Salkantay Trek Challenge Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu - 3 Days / 2 Nights
by Salkantay Trekking
Overview
The Salkantay Trek Challenge Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu lasts three days and two nights, covering 49 kilometers (31 miles) along the Salkantay Trail. The trek begins with a pre-departure briefing and hotel pickup in Cusco. On the first day, hikers travel through high-altitude Andean terrain, passing near the Salkantay Glacier Mountain. The route crosses rugged highlands before descending into cloud forest valleys. The first night is spent at the Mountain Sky View mountain hut, which includes private dining and kitchen facilities. On the second day, hikers continue through the trail, moving from the Andes into lush cloud forest landscapes, ending the day in Aguas Calientes where they stay at a hotel. Meals provided during the trek include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, and water. Equipment such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and backpack covers are supplied. Support is provided by experienced guides, cooks, horsemen, and porters who carry a duffle bag with up to 5 kilograms of personal gear. The final day includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu using Circuit 2 entrance; if Circuit 2 is unavailable, Circuit 3 or Circuit 1 is used instead. Access to Machu Picchu is by a one-way bus from Aguas Calientes. After the visit, the tour includes a tourist-class train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transfers back to Cusco. Safety measures on the trek include a first aid kit, oxygen supply, walkie talkies, and emergency satellite phones. Optional extras not included are a train transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, a return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, personal hiking gear, lunch and dinner on the last day, travel insurance, and tips for staff. The entire journey lasts about 72 hours and covers the main highlights of the Salkantay route as a challenging alternative to the Inca Trail.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Cusco Pickup to Soraypampa
The day begins with a pickup in Cusco at 2:30 a.m., followed by a drive to Soraypampa located at 3,900 m (12,795 ft).
120 min
7 Serpents Trail to Salkantay Pass
After a high-energy breakfast, the trek continues ascending the 7 Serpents Trail to the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), surrounded by large mountains and glaciers. Following lunch at Wayracmachay, the route descends into the high Amazon rainforest where the temperature rises.
600 min
Mountain Sky View Camp Stay
The day concludes at the Mountain Sky View camp in Collpapampa, situated at 2,950 m (9,678 ft), where dinner is served outdoors under the night sky.
600 min
Santa Teresa Valley Hike
The morning starts with forest sounds and a homemade breakfast before embarking on a relaxed hike through the Santa Teresa Valley.
60 min
La Playa Village Visit
The path passes through areas with waterfalls, orchids, and coffee plantations until reaching La Playa village, where lunch featuring local ingredients is served alongside a coffee-making demonstration.
300 min
Hidroeléctrica and Urubamba River Walk
Next, the journey proceeds to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a walk along the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical jungle.
180 min
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
At day's end, the group arrives in Aguas Calientes to rest in a hotel and share dinner in preparation for the upcoming visit to Machu Picchu.
600 min
Bus to Machu Picchu
Before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu, a light breakfast is taken early. The bus ride climbs through the misty cloud forest, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.
120 min
Guided Machu Picchu Tour
Upon arrival, a two-hour guided tour covers the Inca citadel’s temples, terraces, and sacred sites, exploring aspects of the ancient Inca Empire.
120 min
Lunch and Train to Ollantaytambo
Lunch is served in Aguas Calientes before boarding the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.
120 min
Return to Cusco
Private transportation from Ollantaytambo returns the group to Cusco, concluding the experience.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
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