Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N Adventure Tour
Discover the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days and 2 nights. A short but intense hike filled with incredible landscapes, lagoons, snowy mountains, and Inca culture.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
4,540 m snm - Cusco, PeruDiscover the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days and 2 nights. A short but intense hike filled with incredible landscapes, lagoons, snowy mountains, and Inca culture.
Located in Cusco, this tour combines adventure, nature, and Inca culture in a route that goes from the high Andes to the jungle, offering spectacular landscapes and fewer crowds than the Inca Trail.
Early hotel pickup, hiking with ascent to Salkantay Pass, rest in camps, guided visit to Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco, ending with an unforgettable experience of history and excitement.
Complete Experience: This tour is perfect for those seeking adventure, nature, and culture, combining snowy mountains, tropical flora, and the visit to the magical Machu Picchu citadel. Live an epic experience full of history, nature, and emotion!
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
General Information
Description
We depart very early from Cusco towards Soraypampa, where we begin the hike with a 4-hour ascent to the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). Then we descend to Collpapampa, crossing Andean landscapes, enjoying a comforting lunch and dinner at the campsite.
From Collpapampa, we hike 2 hours to Hydroelectric, surrounded by nature and birds. Then we continue 3 more hours along the railway to reach Aguas Calientes town, where we rest and have free time to explore.
Very early, we visit Machu Picchu with a 2-hour guided tour, exploring its most emblematic sites. Subsequently, we take the train to Ollantaytambo and then the transfer back to Cusco, ending this incredible adventure.
Highlights of the Route
- Salkantay Pass (4,650 m): The highest point of the trek, with impressive views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain, symbol of strength and majesty.
- Cloud Forest: Rich ecosystem in flora and fauna, with waterfalls, rivers, and a great variety of tropical birds.
- Santa Teresa Valley: Lush area with coffee plantations, bananas, avocados, and natural waterfalls.
- The Beach: Charming small town where you can enjoy local culture and a traditional coffee demonstration.
- Hydroelectric: Connection point for the last hike or train to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by nature and railway tracks.
- Aguas Calientes: Base town for visiting Machu Picchu, with car-free streets and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Machu Picchu: The jewel of the route, the Inca citadel that offers history, architecture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Ideal for travelers with little time: In just 3 days and 2 nights, live an epic adventure combining mountain, jungle, and archaeology.
- Scenic and less crowded route: Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek offers spectacular landscapes without crowds.
- Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass: Two of the most impressive places in the Andes, included in this route.
- Challenging but accessible: Perfect if you seek a short hike with good physical demands and landscapes worth every step.
- Nature, culture, and adventure: Combines snowy mountains, tropical flora, and the visit to the magical Machu Picchu citadel.
Why Travel With Us?
- We are tourism operators in Cusco city
- We work professionally
- We offer 100% tourist vehicles
- We care about our visitors' safety
- We make your trip the best experience
- We are 100% responsible
- We care for the environment
- We are committed to service quality
- We have our own tourist restaurant
🚗 DAY 1: Cusco - Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa Transfer & Hiking
5:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Soraypampa (3 hours).
8:00 AM: Start hiking towards Salkantay Pass (4 hours ascent).
12:00 PM: Lunch at Collpapampa campsite.
Afternoon: Rest and acclimatization at camp.
🥾 DAY 2: Collpapampa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes Hiking & Transfer
Morning: 2-hour hike from Collpapampa to Hydroelectric plant.
Late Morning: Continue 3 more hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes.
Afternoon: Free time to explore Aguas Calientes town.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes.
🏛️ DAY 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco Machu Picchu & Return
Early Morning: Bus to Machu Picchu and 2-hour guided tour.
Midday: Free time to explore Machu Picchu independently.
Afternoon: Bus back to Aguas Calientes, then train to Ollantaytambo.
Evening: Transfer back to Cusco, arriving by night.
What Is Included
Not Included
All prices are in USD and include taxes. Private tours require a minimum of 2 participants. Contact us for custom arrangements or group discounts.
What to Bring - Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
- Comfortable hiking shoes: Waterproof and well-broken-in boots or shoes with good ankle support. Avoid new shoes to prevent blisters.
- Clothing layers: Thermal base layers, fleece jackets, waterproof jacket and pants, quick-dry shirts, long pants, shorts, underwear, and socks.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat or cap, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and lip balm with SPF.
- Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries for early morning starts and camp navigation.
- Water bottle: Reusable water bottle (1-2 liters) and water purification tablets if needed.
- Personal medications: Any prescription medications, pain relievers, altitude sickness pills (Diamox), and basic first aid items.
- Daypack: 20-30 liter backpack for daily use, rain cover, and trekking poles for stability.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate for the trail.
- Camera and charger: Waterproof camera case, extra batteries, and portable charger.
- Cash in soles: Small bills for tips, snacks, and souvenirs (ATMs available in Cusco).
- Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, and Machu Picchu ticket (we provide the original).
- Hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and quick-dry towel.
- Rain gear: Poncho or umbrella for unexpected showers in the cloud forest.
- Sleeping bag liner: For extra warmth in the tents at high altitude.
- Travel pillow: Inflatable neck pillow for comfortable bus and train rides.
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Gerard C
January 31, 2025
Thanks Eco Tour Cusco
Mr. Torres
January 24, 2025
One of the best tours you can do
Louis Martinez
January 18, 2025
Exceptional service to Machu Picchu
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