Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu

Price from: $ 399.00 USD (See: Pricing)
Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
Tour Type
Hiking & Camping Tours
Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
Maximun Altitude
4,630m (15,190 ft.)
Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
Physical Level
Strenuous
Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
Recommended Season
March to December

Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu

Price from: $ 399.00 USD (See: Pricing)

Explore the breathtaking scenery of Peru by taking on the three-day Salkantay Trek challenge. You can find all the required information in our detailed itinerary to ensure a successful trek.

Tour Plan: Cusco | Horseback to Salkantay Pass | Salkantay Hike | Cocalmayo Hot Springs | Lucmabamba Inca Trail | Machu Picchu Ruins

Spectacular 3 Day Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Trek 3 Days: an adventure through the Andes of Peru via the Salkantay mountains to enter the cloud forest of Lucmabamba, Hidroelectrica, and live the experience of visiting the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Hiking Trail will take you through stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems, culminating in the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu.

Embarking on the 3 Day Salkantay Trek is an extraordinary adventure that connects trekkers to the splendor of the Andes and the vibrant culture of Peru. This journey offers an opportunity to challenge oneself, appreciate nature’s beauty, and create cherished memories. With proper preparation, guided tours, and a passion for exploration, adventurers can embrace the spirit of the Andes and experience the awe-inspiring magic of the 3 Day Salkantay Trek.

Embark on a thrilling 3-day trek to Machu Picchu by Salkantay Trek and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andes Mountains.

Overview

Salkantay Trek 3 Days OVERVIEW

Take a hike along the trail that passes snow-capped peaks and lush valleys as it leads you through the astonishing Andes Mountains. You’ll see breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountains and visit remote Andean communities where you can learn about their traditional way of life. On the final day, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu.

Is the 3 Day Salkantay Trek right for me?

  • DAY 1: Cusco, Soraypampa, Challway, and Santa Teresa
    • From Soraypampa to the Salkantay Pass by horseback
    • Trek from Salkantay Pass to Challway
    • Local transportation from Challway to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
  • DAY 2: Santa Teresa, Lucmabamba – Machupicchu Pueblo
    • Hike the Inca Trail from Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
  • DAY 3: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour: Afternoon return to Cusco by Train
Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights HIGHLIGHTS
  • The 3-day Salkantay Trek to the Machu Picchu ruins takes you past historic sites and breathtaking mountain passes. Prepare to witness some of Peru’s most spectacular views of the countryside!
  • Stunning mountain views, wildflowers, and the chance for adventure await you on the 3-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu as you discover Peru’s undiscovered gems.

Itinerary

Salkantay Trek 3 Days ITINERARY 

PRE-TREKKING: CONVERSATION OF SALKANTAY TREK 3 DAYS: Meeting our local guide, who knows the entire tourist circuit of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days, is essential. Our adventure guide gives all the recommendations to enjoy the whole experience around the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu buffer zone. THE BRIEFING IS AT 6:00 p.m. one day before starting the tour at the reception of the visitors’ hotel. All questions are welcome, and we will answer all of them.

DAY 1

Cusco - Salkantay Pass - Cocalmayo Hot Springs

DATA
  • Pickup from your Cusco hotel is at 4:30 in the morning.
  • Travel time from Cusco to Soraypampa: 3 hours
  • Arrival time to Soraypampa: Approximately 08:00
  • Soraypampa elevation: 3,930 meters/12,893
ACTIVITIES:
  1. It takes thirty minutes to hike from the Soraypampa parking lot to the stable.
  2. At 08:00, it takes 2.5 hours to ride a horse from
  3. Soraypampa to the Salkantay Pass.
    The Salkantay Pass should be reached around 11:30 by riding a horse.
  4. Salkantay Pass is at an elevation of 4,638 meters (15,213 feet).
  5. 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) in 5 hours of hiking: Salkantay Pass to Challway
  6. Salkantay trek difficulty: Challenging
  7. Walking from the Salkantay Pass to Challway takes about five hours, arriving around 17:00.
  8. A journey from Challway to Santa Teresa using public transportation
  9. Arrival time in Santa Teresa by vehicle: Approximately 18:20
  10. Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Santa Teresa
  11. At 18:30, THE THERMAL BATHS OF COCALMAYO: Enjoy 2 hours of relaxation in the thermal baths.
  12. Meals:
    1. Box lunch per customer: “Customers load the box lunch that the tour operator provides.”.
    2. Dinner “at Santa Teresa”

NOTES:

  • Along the Salkantay route, there are many stones of all sizes! That’s why hiking poles and hiking shoes with ankle support are recommended. We descend hiking from the Salkantay Pass to Challway on day one, like the second day between Llactapata and the Valley of Aobamba.
  • It is cold in Soraypampa and Salkantay Pass because of the Salkantay mountain range. It is advisable to bring a light sweater and a hiking down jacket to carry a manageable amount of weight in the backpack! The less weight you have! Most enjoyable hike.
  • Salkantay Trek cataloging level! It is challenging due to the steepness of the hiking trail, going up and down the Andes and cloud forest. The temperature is hot, frigid, dry, and humid during the day.
  • It is essential to mention that the backpack to carry your things must have an adequate weight for each hiker. The less weight, the greater the enjoyment of the adventure because each hiker carries their own adventurous backpack.
  • In the Andes of Peru, it gets dark at 6 in the afternoon! At approximately 5:30 a.m., dawn breaks!

We leave Cusco in our vehicle at 04:30, heading northwest to reach the town of Mollepata and continue the trip to Sorayapampa. The adventure activities start at 8:30, with the experience of riding a horse through the Andes to Salkantay Pass.

The horseback tour is to save time and reach our goal, the Challway. We ride the horses between SORAYPAMPA, passing Salkantay Pampa to SUYROCCOCHA, and the Salkantay Pass, “about two and a half hours of horseback riding.”.

  • CONQUER THE SALKANTAY PASS by horse. At the top of Salkantay, we take group photos, independent photos, etc.
  • Then, WE BEGIN THE 05 HOURS OF DESCENT TO CHALLHUAY FROM THE SALKANTAY PASS. The entire descent is rocky; there are so many innumerable stones. Therefore, we recommend excellent ankle-support walking shoes and poles to stabilize the walker and put less pressure on the legs. In this way, we can better enjoy our adventure by entering the cloud forest. From Challway, we travel in local transport to the town of Santa Teresa; then we go to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo.
Food

1BL, 1D

Physical Level

5, Challenging

Walking Distance

13.7km (8.5 miles)

Hiking Time

5 Hrs.

Starting Altitude

Salkantay Pass: 4,630m (15,190 ft)

Minimun Altitude

Challway: 2,829m (9,281 ft)

Highest Altitude

Salkantay Pass: 4,630m (15,190 ft)

DAY 2

Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Information Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
  • At 05:30, we start the land trip from Santa Taeresa to Lucmabamba, which takes 40 minutes.
  • Breakfast: In Lucmabamba at 06:20, “prepared with organic coffee from the area.”
  • At 07:00, the trek along the Inca Trail from Lucmabamba to Machu Picchu Pueblo begins.
  • Walking Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles)
  • Walking time:
    • Lucmbamba Community to Lucmabamba Pass: 3 hours; “uphill hike”
    • From Lucmabamba Pass to Hidroelectrica: 2 hours; “downhill hike”
    • Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes: 2 hours and 40 minutes; “semi-flat trail”
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Lunch: Near the ruins of Llactapata with a view of Machu Picchu; hours: 11:00
  • Aguas Calientes Overnight: Organized by the clients! There are hotels in excellent categories, lodgings, and Airbnbs.

At 05:30, we board a local transport to Lucamabamba in “40 minutes by car”. In Lucmabamba, we start the Lucamabamba Inca Trail through coffee plantations, beautiful scenic views, and local farmhouses.

Once we conquer the Lucmabamba Pass, we find the first panoramic views of the beautiful Inca citadel of Machu Picchu at a distance or from the natural viewpoint of the Llactapata ruins. Enjoy the guided tour of the Llactapata ruins and continue walking down the mountain until we reach the Hidroeléctrica train station and Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Food

1B, 1L.

Physical Level

4, Intense

Walking Distance

22km (13.6 miles)

Hiking Time

8 Hrs.

Starting Altitude

Lucmabamba Town: 2,017m (6,617 ft)

Minimun Altitude

Hidroelectrica 1,811m (5,941 ft)

Highest Altitude

Lucmabamba Pass: 2,814m (9,232 ft)

