Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights - Orange Nation Peru
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days

3 Days

From

/ Per Person

Embark 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 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 69 Explorer experience: Expert guides, best camping equipment and experienced expedition team!

Service Level:

Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Travel Style:

Adventure, Trekking

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

Today our adventure will start very early. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive for almost 2.5 hours to Mollepata. Here, we’ll have breakfast before heading to the trailhead.

Upon arrival, enjoy your breakfast. Then, we’ll continue for another 40 minutes to Soraypampa. From Soraypampa, the trail continues toward the Salkantay Pass with a 4-hour hike. This section is known as the “Path of the 7 Snakes”, due to its zigzagging shape. At the pass, you will take a quick brake to capture the views and sink in your accomplishment.

After thanking the Apus for allowing us to reach this point, we’ll descend to Huayracmachay for almost 2.5 hours. Around lunchtime, our team will be waiting with a delicious meal after the long hike. Once we finish our lunch, we’ll continue hiking for another 3 hours until we reach Collpapampa. Here, you’ll find our glamping site with comfortable facilities where you can relax, have dinner, and enjoy a night under the stars.

Note: The Humantay Lake visit is optional and must be done on horseback due to the tight schedule. The additional cost for the horseback ride is USD 70. This optional activity takes you on a wonderful trail to witness the turquoise waters of the lake. On the way there, you will come across unique landscapes and wildlife. This is a loop back to the trailhead.

Stats of the day

  • DIFFICULTY: Challenging
  • WALKING DISTANCE: 23.5 km / 14.6 miles
  • WALKING TIME: 10 – 11 hours
  • STARTING ELEVATION: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
  • HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
  • MIN. ELEVATION: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
  • CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft

Today our day starts early with a hot beverage served to your room, followed by breakfast. Then we’ll begin today’s adventure. A vehicle will take you down the valley to Lucmabamba. From here, you will start the hike to Llactapata. This is an archaeological site located about around 3 hours uphill. The path is full of stone steps climbing to this stone gateway. From here, you’ll enjoy your first distant view of Machu Picchu.

Continuing the hike, you’ll descend to Hidroelectrica. There you‘ll stop for lunch. After enjoying your meal and recharging energy, you will continue 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. After the hike along the train lines, you will arrive in town and check into your hotel. To conclude the day, you will gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Rest in a comfortable hotel and get ready for your long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu.

** OPTIONAL: Instead of walking 3 hours from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu, you can do a train ride for an extra 45 USD

Stats of the day

  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate to challenging
  • WALKING DISTANCE: 20 km
  • WALKING TIME: 9 – 10 hours
  • STARTING ELEVATION: 2126 m / 6975 ft
  • HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2813 m / 9229 ft
  • MIN. ELEVATION: 2079 m / 6821 ft at Aguas Calientes

The big day has arrived! After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and take you to the bus to Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the citadel. Your guide will explain the most important areas: plazas, temples, and terraces. Afterwards, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, transportation will take you back to Cusco.

Stats of the day

  • DIFFICULTY: Easy

What is included for the salkantay 3 days trek?

  • 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

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $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 69 Explorer
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days
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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.

Authentic and personalized experiences

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We design unique tours through Peru, tailored just for you.

Leadership with real-world experience

Track Record

Our team understands service from the ground up to excellence.

Small groups, deeper connection

Connection

Small groups for closer and safer attention.

Personalized attention at all times

Commitment

We take care of every detail before, during, and after your trip.

Excellent quality at the best price

Value

We offer exceptional service and unforgettable experiences without overpaying.

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Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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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

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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

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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

 Orange nation Peru