3 Day Salkantay Trek: Double-Dare!

Get ready for a thrilling adventure! Challenge yourself with this 3-day Salkantay trek tour! This is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the incredible Salkantay mountain and hike 49 km / 30.45 miles of rugged terrain, thick jungle, and more!

Along this route, you’ll get to experience majestic snow-capped mountains, beautiful valleys, stunning waterfalls, unique plants, and wildlife in the captivating cloud forest. And once you reach Machu Picchu ( the UNESCO World Heritage Site) your trek will be complete! What better reward could one ask for?

Salkantay tours related:

Tour Details

Duration3 Day
Type TripTrekking
Group Size12 people máximum
LanguagesEng, Esp,
SeasonYear around
DifficultyDifficult

Experience

Why us

Reliable tour operator, certified guides, and drivers. Guaranteed Quality!
Personalized assistance before, during, and after the trip
Explore the hidden spots to take that epic photos.

Summary

Travel Route

Day 1: Cusco/Soraypampa/ Salkantay Pass/ Chaullay /Andean Huts
Day 2: Chaullay/La Playa /Santa Teresa/ Hidroelectrica/ Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/ Ollantaytambo/ Cusco

[See the Itinerary – Next Tab]

Technical Details

Starts at: Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
Ends in: Drop off to your hotel in Cusco
Name: 3 Day Salkantay Trek tour: Double-Dare!
Total Hiking: 22km/ 13.7 – 27km/ 16.78 mi.
Altitude: 3900 m/ 12795ft – 4630 m/ 15190 ft.

Tour Destinations

Cusco
Soraypampa
Salkantay Pass
Chaullay
Andean Huts
Chaullay
La Playa
Santa Teresa
Hidroelectrica
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo

Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco/Soraypampa/ Salkantay Pass/ Chaullay /Andean Huts

We’ll collect you from your accommodation at 2:30 am and drive through Anta, Mollepata and Challacancha until we reach our starting point in Soraypampa. During the journey, keep an eye out for the white snowy mountain peaks of Salkantay and Humantay.

After a filling breakfast and preparation with our trekking team, we’ll start the toughest part of the trail – reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,630m/15,190ft). Although only 7 km (4.35 miles), it is a difficult ascent over 4 hours up the winding ‘trail of 7 snakes’.

Climb to the top of the Salkantay Pass and take in the stunning views of the Salkantay Glacier (6,271 m/20,574ft) and surrounding valley. You’ll be able to marvel at other inspiring peaks such as Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo – all while being graced with Salkantay being the second highest mountain in Cusco region!

After conquering the challenge of the day, reward yourself with a 7 km (4.35 mi) downhill hike to Wayracmachay. Along the way, you’ll pass through a serpent-shaped trail with a great lookout over the stunning valley. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our chefs, followed by some well-deserved rest before setting off in the afternoon.

Enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle and cloud forest as you embark on an 8 km (4.97 mi) hike for around 3 hours. Witness first hand how your surroundings drastically transition from chilly Andes to humid jungle!

Enjoy a hike with breathtaking views of colorful hills, unique wildlife, and native plants! Complete your day at the small village of Chaullay (2,900 m/9,514ft) where you can rest up before a peaceful night spent listening to nature’s melodic lullaby. Sweet dreams!

Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 lunch & 1 Dinner

Day 2 Chaullay/La Playa /Santa Teresa/ Hidroelectrica/ Aguas Calientes

Enjoy the delicious passion fruit and granadilla fruits as you make your way to La Playa. Cross the mountainside past waterfalls, birds, fruit trees, and tropical plants. Delight in the majestic views of Colpapampa village before arriving at your camp in the small town of La Playa. Relax knowing that you have plenty of time to enjoy your evening before setting off at 6:00am tomorrow.

Delight in a delicious lunch with your team at La Playa before embarking on a coffee show. Learn about the cultural significance of the drink and how it sustains families in the region. Rejuvenate with some rest and get ready for an easy walk down the railway beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. If you’re feeling wiped out, you can take a train ride instead for just $34.

Explore a tropical paradise and discover avocado, banana and coffee plantations, as well as many unique bird species. Catch a glimpse of the national bird of Peru – the Cock of the Rocks – while walking along the same trail that American professor Hiram Bingham used when he rediscovered Machu Picchu after it was lost for centuries.

Reach Aguas Calientes within 3 hours and find yourself at your hotel to rest in your room with a private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast in the morning and luggage storage. Take some time to relax or explore the small town before you head off to dinner – but don’t worry about any cars because there’s no noise or traffic! Enjoy peacefulness in Aguas Calientes this afternoon!

Dine at 7:00 PM to learn about what the next day has in store. Then, grab some early rest as you’ll be setting off before the sun rises to explore the Incan citadel.

Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 lunch & 1 Dinner

Day 3 Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/ Ollantaytambo/ Cusco

The big day is finally here! After months of waiting, it’s time to visit Machu Picchu. Rise and shine at 4:00 AM for a quick bite before we beat the other tour groups. We want you to experience Machu Picchu with fewer tourists, so aim to be one of the earliest there when it opens at 6:00 AM. Head to the small bus stop in Aguas Calientes followed by an enjoyable walk towards the entrance!

Prepare to feel something extraordinary as you enter the majestic Machu Picchu. Revel in the magic and mystery that pervades the atmosphere. Your guide will then take you on an informative tour of around two hours, showing you all of the key locations. If you have tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, now is the perfect time to go hiking.

Take a break and recharge in Aguas Calientes for lunch, before hopping on the train to Ollantaytambo. Then, hop into our private transportation back to your accommodation in Cusco.

