The 3-Day Salkantay Trek presents an exhilarating and less frequented pathway for adventurers aiming for a quicker journey to Machu Picchu. Managed daily by SALKANTAY TREKKERS PERU, this trek is both accessible and cost-effective, catering to those with limited time or budget restrictions.
Despite its abbreviated length, the 3-Day Salkantay Trek delivers a magnificent expedition through a variety of terrains, including glaciers, rivers, lagoons, and lush jungle valleys. Participants will ascend to the trek’s pinnacle, Abra Salkantay, standing at 4,630 meters (15,226 feet), offering awe-inspiring vistas of the Peruvian Andes.
To accommodate the condensed three-day schedule, SALKANTAY TREKKERS PERU ensures that trekkers join a group at the initial campsite, complete with seasoned guides, culinary staff, and support personnel. This setup provides an affordable trekking experience with the necessary assistance for a successful adventure.
The 3-Day Salkantay Trek both starts and concludes in Cusco, with certain distances reduced by vehicle transport to fit the tighter timetable. Although the walking distances might be marginally longer compared to other Salkantay trek options, they remain achievable for well-prepared and enthusiastic trekkers.
Choosing the 3-Day Salkantay Trek allows you to savor the highlights of the Salkantay trail while visiting the legendary Machu Picchu on the final day before returning to Cusco in the afternoon. This streamlined itinerary is ideal for travelers eager to explore the stunning Andean landscapes without committing to an extended trek.
Included in the package price is a ticket to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which we purchase on your behalf. Generally, this ticket includes access to Circuits 1, 2, or 3 for the guided tour at Machu Picchu. To secure a spot on these sought-after circuits, booking your tour at least three months in advance is crucial. If these circuits are fully booked, alternatives such as Circuits 4 or 5 will be provided to ensure you still experience the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
The primary distinction between the circuits lies in their entry points to Machu Picchu. Circuits 1, 2, and 3 offer access from the upper sections of the site, providing panoramic views and prime photo opportunities of Machu Picchu. Conversely, Circuits 4 and 5 allow access from the lower areas, which do not present the classic views of Machu Picchu.
It’s important to understand that no single circuit encompasses the entire Inca citadel. However, each circuit includes a guided tour lasting between 2 to 2.5 hours with an expert guide, ensuring a thorough and educational experience at Machu Picchu.
3-Day Salkantay Trek Overview
Start with a 2:00 AM hotel pickup for a 3-hour transportation to Soraypampa, which is the starting point for that unforgettable hike.
Join your Salkantay trek group for a breakfast after your arrival in Soraypampa while preparing for a 20-kilometer trek. And just after 6:30, you will begin the first climb to the highest point of the Salkantay trail at 4,630 meters above sea level: Abra Salkantay.
After hiking for about 3 hours, rejoice at the summit while taking memorable photographs of the mighty Salkantay Mountain. Take a short moment to thank the Apus (Andean deities) for their guidance.
The descent will finally be 15 kilometers from the top until you reach the 2,900-meter mark. The downhill trek to the lunch spot should take approximately two hours, with the second part going for another 3 hours to reach the next campsite at Chawllay.
During the distribution of diverse scenery, see picturesque glacier peaks, calm lagoons, rugged hills, and emerald grasslands while absorbing the lush green jungle environment as you approach the camp.
Arrive at Chawllay and hit the shower. Enjoy a cold beer, or whatever refreshes you, while the cooks prepare comforting tea time and delicious dinner to recharge you for tomorrow’s adventurous deeds.
Get ready to dive right into the jungle ecology on this day. Wake at 6:00 AM to sip coca tea; this will be followed by a delicious breakfast for good energy during the day.
At 7:00 AM, start the hike to La Playa Sahuayaco, which will take about 5 hours. You traverse the picturesque Santa Teresa Valley, shaped by the winding Salkantay River. Together, explore the various plantations belonging to coffee, bananas, avocados, coca, and passion fruits.
After a five-hour hike, reach La Playa Sahuayaco and take a local transportation mode for an hour-drive to Santa Teresa. Relax and have lunch, after which you are picked up to be driven for 45 minutes to Hidroelectrica. From that point, walk along the train tracks toward the quaint Aguas Calientes, which might take about three hours.
Your journey ends by checking in at the hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you freshen up and take a rest. Dinner is served at a local restaurant at around 7:00 PM, after which you all go back to the hotel to sleep and recover for the big day to come.
To reach Machu Picchu’s main gate from Aguas Calientes, you have two options: embark on a scenic 1.5-hour hike or take a convenient bus ride costing $12. You can decide on the day of your visit. Regardless of your choice, your day begins bright and early at 4:00 AM with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
If You Choose to WALK:
If You Choose the BUS:
Optional Hikes:
Return Options to Cusco:
IMPORTANT NOTE: ITINERARY FOR THE FINAL DAY AT MACHU PICCHU
The final day’s itinerary at Machu Picchu depends on ticket availability for your chosen circuits (Circuits 02, 01, 03, or 04). Check availability at www.machupicchu.gob.pe. If Circuit 02 tickets for 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM are unavailable, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. For alternative options, refer to the Alternative Itinerary Options for Machu Picchu Visit link to ensure a fulfilling experience despite any changes in schedule or circuit availability.
Salkantay Trek 3-Day Essentials
For the 3-day Salkantay trek, you’ll need personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you can rent one from us, as well as trekking poles if desired. We provide the rest of the necessary equipment.
Personal Trekking Gear to Pack:
Essential Documents for the Trek:
Note: Machu Picchu Reservations provides a duffle bag in which you can pack up to 7 kilos of personal belongings. These will be carried by horses during the trek. You’ll carry your small backpack with daily essentials while trekking, and you’ll have access to your duffle bag at each campsite.
Below are the per-person prices for the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, valid for 2024–2025, differentiated by the return option to Cusco.
| Category | Price per Person |
| Adult | $335 USD |
| Student (Valid ID required) | $315 USD |
| Child (8–17 years) | $315 USD |
Car Option Details:
| Category | Price per Person |
| Adult | $400 USD |
| Student (Valid ID required) | $375 USD |
| Child (8–17 years) | $375 USD |
Train Option Details:
The Peruvian government offers special discounts on the Machu Picchu entry ticket. To qualify, participants must meet the following mandatory requirements:
In a later section of the provided information, the following reference prices are indicated at the time of booking:
| Return Option | Adult | Student / Child |
| Train | $395 USD | $310 USD |
| Car | $330 USD | $310 USD |
Salkantay Trekkers Peru is committed to offering fair and transparent pricing that reflects the value of the experience and ensures quality service without hidden costs. Prices are differentiated by category (adult, student, child) and by the chosen return option (car or train).
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way. At SALKANTAY TREKKERS, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
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