Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights | Challenge to Machu Picchu

PRICE FROM

$ 780
$ 680.00 USD

price per person in group service

Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights | Challenge to Machu Picchu

You can now go on this great Salkantay trek tour through the snowy Salkantay to one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World – Machu Picchu.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay trek as one of the 25 Best Treks in the World.

Mount Salkantay (or Nevado Salkantay / Salcantay) is one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco region and the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba Mountain range

Cusco I Mollepata I Soraypampa I Humantay Lake I Salkantay Pass I Wayracmachay I Chaullay I Loreta I Aguas Calientes I Machu Picchu
Duration of the trip:

3 Days 2 Nights

Total Distance

60.5 km / 37.5 miles.

Physical Level:

Advanced

Altitude:

4650 msnm

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

02 Min - 08 Max

trekkers embarking on the Salkantay trail experience a two-day journey, first approaching the mountain from the south and then spending another day in close proximity as they ascend the Salkantay Pass. This pass, reaching a height of 4,600 meters, offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The Salkantay trek, lasting four days and three nights, provides an exciting adventure that allows you to admire the Andean landscape, including lush green mountains (Cloud forest), streams, rivers, and even hot springs to relax your body after the physically demanding hike. Along the trek, you’ll also notice changes in temperature as you traverse the mountain paths, and you’ll have the opportunity to encounter snow at one of the highest points on the route, approximately 4,630 meters (15,228 feet) above sea level. Finally, on the last day of the hike (the fifth day), you’ll have the privilege of enjoying a grand tour of Machu Picchu City.

Challenge Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu Overview:

  • TOUR NAME: Short Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 Days to Machu Picchu
  • 100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Inca Trail Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
  • GROUP SIZE: 02 People Minimum (04 – 06 Average) and 08 People Maximum
  • STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 2:00 am to 2:30 am
  • ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 7:30 pm
  • DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as a large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco
  • HIKING DISTANCE: 60.5 km / 37.5 ml
  • PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Salkantay Trek requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Salkantay Trek
  • MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
  • TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha Trailhead (for our Passengers and staff) and Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 pm and Bus back to Cusco
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: (SKY LODGE DOMES with Private Bathroom and Shower): Because you DESERVE the best Service. 01 night in Green Eco Sky Lodge Dome Eco-friendly (Private Campsite of Domes at Loreta Playa Sahuayaco), 01 Night in a hotel (Aguas Calientes)
  • PORTERING/HORSEBACK SERVICE: 7 Kilos/14 Pounds Extra Portering service is included. We will provide you a duffel bag for your personal Stuff (This will be carried by the porter or Horses), Water Bottle, Rain Poncho & Inca Trail T-shirt at the briefing time
  • MEALS: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 1 tea times + wake-up teas
  • SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU: Machu Picchu entrance fee Included.

salkantay trek 3 days 2 nights to Machu Picchu Short Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa – Chaullay – La Playa Loreta
  • Day 2: La Playa Loreta – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
  • Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

salkantay trek 3 days 2 nights Days to Machu Picchu Highlights:

  • Sleep in comfort under the stars in our Eco-friendly Sky Green Eco Domes located on private campsite at Soraypampa and Loreta Campsite. Best Campsites Along the Salkantay Trek.
  • Day 1: Private Loreta La Playa Glamping Sky Lodge Dome
  • Day 2: Aguas Calientes Hotel
  • Visit Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake
  • Hike the Original Inca Trail to the LLactapata Incan site to see Machupicchu.
  • Enjoy the scenic views of Salkantay Snow Mountain
  • Make a small ritual for the Andean gods and learn about the Incan religion
  • Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced top guides
  • Eat delicious, freshly prepared Peruvian cuisine (Buffet Peruvian Style Food)
  • Hike through the different types of landscapes and Sceneries, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys
  • Reach 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in elevation along the Salkantay Pass
  • Explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area with expert and knowledgeable tour top guides
  • Hike one of National Geographic’s 25 “World’s Best Treks”
  • Please, Note: We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures are 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
  • Please Note: For travelers who don’t have many days to hike, or for those who don’t feel fit enough to hike the Salkantay for 4 days. We have a great alternative salkantay trek and Humantay lake of 3 days conecting to machupicchu by train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. or Salkantay and humantay lake for 2 days sleeping in our domes.

