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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days

Highlights

1

Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15256 ft): Stunning high-Andean views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the sacred Salkantay peak.

2

Collpapampa Cloud Forest: Overnight stay surrounded by waterfalls, orchids, and tropical wildlife after descending from the highlands.

3

Scenic Arrival to Machu Picchu: Approach the citadel through Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica, with panoramic jungle and mountain views.

Overview

Embark on a unique journey across the Andes in just 3 days. If you are short on time, this hike is perfect for you!

Discover the Salkantay and enjoy different types of ecosystems, from the Puna to the Cloud Forest, with various climates and temperatures. Sleep under the stars and on the last day, visit Machu Picchu.

Enjoy the 69 Explorer experience: Expert guides, best camping equipment and experienced expedition team!

Itinerary

Today our adventure will start very early. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive for almost 2.5 hours to Mollepata. Here, we’ll have breakfast before heading to the trailhead.

Upon arrival, enjoy your breakfast. Then, we’ll continue for another 40 minutes to Soraypampa. From Soraypampa, the trail continues toward the Salkantay Pass with a 4-hour hike. This section is known as the “Path of the 7 Snakes”, due to its zigzagging shape. At the pass, you will take a quick brake to capture the views and sink in your accomplishment.

After thanking the Apus for allowing us to reach this point, we’ll descend to Huayracmachay for almost 2.5 hours. Around lunchtime, our team will be waiting with a delicious meal after the long hike. Once we finish our lunch, we’ll continue hiking for another 3 hours until we reach Collpapampa. Here, you’ll find our glamping site with comfortable facilities where you can relax, have dinner, and enjoy a night under the stars.

Note: The Humantay Lake visit is optional and must be done on horseback due to the tight schedule. The additional cost for the horseback ride is USD 70. This optional activity takes you on a wonderful trail to witness the turquoise waters of the lake. On the way there, you will come across unique landscapes and wildlife. This is a loop back to the trailhead.

Stats of the day

  • DIFFICULTY: Challenging
  • WALKING DISTANCE: 23.5 km / 14.6 miles
  • WALKING TIME: 10 – 11 hours
  • STARTING ELEVATION: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
  • HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
  • MIN. ELEVATION: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
  • CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft


Today our day starts early with a hot beverage served to your room, followed by breakfast. Then we’ll begin today’s adventure. A vehicle will take you down the valley to Lucmabamba. From here, you will start the hike to Llactapata. This is an archaeological site located about around 3 hours uphill. The path is full of stone steps climbing to this stone gateway. From here, you’ll enjoy your first distant view of Machu Picchu.

Continuing the hike, you’ll descend to Hidroelectrica. There you‘ll stop for lunch. After enjoying your meal and recharging energy, you will continue 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. After the hike along the train lines, you will arrive in town and check into your hotel. To conclude the day, you will gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Rest in a comfortable hotel and get ready for your long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu.

** OPTIONAL: Instead of walking 3 hours from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu, you can do a train ride for an extra 45 USD

Stats of the day

  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate to challenging
  • WALKING DISTANCE: 20 km
  • WALKING TIME: 9 – 10 hours
  • STARTING ELEVATION: 2126 m / 6975 ft
  • HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2813 m / 9229 ft
  • MIN. ELEVATION: 2079 m / 6821 ft at Aguas Calientes


The big day has arrived! After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and take you to the bus to Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the citadel. Your guide will explain the most important areas: plazas, temples, and terraces. Afterwards, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, transportation will take you back to Cusco.

Stats of the day

  • DIFFICULTY: Easy

5

Reasons Travelers Choose Us in 2025

Authentic & Expertly Curated Adventures – We design unique experiences across Peru, carefully planed to match your interests, pace, and travel style.

Seasoned Local Guides – Our experienced guides are trained professionals. They are locals who are proudly knowledgeable on culture, history, and hidden gems.

Small Groups, Big Connections – Traveling in small groups means a more personal, safe, and enriching experience, fostering genuine connections along the way.

Dedicated Care from Start to Finish – Our experienced team handles every single detail to assure a top experience with 69 Explorer.

Unmatched Value for Quality – Our exceptional service & comfort, during authentic experiences promise unforgettable moments. Best price guaranteed — no hidden costs, just real value.

What is included for the salkantay 3 days trek?

  • Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  • English speaking, experienced professional guide
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes.
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
  • Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (restaurant)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and horses (for camping equipment and personal items)
  • Pack horse for 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • Pillow and comfortable foam mattress
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

Not Included

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for single travelers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of 69 Explorer

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level of the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is considered challenging. High altitudes and the length of daily hikes make this hike suitable for people in good shape.

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, which reaches an altitude of 4,650 m (15,255 ft).

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require a specific permit, but you do need an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

The best months are from April to October, during the dry season.

Book your trek at least 6 months in advance in order to ensure availability.

Essential items include:

  • Passport: You must bring your passport in order to enter Machu Picchu
  • Day Bag: For you daily essentials
  • Good Footwear: Hiking boots or trail shoes with good tread
  • Rain Gear: Weather conditions can change at any moment
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat and long clothing to protect you from the sun
  • Personal Medication: Take your permit with you and tell your guide about your medication

Yes, meals are typically provided by the tour operator from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.

The Best Circuit in Machu Picchu is #2. In the case this circuit in not available we recommed a combination of #1 & #3.

Depending on availability 2A or 2B.

Yes, you can hire a porter to carry your personal items. There is a weight limit for what porters can carry, and you will need a daypack for essential items.

On our 3 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu the groups go from minimum 2 persons to 8 persons.

Client Cancellation:

To cancel, send a written notice to “69 Explorer.” The initial deposit is not refundable. Check your insurance for potential coverage for cancellation reasons.

Cancellations more than 15 days before departure result in a 50% deposit forfeiture. For cancellations between 7 and 15 days before departure, if full payment has been made, 50% of the total cost will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure or for partial tour cancellations.

Alterations/Cancellations by Us:

In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, adverse weather, strikes, government actions, or civil disturbances, “69 Explorer” will try to provide alternative arrangements or equivalent trips, without offering refunds. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary, but we will aim to maintain the agreed services.

Significant changes will be communicated before your trip, with comparable alternative plans offered. Any additional costs from these changes are the client’s responsibility. We cannot compensate for expenses like international flights, visas, vaccinations, etc.

If “69 Explorer” cancels a tour, a full refund will be provided.

All 69 Explorer trips are guided by Local Experienced, English-speaking guides familiar with the trail and Incan history.

For our Group Experiences we recommend 18 – 45 years old.

Families with kids or seniors can opt for a Private Trip Experience.

Yes, we can arrange customized trips in Peru.

We offer an extensive range of experiences in Cusco, like hikes or treks, Salkantay & Humantay, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Alternative Inca Trail, South Valley & Sacred Valley, Ausangate & Vilcanota Range experiences and recently we added E-biking to our brochure.

Contact us for tailored experiences, we can arrange the perfect plan for your Peru Vacation.

Yes, we count with all the legal permits and the experience to make your dream trip to Peru a reality.

Plus, all of our local guides have degrees in tourism and a minimum of 2 years experience. They all speak English and Spanish and many also speak Quechua, the native language of Peru.

Customer Reviews

HAPPY TRAVELERS

At 69 Explorer, we take pride in our reviews. We believe they are a true reflection of our business and help us improve our services performance. We encourage all customers to leave a review, whether it is positive or negative . We take feedback seriously, as it helps us grow and improve as a business. We are thankful with all of our customers who have taken the time to leave a review.

tripadvisor user

Genevieve R

Couples

En nuestro último día en Cusco, hicimos el city tour con 69 Explorer, nuestro guía Jhony fue muy informativo y nos dio la mejor información sobre la ciudad de Cusco y Sacsayhuaman.

September 12, 2025
tripadvisor user

Lidia Z

Solo

Take the 7-color mountain tour with 69 explorers, the whole organization was spectacular, from start to finish. Our guide Ray, he was very patient with the group, helped us all be together and we could get to the top. The views are spectacular and everything was worth it.

September 3, 2025
tripadvisor user

Julio P

Couples

Visiting Machu Picchu with 69 Explorer Perú was the best thing we did, everything was perfect and our guide was super helpfull.

July 15, 2025
tripadvisor user

Luka I

Business

We were very lucky to have found 69 Explorer Peru, they got us tickets at the last minute to do the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The whole organization was great and our guide Josep did a great job.

July 5, 2025
tripadvisor user

Navin Kumar Gond

Family

69 Explorer Peru offers an unforgettable adventure experience with professional guides, breathtaking views, and excellent service. Their tours are well-organized and cater to all levels of experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of Peru!

October 21, 2024

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