Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days
3 Days
497
/ Per PersonEmbark on a unique journey across the Andes in just 3 days. If you are short on time, this hike is perfect for you!
Discover the Salkantay Mt and enjoy different types of ecosystems, from the Puna to the Cloud Forest, with various climates and temperatures. Sleep under the stars and on the last day, visit Machu Picchu.
Enjoy the Orange Nation experience: Expert guides, best camping equipment and experienced expedition team!
Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.
Challenging
Adventure, Trekking
Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..
Detailed Itinerary for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days
What is included for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days?
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes.
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (restaurant)
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules and horses (for camping equipment and personal items)
- Pack horse for 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- Pillow and comfortable foam mattress
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
Not Included
- Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Single Suplement: $30 USD – (Tent for single travelers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation Team
Our Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 3 days may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| 2 to 12 people | $ 497 USD per person |
***This price includes an extra packhorse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kg, we will provide you a duffel bag, you can put your things.
***We do include 1 night glamping dome and 1 night hotel at Aguas Calientes.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Single Sumplement: $30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc. Included is the 2kg weight for your sleeping bad and mattress.
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS?
- Original Passport (It has to be the same as one used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring only reusable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS?
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bag
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS?
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
497
/ Per Person- Best price guaranteed
- No booking fees
- Worry Free Travel
Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?
We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.
Design Your Ideal Adventure
Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.
Recommended for you
Here you have other options that will suit your needs from the Salkantay trek
1 Days
1 Day Humantay Lake Tour
This full-day trek will take you and a small group to Humantay Lake, nestled below the famous Salkantay Mountain. Hike to one of Peru’s most magical lakes, whilst surrounded by the impressive Salkantay and Humantay peaks. Start with a hot breakfast on arrival, followed by snacks along the way, a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef, private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and a fluent English-speaking guide. Humantay Lake Tour hikes to one of Peru’s most magical glacial lakes, with picturesque turquoise waters. The views are breathtaking!
5 Days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
This is an alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail, which will take you through incredible landscape and natural beauty with exotic flora and fauna endemic of the region. The trek will involve hiking through valleys and mountains before arriving to the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. A unique and specially designed 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, sacred mountains for the Incas.
Trek off the beaten track, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Hike through the extraordinary Peruvian cloud forest, tour a coffee plantation and visit the Hot Springs of Colcamayo. Hike up to LLACTAPATA Inca ruins, and explore this seldom visited ancient Inca city, which was once coated with vegetation. This is the best viewpoint to have a glimpse of the Majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the footsteps of the Incas, explore the crevices and and niches of the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, with our expert guide.
ORANGE NATION Peru is your best choice if you truly want to enjoy your Salkantay trek in Peru. We specialize in creating unique trekking routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay.
4 Days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights
This is an alternative route to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which will take you through incredible landscapes with various types of exotic flora and fauna. A unique and specially designed 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay Mountains.
Trek off the beaten path, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of LLACTAPATA with the greatest view of Machu Picchu.
Orange Nation is the best choice if you want to enjoy the Salkantay trek and an informative yet interesting tour of Machu Picchu. We pride ourselves in being specialists in creating unique routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay trek.
2 Days
Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek
The Humantay Lake Trek is a scenic 2-day hike to Humantay Lake and beyond. Traipsing through the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo where the natives still uphold their ancient traditions. The lake is situated at the base of the glacier covered Salkantay Mountain Range. On the second day, you hike to the highest point of the trek (4,650m / 15,367ft). From this vintage point, you can take in nature at its purest, while enjoying the massive Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay snowcapped mountains that surround you. Finally, you take a detour off the main trail to the panoramic and truly exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake void of crowds.
Our Reviews
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
Jaffet hasan c
The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.
Written June 22, 2025
Friends
Glen
We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.
Written July 14, 2025
Family
Kendall C
Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.
From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is
Written July 8, 2025
Couples