DAY 1
Mollepata – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – Loreta La Playa+

DAY 2
Loreta La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes+

DAY 3
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco +

Salkantay Trek Includes:

  • Private Tourist Transportation to Mollepata for 2 hours and 1 hour extra to Soraypampa to get better views and skip the dusty road. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
  • English – Spanish speaking guide for 3 days of the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English.
  • 1 Night in Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at LORETA LA PLAYA ( Twin bed room, Matrimonial bed room, 3 beds room, 4 beds room Accomodation)
  • Day 1: Loreta la Playa Glamping Sky Lodge Dome
  • Day 2: Aguas Calientes Hostel Accomodation
  • 1 Night Accomodation Overnight in Aguas Calientes(Twin bed room with Private bathroom and shower)
  • Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas Expeditions every month)
  • Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months)
  • Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
  • Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
  • Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
  • Food service in the campsites (2 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
  • Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
  • Transportation La Playa or Lucmabamba to Hydroelectrica Day 2 (For our Staff)
  • Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 7 kilos of your personal stuff like: sleeping bag and mat as well as cothes) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
  • Salkantay Trek and Machupicchu entrance fees, valid for 3 days
  • Insurance policy of life for porters and cooks.
  • Visit to Machu Picchu on the 3rd day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole incan site)
  • Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.(2 hours ride)Train time is Between 6:20pm to 9:30pm. And if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 3:48pm.
  • Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco(2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
  • First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the Inca Trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
  • Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Trail)
  • Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
  • Pre trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
  • Water for Driking: we will supply with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time. Please, bring enough water for the 1st day.
  • Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)

Salkantay Trek Doesnt Include: (Please, No hidden costs or surprises)

  • Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and Lunch on Day 3
  • Salkantay Entrance Fee (20 soles)

DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)

  • UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$20. Please send us a a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
  • Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 12 years old: US$20  Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

UPGRADES:

  • Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$70 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
  • MachuPicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$70 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
  • Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
  • A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bed room (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS

  • Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
  • (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
  • Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip

ADITIONAL INFO:

  • BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
  • STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

3-Day Salkantay Trek Challenge to Machupicchu by Glamping Sky Dome to SkyDome (Prices for 2024 & 2025)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of US$150, and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$680

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)

Private Service: Price per person: US$780

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco.

What you need to bring on Salkantay Trek Challenge:

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

  • Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you used to purchase the Inca trail permit.
  • Travel insurance  is essential (and some copies)
  • Airline tickets (and some copies)
  • US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
  • Camera and Memory cards
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters
  • Reading/writing material
  • Binoculars
  • Cover for backpacks
  • Pocketknife.
  • Fleece top
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Small towel and swimwear
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of long trousers *Zipp off
  • 1 pair of hiking pants/track pants
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
  • Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
  • Sport hiking sandals
  • Sunblock
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletries (biodegradable)
  • Watch or alarm clock
  • Water bottle
  • Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommended)
  • Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also buy in Cusco.
  • Flashlight (headlight recommended)
  • Money belt
  • Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
  • Wool hat, mitts, or gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
  • Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntheticfrom sleeping bag
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 3 days to Machu Picchu challenge?
The difficulty level of the 3-day Salkantay Trek challenge can vary depending on individual fitness levels and hiking experience. However, it is generally considered a moderate to challenging trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and long hours of hiking each day. It is important to be physically prepared and acclimatized to the altitude before undertaking the trek.

What is the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trek 3 days to Machu Picchu challenge?
The best time to do the 3-day Salkantay Trek challenge is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to November. These months offer more stable weather conditions with less rainfall, making the trekking experience more pleasant. The shoulder months of April and November can be particularly beautiful, as the landscape is still green from the rainy season, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak months of June to August.

How do I acclimatize to the altitude during the Salkantay Trek 3 days to Machu Picchu challenge?
Acclimatizing to the altitude is essential for a successful and safe trek. It is recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco or a similar high-altitude location before starting the Salkantay Trek. During these days, take it easy, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise, and eat light meals. This will allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Additionally, consider taking medication such as Diamox, as recommended by a doctor, to help prevent altitude-related symptoms.

What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek 3 days to Machu Picchu challenge?
Packing the right gear and essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trek. Some essential items to pack include sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing (including layers for temperature changes), a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a headlamp, insect repellent, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, toiletries, and any necessary medications. It is also advisable to bring some cash for tipping, snacks, and any additional expenses along the way.

Is camping involved in the Salkantay Trek 3 days to Machu Picchu challenge?
Yes, you will sleep at Loreta La playa where our Sky Lodge Domes with private bathroom and shower. Loreta La Playa is exclusively reserved for our passengers, ensuring a private and tranquil environment. The campsites and domes are strategically located to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the sight of majestic mountains and lush greenery right outside your dome.

The Sky Lodge Domes at Loreta La Playa allow you to immerse yourself fully in the Andean landscape, providing a sense of connection with nature while still enjoying modern amenities. After a day of challenging hiking, you can relax in the comfort of your dome, take a refreshing shower, and unwind in a cozy and peaceful setting.

This unique accommodation option adds an extra touch of luxury and comfort to your Salkantay Trek experience, making it even more memorable. It allows you to appreciate the beauty of the Andean landscape while enjoying the convenience of private facilities.

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