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

We will pick you up at 4:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we will drive to a remote town called Mollepata. It is at 2,800 m.Mollepata will be our stopover for breakfast. Then, we will drive for about an hour to Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795). The starting point of you Trek,the ascent to the Salkantay pass(4,630m/15,190 ft).This steep 7km climb takes about four hours.Reaching the summit is a triumph,rewarded by panoramic views of the Salkantay glacier (6,271 m/20,574 ft).Once we have reached the highest poing of the hike,We will descend for aproximately 2 hours to reach the town of Huayracmachay where a delicious lunch awaits you.After a delicious lunch,we will continue our journey to chalway camp (3hour).

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

Day 2: Chaullay-Playa to Aguas Calientes

We will have breakfast at 6:00 am and shortly after begin hiking for approximately 5 hours through the jungle.This part of the trek takes us through the cloud forest,where we wll discover several coffe plantations,orchids,and many natural plants used for medicinal purposes.We will arrive at our lunch point in playa to rest for a bit,and then take our transportation to Hidroelectrica. At Hidroelectrica, if you're returning by train,you have the option to send your luggage ahead to Aguas Calientes for about 10 soles.If you're returning by bus,you'll leave your belongings at the restaurant. From there,we will walk for 3 more hours to Agus Calientes,in Aguas Calientes,we will spend the night in the hotel and have our final dinner together at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance: 16 km / 11.km after lunch mi
Highest Elevation: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft

Day 3: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Visit Machupicchu,you have two options. Hiking 1.5 hours,Start with a 30-minute flat walk from your hotel to Puente Ruinas (the first checkpoint).From there, hike uphill for about 1 hour. Bus 30 minutes.Tickets cost $12 one way Buses begin running at 5:30 am. Once you arrive,who will take you on a 2-hour guided tour of Machupicchu.Your guide will explain the site’s rich history, stunning architecture. After Machupicchu, it’s time to return to Cusco. There are two return options. If you return by train.Return to Aguas Calientes. Board the Train to Ollantaytambo 2 hours journey.Upon arrival,continue by car to Cusco 2 hour.Trains usually depart between 2:30 pm. You will arrive in Cusco between 8:00 pm. If you Return by Car. Hike from Machupicchu to Hidroelectrica, which takes 3 hours.You must arrive at Hidroelectrica by 2:30 pm.(6 hours drive),you will arrive in Cusco between 10:30 pm.

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