Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu. Recommended route for people who do not have much time and want to enjoy this experience and live the magic of the Inca citadel Machu Picchu. The Salkantay mountain 6,217.00 meters above sea level, is one of the most sacred apus, or holy peaks. It is venerated in the traditional Andean religion. Enjoy this experience with the best Pacha Expeditions.
Hike through diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys to lush cloud forests filled with unique flora and fauna. Along the route, you will enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andean world. The trail offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, adventure, and local culture, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional Inca Trail.
The journey culminates with a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whether you are seeking adventure, nature, or cultural discovery, the Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Peru.
The Incas were great master builders of roads that crossed South America, from Cusco and many of these are found on the coast, mountains, and jungle. In Cusco, there are now alternative routes to the classic Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu. Pacha Expeditions offers the best hiking alternatives, most of which do not require permits and can be organized with little advance notice; you only need a certified company. Some of these treks are available with a day’s notice.
Overview
Salkantay Short to Machu Picchu 3 days. It is a good option so that you can enjoy the famous trail and the Inca city of Machu Picchu, this alternative is good because you will have a wonderful experience in the Andes. Enjoy salkantay Hike to Machu picchu for 3 days. Have a good trip. !!!!
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
We offer daily departures in the inca trail and alternative routes: check availability here.
Useful Information: Salkantay trek 3 days
- Starting altitude – 3900 / 9515 m.
- Higher altitude – 4650 / 15.200 m
- Total distance – 40.5 km / 37.5 miles
- Longest Day – Day 1, approx 21 km / 13 miles
- Meals - Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping/ hostel
- Difficulty – difficult / Moderate
Overview Day to Day
- Day 01: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS - CHAULLAY
- Day 02: HIHG JUNGLE - AGUAS CALIENTES
- Day 03: MACHU PICCHU CITY - CUSCO
*The train service on all tours includes an expedition to Ollanta and a bus to Cusco.
* If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and modify the train service return, the camps mentioned in the program are referential as it depends on the time and date of reservation and Availability of the Ministry of Culture-Cusco
* Campsites are subject to approval by the decentralized department of the Ministry of Culture and also depend a lot of time on your reservation, therefore, the above fields are for reference.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY
We start our salkantay trek in 3 days, we will pick you up from your hotel and continue by bus to Soraypampa. Here you can have breakfast and then we will start our 3-hour hike to the Salkantay Pass, where we will have panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped peaks (Humantay and Salkantay) (4650m/15200ft). After a break, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a spectacular mountain road, towards Huayracpampa, where we will have lunch. After lunch, we continue the hike through a cloud forest until we reach our Chaullay camp (3000m/9800ft) dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast- Lunch – tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Minimum altitude: 2920 masl
- Maximum altitude: 4620 masl
- Distance: 19 km / miles
- Time: 8h about
- Difficult: Difficult
DAY 2: HIGH JUNGLE - AGUAS CALIENTES.
After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we will begin the walk and on the way, we will be able to observe a varied vegetation typical of the jungle, here we will be accompanied by the Santa Teresa River which has many tributaries, such as the Illuskamayo River and a great variety of streams, we will arrive at the beach, and have our lunch. From this point, we continue on local transport until we reach the hydroelectric station. Approximately at 4 p.m. board the train to Aguas Calientes (optional) where we will spend the night hostel. Finish the hike of Salkantay trek for 3 days.
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – dinner.
- Lodging: Hotel
- Minimum altitude: 200 masl
- Maximum altitude: 2900 masl
- Distance: 22.km/14 miles
- Time: about 7.h
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU CITADEL
We will have breakfast very early and at 6.00 am, we will board the first bus to Machu Picchu (25 minutes), to appreciate the magnificent Inca city, the wonder of the world, as well as observe the sunrise. Here you will have a walk (approximately 2 hours) given by your guide, to see the main places in the city. If you still have the energy you can also climb the mountain of Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. (optional U$: 60). Afterwards you have two options to return to Aguas Calientes town (you can get there by bus or on foot). Here the guide will give you the train ticket back to Cusco city. Finish at Salkantay trek 3 days.
The train service that includes all the tours (the Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco.
* If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and change the return train service.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Minimum altitude: 2000 masl
- Maximum altitude: 2400 masl
- Distance: 4km / 8.5 miles
- Time: 2.00.Hrs about
- Difficult: Easy
*CONDITIONS FOR THE HUAYNA PICCHU AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED: salkantay trek 3 days
- Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
- Collection from hotel
- Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollanta)**
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 3 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 Afternoon Snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 2 dinners (lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes town are not included)
- Cook /Chef
- Cabins / 2-people
- Sleeping mattresses
- Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 08 kilos of tourist’s belongings)
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Extra oxygen
- First Aid kit
- Vegetarian/special diet options available.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch the Last day
- Sleeping bag
- Expenses extras.(tips)
**Train included in Salkantay Trek 3 days, is the Expedition service (to Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:55.pm and being the 18.20,pm the last train. Pacha Expeditions, will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport and Student car
- Insurance card is essential
- Sleeping bag (not included)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves T-shirts Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream factor 70.
- Insect Repellent
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Torch with spare batteries
* To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with current and updated date
* If desired train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+U$.60)
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Walking stick
- bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit for hot springs in Santa teresa or/and in Aguas Calientes town -not included in price-
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Sleeping bag U$:25
- Walking sticks U$:15
- Daypacks U$:15
Price & Add - ons - 2025
Group: U$: 450
Private: U$: 520
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference? Salkantay trek 3 days.
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group. Salkantay trek 3 days
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – U$:15 (pair)
- Sleeping Bag: U$:25
Upgrades
- Return Hiram Bingham Train– U$: 580 per person
- Return Vistadome Train – U$: 90 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 345 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 90 Per person
Map (Salkantay Trek 3 Days)
Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days?
The Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days is a condensed version of the classic Salkantay adventure, combining breathtaking mountain scenery with a visit to Machu Picchu in just three days.
How difficult is the Short Salkantay Trek?
The trek is considered moderately challenging. Hikers will encounter high-altitude sections, steep trails, and long walking distances, making a reasonable level of fitness important.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is usually the Salkantay Pass, located at approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level.
Do I need trekking experience?
No previous trekking experience is required, but regular physical activity and acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended.
How many kilometers do we hike?
Depending on the itinerary, hikers typically cover between 25 and 40 kilometers (16–25 miles) over the three days.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes. Since the trek reaches high elevations, spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco before departure helps reduce the risk of altitude-related symptoms.
What is included in the tour?
Most packages include transportation, professional guide services, accommodation, meals during the trek, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, and return transportation.
What should I bring?
Essential items include hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, passport, and personal medications.
What is the best season for the trek?
The dry season, from April to October, offers the best weather conditions, clearer mountain views, and more comfortable hiking.
Can I do the trek during the rainy season?
Yes. The trek operates year-round, but from November to March hikers should expect rain, muddy trails, and changing weather conditions.
Where do we stay during the trek?
Accommodation varies by operator and may include mountain lodges, eco-domes, or hotels in Aguas Calientes.
Are meals included?
Yes. Most tours provide meals during the trek, with vegetarian and special dietary options available upon request.
Is Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The Short Salkantay Trek includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the final day.
Can I add Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Yes. Additional tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added, subject to availability.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and unexpected travel issues.
Why choose the Short Salkantay Trek 3 Days?
This trek is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the spectacular landscapes of the Andes and visit Machu Picchu on an unforgettable adventure.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking several weeks or months in advance is recommended, especially during the high season and if you plan to add Huayna Picchu tickets.
