Trek to Salkantay 3D/2N
Salkantay Trek 3D/2N
The Salkantay Trek 3 days and 2 nights is a hiking adventure that combines spectacular landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and an authentic experience of connection with nature, ending at the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
During this experience, you will travel through snow-capped mountains, cloud forests, tropical valleys, and ancient Andean trails. It is considered one of the most impressive treks in the world thanks to its panoramic views, biodiversity, and less crowded route compared to other traditional alternatives.
What makes this trek so special?
⭐ Unmatched landscapes of snow, mountains, and jungle
⭐ Fewer crowds than the traditional Inca Trail
⭐ Diversity of ecosystems along a single route
⭐ Authentic connection with nature and local life
⭐ Epic finish at Machu Picchu
General information
Days: 3-day / 2-night activity
📍 Location: Salkantay – Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
🕒 Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Places you will visit on this tour
- Soraypampa – Start of the trek
- Salkantay Pass – Highest point
- Collpapampa
- Lucmabamba
- Hydroelectric
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
What makes this tour special?
- ⭐ Direct contact with nature and local life
- ⭐ Less crowded and more scenic route
- ⭐ Complete experience between the mountains and the high jungle
- ⭐ Ideal for travelers seeking adventure and unique landscapes
Itinerary – Salkantay Trek 3D/2N
🕒 Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Pickup and trip to Soraypampa
The guide will pick you up at approximately 2:30 a.m. to travel to Soraypampa (3,900 m), where you will enjoy breakfast before starting this great mountain adventure.
Ascent to Salkantay Pass
We begin the hike with an ascent of approximately 4 hours to the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek and one of the most impressive natural viewpoints on the route.
Descent toward lunch
We then begin a descent of about 2 hours to the planned lunch stop, where you can rest surrounded by Andean landscapes.
Final section to Collpapampa
The day continues with an additional descent of approximately 3 hours until reaching the Collpapampa campsite, where we will have dinner and rest in comfortable private domes.
Day 1 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: 22 km
🛌 Accommodation: Private domes in Collpapampa
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,650 m
Day 2: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Hike through the high jungle
We start the day with breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and then hike for approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes through cloud forest, coffee plantations, orchids, and medicinal flora typical of the area.
Lunch in Lucmabamba
We take a break to enjoy lunch in Lucmabamba, a strategic point along the route.
Transport to Hydroelectric
From Lucmabamba, we take transport to Hydroelectric to continue the final route toward Machu Picchu.
Hike to Aguas Calientes
From Hydroelectric, we hike approximately 3 hours until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will rest in a hotel and enjoy a local dinner.
Day 2 Details
🚶♂️ Total hike: 16 km + 11 km
🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Ascent to Machu Picchu
We start very early, around 4:30 a.m., with a packed breakfast and a 1-hour-30-minute walk to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You can also choose to go up by bus as an optional service.
Guided tour
At 6:00 a.m., we enter the wonder of the world for an approximately 2.5-hour guided tour through the most important points of the citadel.
Free time
After the guided tour, you can explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as long as you have a prior reservation.
Return to Cusco
After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from there the transport back to the city of Cusco.
Day 3 Details
🕒 Guided tour: 2.5 h
🚐 Return: Train + transport to Cusco
Includes and Not Included – Salkantay Trek 3D/2N
What’s included
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Collpapampa
- Private transportation: Cusco – Soraypampa.
- Professional Guide: Bilingual throughout the entire hike.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: 1 night in private domes in Collpapampa.
Day 2: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Guided route: Hike through cloud forest and high jungle.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Transportation: Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric.
- Accommodation: 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Entrance: Admission to Machu Picchu.
- Professional Guide: Guided tour in the citadel.
- Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transport: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
General services included
- Entrance fees: Access to Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
- Full meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Cook: Service during the trekking portion.
- Kitchen/dining tents: For better organization during the route.
- Horses: To transport the equipment.
- Duffel bag: Up to 5 kg per person.
- Safety: First aid kit and oxygen.
Not included
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Water for the hikes (can be purchased along the route).
- Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes bus ticket (optional).
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance.
- Hot springs.
- Tips.
- Trekking poles.
- Travel insurance.
This trek reaches 4,650 m in altitude at Salkantay Pass. Good prior acclimatization in Cusco, good physical condition, and proper clothing for both cold and warm weather are recommended.
Additional Details
Recommendations
- Cover your backpack with a waterproof protector.
- Bring clothing for both cold and warm weather.
- Pack waterproof clothing.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Bring snacks, cash, and personal documents.
What to bring
- Comfortable and waterproof clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera and snacks
- Warm clothing for the high part of the trek
Useful information
- Maximum altitude: Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m.
- Type of route: Adventure trek combining high mountains and high jungle.
- Accommodation: Private domes in Collpapampa and hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Optional: You can go up to Machu Picchu by bus or reserve Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain in advance.
- Physical condition: Recommended for travelers with moderate to good endurance.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made 30 days in advance: 50% refund.
- Cancellations 5 days before: no refund.
- Entrance tickets are non-refundable once issued.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Salkantay Trek 3D/2N
Is prior trekking experience necessary for this tour?
It is not mandatory, but having good physical condition is highly recommended. The Salkantay 3D/2N is a demanding hike due to the altitude and the long distances covered each day.
What is the highest altitude reached during the trek?
The highest point of the route is the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,650 m above sea level.
What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
It includes 1 night in private domes in Collpapampa and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Can I carry more luggage than the allowed amount in the duffel bag?
The included duffel bag allows you to carry up to 5 kg. If you want to bring more weight, you can hire an additional horse for an extra cost.
Does the tour include entrance to Machu Picchu?
Yes, the tour includes general admission to Machu Picchu. Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain have an additional cost.
What is the weather like during the hike?
The weather is varied: cold in high areas such as Soraypampa and the Salkantay Pass, and warm in high jungle areas such as Lucmabamba. It is important to bring clothing for both climates.
Do I need to use trekking poles?
They are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain and steep descents. You can rent them or bring your own.
How long does the guided visit to Machu Picchu last?
The guided visit lasts approximately 2.5 hours, covering the most important places in the citadel.
Is there phone signal or internet during the trek?
The signal is limited along most of the route. In Collpapampa and Aguas Calientes, connectivity is usually better, and some accommodations even offer WiFi.
What happens if I do not want to walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes?
You can take a local train for an additional cost. You just need to mention it in advance to check availability.
From: $280.00
Salkantay Treks
Inca Trail
Comprar Tour
Trek to Salkantay 3D/2N
From: $280.00
From: $280.00
