Short Salkantay Trek 3 days 2 Nights

Q: What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek?

Personal backpack (30-50L) and additional duffel bag for your belongings (max. 5 kg). Reusable water bottle Small coins (S/1) for bathrooms and other expenses. Rain jacket or rain poncho Strong footwear (Waterproof trekking boots recommended.) Sleeping bag (also available for rent) Flashlight/headlamp and batteries Clothes for the entire trek: Two long-sleeve trekking shirts Two short-sleeve shirts Leggings or trekking pants Shorts Four pairs of underwear Sweatpants for the night Three pairs of hiking socks A rain poncho An insulated jacket Gloves Beanie A hat with a brim Hiking boots Bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs) Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites Sunscreen Insect repellent Additional snacks (we supply you with plenty of food already) Original passport (mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu)

Q: What is the difference between the Salkantay Trek 3 days and the Salkantay Trek 4 days?

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 Lucmabamba 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 3, 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.

Q: 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 departure at 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, 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 any last questions you may have.

Tour Availability
Available
Group Maximum
18
Arrival City
Cusco
Difficulty
Moderate

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

INCLUSIONS

TRAIN/CAR

FAQs

PACKING LIST

MAP

Overview Salkantay Trek 3 days

The Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days is the perfect adventure for travelers who want to experience the very best of the Andes in less time. This condensed route takes you from the snow-capped peaks of Soraypampa and the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, over the impressive Salkantay Pass, and down through lush cloud forests to the gateway of Machu Picchu. Every day offers new landscapes, rich culture, and a sense of achievement as you cover diverse terrain from high mountain passes to subtropical valleys.

Over three unforgettable days, you will trek from Cusco to Soraypampa, continue to Collpapampa, explore Lucmabamba’s coffee plantations, and follow the scenic route to Aguas Calientes before your final day at the majestic Machu Picchu. Enjoy comfortable overnights (a private dome on the first night and a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the second) plus freshly prepared meals, professional local guides, and all essential transport. With everything taken care of, you can focus on the adventure, the views, and the memories you’ll take home.

Reservation Recommendation:

It is recommended to book the Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 to 3 months in advance, to secure the best circuit available. If the circuits are sold out, the only option will be to purchase a ticket in Aguas Calientes, subject to availability.

The circuits correspond to the entrance to Machu Picchu, so booking in advance is essential to guarantee your visit.

Why book the Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days with KB Adventures?

At KB Adventures, we specialize in creating trekking experiences that balance adventure, comfort, and cultural connection. With smaller group sizes, expert local guides, and carefully selected routes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate journey through the Andes. Our eco-friendly approach supports local communities and preserves the natural landscapes we explore. Whether it’s your first high-altitude hike or you’re an experienced trekker, we ensure your Short Salkantay Trek will be safe, well-organized, and unforgettable.

Read what our travelers say about us on Tripadvisor

Highlights Salkantay Trek 3 Days

Experience the dramatic beauty of the Andes with stunning contrasts. From icy mountain peaks to turquoise alpine lakes and lush jungle trails. Each day brings new breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.

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

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 is Recommended

Day 1:

CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – COLLPAPAMPA

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 2:30 am at the first day of the Salkantay Trek 3 days. Together with the group, we will travel for 4 hours, passing through Anta and Mollepata, until we reach our starting point at Soraypampa (3,900 m/12,795 ft), where we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast to begin our walk through beautiful landscapes. After 4 hours of ascent, we will reach the highest point, which is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m, where we will have a magnificent view of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. Afterward, we will descend for approximately 2 hours to reach our lunch spot, where we will have time to rest before beginning 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 camp.

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

Today is the day to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! The day will start early, at 4:30 a.m., with a packed breakfast before beginning the approximately 1.5-hour walk to the citadel. Then, we will descend 30 minutes to the Ruins Bridge to show your access documents, and afterward, we’ll climb stairs for an hour to reach the main entrance of Machu Picchu by 6:00 a.m.

Remember that the hotel will store your luggage, and you’ll only need a small backpack, as large backpacks are not allowed inside the site. You can also opt for a bus from Aguas Calientes for $12 USD.

Once there, your guide will take you to the main viewpoint for the classic photo and then guide you through the most important areas for 2.5 hours, explaining the history and culture of Machu Picchu. After the tour, you will have time to explore on your own, and if you wish, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours), although these hikes must be reserved in advance and have a cost of $60 USD.

