the Urubamba River. Travelers who choose to walk will pass by the Intihuatana archaeological site, featuring an ancient solar clock carved into stone, and cross a mountain forest section with orchids and native plants typical of the area.
You will arrive in Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon, where dinner is included at a local restaurant. During dinner, your guide will provide all the details about the next day’s program and your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Hiking time: approximately 7 hours.
- Distance: 21 km.
- Climate: warm.
- Altitudes:
Playa Sahuayaco: 2,100 m.a.s.l.
Llaqtapata: 2,700 m.a.s.l.
Hydroelectric Station: 1,900 m.a.s.l. - Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The final day starts early: you leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m. after breakfast and walk to the bus station. From there, you take the tourist bus along the zigzag road up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Arriving before most visitors who come by train gives you the opportunity to witness the sunrise over the site, weather conditions permitting.
Upon arrival, the guided tour begins and lasts approximately 2 hours, with explanations about the history of the site and its main structures. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore on your own, and depending on ticket availability, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain as an optional activity.
In the afternoon, you will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus or on foot, with time to have lunch at a local restaurant. You will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where tourist transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, with final drop-off in the Historic Center.
- Hiking time: approximately 3 hours at Machu Picchu.
- Distance: 5 km.
- Climate: warm.
- Altitudes:
Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m.a.s.l.
Machu Picchu: 2,400 m.a.s.l.
Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l.
View Route Map
What’s Included?
- Briefing with the guide a few days before departure at our office
- Hotel pickup and transportation to Soraypampa
- Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Cook and all meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
- Vegetarian menu or special diets at no additional cost
- Salkantay Trail entrance ticket
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Boiled water to refill your bottle during the trek
- Horse handlers and horses for kitchen equipment and luggage transportation
- Transportation of your luggage (up to 7 kg) with a duffel bag included
- Bus transportation up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transportation to Cusco
- 2 nights of accommodation with private bathroom: dome in Playa Sahuayaco and hotel in Aguas Calientes
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Services not detailed in the itinerary
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Dinner on the 3rd day
More Trek Information
Personal Items Checklist
This route combines high-altitude sections with a descent into the high jungle, so the weather changes significantly from one day to another: intense cold at Salkantay Pass and warm, humid conditions when reaching Aguas Calientes. If you do not have any of these items, you can buy or rent them in Cusco before departure, as the city has specialized trekking equipment stores.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student ID, if applicable
- Copy of travel insurance
Essentials
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Energy snacks: cookies, nuts, chocolate
- Cash for tips or personal purchases
Clothing and Footwear
- Trekking shoes and sandals
- Thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, and wool socks
- Waterproof jacket and rain poncho
- Technical shirts, long pants, and shorts
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat or cap
Health and Personal Care
- Basic first aid kit with anti-inflammatory medication
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
Personal Hygiene
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletry kit
- Biodegradable soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toilet paper
Accessories
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with extra battery and memory card
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Small pocket knife
- Plastic bags for wet clothes
* We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour for proper acclimatization and being in good general health before starting the trek.
What is the maximum altitude reached on the 3-day Salkantay Trek?
The highest point is Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m.a.s.l., which is crossed during the first day of trekking.
Is the 3-day Salkantay Trek very difficult?
It is a challenging route, especially on the first day due to the high altitude of the pass. The following days become easier as the trail descends toward the high jungle.
Does the tour include the entrance to Machu Picchu?
Yes, the entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site is included, as well as the Salkantay Trail entrance ticket.
Is previous trekking experience required?
It is not required, but a basic level of fitness is recommended, as the first day involves several hours of continuous uphill hiking at high altitude.
Where do you stay during the trek?
The first night is spent at Eco Lodge Majestic Sky Domes, a panoramic dome in Playa Sahuayaco, and the second night is at a hotel with a private bathroom in Aguas Calientes.
Can you hike Huayna Picchu Mountain during this tour?
Yes, as an optional activity and subject to ticket availability. It is recommended to reserve tickets several months in advance.
Does the tour use pack animals during the trek?
Yes, horse handlers and horses transport food, kitchen equipment, and personal luggage along the route.
What is the difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?
The Salkantay Trek does not require limited permits or reservations months in advance, and it combines high mountain landscapes with the jungle, while the Inca Trail enters Machu Picchu directly through the Sun Gate.
How do you return to Cusco after the tour?
The return is by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by tourist transportation to the Historic Center of Cusco.
Important
- Spaces are continuously being reserved among all authorized tour operators operating on the route, so availability may run out without prior notice.
- We recommend confirming your reservation as early as possible to guarantee your spot.
- Please note that a minimum of 2 people is required to reserve this trek.
- We specialize in group travel, so if you are traveling with friends, family, or children, please contact us to receive our special promotions.
- If you would like a PRIVATE TOUR, please request a quote by email at info@incredibleperutours.com or WhatsApp: +51 984525006
Exclusive Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights Prices
The service operates as a semi-private tour: the group travels only with friends or family members, without being combined with other travelers. All prices include the services detailed in the “What’s Included” section.
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 450 | 17 years old or older |
| Student / Child | USD 430 | From 4 to 17 years old |
| Infant | Free | From 0 to 3 years old, traveling with parents |
Optional Services
The following services can be added to the tour at an additional cost, up to one day before departure, at our main office in the Historic Center of Cusco.
- Trekking pole rental for the entire route: USD 15 per pair.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 75. Maximum capacity of 400 people per day. Request at the time of booking, subject to availability.
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 75.
- Maximum capacity of 400 people per day.
- Request at the time of booking, subject to availability.
- Cusco airport pickup and transfer to your hotel: USD 10 per person.
- Hotel pickup and transfer to Cusco airport: USD 10 per person.
- Vistadome train upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: USD 40 per person.
