Salkantay Trek 3 Days

Overview

The Salkantay Trek 3 Days is a short but intense adventure that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. It’s a perfect alternative to the Classic Inca Trail — ideal for travelers who want to experience breathtaking mountain scenery, Andean culture, and the magic of Machu Picchu in a shorter time.

During this 3-day journey, you’ll hike across high mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and remote valleys. The highlight of the trek is reaching the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), surrounded by snow-capped peaks and incredible panoramic views.

As you descend from the Andes into the tropical forest, you’ll experience the dramatic change of ecosystems before reaching the Hydroelectric route and finally arriving at Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Cusco, Salkantay Pass to Chaullay

The Salkantay Trail offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. The highlight of the day is reaching the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), an unforgettable achievement. Your adventure begins early at 4:30 a.m. with a transfer from Cusco. The drive takes about three and a half hours, passing through Anta, Mollepata, and Challacancha. Along the way, enjoy impressive views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and diverse wildlife. When you arrive at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the trailhead, you’ll be greeted by the majestic peaks of Salkantay and Humantay—both sacred mountains in Andean culture. After a filling breakfast, you’ll prepare your gear for the trek and start the most demanding part of the day: a steep 7 km (4.35 miles) climb to the Salkantay Pass. This section takes about four hours and includes the “Path of the 7 Snakes,” named for its winding curves. At the summit, take in sweeping views of the Salkantay Glacier (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and neighboring peaks like Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Following the pass, you’ll descend 7 km (4.35 miles) to Wayracmachay, where a delicious lunch awaits. Along the way, stop at a viewpoint to admire the stunning valley below. The trek then continues through the lush upper Amazon rainforest. This 9.5 km (5.9 miles) section takes about three and a half hours, during which the environment changes dramatically—from rocky Andes terrain to warm, humid jungle. You’ll pass vibrant hills, spot exotic wildlife, and see unique native plants. As afternoon approaches, you’ll reach the Mountain House campsite in Chaullay (2,950 m / 9,978 ft). After dinner, relax and enjoy the peaceful jungle sounds, preparing for the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 22 km – approximately 9 hours of hiking
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2: Chaullay to Aguas Calientes

Today starts with a more relaxed pace, leaving around 6:00 a.m. You’ll hike through the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley toward the village of La Playa. This approximately five-hour trek follows the valley floor, crossing mountains and showcasing a rich variety of nature. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, hear tropical birds, and walk among fruit trees, orchids, and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados. Don’t miss the chance to taste the local sweet granadilla fruit. Once in La Playa, enjoy a final lunch with the group before experiencing a coffee demonstration that explains the cultivation process and its importance for local communities. After some rest, transportation will take you to Hidroelectrica train station, the next part of the journey. From Hidroelectrica, you’ll follow the railroad tracks along the Urubamba River on a gentle hike to Aguas Calientes. This trail is rich with tropical plants and wildlife, including the colorful cock of the rock, Peru’s national bird. This is also the historic path American explorer Hiram Bingham followed when he rediscovered Machu Picchu. If preferred, you can take a train for this section (additional cost). After about three hours of hiking, you’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into your hotel. The rooms offer hot showers, WiFi, and secure luggage storage. You’ll have breakfast the next morning before visiting Machu Picchu. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the charming, car-free town known for its lively atmosphere. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. at a local restaurant, where your guide will brief you on the next day’s plans. Make sure to rest well, as you’ll be rising early to visit the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu citadel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance: 27 km / 16.77 mi
Highest Elevation: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft

Day 3: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

The big day has arrived! After an early wake-up at 4:00 a.m. and a light breakfast, you’ll head out to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere. From Aguas Calientes, take a short bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu, nestled in the lush cloud forest. Entering Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. The ancient citadel appearing through the morning mist is truly awe-inspiring. Your guide will take you on a two-hour tour, sharing fascinating stories about the history, architecture, and spirituality of this Incan wonder. From terraced slopes and sacred temples to detailed plazas, every part of the site reveals the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch. Then board the train to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Reflect on the incredible sights and experiences as you journey back, carrying memories of Machu Picchu and the breathtaking Andes.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Time to Machu Picchu: 1.5 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate