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Salkantay Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights
Salkantay trek 3 Days 2 Nights, was designed for people who have limited time in Cusco. It gives people 2 days to trek Salkantay through magical changes of biodiversity and landscapes plus one day to explore Machu Picchu. This trek is for experienced trekkers, people in reasonable shape and for trekkers looking for a moderately challenging trek.
Our team of experienced guides will be by your side throughout the entire trek, offering expert support every step of the way. They are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety, and are always available to assist with any needs or questions you may have, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure.
Overview
Salkantay trek 3 Days 2 Nights, it is the best alternative hike to the Inca Trail, designed for those who still wish to hike to Machupicchu. The ecosystem has a wide-range biodiversity. Come and see yourself an outstanding mountain scenery, biodiversity, and an old-living culture off the beaten path.
Highlights:
Main Pilgrimage to Machu Picchu: A historic route leading to the iconic Inca site.
Second Most Popular Trek: Salkantay is the region’s second most sought-after Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights after the Inca Trail.
Authentic Connection with Nature and Communities: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andes and experience local Andean culture.
Perfect for Adventurers: Ideal for adventure seekers, couples, friends, nature enthusiasts, and the intrepid traveler.
Stunning Landscapes: Marvel at snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush cloud forests.
Best Alternative to Machu Picchu: Recognized as the top alternative trek to the Inca Trail.
Incredible Campsites: Camp beneath the towering peaks of Humantay and Salkantay Mountains, surrounded by awe-inspiring views.
By booking the Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights with Cusco Journeys, you’re selecting an exceptional experience. Don’t just take our word for it—see what our satisfied trekkers have to say by checking out our reviews on TripAdvisor.
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing
A day or two before your Salkantay Trek 3 days 2 nights, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a quick briefing. You’ll review the trek details, ask any questions, and ensure you’re ready for the adventure.
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay.
We’ll begin bright and early at 4:30 AM, picking you up from your hotel and driving to Soraypampa (3,850 m). On the way, enjoy a quick breakfast stop, and be sure to take in the spectacular views of the Humantay and Salkantay Mountains as you travel.
After meeting your group, we’ll prepare for the trek and start our steady ascent toward the pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). Along the way, you’ll be awe-struck by the majestic presence of Salkantay and the surrounding Andes. Upon reaching the pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views at the base of the mountain.
From here, we’ll follow a winding rocky trail down to Huayracmachay for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our descent into the lush tropical high jungle, with the temperature rising as we move further into this vibrant ecosystem.
Starting point elevation: 3,500 m.
Campsite at Challway: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Sleeping tents.
Maximum altitude: 4,650 m.
Minimum altitude: 2,900 m.
Walking distance: 22 km to Chaullay.
Day 2: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
We’ll begin our day at 6:00 AM, trekking towards La Playa through the scenic Santa Teresa Valley. The hike will take approximately 6 hours, where we’ll pass breathtaking waterfalls, vibrant wild orchids, and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados. Along the way, we’ll stop to savor some of Peru’s exotic fruits, including the delicious passion fruit and granadilla.
As we continue, we’ll reach the village of Colpapampa, also known as the “forest cloudy brow.” This charming village is a paradise for nature lovers, with waterfalls, hot springs, fruit trees, a variety of birds, and lush plant life all around. If we’re fortunate, we might even spot the famous cock of the rock, Peru’s national bird.
We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch in La Playa before catching our transport to the Hydroelectric Train Station. From here, you’ll have two options:
If you’re feeling tired, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes and relax.
If you’re up for more adventure, you can opt to walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, a 3-hour trek that offers more stunning views.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we’ll check into our accommodations for some well-deserved rest or take time to explore the town. At 7:00 PM, we’ll meet for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
On our last day, you will get up very early to visit one of the 7 wonders of the World ¨Machu Picchu¨. At 5:30 am. We will go directly to the line to wait for the first buses to Machu Picchu.
We will arrive at the gate when the sky lights up and ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, while taking in the impressive views of the city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is magnificent; This moment is unforgettable.
Our tour guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour, where we will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience.
If you have booked Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price).
Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft.
Inclusions
Includes:
Pre-trek briefing with your guide.
Professional local trekking guide.
Second tour guide for groups of 9 or more.
Private transportation and professional driver (to the starting point of trek at Soraypampa).
All entrance tickets and permits for Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Citadel.
Horses or mules.
Train ticket from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo Village.
One trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Citadel.
Guided Machu Picchu tour (3 hrs).
Porterage up to 6 kg/13 lb.
1 nights camping.
Spacious tents / sleeping mat.
1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
1 duffle for personal items.
1 Cook.
All meals on the trek (2B/2L/2D).
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, cocoa, biscuits and popcorn).
Boiled water provided from day 2 (for drinking).
Wake up coca tea in your tent.
Daily hot water for basic washing in your tent.
Cusco Journeys & Adventure uses walkie-talkies on all treks.
Oxygen tank & first aid kit.
All local taxes.
Not Included
First breakfast & lunch on the last day.
Optional Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$75).
Optional hot springs (S/15.00 Soles).
Sleeping bags.
Train Ticket From Hydroelectric to Aguas calientes town (US$38).
Train or hotel upgrades.
Travel Insurence.
** Tips for porters, cooks or guides.
What you need to bring
Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:
A good day pack such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack.
Original passport.
Travel insurance.
Light trekking boots.
2 pairs of trekking pants.
1 rain jacket.
1 warm/winter jacket & thermals.
2 shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts.
1 good sleeping bag.
Sun protection cream.
Bug spray.
Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel-back.
Camera with extra batteries and storage.
A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries.
Bandages or moleskin.
Toiletries.
Medication.
Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes.
Something to read in the evenings.
Extra money for drinks.
Tips in Peruvian Soles (S/.) for cooks, horsemen, guides.
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra Soles (USD$ 220).
Prices
Prices:
Permits are required for your chosen start date. Prices for the Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights depend on group size and are valid from March 2025 to January 2026, quoted in USD.
Group Price: $449USDPer person
A group tour means other trekkers may join you, with varying fitness levels. Our expert guides ensure the trek stays enjoyable and on pace for everyone, no matter your hiking speed.
***The tour requires at least 3 participants to operate, with a maximum of 8 people in the group for a more personalized experience.
Private Tours:
Private tours are available and priced by party size.
Number of paxs
2 person
3 persons
4 persons
5+ persons
Price per person
$609
$549
$489
$459
*** Important: The price for the Salkantay Trek 3 Days 2 Nights includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings carried by the mules, so there is no need to hire an additional porter.
Discounts:
18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
Inka Terra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy).
Hotel El Mapi (4 star hotel) – US $145 per person per night (double occupancy).
Hotel Santuario (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$15.00.
Sleeping bag – US$15.00.
Private Tent – US$20.00.
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!
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