Tour Availability

Available
Arrival City

Cusco
Minimum Age

8
Maximum Age

60
Group Size

2 - 15
Destinations

Machupicchu
Difficulty

Moderate

CAMPSITES AND HOTELS

OVERVIEW

The 3 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular treks you can do in Peru. This trekking route is located in the north of Cusco and is an incredible adventure that allows you to enjoy spectacular views and pass through a number of different climate zones.

Extras & Upgrades

Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrade: Please let us know in advance, so we can arrange everything for you.
Optional visit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 per person. Let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.
Sleeping bags: Available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($15.00 per person).
Trekking poles: Available for rent for $15.00 per person.

Highlights

Recommended For:

Moderate to Advanced Hikers

Starting Altitude:

3,200m / 10,500ft

Highest Altitude:

4,650m / 15,200ft

Hiking Distance:

60 km / 37 miles

Altitude Acclimatization:

Recommended

Day 1 :

CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – COLLPAPAMPA

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 2:30 am. We will drive together with the group for 4 hours, passing through Anta and Mollepata, until we reach our starting point in Soraypampa (3,900 m/12,795 ft). The beginning of the trail will take us through some beautiful valleys. We will then enjoy a wonderful hike to our lunch spot, where we will have some time to rest before starting our 3-hour descent. This part of the trail is surrounded by lush jungle. Upon arrival at the Collpapampa campsite, we will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight, we will sleep in our comfortable domes at the campsite.

Hiking Distance: 22 km/13.5 miles

Day 2 :

COLLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

We will have breakfast at 6:00 am and shortly after begin hiking for approximately 5 and a half hours through the jungle. This part of the trek takes us through the cloud forest, where we will discover several coffee plantations, orchids, and many natural plants used for medicinal purposes. We will arrive at our lunch point in Lucmabamba to rest for a bit, and then take our transportation to Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will walk for 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes. In Aguas Calientes, we will spend the night in a hotel and have our final dinner together at a local restaurant.

Hiking Distance: 16 km/10 miles, after lunch: 11 km/7 miles

Day 3 :

AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for the chance to visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

We’ll rise early, around 4:30 a.m., to have a packed breakfast. We’ll then start our hike up to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. We’ll descend for 30 minutes to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, where you will need to show your original passport, Machu Picchu tickets, and Student ID if you are a student. After crossing Puente Ruinas, you will climb the stairs for about one hour to reach Machu Picchu’s main gate by 6:00 a.m.

The hotel will hold your bags for you while you are at Machu Picchu, so you only need to bring a small backpack with essentials, as large bags are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. There is also a bus option from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $12 USD.

Once in Machu Picchu, your guide will take you directly to the best panoramic viewpoint for the classic Machu Picchu photo, then guide you through the main sectors of the citadel for a total of 2.5 hours. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history and culture of this amazing Andean paradise.

After the guided tour, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may choose to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours). These hikes must be booked in advance, as they sell out quickly and cost $60 per person. Your guide will show you where to begin the hike. The amount of time you spend at Machu Picchu will depend on your choice of return transportation to Cusco (train or car).

Two Options for Returning to Cusco:
Salkantay by Train:

If you choose this option, you’ll have more time to explore Machu Picchu, as the train departs around 2:55 p.m. This option is recommended if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as you’ll need extra time.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, our staff will meet you at the station’s exit and drive you back to Cusco. The car ride to Cusco takes about 2 hours and you’ll be dropped off near the main square in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
Salkantay by Car:

This option provides less time to explore Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will be very pressed for time.
To take this option, you need to leave Machu Picchu by 10:30 a.m. at the latest and walk back to Hidroeléctrica by rail tracks, as there are no car roads. You’ll meet the car at 2:00 p.m. at Hidroeléctrica. The car trip to Cusco takes approximately 6 hours.
If you are considering this option and plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend staying one more night in Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco by car on the 6th day to fully enjoy the experience.

INCLUSIONS

📦 What Is Included?

🛏️ Accommodation

Instead of small tents, we provide spectacular and comfortable campsites just for you. On the first night in Colpapampa, you’ll stay in a private 2-person sleeping dome.
For the second night, you’ll be accommodated in a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. This hotel will be clean, safe, and equipped with Wi-Fi, a take-away breakfast, and a private bathroom with hot water. Upgrades to higher-quality hotels are also available upon request.

