3-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The 3-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes adventurers on an incredible journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes. This guided trek offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, reaching heights of over 4,600 meters. With experienced staff, quality meals, and necessary equipment, trekkers can enjoy the diverse terrains of glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys. While the trek itself is a highlight, the ultimate destination – the iconic Machu Picchu – promises an unforgettable cultural encounter.

Key Points

• The 3-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is priced at $456 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 4,630 meters and includes guided support from experienced staff for safety and success.
• The itinerary covers glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys, with overnight stays in a campsite and Aguas Calientes.
• Proper gear, fitness, and acclimatization are essential due to the varied terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
• The package includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu, return train travel, and travel insurance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trek Overview

The 3-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular and affordable hiking adventure in Peru. Priced at $456 per person, the trek includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option.

Covering glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys, the journey reaches a maximum elevation of 4,630 meters. While the distances are manageable for well-prepared hikers, the trek is guided by experienced staff to ensure a successful and safe experience.

Included amenities like meals, camping gear, and train transport make this an all-inclusive trekking package to the iconic Machu Picchu site.

Itinerary and Route

Spanning three days, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes adventurers on a captivating journey through diverse landscapes.

Trekkers start in Cusco and trek through glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys, reaching the highest point at Abra Salkantay (4,630 meters/15,226 feet). The gradual ascent ensures the trek is manageable for well-prepared hikers.

The trek from Cusco traverses glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys, culminating at the 4,630-meter Abra Salkantay, an accessible ascent for prepared hikers.

Overnight stays include one night camping and another in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

Guided support throughout the trek guarantees a successful and affordable experience, with meals, equipment, and entrance fees included in the package.

Hiking Difficulty and Preparation

While the Salkantay Trek offers a manageable challenge for well-prepared hikers, it’s crucial to consider the trek’s difficulty and ensure proper preparation.

The trek involves:

1. Reaching altitudes up to 4,630 meters (15,226 feet), which can cause altitude sickness.

2. Hiking over varied terrain, including glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys.

3. Covering daily distances of up to 15 km (9 miles), which can be demanding.

4. Enduring potentially unpredictable weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or intense sun.

Proper gear, physical fitness, and acclimatization are essential for successfully completing the Salkantay Trek and enjoying the stunning landscapes along the way.

Group Support and Guides

With the Salkantay Trek, hikers don’t face the challenge alone. They join a group at the first camp, accompanied by experienced guides, cooks, and support staff.

The live tour guide is available in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout the journey. This guided support is crucial for a successful and affordable trek.

Hikers can rely on the expertise of the team, who’ll navigate the glaciers, lagoons, and jungle valleys, and help reach the high point of Abra Salkantay at 4,630 meters.

The group dynamic and professional guidance make the Salkantay Trek an accessible adventure for prepared trekkers.

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Accommodation and Amenities

The Salkantay Trek provides hikers with a comfortable and well-equipped experience. Included in the trek is a duffle bag and sleeping bag to ensure a restful night’s sleep in the great outdoors.

Meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by the experienced cooks, fueling trekkers for the journey. Accommodation includes 1 night camping and 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, providing a mix of outdoor adventure and cozy lodging.

Plus, entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain, as well as return train travel and travel insurance, are all included.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Aside from the included amenities, trekkers should expect to cover additional expenses such as tips for the experienced guides, cooks, and support staff who make the journey possible.

These tips are an important way to show appreciation for the team’s efforts in ensuring a successful and memorable trek.

Travelers can check availability to select start times and group sizes that fit their schedules and preferences.

With pay-later options, it’s easy to secure a spot on the trek now and worry about the payment later.

Booking and Flexibility

Travelers can easily book the 3-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu online, with the option to pay later.

The flexible booking process allows travelers to:

1. Check availability to select their preferred start date and group size.

2. Reserve their spot without paying upfront, taking advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" policy.

3. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

4. Customize their travel plans by adding extra nights in Cusco or Aguas Calientes as needed.

This hassle-free booking experience ensures a smooth and personalized Salkantay Trek.

Highlights and Experiences

The Salkantay Trek promises a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, allowing adventurers to enjoy the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Andes.

Trekkers will ascend to the breathtaking Abra Salkantay, a high mountain pass offering panoramic views of glaciers and towering peaks.

The trek’s highlight is the ascent to Abra Salkantay, granting panoramic vistas of majestic glaciers and towering Andean peaks.

Along the way, they’ll encounter sparkling lagoons, lush jungle valleys, and ancient Inca ruins, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With the guidance of experienced local guides, hikers will navigate this challenging yet manageable trek, culminating in the iconic arrival at the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Trek Start/End Dates if Needed?

Yes, the trek allows for flexible travel plans. Customers can check availability to select their preferred start and end dates. They can also take advantage of the pay-later option to secure their spot.

What Is the Weather Like During the Trek Season?

The weather during the trek season is generally mild and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). Evenings can be cooler, so hikers should pack layers for changing conditions. Rain is possible, so having appropriate gear is recommended.

Is There an Option to Hire a Porter for My Luggage?

Yes, porters are available to carry hikers’ luggage for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. An extra porter can be hired for an additional cost, allowing trekkers to travel more comfortably without the burden of carrying their own gear.

How Difficult Is the Acclimatization Process Before the Trek?

The acclimatization process before the trek can be challenging, as the highest point reaches over 15,000 feet. Hikers should allow time to acclimate in Cusco, and the guides will monitor everyone’s progress to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Luggage Allowed?

The trek allows a duffle bag up to 5kg/11lbs. Hikers can’t bring large or heavy luggage, as porters carry the bags. Participants should pack light, bringing only essentials for the trek.

The Sum Up

The 3-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unparalleled adventure through diverse and breathtaking landscapes. With experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, and a chance to immerse in the rich culture surrounding Machu Picchu, this trek provides an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Priced at $456 per person, it’s a well-rounded package that ensures a successful and memorable journey to one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

You can check availability for your dates here: