Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The 3-day Salkantay Trek is a condensed version of the classic route, perfect for active travelers seeking a more intense hiking experience. Over 72 hours, you will transition from the snow-capped peaks of the high Andes to the vibrant sub-tropical jungle. Highlights include the turquoise Humantay Lake, the challenging Salkantay Pass, and an original Inca trail leading to a private view of Machu Picchu from across the valley. End your journey with a sunrise tour of the "Lost City of the Incas.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and Extra 1 hour minutes to Challacancha 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)
Entrance Ticket
Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accomodations in tents and 1 night in a 2* hotel in Aguas Calientes
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) 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.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (02B, 02L, 02D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Visit to Machu Picchu
Visit to Machu Picchu on the 3th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole inca site)
Bus Ticket
One way up-hill Consettur Bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
Train Ticket
Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.(2 hours ride)Train time is Between 14:55 , 18:20, 19:00pm. And if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 15:48, 16:22. US$80
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
Breakfast on the first day, Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$480
Itinerary
3-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Express Adventure
Experience the most breathtaking alternative trek to the Inca Trail in a condensed, high-octane 3-day itinerary. This Short Salkantay Trek is designed for adventurous hikers who want to conquer the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,600m) and reach the Machu Picchu citadelwithout spending 5 days on the trail.
Quick Trip Overview
- Total Distance: 52 km / 32.3 miles
- Highest Altitude: 4,600m / 15,091ft (Salkantay Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging / Strenuous
- Start/End: Cusco / Cusco
Day 1: Conquer the Salkantay Pass – High Andes & Glacial Vistas
Your 3-day Salkantay Trek challenge begins with a 3:00 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. We journey through the scenic Andean highlands to Soraypampa (3,900m), the trailhead for our high-altitude expedition.
- Morning Ascent: We begin with a rigorous 3-hour uphill climb to Soyroqocha. Here, you’ll enjoy a nutritious lunch while staring directly at the massive Salkantay Glacier (6,271m).
- The Summit: After lunch, we tackle the most iconic part of the trek: the Salkantay Pass (4,600m). Stand at the highest point of the route and soak in 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks and the rugged Vilcanota mountain range.
- Descent to the Tropics: Leaving the snow behind, we descend into the transition zone where the Andes meet the cloud forest. We’ll settle into our campsite at Arrayanniyoq or Chaullay (2,900m) for a well-deserved rest under the Andean stars.
Day 2: Cloud Forest Descent & The Jungle Path to Aguas Calientes
Day two of your Salkantay express trek transitions from alpine tundra to lush tropical greenery. This is a day of dramatic ecological changes.
- Jungle Trekking: Following a hearty breakfast, we hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. You’ll pass cascading waterfalls, wild orchids, and sprawling plantations of coffee, cacao, and coca.
- Hydroelectric Route: After a local lunch in La Playa, we take a short transport to the Hidroelectrica station. From here, we enjoy a flat, scenic 3-hour walk alongside the train tracks that wind around the base of the Machu Picchu mountain.
- Evening in Aguas Calientes: Arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and check into your hotel.
- Pro Tip: Soothe your muscles in the local Aguas Calientes hot springs, the perfect remedy after two days of intense trekking.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour & Return to Cusco
The grand finale of your Salkantay adventure begins before dawn to beat the crowds at the world's most famous archaeological site.
- The Sunrise Experience: We take the first shuttle bus at 5:30 am to the gates of the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430m). Witnessing the sun rise over the "Lost City of the Incas" is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
- Guided Historic Tour: Your expert guide will lead a 2.5-hour Machu Picchu guided tour, exploring the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the sacred residential quarters.
- Optional Hike: If you have pre-booked permits, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an even higher perspective of the ruins.
- The Journey Back: In the afternoon, descend to town for your Expedition or Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. Our private transport will be waiting to whisk you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving by evening.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
