Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights

🚐 Trek departure from Cusco

The experience begins with an early pick-up in Cusco. We then travel to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek.

Along the way, you will see Andean landscapes, mountain scenery, and small rural communities that mark the beginning of the adventure.

🥾 High mountain hiking trail

From Soraypampa, the hike begins along high mountain trails. The route offers open views of valleys and surrounding peaks.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by the impressive Salkantay Glacier, one of the most iconic highlights of the day.

🌿 Descent to Chaullay and rest

After lunch on the trail, the descent toward Chaullay begins. Gradually, the scenery becomes greener and the climate warmer.

By the end of the day, we arrive at the Andean cabin, where dinner is served and you can rest for the next day of trekking.

ℹ️ Day 1 Information – Salkantay Trek

• ⛺ Campsite altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
• 🏔️ Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
• 📍 Route: Cusco – Soraypampa – Chaullay
• ⏱️ Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Lunch and dinner
• 🏨 Accommodation: Andean cabins
• 📈 Difficulty: Challenging

🌿 Hike through the high jungle and plantations

After breakfast, the hike continues through the high jungle. Along the route, you can observe local flora and fauna typical of the region.

The trail passes through coffee and tea plantations, making the journey more diverse and scenic.

🌸 Mild microclimate and native orchids

As the route continues, the weather becomes warmer and more humid. This area has the perfect microclimate for orchids to grow.

Their colors and natural variety make the hike even more special.

🏖️ Playa Sahuayaco and transfer to Hidroelectrica

Later, we arrive at Playa Sahuayaco. If you wish, you can join an optional coffee tour.

From there, local transport takes us to the Hidroelectrica station, where a well-deserved lunch is served.

🚶 Hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo and rest

Later, we begin the hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). Upon arrival, you will have free time to relax.

You may also visit the hot springs as an optional activity. In the evening, dinner is served, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

ℹ️ Day 2 Information – Salkantay Trek

• ⚡ Difficulty: Moderate

• 🏕️ Accommodation altitude: Machu Picchu Pueblo – Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)

• 📈 Maximum altitude of the day: High jungle zone and intermediate trails (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)

• 🥾 Hiking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles

• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 7 to 8 hours

• 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo

🌄 Early ascent to Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you take the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. The ride lasts about 30 minutes until reaching the entrance control point.

🧭 Guided tour inside Machu Picchu

You will then enjoy a guided tour inside the Machu Picchu citadel, following one of the official circuits available: 2A, 2B, or 3B, depending on availability.

During the tour, you explore the main sectors of the archaeological complex, including the upper and lower terraces and the famous Sun Dial, accompanied by your professional guide.

📸 Free time and return to Aguas Calientes

The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Afterward, you return by bus to Aguas Calientes at the scheduled time.

Lunch is not included on this day.

🚆 Train journey and return to Cusco

Later, you board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on availability. Upon arrival, our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Day 3 Information – Machu Picchu

• 🏔️ Maximum altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)
• 📍 Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
• 🚌 Transport: Tourist bus and train
• 🎟️ Main activity: Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• 📈 Difficulty: Easy

Standard Service

🏨 Tourist-class hotel in Machu Picchu

🚆 Expedition Train (one way)

🍽️ Meals included during the trek (vegetarian option available).

🎟️ Machu Picchu entrance ticket and round-trip Consettur bus.

🚐 Transfers included according to the itinerary.

🧭 Professional guide throughout the tour.

Comfort Service

🏨 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu

🚆 Panoramic Vistadome train experience (one way)

🍽️ Meals included during the trek (vegetarian option available).

🎟️ Machu Picchu entrance ticket and round-trip Consettur bus.

🚐 Transfers included according to the itinerary.

✨ Greater comfort and an enhanced overall experience.

The Standard service includes the essential features of the Salkantay Trek. The Comfort service adds a 3-star hotel and a panoramic train for a more comfortable travel experience.