DAY 3

Machu Picchu Tour - Return to Cusco

Plan to follow:
  • At 06:00, hikers walk along the Inca Trail from Aguas Calientes to the ruins of Machu Picchu; “the path is well marked.”
  • Time required for the hike: about one hour and 20 minutes.
  • MACHU PICCHU AND GUIDED TOUR ENTRY TIME IS AT 8:00.
  • A two-hour guided tour inside Machu Picchu
  • At approximately 10:00, the guided tour ends.
  • One-way bus tickets from the Machu Picchu ruin site to Aguas Calientes.”
Train Service Information
  • BIMODAL SERVICE: Train and bus “Organized by the railway company.”
  • Train Company: INCA RAIL
  • Train Service: MACHU PICCHU, OLLANTAYTAMBO and CUSCO
  • Class: Voyager 44
  • Departure: 14:30
  • At 14:00, passengers must be inside the train’s facilities.
    18:50 arrival to Cusco

Five new circuits are available to visitors on the three-day guided Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Tour circuits 1 and 2 offer the best opportunities to see Machu Picchu from a vantage point “just like in the postcards.” Our visitors are advised to book the Salkantay circuit well in advance to guarantee entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, etc.

We have two hours to tour Machu Picchu’s top attractions. After the tour, we head back to Machu Picchu Pueblo so you can catch your train back to Cusco later that afternoon.

We are grateful that you chose the Salkantay Trek 3 Days and will enjoy engaging in various horseback excursions in addition to your treks to Machu Picchu from Salkantay.

Physical Level

3, Demanding

Walking Distance

2Hrs

Hiking Time

2Hrs Hike & 2Hrs Tour

Starting Altitude

Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)

Minimun Altitude

Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)

Highest Altitude

Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)

Inclusions

INCLUSION for 3 Day Salkantay Trek

  • Exciting tours of the Salkantay 3 Days to Machu Picchu Ruins
  • A trek briefing is held in the lobby of your hotel (CUSCO) one or two days (at 6:00 p.m.) before the adventure begins.
  • An active itinerary that includes engaging cultural and natural experiences.
  • Local tour guide(s) who are fluent in English
  • 1st. DAY: SALKANTAY TRAIL
    • Transfer service from Cusco to Soraypampa Soraypampa is the adventure’s beginning.”
      Ticket for entry to Machu Picchu’s Salkantay circuit.
      Admission passes for Cocalmayo’s thermal baths are for one hour.
    • Riding a horse between Soraypampa and Salkantay Pass (2.5 hours) One way to ride a horse
    • Along with a first-aid kit and a portable oxygen balloon.
    • PM Local transportation to Santa Teresa and Cocalmayo Hot Springs from Challway
    • Meals:
      • Box lunch per client + tour guide: “Clients load the box lunch provided by the tour.
      • Dinner
    • 01 night: Hotel** at Santa Teresa
  • 2nd. DAY: LUCMABAMBA TRAIL
    • Local transportation from Santa Teresa to Lucmabamba
    • Meals: breakfast and lunch.
  • 3rd. DAY: MACHUPICCHU
    • The hike to the Machu Picchu ruins takes one hour and twenty minutes from Aguas Calientes.
    • Machu Picchu Ruins Entrance Ticket at 08:00: Official Regulation of the National Institute of Culture, Machu Picchu Personal and non-transferable tickets are only good for the date, circuit, and time specified on the ticket.
    • Guided tour in Machu Picchu (2 hours)
      • NOTE: Since 2015, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary has implemented new rules prohibiting free time. A new ticket must be purchased if travelers need more time.
    • Bus ticket: “one-way ticket.
    • BIMODAL TRAIN SERVICE: Peruvian bus and train service
      • PM Train: Macchu Picchu-Ollantaytambo CUSCO: By Inca Rail: Class: Voyager 44, Departs at 14:30
  • Local taxes.

Salkantay Trek 3 Days NO INCLUSION 

  • For lodging in CUSCO AND AGUAS CALIENTES, choose from hotels, hostels, Airbnb’s, or lodges.
    Meals that are not specified in the schedule.
    At 16:35: HYDROELECTRIC to MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO service on the PERURAIL train from Hydro to Aguas Calientes
  • Private rooms in Santa Teresa
  • Tips for the entire crew (muleteers, cook, and guide): Everything is well received with all love for the services of Salkantay Trek 3 days.

Kondor Path Tours operates the 3 Day Salkantay Trek

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Item Upgrade for the Salkantay Trek 3 Days

Journey through the world’s most beautiful terrain on this three-day Salkantay Trek. Discover the area’s awe-inspiring glaciers, ancient archaeological wonders, and incredible wildlife!

