Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days

Itinerary

Day 1 | Salkantay

Cusco - Soraypampa by car and trekking through the Salkantay Pass to Chaullay

Our Salkantay Trek 3 Days adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cusco towards the charming village of Mollepata. Here we take a short break, and for those who didn’t have breakfast in Cusco, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast before continuing our journey.

We then head to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the official starting point of our challenging yet rewarding trek. From here, we begin our ascent towards the legendary Salkantay Pass. Starting early allows us to hike in the crisp morning air, before the Andean sun rises high and strong. The trail leads us through the Rio Blanco Valley, circling the base of Humantay Peak and approaching the mighty Salkantay Mountain.

The highlight of the day is reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m / 15,213 ft)—the highest point of the trek. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, with the towering glaciated south face of Salkantay Peak right before us. This is also a great spot to keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above the cliffs.

After taking in the views, we descend toward Wayracmachay (“the cave where the wind lives”), where we stop for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we continue trekking downhill for about 3 hours until we reach our campsite near the village of Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).

Our Andean Cabins campsite offers a peaceful location far from the crowds, with a spectacular panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley. This is the perfect place to rest, enjoy dinner, and experience authentic local hospitality from the nearby families before continuing the journey to Machu Picchu.

• Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner.
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Total distance: 22.5 km / 13.9 mi
• Estimated walking time: 8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (Salkantay Pass)
• Accommodation: “Andean Cabins” Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).

Day 2 | Salkantay

Chaullay - La Playa and Trekking from Hidroelectric to Aguas Calientes

Day two of the Salkantay Trek 3 Days is one of the most scenic and diverse experiences of the entire journey. After enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by our mountain chef, we begin our trek from Chaullay to La Playa (2,060 m / 6,759 ft). This section of the trail follows the lush Santa Teresa River Valley, where the Andean highlands gradually give way to the subtropical cloud forest.

As we hike, we’ll pass through traditional rural communities and fertile farmland. The route is full of life: banana, passion fruit, and avocado orchards line the trail, and we’ll also walk past organic coffee plantations—renowned as some of the best in Peru and considered among the finest organic coffees in the world. This part of the Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek truly showcases the region’s unique biodiversity and culture.

From La Playa village, we continue by local transport to the Hidroelectrica train station (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). Here, a well-deserved lunch awaits us. This point marks the end of the railway line that runs from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Afterward, we hike alongside the railway tracks for about 3 hours until we reach Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), also known as Machu Picchu Town. The walk is a beautiful experience, passing through dense jungle foliage and following the Urubamba River, with stunning views of the mountains—including the one that shelters the lost citadel of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our hotel for a well-earned rest. In the evening, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner with our guide and fellow trekkers, sharing stories and preparing for the ultimate highlight of the trek: visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on day three.

• Meals: Breakfast, hot water, lunch, and dinner.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Total distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles
• Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2950 m / 9578 ft
• Accommodation: Machu Picchu village, Aguas Calientes (2040 m / 6693 feet).

Optional Activities:

• Coffee Experience: Take part in a local Coffee Tour to learn about traditional cultivation and roasting methods of this ancient Andean beverage.
• Train Option: If you prefer not to hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, you can take the train instead (40-minute ride, ticket not included). You’ll reunite with the group at the train station in Aguas Calientes. Your guide will confirm your preference the evening before.

Day 3 | Salkantay

Machu Picchu tour Guided - Cusco

The final day of the Salkantay Trek 3 Days is also the most unforgettable: the long-awaited visit to the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast at our hotel, we head to the bus station in Aguas Calientes for a 30-minute ride up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Remember to carry your original passport, entrance ticket (included in the tour), and a valid student ID if you booked with a student discount.

Once past the control gate, your expert guide will lead you on an immersive tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s most iconic archaeological site. The visit follows Circuit 2 or Circuit 3 (depending on availability at the time of booking). We always aim for Circuit 2-A or 2-B, considered the most complete, as they include at least 17 of the main highlights. These include the upper panoramic viewpoint for the classic postcard photo, the lower platform, the Intihuatana (Sun Dial), the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and many more.

The guided tour lasts about 2 hours, during which your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and spirituality of the Inca civilization. After the visit, and in coordination with your guide, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch is not included today, so you’ll have free time to choose a restaurant in the town before boarding the train.

In the afternoon, we board the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on availability and schedules). Upon arrival, private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco—bringing your Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek to a perfect conclusion.

• Meals: Breakfast at hotel.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated tour time: 2 hours

Optional Hikes at Machu Picchu

During your visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you may choose to enhance the experience by hiking one of the surrounding mountains. These climbs offer spectacular panoramic views of the archaeological site and the surrounding Andes. Please note that tickets are not included in the tour price and must be reserved well in advance, as availability is limited.

• Huayna Picchu Hike (approx. 2 hours round trip): The most famous option, but also the most challenging due to its steep and narrow trail.
• Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (approx. 3 hours round trip): A longer but less demanding hike, offering spectacular panoramic views from the summit.
• Huchuy Picchu Hike: A smaller mountain located close to the citadel, with easier access compared to the other two hikes.