The time at Machu Picchu will depend on your return transport to Cusco, either by train or car.

Inclusions Salkantay Trek 3 days

📦 What is included in the Salkantay Trek 3 days?

🛏️ Accommodation

Enjoy spectacular and comfortable campsites designed just for you. Your first night in Colpapampa includes a cozy private dome for two — the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure.
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.
Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, with drop-off at Plaza Regocijo.

👥 Local Guides & Team

Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide.
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 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00 at our Cusco office, the day before departure.
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trek are included.

❌ What is not included in the Salkantay Trek 3 days?

🍴 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 Waynapicchu Mountain 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 (optional) costs for the Salkantay Trek 3 days

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.

FAQs Salkantay Trek 3 days

Expand all

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

If you are a student, you could get a discount of $20 USD on the Machu Picchu ticket, as long as you meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is non-negotiable.

To apply, send us a photo of both sides of your student ID and another of your passport after making the reservation. The student ID must be original, issued by your university, and meet the following requirements:

You must also bring your original student ID for the control at the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:

Example of a student card meeting all the requirements.

What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek?

Personal backpack (30-50L) and additional duffel bag for your belongings (max. 5 kg).
Reusable water bottle
Small coins (S/1) for bathrooms and other expenses.
Rain jacket or rain poncho
Strong footwear (Waterproof trekking boots recommended.)
Sleeping bag (also available for rent)
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Clothes for the entire trek:
- Two long-sleeve trekking shirts
- Two short-sleeve shirts
- Leggings or trekking pants
- Shorts
- Four pairs of underwear
- Sweatpants for the night
- Three pairs of hiking socks
- A rain poncho
- An insulated jacket
- Gloves
- Beanie
- A hat with a brim
- Hiking boots
- Bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
- Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Additional snacks (we supply you with plenty of food already)
Original passport (mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu)

What is the difference between the Salkantay Trek 3 days and the Salkantay Trek 4 days?

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 Lucmabamba 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 3, 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?

To prepare for the trekking, it is important to spend 2-3 days in a high-altitude location such as Cusco, so that your body can adjust. Even if you have already been at high altitudes, it is recommended to rest for at least one full day in Cusco before the hike. your trek.

Additionally, take care of your body by maintaining a healthy diet, edrinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea can help relieve altitude sickness.

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

The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional, in addition to the main visit to Machu Picchu. These mountains offer privileged views of the Inca city. If you wish to visit one of them, you must check its availability via email, and if available, choose which one to hike when making your reservation. The additional cost to access these mountains is 60 USD.

Huayna Picchu Mountain: This is the famous mountain that appears in the classic photos of Machu Picchu. It houses the Temple of the Moon and offers spectacular views. The hike to the summit takes approximately 45 minutes, and the entire visit lasts about 2 hours.

Machu Picchu Mountain: This is the alternative mountain to Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and a panoramic view of the entire valley. The access has an additional cost of 60 USD.

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

The Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek are two popular options to reach Machu Picchu, but they have different characteristics:

Inca Trail:

Original and famous Inca path
Leads directly to Machu Picchu
More crowded and expensive
Discovery of Inca ruins

Salkantay Trek:

Less crowded alternative
Last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
More wildlife and mountain landscapes
Higher altitude, considered more challenging

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 departure at 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, 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 any last questions you may have.

What is the weather like during the Salkantay Trek?

The weather in Salkantay is unpredictable. There are two main seasons:

Rainy season (November–March)

Temperatures: 15°C/60°F (day), 5°C/40°F (night)
High probability of rain and wind

Dry season (April–October)

Temperatures: 20°C/70°F (day), -3°C/26°F (night)
Sunny and clear weather

Peruvian Amazon Basin (after the second day)

Humid and warm weather all year round

Be prepared for extreme temperatures and varying weather conditions.

You can find the weather forecast here, but most of the time it is not very accurate.

What type food is served on the trek?

We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, soups, and fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian options and cater to specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.

Do I need hiking experience to complete the Salkantay Trek 3 days?

¿Necesito experiencia en senderismo para completar el Salkantay Trek de 3 días?

Se recomienda tener experiencia previa en caminatas, pero no es obligatorio. Nuestro guías están capacitados para asistir a excursionistas de todos los niveles, asegurando que nadie se quede atrás. Lo más importante es aclimatarse a la altitud antes del trekking.

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 for the Salkantay Trek 3 days is 10 people and the maximum group size is 18 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 15 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.