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Salkantay Trek 3 days is an exciting and less-traveled option for adventurers seeking a shorter route to Machu Picchu. With daily departures offered by Machu Picchu Reservations, this trek is accessible and affordable for those with limited time or budget constraints.
Despite its shorter duration, the 3-Day Salkantay Trek offers a stunning journey through diverse landscapes, including glaciers, rivers, lagoons, and jungle valleys. You’ll reach the trek’s highest point, Abra Salkantay, at an elevation of 4,630 meters (15,226 feet), and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
To make the trek more feasible within three days, Machu Picchu Reservations ensures that you will join a group at the first camp, complete with experienced guides, cooks, and support staff. This arrangement allows you to enjoy the trek with a reasonable price and the support necessary for a successful journey.
The 3-Day Salkantay Trek begins and ends in Cusco, with some distances shortened by car to accommodate the tighter schedule. While the walking distance may be slightly longer than other Salkantay trek options, it remains manageable for well-prepared and adventurous trekkers.
Embarking on the 3-Day Salkantay Trek offers the opportunity to experience the best of the Salkantay trail while visiting the iconic Machu Picchu on the final day before returning to Cusco in the afternoon. This condensed itinerary makes it an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore the Andes’ stunning landscapes without committing to a longer trek.
Begin Your Journey with an Early Start in Cusco: Transfer to Soraypampa and Embark on the Salkantay Trek
Start your adventure early with a 2:00 am pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a 3-hour transfer to Soraypampa, the starting point of your memorable hike.
Upon arriving at Soraypampa, join your Salkantay trek group for a hearty breakfast before preparing for your 20-kilometer hike. At around 6:30 am, commence your ascent to the highest point of the entire Salkantay trail, standing at 4,630 meters above sea level.
After approximately 3 hours of hiking, celebrate reaching the summit and revel in the stunning views of Salkantay mountain. Take a moment to make an offering to the Apus (Andean gods) in appreciation of their guidance.
Begin your descent, covering a total of 15 kilometers downhill to reach an elevation of 2,900 meters. This downhill trek is divided into two sections. The first segment, from the summit to the lunch point, takes about 2 hours. After a well-deserved lunch break, continue for another 3 hours to your second camp at Chawllay.
Throughout your trek, marvel at the diverse landscapes – from glacier-capped mountains and lagoons to rocky hills and verdant grasslands. As you approach the camp, immerse yourself in the lush, jungle environment.
Once you arrive at Chawllay, take the time to relax and, if you desire, enjoy a cold beer while the cooks prepare a comforting tea time and a scrumptious dinner to refuel for the next day’s adventure.
Embrace the Jungle on Day Two: From Santa Teresa Valley to Aguas Calientes
On the second day, find yourself immersed in the lush jungle environment. Begin your morning with a gentle wake-up call around 6:00 am, accompanied by a cup of invigorating coca tea. Savor a delicious breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead.
At 7:00 am, commence your hike to La Playa Sahuayaco, a journey that takes approximately 5 hours. Traverse the picturesque Santa Teresa Valley, shaped by the winding Salkantay River. As you explore the valley, discover an array of plantations, including coffee, bananas, avocados, coca, and passion fruit, among others.
After your 5-hour hike, arrive at La Playa Sahuayaco and take local transportation for a one-hour ride to Santa Teresa. Enjoy a well-earned lunch break before continuing by car for another 45 minutes to Hidroelectrica. From there, embark on a leisurely 3-hour walk along the train tracks, heading towards the charming town of Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel for a refreshing shower and some relaxation. In the evening, gather around 7:00 pm for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR:
Return by bus:
Then from 11:00 to 11:30 am we have to leave the city of Machu Picchu to begin our walk for 3 more hours to the Hidroelectrica
where we will board our bus to return to the city of Cusco. The bus departure is at 14:00 p.m and arriving in Cusco between 21:30 p.m and 22:00 p.m (Approximately 6 hours of travel).
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
Optional: You can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns. Ask for the total payment link.
The remaining BALANCE is due 48 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in CASH (soles or dollars) or CREDIT CARD (+ 4 %) at the office in Cusco or in your hotel/hostal/apartament.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Additional Enhancements:
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $30 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
Machu Picchu Mountain: $30 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
Sleeping Bag Rental: (for the entire trek): $15 USD
Trekking Poles Rental: (one pair for the entire trek): $10 USD
Upgrade Train: Vistadome – Panoramic Train (if you choose the train return option): $35 USD.
Extra night: $20 USD (per person “based 2 people”) $40 USD (Single accommodation)
Important: Book the normal tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance and any additional upgrades you choose upon arrival in Cusco.
Student Discount: If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.
All university cards must be laminated and clearly show the following information:
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The Salkantay trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. It is a multi-day hike that goes through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, high-altitude passes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins.
The Salkantay trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves hiking at high altitudes, with the highest point being Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. However, the trek is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and previous hiking experience.
The Salkantay trek typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. Some tour operators offer longer or shorter itineraries, depending on your preferences and fitness level.
You should pack comfortable and waterproof hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, warm clothes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also essential to bring a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and snacks or energy bars.
While you don’t need to be an experienced hiker, it’s important to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete the Salkantay trek. You’ll be hiking for several hours each day, often at high altitudes, so it’s a good idea to prepare your body with cardio and strength training before your trip.
While it’s possible to do the Salkantay trek independently, it’s recommended to hire a guide for safety reasons and to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Most tour operators offer guided tours, which also include transportation, meals, and accommodation.
The best time to do the Salkantay trek is from April to October, which is the dry season in the region. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. However, it’s also possible to do the trek during the wet season (November to March), although the trails can be muddy and slippery, and you may encounter more rain and clouds.
The Inca Trail is a famous trekking route in Peru that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. It’s a 4-day hike that follows an original Inca stone path through the Andes mountains, passing through several Inca ruins and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Inca Trail is considered a challenging trek, with steep ascents and descents, high-altitude passes, and rugged terrain. It’s important to have a good level of fitness and previous hiking experience to complete the trek.
The best time to do the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. The wet season, from November to March, can be more challenging due to the rain and mud on the trails.
The Inca Trail is a 4-day hike, covering a distance of approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles). However, there are shorter and longer itineraries available, depending on your preferences and fitness level.
You should pack comfortable and waterproof hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, warm clothes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also essential to bring a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and snacks or energy bars.
You need to book the Inca Trail through a licensed tour operator, as independent hiking is not allowed. The government limits the number of permits for the trail each day, so it’s essential to book well in advance, especially during the peak season (June to August).
If you still can't decide, we recommend you see these tour options that we have for you!
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