Important Notes:

• Regulations: Machu Picchu circuits are strictly one-way, meaning it’s not possible to backtrack to previous points. Signs indicate the route, and stopping in certain areas is not permitted. We recommend taking your time at each spot to enjoy the experience fully.
• Train Options: If you prefer to return to Cusco earlier or later, your train schedule can be adjusted (subject to availability) with prior coordination.

Can I buy a ticket at the checkpoint?

No. According to official Machu Picchu regulations, entrance tickets are valid for single entry only. Once you leave the citadel, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket. Tickets are not sold at the entrance checkpoint — they must be purchased in advance, either online or through an authorized agency.

Can I enter Machu Picchu more than once with the same ticket?

No. Each ticket allows one-time entry only. If you wish to re-enter, you must buy a new ticket before your visit.

Are mountain hikes (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu) included in the standard ticket?

No. These hikes require separate entrance tickets that must be purchased together with your Machu Picchu entrance. Availability is very limited, so we recommend booking as early as possible.

What's Included?

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Salkantay tour guide at our office (or another agreed location) around 6:00 p.m. for a detailed briefing about the trek.
• Hotel pick-up in Cusco.
• Tourist transport from Cusco to Soraypampa.
• Tourist transport from La Playa to Hidroelectrica.
• Consettur bus (round trip) to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.
• Expedition tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo / Poroy.
• Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo / Poroy back to Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the Salkantay trek.
• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) at Machu Picchu.
• Trail chef and assistant, specialized in preparing meals during the trek.
• Entrance tickets along the Salkantay route.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2 or 3, subject to availability).
• Private campsites each campsite is carefully choosed for having a very local experience.
• First night: Chaullay — comfortable jungle cabins.
• Second night: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), includes Hotel Casa de la Luz (2-star or similar). features double or triple rooms with private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage during your Machu Picchu visit. Option to upgrade to a 3- or 4-star hotel upon request.
• Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available at no extra cost.
• Boiled and filtered water from the first lunch to the second lunch (we recommend bringing reusable bottles for about 3 liters).
• Morning coca tea or herbal tea (at our campsites).
• Afternoon tea (at our campsites).
• Snacks during the trekking days.
• 1 Duffle Bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to (5 kgs/11 lbs). Including your sleeping bag; carried by pack horses on Day 1, and by car/train on Day 2. Must be returned at the end of the trek.
• First-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
• 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
• Free luggage storage in Cusco: Leave your luggage safely at our office before starting the trek (exclusive for our passengers).

What's not Included?

• Trekking poles – not included, but highly recommended. You may bring your own or rent them from us.
• Sleeping bag.
• First breakfast (before the trek) and last lunch (after Machu Picchu).
• Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes – optional, in case you prefer not to walk this stretch (additional cost applies; recommended if you feel unwell after the trek).
• Additional entrance tickets (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu).
• Personal clothing and gear.
• Travel Insurance.
• Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)
• Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.

Note: If you wish, you can rent trekking poles, purchase additional entrance tickets, or request upgrades for hotels, trains, and/or extra meals before your tour.

Additional Services

• Trekking poles – $15.00 USD
• Sleeping bag (3 kg) – $25.00 USD
• Breakfast in Mollepata (basic) – $10.00 USD
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes (basic) – $15.00 USD
• Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes – $50.00 USD
• Riding horse (per person) – $150.00 USD
• Pack horse (up to 20 kg load) – $90.00 USD
• Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes – $36.00 USD

Additional Entrance Tickets

• Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75.00 USD
  • Subject to availability and entry times: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am.
• Machu Picchu Mountain – $75.00 USD
  • Subject to availability and entry times: 7:00 am / 9:00 am.
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain – $75.00 USD
  • Subject to availability and entry times: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am / 11:00 am / 12:00 pm.
• Guided tour of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – $75.00 USD per group.

Train Upgrades

• Upgrade to Vistadome Train (return) – $50.00 USD
• Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory Train (return) – $75.00 USD

Hotel Upgrades

• 3★ Hotel Upgrade – $50.00 USD
• 4★ Hotel Upgrade – $60.00 USD

What to Bring?

• Original Passport
• Day Pack   
• Full rain gear or poncho
• Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
• Headlamp Sunglasses             
• Hiking Socks Sunscreen
• Insect repellent Bathing suit
• Trekking pants
• Breathable dry fit top-wear 
• Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
• Cold-weather jacket
• Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
• Hiking boots
• Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
• Headlamp Sunglasses             
• Hiking Socks Sunscreen
• Insect repellent 
• Bathing suit
• Casual mountains wear for evenings 
• Photo/video cameras and chargers 
• Binoculars
• Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

PRICES

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 3 days

USD 449.00

Discounts

• Students (18 – 24 years old): $20 USD discount.
  • Must present a valid student ID and be under 25 years old at the time of the trek.
  • A scanned copy of your passport is required at the time of booking.
• Minors (under 17 years old): $20 USD discount.
  • Must be under 18 years old at the time of the trek.
  • A scanned copy of your passport is required at the time of booking.

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Important information

Important Information

• The itinerary may change depending on Peruvian government regulations, weather conditions, and the health status of the trekkers.
• Train schedules are subject to availability and may vary depending on the railway company.
• We provide the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo / Poroy. Please note that if a train ticket is booked at the last minute, we cannot guarantee that you will be seated on the same train as the rest of the group.
• If you wish to change your train schedule or ticket, you must pay an additional fee for the extra transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, as well as any fare differences charged by the train company.

Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days Map