Meals Included: 1 Breakfast

What’s included

Informative meeting
Experienced Tour Guide
Private Camping Equipment
One Duffle Bag
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
Extras Included in our Service
Customer Service 24/7
Satellite Phone
Accommodation in Private Campsites
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals included
Water on the trail
Wake up tea
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Snacks on the trail daily
One cloth snack bag per person
Products for hygiene
Private Transportation
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 3)
One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 3)
Personal Belongings Transportation
Entry Ticket for Salkantay Trek
Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Sleeping Bag (rent US$ 15.00 per person)
Walking Sticks (rent US$ 15.00 per person)
Huayna Picchu Mountain (The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person)
Machu Picchu Mountain (The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person)
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 3)
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 2) (US$ 34.00 per person)
Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Additional costs or delays beyond our control

Not suitable for

Pregnant women
People with heart problems
People with poor physical conditions

What to Bring

A valid passport and any other necessary travel documents (e.g. visa)
A daypack or small backpack for carrying essential items such as water bottles, snacks, sunscreen etc.
Comfortable camping gear including a tent (for those who choose to camp), sleeping bag, sleeping mat etc.
Hiking boots with good grip and ankle support; several pairs of hiking socks; comfortable clothing in layers
Sun hat/cap and sunglasses; a raincoat/jacket
Headlamp or flashlight
Waterproof cover for your backpack
Necessary toiletries and personal items
First Aid kit

Important information

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our gallery: Experience Peru. Before taking our 3-day Salkantay Trek tour you should take into count the following information:

Is it for me the Salkantay Trek?

Perfect for those who are seeking a more daring adventure while scaling higher altitudes and enduring longer distances! Your journey includes the challenge of conquering the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ), an ascent that is not too strenuous or daunting in spite of its grand elevation.

How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Salkantay Trek?

Its recommended take a two or three day prior to embarking on your journey to acclimatize and adjust your body to the altitude of Cusco, Peru. This will help you avoid any potential issues with altitude sickness during your life-changing trek! Even if you have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude, we still suggest having one day or two in Cusco for rest, recuperation from travels, and to take in the sights and sounds of this ancient city before setting off on your adventure.

Informative meeting for getting ready to go to Salkantay´s Trek

Held in our main office (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm the day before your tour begins, this meeting will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will provide you with helpful insight into the terrain, geography, and altitude you'll encounter. If you're unable to attend, please reach out to us via email, phone or in person.

About the duffle bag for Salkantay Trek 3Days

Before setting off on your trek, take advantage of the duffle bag issued by us to fill with up to 7 kg / 15.4 lb of clothing for the three days. Our horses will do the heavy lifting and transport it along with the food and camping gear. Be aware that you won't have access until the end of each day. Make sure you have a large enough daypack to carry all essentials such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water (ideally 30-50 liters).

Can I store my luggage during the trek in your office?

Yes, store your main luggage with us or at your hotel prior to departure. If you have any valuable items, keep them in the hotel safe and get an itemized receipt for them; if you're concerned about security, put the items in a sealed and signed envelope. Get ready for an exciting journey with peace of mind!

Pick up of guests

Our pick-up service can come to your hotel in the Historical Center of Cusco on the day of your trek. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time during your brief meeting, but please note that it could take between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. As Cusco is made up of many narrow cobbled streets and steep slopes, we highly recommend selecting accommodations with easy access for cars and luggage transportation.

About group tours

Our group tours give you the freedom to explore and go at your own pace, even if that means someone else is faster or slower than you. But keep in mind, your guide will consult with everyone involved to decide if any changes can be made to the route.

About strikes and demonstrations

Get ready for an exciting adventure with unexpected surprises! While strikes and demonstrations may occur in Peru, we always strive to keep your trip as originally planned. However, depending on the circumstances, changes in date or tour cancellations may be necessary for the safety of everyone involved. Our operations department will make sure to coordinate the new plans with you, your safety is our highest priority!

Missing objects

Keep your valuables safe and sound! Whether you're on the transport, at a restaurant, or out camping, always be aware of where you leave your things and remember to take them with you when you leave. You're solely responsible for your belongings during the tour, please keep an eye out and don't let anything get left behind!

Frequent Questions

Customize this tour

This, and all the tours we offer online can always be customized, whether you are looking for upgrade alternatives, large groups, more flexible hours, have a special occasion (honeymoon, engagement), are a content creator, or are simply looking for something more private. We have all the alternatives to personalize your trip. Email us to info@visitsoam.com, leave us a message at +1 949 299 8915

How To Pay And Book?

How do you make a reservation?

1. Choose your departure date from the calendar
2. Select the number of passengers
4. Click on the BOOK NOW button
5. Fill in the information requested on the form
6. Complete the secure online payment

What are your payment methods?

Our online payment methods are PayPal, Stripe (credit card payment), and bank transfers in the U.S. or in Latin America. The options have a use tax of 2% to 4%

How and when will I receive the reservation confirmation?

Once the payment is made, we will send you a tour confirmation email. If the travel dates are very close, we will contact you as soon as possible, if they are extended dates we will keep in touch by email or WhatsApp contact 3 to 5 weeks before.

What happens if my reservation cannot be confirmed?

99% of the reservations are usually confirmed, however, if there is the availability of hotels, services, or others, we will offer an alternative of dates, lodging, or services. In the event that we are unable to help, full refund policies apply.

Is it necessary to reconfirm my reservation before the trip?

No, the confirmation email in your inbox is enough to validate the adventure.

How do I modify, update, reschedule or cancel my reservation?

Any modification, cancellation, or update of data must be done by email by mentioning the unique reservation # code generated to info@visitsoam.com

What happens if a booked service cannot be carried out due to weather conditions or reasons of force majeure?

In case of force majeure such as natural disasters, bad weather, problems that put your safety at risk, or others, our team will contact you immediately to provide some alternatives.