GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 3 days/2 nights.
Point of departure: Cusco
Point of Return: Cusco
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.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
The Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek is the second most used trekking route to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological site, after the Inca Trail. Over 3 days it covers high-altitude mountain landscapes, cloud forest, and subtropical zones, with an elevation difference of over 2,000 meters between the highest point and the final destination.
The first day crosses the slopes of the Salkantay peak (6,271 m.a.s.l. / 20,574 ft) and reaches the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m.a.s.l. / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the route. The first night campsite is in the Playa Sahuayaco area, in panoramic wooden domes with views of the surrounding natural landscape.
The second day follows a section of original Inca trail uphill to the Llaqtapata archaeological site, from where a partial view of the Machu Picchu complex can be seen in the distance. The route continues through mountain forest with orchids, bromeliads, and begonias until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, where the night is spent at a hotel.
The third day takes the bus up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7,874 ft) for the guided tour.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Confirm your booking in advance, as spots for this trek fill up weeks ahead of the departure date.
- Machu Picchu entry tickets are recommended to be booked months in advance.
- Plan to arrive in Cusco at least 1 day before departure to acclimatize.
- Keep in mind that Cusco is at 3,400 m.a.s.l. and the first day of hiking exceeds 4,600 m.a.s.l.
- Prepare and review your personal gear before the departure date.
- The day before the hike, come to our office in the historic center of Cusco at 7:00 p.m. for the pre-trek briefing with your guide, where the itinerary, required equipment, and trail conditions will be reviewed.
- Luggage you will not need during the trek can be left at the free storage facility at our 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 to Machu Picchu trek was selected by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the 25 best trekking routes in the world.
- Cover high-altitude mountain landscapes, cloud forest, and subtropical zones over a 3-day route.
- Visit the Llaqtapata and Machu Picchu archaeological sites with the guidance of a bilingual local guide.
- Suitable for couples, groups of friends, families, and travelers interested in nature and history.
- All entry tickets and permits included.
- Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Free luggage storage at our office during the hike.
- Return train journey from Aguas Calientes with views of the valley and mountain forest.
- Different accommodation each night: panoramic wooden dome at Playa Sahuayaco and hotel in Aguas Calientes.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO (MAJESTIC SKY DOMES ECO LODGE)
At 3:00 a.m. we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. The journey by transport to Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,795 ft) takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival the cook will serve breakfast before the hike begins.
We depart from Soraypampa on a gradual ascent for 1 hour and 30 minutes through the valley to Salkantaypampa (4,200 m.a.s.l. / 13,780 ft), where we make a brief stop. We continue uphill through the rocky valley for 2 hours and 30 minutes to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m.a.s.l. / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the route. From here there are direct views of the Salkantay peak (6,271 m.a.s.l. / 20,574 ft), the highest summit of the Vilcabamba mountain range, and the Humantay peak (5,400 m.a.s.l. / 17,716 ft). In favorable conditions condors can be spotted in the area.
From the pass we begin the descent along a rocky trail to Huayracmachay, where lunch is served. In the afternoon we continue the descent toward the cloud forest zone, arriving in Chaullay (2,900 m.a.s.l. / 9,514 ft) at around 4:00 p.m., where transport is waiting for the 45-minute ride down to the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge in Playa Sahuayaco.
Upon arrival afternoon tea is served with coffee, hot chocolate, crackers, and popcorn. Dinner is included. In the evening there is the option to gather around a bonfire if weather conditions allow. Accommodation is in panoramic wooden domes with private bathroom. As an optional add-on with an extra transport fee, a visit to the Cocalmayo thermal baths is available.
- Hiking time: approximately 8 hours.
- Distance: 38 km (19 km on foot + 19 km by transport).
- Weather: cool at altitude, warm on the descent.
- Elevations: Cusco 3,350 m.a.s.l. / Soraypampa 3,900 m.a.s.l. / Salkantay Pass 4,630 m.a.s.l. / Chaullay 2,900 m.a.s.l. / Playa Sahuayaco 2,100 m.a.s.l.
- Accommodation: Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge, panoramic wooden dome with private bathroom in Playa Sahuayaco
DAY 02: PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES VILLAGE
Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. We begin the hike along a section of original Inca trail, with 2 hours of ascent to the Llaqtapata archaeological site, where the guide will explain the history and significance of the site during the Inca period. From Llaqtapata a partial view of the Machu Picchu complex can be seen in the distance.
We continue with a 1 hour and 30 minute descent to the Aobamba valley, cross an ancient bridge, and walk 30 more minutes to the Hidroeléctrica station (1,900 m.a.s.l.), arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
From Hidroeléctrica there are two options to continue: take the train to Aguas Calientes (30 minutes, not included) or continue on foot following the railway line along the Urubamba River. Along the way the route passes the Intihuatana archaeological site, which preserves an ancient Inca sundial carved into natural rock. The trail continues through mountain forest with various species of orchids and native plants.
Arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.) at approximately 5:30 p.m. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. During dinner the guide will provide information about the following day’s program.
- Hiking time: approximately 7 hours.
- Distance: 21 km / 13 miles.
- Weather: warm.
- Elevations: Playa Sahuayaco 2,100 m.a.s.l. / Llaqtapata 2,700 m.a.s.l. / Hidroeléctrica 1,900 m.a.s.l.
- Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
DAY 03: AGUAS CALIENTES VILLAGE – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO CITY.
After breakfast we leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m. and walk to the bus station. From there we take the tourist bus for 30 minutes up the winding road to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7,874 ft).
The early departure allows us to arrive before most visitors who access the site by train, making it possible to witness the sunrise over the site if weather conditions allow.
Upon arrival we begin the guided tour of approximately 2 hours led by the professional guide, with explanations of the history of the site and its main structures. After the guided tour there is free time to explore the site independently. Subject to ticket availability, it is possible to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain as an optional add-on.
In the afternoon you can take the bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes, where there is time to have lunch at a local restaurant. At around 6:00 p.m. we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, arriving at approximately 7:50 p.m. A tourist transport will take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 9:30 p.m. and a final transfer to the historic center.
- Hiking time: approximately 3 hours at Machu Picchu.
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles.
- Weather: warm.
- Elevations: Aguas Calientes 2,000 m.a.s.l. / Machu Picchu 2,400 m.a.s.l. / Cusco 3,350 m.a.s.l.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before the hike at our office in Cusco.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and tourist transport to Soraypampa (starting point of the hike).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Cook for the preparation of all meals.
- Entry ticket to the Salkantay route.
- Entry ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- All meals during the excursion: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Vegetarian and special diets available at no additional cost.
- Boiled water to refill your bottle during the hike.
- Muleteers and horses for the transport of food, kitchen equipment, and personal items.
- Transport of up to 7 kg / 15 lbs of personal luggage.
- Canvas bags provided at the briefing to organize your items.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder carried by the guide.
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transport back to Cusco.
- 2 nights accommodation with private bathroom, in single, double, or triple room according to your preference:
1st night: wooden dome at Playa Sahuayaco.
2nd night: hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
NOTE: You do not need to bring a sleeping bag.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
Weather at high altitude can change throughout the day, with low temperatures especially at night. On the first day of this hike the route exceeds 4,600 m.a.s.l., so it is important to carry appropriate clothing for cold and rain. Below you will find the list of recommended items for this 3-day hike. If you do not have any of them, you can purchase or rent what you need in Cusco before departure, as the city has a good selection of stores specializing in trekking gear.
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
Other articles
- Flashlight (headlamp recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
- Rubber tipped canes (optional).
- Pocket knife
- Some plastic bags.
- Prior acclimatization in Cusco City is recommended, for at least 2 days and good general health.
* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the tour, please contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
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. WHAT IS THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
The trek has a moderate to challenging difficulty level due to the uphill and downhill sections, as well as the long hours of walking in some parts of the route.
2. WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANNOT CONTINUE THE TREK?
In case of any difficulty, the guide will evaluate the situation and provide assistance according to the route conditions, always prioritizing the traveler’s safety.
3. IS THE TOUR OFFERED AS A GROUP OR PRIVATE SERVICE?
The tour can be done as a group or private service, depending on the option selected at the time of booking.
4. CAN I REQUEST SPECIAL DIETS DURING THE TOUR?
Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets, or food allergies at no additional cost, as long as we are informed in advance.
5. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
During the tour, we include all meals and snacks prepared with fresh ingredients purchased at the local market in Cusco. Our trekking cook prepares breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and tea time, offering fresh, healthy, and delicious food throughout the trek. We can also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets, or food allergies at no additional cost, as long as we are informed in advance.
6. 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.
7. 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 .
8. 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.
9. 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
10. 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:
- Strategic location: Our office is located in the Historic Center of Cusco, just one block from the Main Square, allowing us to provide better coordination and service.
- Authorized Peruvian agency: We are a Peruvian travel agency with 100% local staff and more than 15 years of experience organizing tours in the region.
- Safety and support: We have all our documentation up to date and are authorized operators of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, providing confidence, professionalism, and security to our travelers.
- Best price with no hidden fees: As direct tour operators, we offer affordable prices, all-inclusive service, and no intermediaries.
- Expert team: We work with trained tour guides, cooks, and porters, prepared to assist groups, families, couples, and adventurous travelers.
- High-quality equipment: We use comfortable and safe trekking equipment, regularly renewed to ensure a better travel experience.
- Excellent meals included: We include fresh and varied meals throughout the trek. We also offer vegetarian options or special diets at no additional cost.
- Safe and guaranteed departures: We operate our treks with small groups and guaranteed departures, even with only a few travelers.
- Social commitment: We treat our staff with respect and support social projects in local communities, especially in health and education for children.
- Sustainable and responsible tourism: We are committed to protecting the environment, using resources responsibly, and participating in clean-up campaigns.
- Personalized service: We provide support before and during your trip, answering questions and helping organize a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
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
PRICES
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 450 | 17 years and older |
| Student / Child | USD 430 | Ages 4 to 17 |
| Infant | Free | Ages 0 to 3, 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.
