Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 3 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 3 days/2 nights.
Point of departure: Cuzco
Point of Return: Cuzco
Group Size: Small Group (maximum 10 People).
Travel style: Trekking, it is also an Archaeological and Cultural trip.
Tour Value : The Salkantay route is deemed one of the 25 best hikes in the world .
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Minimum Height: 1550 m.s.n.m. (Santa Teresa Village).
Maximum Height: 4630 m.s.n.m. (Salkantay pass)
Distance from the route: 64 km./39.7 miles
Departure Dates: Daily departures throughout the year according to availability
Accommodation: 02 nights of lodging in rooms: single, double, double and/or triple according to your requirement.
1st Night: Panoramic Wooden Domes in the Playa Sahuayaco area.
2nd Night: Hotel in Aguas Calientes village.

Price Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 3 Days

Price 450.00 USD Per Person

Mapa Camino Inca 4 Dias

TOUR DETAILS

Information

INTRODUCTION

The SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU hike is the trekking route most used by travelers to reach Machu Picchu, only second to the Inca Trail. We will walk a path where nature allows us to cross the slopes of the snow-capped Salkantay, we will arrive and pass through the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass (a stunning 4,630 meters above sea level). Along the trek we will enjoy the flora and fauna of the place and the change in climate, until reaching our second camp, located in the Playa Sahuayaco area, to spend the night in our Panoramic Luxury Wooden Sky Domes (the best domes in Peru). In addition, we will take advantage of this night and the starry sky to carry out Astronomical Observations with our telescope. Next day we will walk on an original Inca Trail, for two hours, climbing until reaching the Archaeological site of LLaqtapata, where you will be explained the history and importance this place had in Inca times. From Llactapata we can see part of Machu Picchu in the distance. We will continue through the splendid mountain jungle, enjoying its charming landscapes and appreciating its exuberant vegetation, with many orchids, bromeliads, begonias among others. Then we will arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes and sleep in an exclusive and comfortable hotel. On the third day, we will visit the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

This itinerary is exclusive and something unique that only our Travel Agency can offer and that only our travelers can enjoy.

Finally, we invite you to join and be part of this unique and wonderful adventure!

RECOMMENDATIONS

Book your Excursion in advance as soon as possible because tickets sell out quickly.
Arrive at least 1 day before the Excursion as it will serve as acclimatization, prior to the Hike. Remember that Cusco City is at 3,400 meters above sea level.
Check all the Personal Items that you will take to the trek.
Visit us at our Main Office located in downtown Cusco City, 1 day before the Trek, at 7:00 pm. to receive an Informative Talk about the trip, led by the Tour Guide. This will help you be much more Informed, Safe and Ready for the Tour.
Leave the luggage you will not take to the Excursion for free, in the luggage storage at our Main Office.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this Trek, do not hesitate to contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com

HIGHLIGHTS

The SALKANTAY Trek to MACHU PICCHU is among the 25 best trekking routes in the World, ranked by the National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
Hike alongside beautiful landscapes, admire the beauty of the snow-capped Andean valleys and the Cloud Forest.
Ideal for couples, a group of friends, nature lovers and the whole family.
Informed trek led by a knowledgeable and friendly local Guide.
All entrance fees and permits are included.
Tour the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Pick-up and drop-off from all accommodations located in Cusco City and the Sacred Valley.
Free luggage storage while you hike.
Train ride back to Cusco City through beautiful landscapes, enjoying beautiful natural settings such as Andean valleys, canyons, mountains and the surprising High Jungle or Mountain Jungle.
Enjoy our different accommodations that we have for each night (dome+hotel)
It is a once in a lifetime experience.

Itinerary

DAY 01: CUSCO CITY – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHALLWAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO (ECO LODGE MAJESTIC SKY DOMES).

We will pick you up from the hotel at 3.00 am. in our transportation, for a 3-hour ride until Soraypampa, located 3,900 meters above sea level. Upon arrival in Soraypampa, our cook will serve us a delicious breakfast. Then, we will begin the hike in order to reach the highest point of the route. We will do this part in about 4 hours. This day will be the most arduous of the entire route. We begin hiking uphill, with a gradual slope for 1 hour and 30 minutes along the Salkantay Valley, until the area known as Salkantay Pampa, located at 4,200 meters above sea level, then taking a short break accompanied by beautiful views. Afterwards, we continue for 2 hours and 30 more minutes of climbing through the rocky valley, to the highest point of the route, known as the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters above sea level. (15,190 feet). From there we can appreciate incredible views of the mountains and imposing snow-capped peaks, such as the magnificent Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l. / 20,574 feet), and Humantay (5,400 m.a.s.l. / 17,716 feet). Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the region. From the Salkantay Pass you will enjoy the back of the snowy, which has a cloud forest at the bottom of the valley. Hopefully the weather will allow you to see some condors flying over the peaks. From the heights we continue with our excursion down a rocky path, until Huayracmachay where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, continuing with the descent, you will reach the Upper Jungle, where some native plants can be seen, arriving at the village of Challway (2,900 m.a.s.l. – 9,514 ft.) at around 4:00 pm. where our transport will be waiting, to take us for 45 minutes down to our Eco-Lodge Majestic Sky Domes. Upon arrival, we will have our tea time allowing us to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn. Additionally, you have the option of going to the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths, with an additional payment for round-trip transportation. At night our chef will surprise us with an incredible dinner. Then, if we have a clear sky, we can admire a starry sky next to a warm bonfire and finally sleep like a baby in our Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge, where we will spend the night in our comfortable Panoramic Dome. Truly a unique and unforgettable experience!

Hiking time: Approximately 8 hours.
Distance to travel: 38 km. (19 km walking + 19 km by car).
Climate: Cool; Warm.
Altitudes: Cusco City 3,350 masl / Soraypampa 3,900 masl / Salkantay Pass 4,630 masl / Challway 2,900 masl / Playa Sahuayaco 2,100 masl
Accommodations: Night in our Eco-Lodge Majestic Sky Domes, a large Panoramic Wooden Dome with Private Bathroom, in the Playa Sahuayaco area.

DAY 02: PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES VILLAGE

Our day starts with breakfast around 7:00 am. Then we will begin our walk on an original Inca Trail, for two hours, climbing until we reach the Archaeological site of LLaqtapata, where we will be explained the history and importance that this place had in the Inca era. From Llactapata we can spot part of Machu Picchu in the distance. After a well-deserved rest, we continue with the hike and descend for 1 hour and a half, until reaching the Aobamba Valley, we will cross an old bridge and from there walk flat terrain for 30 more minutes, to the Hydroelectric Power Plant, arriving at around 1:00 pm to enjoy a delicious lunch. After, we have two options to continue our route: if you are very tired, you have the first option of taking the train (not included) from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Village also known as the Village of Aguas Calientes, the train ride lasts 30 minutes; and the second option is to continue the route, walking along the train tracks and near the banks of the Urubamba River, until reaching Aguas Calientes. On the way we will visit the Archaeological Site known as Intihuatana, which has an ancient sundial from the Inca era, carved into a large natural rock. From there, you can see Sacred Mountains such as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. The walk continues and goes through the Cloud Forest which has a very lush landscape, presents a great variety of plants and a large number of orchids. After 3 hours of trekking and around 5:30 pm. we will arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes (2,000 meters above sea level), to spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Dinner will be served in a tourist restaurant in the area, this is included. During dinner our guide will give you very important information about the next day, the most important day of your trip as you will visit the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. Afterwards, it is advisable going to sleep at a reasonable hour, in order to leave in the early hours of the morning to arrive early and calmly tour Machu Picchu.

Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours.

Distance to travel: 21 km.

Weather: Warm.

Altitudes: Playa Sahuayaco 2,100 masl / Llactapata 4,630 masl / Hydroelectric 1,900 masl
Accommodations: Night at Puma’s Inn Hotel or similar, with Private Bathroom in Aguas Calientes Village.

DAY 03: AGUAS CALIENTES VILLAGE- MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO CITY.

This is the most important day of the Tour. We will begin our last and surprising journey very early, in order to arrive at Machu Picchu before the people who are doing the Inca Trail, having the possibility of enjoying Sunrise in Machu Picchu. After breakfast we leave the hotel at 5:30 am. and walk to the bus station (2,000 meters above sea level), from there we ascend on tourist bus for 30 minutes along a zigzagging path, to reach the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2,400 meters above sea level). We will arrive at this incredible place and begin our guided tour for approximately 2 hours with our Professional Guide, where he will explain to you about the site’s history, visiting magical and interesting places that have made Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World. After the tour you have enough free time to take photos, walk around or explore the site yourself. There is the option of climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain, depending on availability. In the afternoon, after enjoying Machu Picchu, you have the option of going by bus or walking down to Aguas Calientes. There you will have time for lunch in one of the good restaurants. Around 6:00 pm. we will board the return train, going to the village of Ollantaytambo and arriving at 7:50 pm. There our staff will be waiting, to take you by Tourist Bus back to Cusco City, arriving at 9:30 pm. approximately. Finally we drop you off at the City’s Historic Downtown.

Hiking time: Approximately 3 hours in Machu Picchu.

Distance to travel: 5 km.

Weather: Warm.

Altitudes: Aguas Calientes 2,000 masl / Machu Picchu 2,400 masl / Cusco City 3,350 masl

Included services

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

Meeting and preparation talk with the Guide 1 or 2 days before the Hike.
Tourist pick-up and transportation from Cusco City to Soraypampa (Trek Head).
Bilingual Professional Guide (Spanish and English).
Cook to prepare all meals.
Entrance ticket to the Salkantay route.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
All meals during the excursion (03 breakfasts, 03 lunches and 02 dinners).
We can prepare vegetarian meals or special diets, according to your requirements.
Boiled water to refill your bottle.
Muleteers and Horses that will carry food, kitchen equipment, items for personal use and others.
We will carry up to 7 kg./15 pounds of your luggage. To carry this load, we will give you canvas bags (to place your personal items there) at the information meeting, one day before the Hike.
Round trip bus between Aguas Calientes Village and Machu Picchu.
First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and vehicle transportation to Cusco City.
02 Nights of Accommodations in rooms: single, double, double and/or triple according to your requirement, with private bathroom.
1st Night: Luxury Wooden Domes, in the Playa Sahuayaco area.
2nd Night: Hotel in Aguas Calientes Village.

NOTE: You do not need to bring a sleeping bag.

What should you bring

LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING

Many people think that the weather is hot in South America, but in the higher altitude area of the Andean range, temperatures can be very cold, especially at night. So we provide you with the complete list to organize your backpack in advance; if you don’t have one of the items, don’t worry, there are many camping stores in Cusco City where you can rent or buy what you need.

Please check this list of things required for the 3-DAY SALKANTAY TREK and remember that everything is very important for the success of your hike.

Documents

Original passport
Student ID, if you are a student
Travel insurance (some copies)

Essential

Day pack.
Sleeping bag.
Water bottle.
Purification or filter tablets
Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
Money belt and some cash if you want to buy souvenirs from the Tour.

Clothes and shoes

Shoes and sandals.
Warm clothing: especially at night such as a thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
Waterproof clothing (jacket and poncho)
Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, trousers, shorts, 4 hiking shirts)
Swimsuit
Sun hat

Pharmaceutical products

Personal first aid kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory tablets
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen
Lipstick

Personal hygiene items

Small towel.
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Body Wash Soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrush
Body spray deodorant
Toilet paper

Frequent questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain valuable information in a simple, fast and practical way.

1. IS WATER INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?

Yes, we know that hydration during hiking is very important, so you don’t need to worry about this. Just bring your own water for the first day. After this, our staff will provide you with water starting on day 2. Water is taken from the tap at each camp, then boiled and cooled. You can refill your bottle at breakfast, lunch and dinner. So don’t worry! Water will always be clean and safe to drink.

2. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?

We understand how curious you are about the quality of the food you will have during the trek. For your peace of mind we include All Meals and Snacks throughout the tour. All the reports and comments made by our clients guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are excellent.

All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are purchased at the local market in Cusco City the day before the trek. Everything is carried by the porters, and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!

Each cook is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Food is served daily starting in the morning with a great breakfast, then we will give you some snacks to enjoy along the way, at noon you will have a good lunch. When you arrive at the camp you will enjoy tea time, and finally at night there is a delicious dinner. Without a doubt, all of this will exceed your expectations about food on the trek.

Below we show you some examples of what our Chefs can prepare and serve at meals:

Breakfasts: Scrambled eggs, breads, pancakes, omelets, cereals, fruit salad, toasts, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.

Snacks for the Walk: Fruits, Cookies, Cereals, Chocolate, Candies.

Lunch: Corn soup, Cream of Mushrooms, Cream of Asparagus, Rice with chicken, sausages, Fried trout, ceviche, meat, beans, fried rice, French fries, boiled vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.

Tea Time: Popcorn, fried wontons, tea, coffee.
Dinner: Stuffed Chicken, vegetable omelets, pizza, spaghetti, pork chop, sautéed vegetables, salads.

In case you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to cater for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trek.

3. HOW DO I BOOK THIS TOUR?

Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also enjoy Payment Facilities such as Paying for the Excursion up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Parts:

You can pay the First Part online from the comfort of your house by making a Prepayment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money transfer system. Prepayment will be made through a deposit of USD$200.00 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)

The Second Part or balance will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, in person at our Main Office located in the City’s Historic Downtown, up to 1 day before the Tour.

⇒ To Book your Trek to SALKANTAY 3 Days / 2 Nights, just follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.

2. Pay the First Part (Prepayment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.

3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it to you immediately after you have made the Prepayment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Pre-Payment by other means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other form, please let us know to send you all the required information to do so.

4. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE TREK?

Weather is very unpredictable along the Hike, it is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter during the Tour. No matter what month you travel, be sure to have waterproof clothing on hand such as a rain jacket or a good rain poncho.

During dry season (April to November), early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass, the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can be quite hot. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes it can be rainy in June and sunny in December.

During rainy season (from mid-November to mid-April), rainfall is very constant. However, don’t be surprised if some days are sunny this season. February is the month with the most rain, so during this month some hikes are closed.

Remember a rain poncho is highly recommended, no matter what season you decide to travel. Also consider that when it rains the old stones on the path become slippery, so it is very important to use hiking boots with good tread and perhaps a rubber-tipped cane.

5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?

Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for the tour guides, cooks and porters. As you can see, this is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider will be greatly appreciated by our Staff.

6. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL FROM ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

Don’t worry!. All our Guides are trained in case you get sick with this condition. All our Guides carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well evaluated and cared for, which will allow you to continue with the Trek. In addition, all our staff is prepared in case of Emergency. After being treated, if you still feel very bad and cannot continue with the hike, the Guide will take the best decision for you whether to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health always come first.

7. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST FEE AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?

Unfortunately No. We will not be able to make any type of refund or change dates for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments are not refundable or transferable since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations required to carry out the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets.

We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on our website

8. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can do it whenever you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist you, call us at Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com. Also check the Contact Us link on this website .

9. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?

There are very good reasons to Book your Excursion with Us, let’s look at some:

Very good location of Our Travel Office that allows better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).

Excursion organized by an Authorized Peruvian Tourism Agency. We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our Culture with you, with more than 15 years of experience organizing the best tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and in order, complying with all procedures and formalities before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this provides you with support and safety. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be achieved with great responsibility and enormous pleasure.

The Best Price for your trip and without hidden charges. Getting the best price is great and getting the best value is even better. We provide an All Inclusive Service trip at an affordable price, offering you the best Deals. We save you searching time with our Low Price Guarantee. How do we achieve this?… Simply because we are the Direct Tour Operator, managing the costs of the business at a local level and employing local people who will conduct your tour and without any intermediaries.

Travel with Experts: The best Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our Support Staff, locally known as “The Steel Team” is highly trained to assist all types of groups, families, friends, couples and all those who love outdoor activities.

High Quality Equipment for your Tour. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated walking stick, through the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, with a 2-year rotation, constantly looking for the best brands that are the most comfortable and safe for your trip.

Excellent meals – All included. You don’t have to worry about food, because we include all meals during the entire Trek. Our chef will impress you with the quality of the food prepared in a small tent and small kitchen. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated foods. In addition, there is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets according to your needs, free of extra charge.

Safe and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, since we operate 100% of our treks. Other agencies hope to have enough clients to start an Excursion. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel Date, this trip will be operated by us at the prices listed on this website and without surcharge. Normally our groups are small, and average 4 to 8 people.

We treat our travel staff in the best way and are committed to social projects in our region. We practice good treatment for our workers. That is why we provide Inca Trail tickets, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our staff. The cooks and porters have paid Health Insurance and all of them have reasonable salaries according to the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that bring benefits for children in local communities in Health and Education, which helps to improve their living conditions.

We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an eco-friendly company, committed to the environment and the sustainable use of ecological resources, which must have a minimal impact from Tourism activities. An important measure is that our kitchen staff uses biodegradable dishwasher detergents. We also constantly take part in Cleaning Campaigns for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Personalized Service and Support. When you ask a question, we will always respond. We are here to help provide personalized care and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere, anytime.

Availability and prices

IMPORTANT:

The available permits shown on our website are always Updated and in Real Time.
These permits available are being constantly purchased, so their number will decrease as the hours and days go, until they sell out.
Please note that the permits available are not only for our Company, but for all Tour Operators Authorized to carry out this route.
We recommend booking your Excursion as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great Experience.
If you are interested in doing this Trek and want to reserve permits, or would like more information, contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
If, there is no longer availability for your Travel Date, you can search for other similar Excursions such as: the Short Inca Trail Route 2 days/1 night, the Salkantay Route, Choquequirao Route or Lares Trek; also the famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights.

PREVIEW 2024

USD$450.00 per adult (17 years or older)

USD$430.00 per student or child (4-17 years old)

USD$0.00 per child (0-3 years old) – Free, traveling with parents.

IMPORTANT:

Please note that this is a group tour.
IF you want a PRIVATE TOUR, please request your quote by email: info@incredibleperutours.com or via WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006

TO CONSIDER:

Our passion is family travel, so if you are coming with children, contact us to offer our promotions.
Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Contact us to receive our offers.
Incredible Peru Tours – IPT for your peace of mind does not have any hidden charges or expenses.