Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Cusco, Peru

3 days (approx.)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Sacred Valley VIP The Complete Inca Heritage Experience

Cusco, Peru

5.0

(1)

Sacred Valley VIP The Complete Inca Heritage Experience

from $35

Cusco, Peru

5.0

(1)

Lares Trek Private Service

from $920

Likely to Sell Out

Short 2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

Cusco, Peru

5.0

(3,912)

Short 2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

from $585

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

The Salkantay Trek is a lesser-traveled alternative to the Inca Trail for reaching Machu Picchu. Enjoy a shorter 3-day version of the trek with a small group, along with the convenience of having all your logistics taken care of, including transfers from Cusco, accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and guide. Includes guided tour of Machu Picchu and time to explore on your own.

Travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco via the Salkantay Trek in three days
Enjoy a shorter version of the classic trek in just three days
Includes one night in Andean hut and one night in a hotel
Transfers, meals, first aid, and horse to carry duffel bag provided

What's Included

All entrance fees to Salkantay Trek
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
Accommodations (1 night at Mountain Sky View, 1 night at a Hotel)
One way bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (The voyager or Expedition)
Experienced Mountain Guide
All Private Transport and transfers during the tour
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining room, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
Experienced cooks, horsemen and porters
Duffle bag for up to 5 kg/11 lb of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
Water, Tea Time, and snacks on the trail
Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, walkie talkies, and emergency satellite pones
Gear: Sleeping bag and Trekking Poles
Backpack cover
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch (2)

Lunch
Dinner (2)

Dinner
Breakfast (3)

Breakfast

Optional train transfer Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the train operator)
Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
Personal Hiking Clothing and gear
Lunch and Dinner on the last day
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Tips for the staff (Optional)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.

Operating hours
.3:00 am

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

3 Stops

Cusco

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Abra Salkantay

10 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Mountain Sky View

10 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Accommodation: Overnight at Mountain Sky View Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Collpapampa - Santa Teresa - La Playa - Hydroelectric Plant - Hot Springs

4 Stops

Mountain Sky View

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Lucmabamba Coffee Experience

5 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Hidroeléctrica

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Aguas Calientes

10 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

4 Stops

Aguas Calientes

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Ollantaytambo

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cusco (Pass By)

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.

Machu Picchu permits are limited and can sell out several months in advance. We recommend booking at least 5 months ahead for travel between May and August
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.