SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU IN 3 DAYS

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY – COLLPA - LODGE DEL CIELO.

Pick up from the hotel is scheduled for approximately 4:30 a.m. Afterwards, we will embark on a journey in our private vehicle that will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Soraypampa,the starting point of our Salkantay trek. Here, we will enjoy a light lunch before starting the trek.After the lunch break, we will begin the hike to the snow-capped peak of Salkantay, located at 4,650 meters above sea level. From this point, we will contemplate the imposing beauty of the region, with its mountain range, glaciers and gorges, immersing ourselves in the magical atmosphere of the Andes. After a short and refreshing rest, we will start the descent to Huayracmachay, where we will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest period.

We will continue descending and enter the jungle, where we will enjoy unparalleled views of the surroundings. Then, we will continue hiking until we reach our first camp in the Collpa area, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Regarding our Lodge del Cielo in Collpapampa: Our camp is located just 10 minutes walk from the village of Chaullay. Although Chaullay is a very crowded camping area, our camp in Collpapampa offers us a great advantage by providing us with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley. It is also a perfect place, away from the crowds, where we can get to know the local families better.

 
<>Meals: lunch and dinner.
Walking distance: 22km / 13.7 miles .
Difficulty: Defiant .
Overnight: Sky Del Cielo in Collpa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex).
Walking Time: 10 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3900 m / 12,795 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4630 m /15,190 ft.
Climate: Cold or rainy at Abra Salkantay.

DAY 2: CHAULLAY - PLAYA - SANTA TERESA - MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO

This day will remain etched in your memory. After enjoying breakfast, we will continue our journey through the eyebrow of the jungle, where we can admire the rich flora and fauna characteristic of this region. The coffee and tea plantations and various trees stand out. The climate in this area is temperate and humid, which has led to the formation of a microclimate conducive to the flowering of orchids. These, for their diversity and colors, have been recognized by experts as the most beautiful in the world. We will continue our hike until we reach the Hydroelectric station, where we will enjoy lunch.

After a rest period, we will continue our hike towards the town of Aguas Calientes, located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. As an additional option, those interested can visit the thermal baths, located 1.2 kilometers from the village. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and settle in at the hotel (with the option of participating in a coffee tour).

It is important to note that those who prefer not to take the excursion from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes have the alternative of taking the train, which will take approximately 40 minutes (the cost of the train is not included). These participants will meet the rest of the group at the Aguas Calientes train station, and their preferences will be confirmed by the guide the night before.

As for our stay in Machu Picchu town, the hotel in Aguas Calientes will be selected according to individual requests and expectations.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Walking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles .
Difficulty: Defiant .
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes .
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex).
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 2900 m / 9,514 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2900 m / 9,514 ft.

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO

Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at our accommodation, we will transfer by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu in an uphill journey that will take about half an hour. We will arrive at the access point and entrance control of Machu Picchu, where we will begin a guided tour of the urban and agricultural area, exploring the towers, ceremonial squares, sacred fountain, the Intihuatana or sundial, as well as the terraces from where the domain of the Inca is contemplated. After a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, we will have free time to take pictures and, in coordination with the guide, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes.

We will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where the transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Important 1: According to Machu Picchu regulations, once we access the Sacred City, it is not allowed to go back along the same routes. There are clear signs indicating the route to follow, and it will only be allowed to make stops at specific places or return by the same route in particular cases. Therefore, it is advisable to make the most of every moment in the different Inca sites.

Important 2: According to Machu Picchu regulations, entrance tickets are only valid for a single use. This means that once you leave the Inca city, you will not be able to return unless you purchase a new entrance ticket.

Meals:Breakfast.
Difficulty: Easy .
Starting elevation: 2000 m / 6562 ft.
Elevation at Machu Picchu: 2400 m / 7872 ft.
Elevation at Huayna Picchu: 2720m / 8924 ft.
Elevation at Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft.
Climate: It can be hot and rainy.

Include:

• One day before “briefing about your trail with our staff at our office”.
• Round trip tourist transportation.
• Return tourist train.
• Consettur bus (ascent and descent).
• Professional English and Spanish speaking guide on the Salkantay route.
• Professional English and Spanish speaking guide in Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon.
• Entrance ticket to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu..
• Private camping equipment.- We have facilities at our campsites, where all our equipment, including tables, chairs, cooking utensils, etc., is transported by our muleteers.
• Private camping equipment.- We have facilities at our campsites, where all our equipment, including tables, chairs, cooking utensils, etc., is transported by our muleteers.
• Night 1: Enjoy our first night in our Lodge del Cielo at Collpapampa camp. You will find a comfortable bed and a quality camping mattress at no additional cost. The camp is surrounded by the majestic sacred mountains.
• Night 2: The second night is included in the accommodation, which is located in the town of Aguas Calientes, at Casa de Luz. This accommodation offers services such as private bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi and breakfast. It is also known as the village of Machu Picchu. Hotel prices may vary according to your expectations and budget.
• Note: It is not usual for campsites, cabins or hotels to change after confirmation. However, it may vary according to governmental regulations and authorizations, also due to adverse weather conditions and perhaps due to the physical condition of our visitors.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Inca site.
• 1 duffel bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to (7 kgs / 14.02 lbs). Including your sleeping bag; This bag will be carried by our horses.
• Mule / horse load: We will give you your duffel bag at your briefing the night before; to carry the things you will need. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your overnight camp. On day 1, our mules / horses carry all camping equipment and your personal luggage allowance (7 kgs / 14.02 lbs). On day 2, your luggage will be transported by car or train to your destination until we arrive at Machu Picchu.
• Professional trekking chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals throughout our journey on the trail to replenish your energy every day.
• Meals in the middle of the mountain, if you have any dietary restrictions (options: Vegetarian, vegan, celiac, etc.), please let us know when you make your reservation and indicate in the briefing to the guide.
• Boiled water: From your first lunch until your last breakfast, which will be at your hotel, Inka Trail Expeditions will provide all the necessary water. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled before distribution. You must provide your own water bottles.
• Wake up with tea: Every morning at camp, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent to warm it from the inside out before you start your day.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle: Our team will bring a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
• Day 1 - Pick up from your hotel to Mollepata.
• Day 2 - Transportation from La Playa to Hidroeléctrica.
• Day 3 - Transportation from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.

Not Include:

• Trekking poles.
• Sleeping bags.
• Meals:
  Day 1 - Breakfast: approx. USD 5 to USD10.00, price may vary according to your selection.
  Day 3 - Lunch and dinner in Cusco.
• Personal equipment.
• Additional income (Huayna Picchu - Machu Picchu Mountain).
• Huayna Picchu trekking time (45 min).
• Hiking time Machu Picchu Mountain (1.5 h).
• Hiking time Machu Picchu Mountain (1.5 h).
• 
  Option: Iif you feel tired after the hike on day 2, you have the option to take a train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
• 
  Additional costs or delays beyond our control such as: Natural disasters, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger's health problems (suffering from a disease or health problem), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

RENTAL AND ADDITIONAL COSTS

what to bring?

• Original passport.
• Sleeping bag.
• Trekking shoes.
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Jacket, hat and gloves.
• T-shirts or T-shirts.
• Comfortable pants.
• Sun hat and Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottles.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Personal medications.
• Camera.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Shorts.
• Trekking poles.
• Bandages and sandals.
• Extra money.
• Bathing suit.

Information Details

Map

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 3 Days

In this video we show a brief description about the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.