TRAIN SERVICES

PERU TRAINS By PeruRail / PER PERSON

+$55. Vistadome train (MACHUPICCHU-OLLANTAYTAMBO)
+$498.00 Hiram Bingham train (Inbound Journey: Train MACHUPICCHU-POROY)

EXTRA TICKETS

+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$75 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU

3 Day Salkantay Trek Discounts

This applies to the following services:
Machu Picchu Fee

College students: $25 off

Salkantay 3 Day Trek RECOMMENDATION

  • Due to the new regulation on the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu, remember that from January 1, 2025, the tickets have a specific entry time: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, and 14:00.
  • Tickets can only be used once a day at the chosen time.

Travel Guide

Travel Facts of Salkantay Trek 3 Days

Make your adventure to Peru even more memorable with our detailed 3-day Salkantay Trek guide! Learn essential tips and see the best parts of the trail with KONDOR PATH TOURS.

Look forward to challenging yourself with a 3-day trek through Peru’s most renowned hiking path – the Salkantay Trek. Discover the beauty of the Andes Mountains and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

No, there is no age limit, but if you are older, you should have a medical check-up before traveling and try to acclimate at altitude (see altitude sickness). We have had children as young as seven years old and people up to 68 years old. We are here to assist you when desired, so don’t be concerned.

The entry date to the Machu Picchu Citadel cannot be changed, only the departure date. Tickets are purchased well in advance. If you change the hiking departure, your tour could become one of four or three days, depending on the program book. To avoid issues, plan your trip to Peru well in advance and spend three or four days in Cusco before leaving. Please note that on this trip, you will meet people of different genders and nationalities than yours; we are an agency that cannot guarantee the gender and ethnicity of our tourists.

Our fantastic kitchen offers a wide selection of dishes in various flavors.

Breakfast: Various items, including oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, bread, and jam, are typically served. The choice depends on how challenging the hike will be. You can drink hot coffee, Andes tea, and herbal teas (such as chamomile, lemongrass, tea, or traditional coca).

We always start with a bowl of soup at lunch and dinner before moving on to the main course, “chicken, meat, fish, etc.”

Refreshments (Happy Hour): After the hike, every day, there will be hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, bread and jam, chocolate, milo, etc.)

Snacks: Before beginning the day’s hike, you will receive a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar, a packet of cookies, and some Cocaleave candy.

Vegetarian and unique diet options are available upon request (see below).

Yes, we offer vegetarian food. Please specify your dietary needs when making your reservation.

Yes, we provide water previously boiled for at least 5 minutes (water purification tablets are unnecessary). Therefore, you only need a bottle of water for the first part, for lunch the first day, and then, from there, refill your bottles at Machu Picchu.

The four-person tents we use for our tours can accommodate two people each, giving our guests more space and comfort. Travelers traveling alone must share the tent with another person unless they specifically request a private tent, “single tent $25.”

Depending on how well each tour guide performs their duties, you can choose to tip them or not.

You must leave your belongings in the hostel storage room and hotel in Cusco, where you are lodging.

Our guides are well-trained, equipped with a first aid kit, and have emergency oxygen because our top priority is seeing you finish the expedition.

Cusco has only two seasons: the rainy season, which lasts for six months, and the dry season, which begins in April and ends in October. The days are typically sunny and warm, but remember that the weather is very unpredictable in high altitudes; from November to March, there are rainy days and many unstable months where the rains can be heavy.

Note: Temperatures are for the Cusco Valley at 3400m. Temperatures change depending on altitude (higher altitude = colder, or vice versa).

After the Salkantay walk, several train schedules can take you back to Cusco. The regular hours are 2:55 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:46 p.m., and 6:20 p.m.

To access the breathtaking Salkantay trail and then reach Machu Picchu, you must organize the walk online with your reliable operator. After arriving in Cusco, you can begin your journey to Soraypampa.

About 60 kilometers northwest of Cusco is where you can find the Salkantay Trek adventure circuit. Salkantay is a convenient alternative to the Inca Trail for trekking because of its proximity to Machu Picchu.

For the Salkantay trail, you need to bring some outdoor gear. For instance, a backpack will be part of your daily gear as you hike to Machu Picchu. ALSO:

  • Light and warm clothes
  • Hiking shoes.
  • Hat
  • Plastic poncho.
  • Bathing suits for the hot springs
  • Towel.
  • Water bottle.
  • Gloves for the cold.
  • Walking sticks
  • Flashlight.
  • Binoculars.
  • Personal toiletries
  • Camera.
  • Personal documents
  • Insect repellent and sunblock
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Disposable tissues.
  • Cash.
  • Personal medications.
  • Snacks.

The Salkantay Trek goes through the lovely Andes and the Amazon jungle for about 56 kilometers over three days to reach Machu Picchu.

