The Salkantay Trek is an alternative to the traditional Classic Inca Trail for reaching Machu Picchu. The trek crosses the Salkantay Pass at 4600m, descends into the cloud forest, with one of the wonderful views of Machu Picchu.
The trail starts in Mollepata/Markocasa or Soraypampa, a couple of hours away from Cuzco and ends in Hidroelectrica giving access to town of Aguas Calientes, is not as popular as the overbooked Inca Trail but many people find this trek just as beautiful as the Inca trail.
This trek was nominated as the 25 best Trek in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. Salkantay has some outstanding views and the altitude will descend till 1,000 meters above sea level, the lands cape is gorgeous and not too steep.
Our Salkantay Trek 3 Days adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cusco towards the charming village of Mollepata. Here we take a short break, and for those who didn’t have breakfast in Cusco, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast before continuing our journey.
We then head to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the official starting point of our challenging yet rewarding trek. From here, we begin our ascent towards the legendary Salkantay Pass. Starting early allows us to hike in the crisp morning air, before the Andean sun rises high and strong. The trail leads us through the Rio Blanco Valley, circling the base of Humantay Peak and approaching the mighty Salkantay Mountain.
The highlight of the day is reaching the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m / 15,213 ft)—the highest point of the trek. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, with the towering glaciated south face of Salkantay Peak right before us. This is also a great spot to keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above the cliffs.
After taking in the views, we descend toward Wayracmachay (“the cave where the wind lives”), where we stop for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we continue trekking downhill for about 3 hours until we reach our campsite near the village of Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).
Our Andean Cabins campsite offers a peaceful location far from the crowds, with a spectacular panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley. This is the perfect place to rest, enjoy dinner, and experience authentic local hospitality from the nearby families before continuing the journey to Machu Picchu.
Day two of the Salkantay Trek 3 Days is one of the most scenic and diverse experiences of the entire journey. After enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by our mountain chef, we begin our trek from Chaullay to La Playa (2,060 m / 6,759 ft). This section of the trail follows the lush Santa Teresa River Valley, where the Andean highlands gradually give way to the subtropical cloud forest.
As we hike, we’ll pass through traditional rural communities and fertile farmland. The route is full of life: banana, passion fruit, and avocado orchards line the trail, and we’ll also walk past organic coffee plantations—renowned as some of the best in Peru and considered among the finest organic coffees in the world. This part of the Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek truly showcases the region’s unique biodiversity and culture.
From La Playa village, we continue by local transport to the Hidroelectrica train station (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). Here, a well-deserved lunch awaits us. This point marks the end of the railway line that runs from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Afterward, we hike alongside the railway tracks for about 3 hours until we reach Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), also known as Machu Picchu Town. The walk is a beautiful experience, passing through dense jungle foliage and following the Urubamba River, with stunning views of the mountains—including the one that shelters the lost citadel of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our hotel for a well-earned rest. In the evening, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner with our guide and fellow trekkers, sharing stories and preparing for the ultimate highlight of the trek: visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on day three.
The final day of the Salkantay Trek 3 Days is also the most unforgettable: the long-awaited visit to the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast at our hotel, we head to the bus station in Aguas Calientes for a 30-minute ride up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Remember to carry your original passport, entrance ticket (included in the tour), and a valid student ID if you booked with a student discount.
Once past the control gate, your expert guide will lead you on an immersive tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s most iconic archaeological site. The visit follows Circuit 2 or Circuit 3 (depending on availability at the time of booking). We always aim for Circuit 2-A or 2-B, considered the most complete, as they include at least 17 of the main highlights. These include the upper panoramic viewpoint for the classic postcard photo, the lower platform, the Intihuatana (Sun Dial), the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and many more.
The guided tour lasts about 2 hours, during which your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and spirituality of the Inca civilization. After the visit, and in coordination with your guide, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch is not included today, so you’ll have free time to choose a restaurant in the town before boarding the train.
In the afternoon, we board the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on availability and schedules). Upon arrival, private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco—bringing your Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek to a perfect conclusion.
During your visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you may choose to enhance the experience by hiking one of the surrounding mountains. These climbs offer spectacular panoramic views of the archaeological site and the surrounding Andes. Please note that tickets are not included in the tour price and must be reserved well in advance, as availability is limited.
No. According to official Machu Picchu regulations, entrance tickets are valid for single entry only. Once you leave the citadel, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket. Tickets are not sold at the entrance checkpoint — they must be purchased in advance, either online or through an authorized agency.
No. Each ticket allows one-time entry only. If you wish to re-enter, you must buy a new ticket before your visit.
No. These hikes require separate entrance tickets that must be purchased together with your Machu Picchu entrance. Availability is very limited, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Note: If you wish, you can rent trekking poles, purchase additional entrance tickets, or request upgrades for hotels, trains, and/or extra meals before your tour.
| Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 3 days | USD 449.00 |
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Daniela P
September 3, 2025
Henrry was the best! We did the 2 day inka trail trek with him and everything exceeded our expectations. He was full of insights and information (& jokes). We felt well taken care of the entire time and the lunch provided on the hike was good too!
Cristian M
September 2, 2025
First time camping and being that the Inka Trail I think it was mesmerizing. The guides were very supportive. Both Chino and Cati were very attentive to our health and livelihoods. Not only with us but with the group as a whole. The helping crew and the crew were exceptional . There were amazing sites along the way and overcoming the hardships of the hike was both spiritually and physically expansive.
Voyager559792
September 1, 2025
I had the best experience hiking the four days with Inka Trail Expeditions. The food was delicious, tents cozy and insulated. We got double sleeping pads and super warm bags. Most importantly, our guide Eder was fantastic! He took care of our every need, answered our many questions, and shared his extensive knowledge. I had a lingering cold when I started the hike that developed into acute bronchitis, but he stayed with me, gave me a "remedy," asked every store for miel, and even gave me cola and mentos from his pack! He went above and beyond to make sure I was okay. He also found out it was my birthday the day before the last night of camping and made sure I had a cake. A CAKE! At 12k feet... Amazing. But beyond his attentiveness, Eder shared his passion and knowledge of the trail with love and enthusiasm. If you decide to do the Inka Trail with this group (which I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE), ask for Eder as your guide!!! You will be taken care of from start to finish.
karyn h
September 1, 2025
The 2 guides, Jorge and Katy, were kind, helpful, patient, knowledgeable, and excellent at keeping the group on task. The porters, the cooks, the camp sites, were welcoming after a hard day of hiking. The size of the group was perfect for getting to know each other.
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