🍽️ Meals

Meals as specified in the itinerary: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 2 Dinners.
Professional cook and cooking equipment provided. We have a dining tent and a kitchen tent where your meals will be prepared fresh.
We can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan diets. Please inform us in advance of your preferences so we can plan accordingly.
Enjoy a hot cup of Coca Tea each morning.
Boiled water will be provided for coffee and tea at the campsites to accompany your meals.

🚗 Transportation

Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of your trek.
Transportation from Lucmabamba to Hidroeléctrica.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or car from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco.
Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, with drop-off at Plaza Regocijo.

👥 Local Guides & Team

Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, plus an assistant guide for groups of more than 12 people.
Horses and riders to transport camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils.
All trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle for emergencies.
Duffle bags will be provided during the briefing for your personal belongings (up to 5 kg per person).

📝 Additional

Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide at our office to review all the details of your tour. The briefing will take place between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at our Cusco office, the day before departure.
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trek are included.

❌ What Is Not Included?

🍴 Meals

Lunch and dinner on the last day.
No boiled water for treks included. Please carry enough water with you. Additional bottles can be purchased along the trek.

🎒 Equipment

Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you do not have one ($15.00 per person).
Trekking poles. Available for rent for $20.00 per person.
Additional horses for carrying luggage exceeding the 5 kg per person limit.

🎟️ Optional Activities

Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. You can choose to add one of them to your trekking itinerary for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance to check availability.
Entry to the Aguas Calientes hot springs.

📝 Other

Tips for your guide, cook, and staff.
Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
National or international flights.
Travel insurance.
Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.

FAQ

Expand all

How can I get the Student Discount for the Machu Picchu Entrance?

If you are a student, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.

To be able to receive the discount, please sent us after your booking a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport. We can help you check if all the requirements are fulfilled. It must be an original student ID, given from the university in PVC material and include university information, personal student information, student picture, expiration date valid only for one year, and must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu.

You also need to bring your original student card with you the day you visit Machu Picchu. You will also need to bring the card with you and verify it at the Machu Picchu checkpoint.

Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:

What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek?

On the 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll experience many of the same breathtaking landscapes as the 5-Day Trek. The key difference is that on Day 3, instead of staying at the Cocalmayo campsite, we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This makes Day 3 more challenging, as it includes a 3-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. On Day 4, you’ll visit the Machu Picchu site.

In contrast, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek offers a more relaxed pace. On Day 3, we stay at the Lucmabamba campsite, allowing time to unwind and even visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (this activity is not included). On Day 4, we explore the remarkable archaeological site of Llactapata, walking part of the original Inca Trail, which is not covered in the 4-Day trek. We then continue to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes, with the visit to Machu Picchu scheduled for Day 5.

How can I prepare for the hike and prevent altitude sickness?

The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving to Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.

Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.

More Details about the Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain Add-On

The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional add-ons that you can choose to purchase besides the Machu Picchu visit that is already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your Machu Picchu visit to see the Inca Citadel from the top.

Please send us an email asking about availability. Then, if available, you can select which mountain you would like to climb when you make your reservation online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are an additional 60 USD.

What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen behind the ruins in all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is an approximately 45 minute climb with more ruins at the top and offers an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.

What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.

What are the differences between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is more crowded than the Salkantay Trek because it is an original trail of the Incas and one of the most famous hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but is therefore a lot more expensive than the Salkantay Trek.

On the Salkantay Trek you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, whereas the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain sceneries. Many trekkers consider the Salkantay Trek to be a bit more strenuous than the Inca Trail because the general altitude is higher.

The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for everybody who doesn’t like crowded paths and enjoys different landscapes during the trek.

I’ve made my reservation, now what?

Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departuer at 5:00 pm, please stop by our office located in Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify last questions you may have.

What is the weather like during the Salkantay Trek?

In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable weather, so please come prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, and rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes Moutnains, the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).

During the rainy, warmer season temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, with a high chance of rain and wind at the Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may feel a lot colder to you.

During the dry season the weather is sunny and clear, and on average 20° C / 70 °F during the day but much colder at night, around -3 °C / 26 °F.

Also, after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate – these humid temperatures are consistent throughout the year.

What type food is served on the trek?

We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes with rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups and fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have a lot of vegetarian travellers and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater for or all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.

Do I need hiking experience to complete this trek?

Previous hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to support hikers of all fitness levels and experience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Most importantly, make sure to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.

Can I leave extra luggage in your office?

Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes?

The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.

What are your cancellation and refund policies?

Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.