The three-day Salkantay Trek option is available for all adventurers visiting Machu Picchu in 2025.

The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek is between April and October in Cusco, the dry season.

No, the route is well-marked, and the experienced team you’ll be traveling with will make sure nothing goes wrong.

Preparing for the trek is advisable because it will take three days and involve more than 56 kilometers of uphill and downhill hiking through the well-known Andes and Amazon of Cusco.

Training hard will not be necessary, but it does help to do cardiovascular exercises, such as walking three times a week for at least three months before the tour.

Before the hike, spending a few days acclimatizing to Cusco’s altitude will be highly beneficial.

It is essential to understand that the Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu ranges from moderate to challenging. Therefore, it is recommended to be in good physical condition. Additionally, it is advised to wear sturdy trekking shoes.

Between April and October, when the skies are clear and there is little chance of significant precipitation, is the ideal time to complete the Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu. The driest months are usually June and August, the Andes winter. Though you can enjoy the sun during the day and an intense cold at night, it is advised to plan for the clothing you will wear during these months.

The number one reason is the incredible environment that combines the Andes, the cloud forest, and the Amazon of Machu Picchu with Peru’s spectacular and varied mountains.

The scenic beauty of the Salkantay trail attracts every explorer to enjoy a unique vacation heading to Machu Picchu. All you have to do is walk and enjoy the hike.

You can reserve the Salkantay trail through our website, WhatsApp, or email info@kondorpathtours.com. To make your trip through Salkantay unique, we respond to messages in less than 24 hours, informing you of the availability of tickets and all other possibilities.

Salkantay trek It is not recommended because the conditions are not the best. As we combine horseback riding and hiking through the Andes and the jungle of Machu Picchu, it is advised that we be accompanied by certified expert guides familiar with the trail.

Yes and no. All tourists who are acclimatized and in reasonable shape can complete the Salkantay Trek. A well-known adventurous route to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay. Along Salkantay’s best trails, we combine hiking and riding Andean horses.

Yes, absolutely, yes. We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Cusco. Drink plenty of water (as much as it bothers us all; beer is not water), get plenty of rest, and take some walks to measure yourself. You are prepared for the adventure if you feel that your body responds in a more or less typical manner, given that you are more than 3,500 meters above sea level.

Features:

The Salkantay 3 Day Trek adventure tourist circuit is an active exploration itinerary. It has incredible panoramic views of the Andes. Discover some of the most breathtaking views in Peru. Join us for unforgettable experiences in the Andes!

What’s it like?

  • Check out this itinerary for the best 3-day trip, filled with breathtaking views of nature, on the Salkantay Trek, one of Peru’s most well-known trails.
  • Want to explore the stunning Peruvian landscape? A three-day hike through the lovely Salkantay mountain range will reveal Peru’s hidden treasures.
  • Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andes while you experience one of Peru’s most famous treks: the 3-Day Salkantay Trek. Unforgettable views await here!
  • With a three-day trekking trip across Peru’s breathtaking Salkantay Trek, you can explore the outdoors and stroll among stunning snow-capped peaks.

Why you will love this Salkantay 3 Days

  • Discover the Salkantay 3 Day Trek in all of its wonder.
  • You will always be hiking with the Kondor Path Tour because we are the direct operators for the 3-day Salkantay Trek.
  • Instead of adding days to your life, add life. It’s either a risky adventure or nothing in life.
  • Seek adventure, then open your mind. Salkantay: Dramatic, Glaciated Peaks, Cloud Forests and Alpine Valleys
Salkantay Trek 3 Days New Map

Salkantay Trek 3 Days New Map

Pricing & Book Now

Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights COST

HIKING SERVICE: Season 2025: Salkantay Hike 3 Days

Thrill-seekers and adventurers, get ready! Learn what to expect on the Salkantay Trek 3 Days in Peru, with breathtaking views, high alpine passes, and unique Amazon rainforest ecosystems!

Number of persons Price per person
1 $ 1 083.00 USD
2 $ 723.00 USD
3 $ 599.00 USD
4 $ 522.00 USD
5 $ 490.00 USD
6 $ 458.00 USD
7 $ 445.00 USD
8 $ 426.00 USD
9 $ 415.00 USD
10 $ 399.00 USD

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Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights: Take a journey through a landscape unlike any other and see what Mother Nature has to offer—entertain on your 3-Day Salkantay Trekking adventure today!

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Experience some of South America’s most breathtaking views with a 3 Day Salkantay Trek. Join us for unforgettable memories in the Andes!

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