SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Start your adventure very 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 this unforgettable hike.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day. At approximately 6:30 am , you’ll begin the ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trail , located at 4,630 meters above sea level.

After about 3 hours of hiking , you’ll celebrate reaching the summit , enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain . Here you can make a small offering to the Apus (Andean deities) as a sign of gratitude for their protection during your journey.

Then, you will begin the 15 km descent to 2,900 m above sea level , divided into two sections:

• The first leg, from the summit to the lunch spot, takes about 2 hours .

• After a well-deserved rest, you will continue for another 3 hours until you reach Chawllay , where you will board local transport for approximately 1 hour to the Lucmabamba camp .

In Lucmabamba , you will enjoy a night in Andean jungle cabins , surrounded by nature and a tranquil atmosphere that offers an authentic and immersive experience.

Details of the day:

• Distance covered: 22 km – approximately 9 hours of walking.

• Altitude of the Lucmabamba camp: 2,000 m above sea level

• Highest point of the trek: 4,650 m above sea level

• Climate: warm and windy during the day; cold at night.

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Start your day by waking up at 6:00 am and having breakfast at 6:30 am . At 7:00 am , you will begin your hike from the Lucmabamba campsite towards the Llactapata archaeological site .

The tour includes a 3-hour ascent along an original Inca Trail leading to Llactapata, where you’ll enjoy unique views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu , and the surrounding mountains. After exploring the Inca ruins , you’ll begin the descent to Hidroeléctrica , a steep section of approximately 2 hours where trekking poles are very useful.

Upon arrival at the hydroelectric station, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and have time to rest before continuing your trek. The final hike to Aguas Calientes takes about 3 hours and follows the train tracks, offering beautiful views of Machu Picchu from the valley below .

Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will accompany you to your accommodation , where you can rest, shower, and prepare for dinner.
This second day combines history and nature , with a visit to the Llactapata archaeological site and a scenic hike through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest , ending with a peaceful night in the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) .

Dinner is scheduled for 7:00 pm at a local restaurant, where your guide will give you the final instructions for the eagerly awaited visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Details of the day:

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Accommodation: night in hotel/hostel in Aguas Calientes.
• Difficulty level: challenging.
• Distance traveled: 24 km (approx. 15 miles).
• Estimated hiking time: 8 to 9 hours.
• Maximum altitude: 2,700 m asl (Llactapata).
• Climate: warm.

The last day of your adventure is dedicated to discovering the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu .
The exact entry time will depend on the time printed on your ticket , so it’s important to arrive at the main gate promptly .

From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) , where you spent the night, you have two options to get to the main entrance :

 Option 1: Hike (approx. 1 hour and 30 min)

• Start with a flat 30-minute walk from your hotel to Puente Ruinas , the first checkpoint where you will need to present your passport and entry ticket .

• From there, continue climbing approximately 1,700 steps for about 1 hour .

If your ticket is for 6:00 am , start the walk at 4:30 am , after having breakfast at your hotel.

 Option 2: Uphill bus (30 minutes)

• If you prefer not to walk, you can take a tourist bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

• The ticket costs USD 12 per leg and can be purchased the night before or early on the same day .

• Buses start departing at 5:30 am , every 5 to 10 minutes , on a first-come, first-served basis.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you are at the main entrance at the time indicated on your ticket.

GUIDED TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU

Once inside, you’ll meet your group and your professional guide , who will lead you on a 2-hour guided tour of the circuit assigned to your ticket.
During the tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this sanctuary, while you enjoy the scenery and take photographs.

OPTIONAL WALKS (for those with additional tickets)

If you pre-booked an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain , you can hike up after the guided tour .
These hikes last approximately 3 hours (round trip) and have limited spaces , so they must be booked in advance.

RETURN TO CUSCO – TWO OPTIONS

 Option 1: Return by train

• Return to Aguas Calientes by walking (1.5 h) or by bus (30 min / USD 12).

• Take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo (duration approx. 1.5 h).

• Upon arrival, the journey continues by tourist transport to Cusco (2 more hours).

• Trains usually depart between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm , depending on availability.

• Estimated arrival time in Cusco: between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm

 Option 2: Return by car via Hidroeléctrica

• Hike from Machu Picchu to Hydroelectric Plant (approx. 3 h).

• You must arrive before 2:30 pm to board the only transport that departs at 3:00 pm

• The car trip to Cusco takes between 5 and 6 hours , arriving around 10:00 pm to 10:30 pm

This option is only available if your entry time to Machu Picchu is between 6:00 am and 9:00 am .
If your ticket is for a later time, you will not arrive on time and will need to spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes to return the following day.
Any additional expenses for lodging, meals, or other services will be the responsibility of the passenger.

Enjoy your Machu Picchu experience to the fullest and celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey with us!