Challenge Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days - Private service

This route is designed for people with limited time who want to experience an incredible adventure offering breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

We'll spend an unforgettable night at our campsite in Chaullay, where we'll have the opportunity to hike over the impressive snow-capped peak of Salkantay, crossing the beautiful valley to reach our final destination, the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. There, we'll take a guided tour of either Circuit 2A or 2B, depending on availability. Experience this unique combination of adventure, challenge, natural beauty, and history.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the best alternative route to Machu Picchu.
• See the impressive Salkantay Glacier and the snow-capped mountain peaks in one of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see.
• Admire colorful valleys, waterfalls, crystal-clear mountain streams, cloud forests, and unique flora and fauna.
• Explore the magical and mystical Machu Picchu in the company of our expert guides.
• Transportation of your duffel bags with your personal belongings from the Hidroeléctrica train station to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Connect with the ancestral wisdom of the Andes.
• Discover the Andean worldview: a way of understanding life in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth).

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa – Chaullay

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Hotel pickup will be at approximately 3:00 a.m., and you will be transferred in our private transport for about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Soraypampa, where we will begin our Salkantay trek. There, we will have a packed lunch before starting the hike to the Salkantay peak at 4,630 meters above sea level. We'll have the opportunity to appreciate the full majesty of the area, its mountain ranges, glaciers, and canyons. We will feel the magic of the Andes. After a restful break, we will begin the gradual descent to the archaeological site of Huayracmachay, where we will have a revitalizing lunch.

We will continue descending and enter the edge of the jungle, where we will enjoy breathtaking views, before continuing our trek to our first campsite in the Chaullay sector, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Chaullay: Transformation from the Puna to the Cloud Forest

After crossing the pass, the route descends to Chaullay (~2900m), where the climate changes from alpine to tropical and the ecological coast blends with the murmur of the river and jungle life.

This descent symbolizes the passage between Hanan Pacha, Kay Pacha, and Ukhu Pacha, a physical and spiritual journey that reflects the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, central to the Andean worldview.

Offerings to Pachamama, Mother Earth, are a common and sacred practice, especially during planting and harvesting seasons, or before undertaking an important journey like the Salkantay trek. The Salkantay is considered an apu, a protective spirit and mountain deity, key to fertility and abundance for local communities. These ceremonies include symbolic elements such as coca leaves, corn, chicha (a fermented beverage), and sweets. During our visit, we will have the valuable opportunity to participate in an authentic Earth Payment ritual, an ancestral ceremony that invites us to give thanks, ask permission, and reconnect with the energy of nature from a deeply spiritual and respectful perspective.

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Day 2: Chaullay - La Playa - Hydroelectric Plant - Machu Picchu Town

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This day will be truly unforgettable. After a hearty breakfast, we'll resume our hike through the lush Andean jungle. Along the way, we'll be surrounded by rich biodiversity: leafy trees, colorful birds, and coffee and tea plantations that are part of the local livelihood. The temperate and humid climate of this region creates an ideal microclimate for the flowering of wild orchids, considered by experts to be some of the most beautiful and diverse in the world.

We'll continue until we reach Sahuayaco Beach, a peaceful village surrounded by nature (optional: participation in a Coffee Tour, where you can learn about the cultivation and artisanal roasting of this ancestral beverage). Then, we'll board local transport that will take us on a short journey to the Hydroelectric Station, where a well-deserved and delicious lunch awaits us.

After a well-deserved rest following lunch at Hidroeléctrica, we will resume our hike, following the train tracks along the Urubamba River through lush jungle vegetation, imposing mountains, and with occasional views of the Machu Picchu citadel from above. After approximately 3 hours of leisurely walking, we will arrive at the charming town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), located at 2,000 meters above sea level, where our day's trek ends.

In the evening, we will gather for a group dinner at a local restaurant, share experiences, and prepare for the big day ahead: the visit to the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.

Overnight stay (additional cost).

"Encanto" Lodging: A clean, welcoming, and well-located guesthouse.

It features private rooms equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, hot shower, and breakfast included.

Upgrades to higher category hotels are available (extra cost).

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Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

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Very early in the morning, after breakfast (provided by the hotel), we will take the bus for an approximately 30-minute uphill ride to the entrance of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, one of the wonders of the modern world.

Once at the checkpoint, we will begin a guided tour of Circuit 2A (subject to availability), one of the most comprehensive tours, which covers about 80% of the sanctuary, including at least 17 highlights, such as the upper and lower platforms, the Intihuatana (sundial), the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and much more. On this tour, you will enjoy the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu, ideal for memorable photographs.

The guided tour lasts approximately two hours, during which the guide will share historical, cultural, and spiritual information about the Inca citadel.

At the end of the tour, in coordination with your guide, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Please note that lunch is not included on this day, so you will have free time to choose where to eat before boarding the return train.

We will go to the train station to board the return service to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on availability and the assigned train schedule).

Upon your arrival at the station, our transportation will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco, thus completing this extraordinary experience on the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu route.

NOTE: PLEASE CHECK THE AVAILABILITY OF ENTRANCE TOURS WITHIN THE MACHU PICCHU CITADEL WITH YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE.

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End of our Services

INCLUDES

• Pre-departure information: You will meet your guide and Salkantay group at our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffel bags that our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trek begins. If you cannot attend at this time, please let us know so we can arrange another time.
• Tourist transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and you will travel by private transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek.
• Experienced Salkantay adventure tour guide: Your English-speaking, professional, and educated guide holds a tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a genuine passion for teaching others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings throughout the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, healthy, and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy your time along the Inca Trail and ensure your safety and happiness.
• Experienced Cultural Tour Guide in Machu Picchu: English-speaking, professional, polite, and certified in tourism. For visiting the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
• Private Campsites: Each campsite is carefully selected for a personalized experience.
  • Night 1: Enjoy our first night at our Sky Lodge at Collpapampa Campsite. You'll find a comfortable bed and a thick camping mattress at no extra charge. The campsite is surrounded by the sacred mountains.
  • Night 2: The second night in a hotel is not included. This hotel is located in the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Hotel prices will vary depending on your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at our local accommodation, Hotel Encanto Machupicchu, at no additional cost. www.hotel-encanto.com Our lodge in Aguas Calientes offers double or triple rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
  • Note: It is unusual for campsites, cabins, or hotels to change after confirmation. However, changes may occur due to government regulations and permits, adverse weather conditions, and the physical condition of our visitors. Inka Trail Expeditions will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entrance ticket to the Inca site of Machu Picchu
• 1 duffel bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to 5 kg / 11.02 lbs, including your sleeping bag. This bag will be carried by our horses.
• Mules/horses: We will give you your duffel bag at your briefing the night before. so you can carry the things you'll need. You won't have access to your duffel bag until you reach your overnight camp. On Day 1, our mules/horses will carry all the camping equipment and your personal luggage allowance (5 kg / 11.02 lbs). On Day 2, your luggage will be transported by car or train to your destination until we arrive at Machu Picchu.
• Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specializing in trail cooking, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals throughout our trek to keep you energized every day. You'll never go hungry!
• Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specializing in trail cooking, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals along the way to keep you energized each day. • Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus available at no extra cost). Please note: the first breakfast and last lunch are not included.
• Boiled Water: From your first lunch to your last, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the necessary water. This water will be boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distribution. You must bring your own water bottles. We recommend carrying around 3 liters. We will refill our water bottles at each meal.
• Wake Up to Tea: Every morning at camp, you will wake up to a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so it can warm from the inside out before you start your day.
• Daily Tea Time During the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our daily tea time with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to enjoy a snack. Relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
• Hygiene products: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to wash your hands, and every morning there will also be a bucket of warm water for personal hygiene.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle: Our team will bring a first-aid kit.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping bags: You can rent one from our company if you don't have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, withstanding very low temperatures down to -18°C (0°F). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. The bags are washed after each use.
• Consettur bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu: The wait to board the bus to Machu Picchu is usually 1 to 1.5 hours, so we prefer that you decide the day before your visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu whether you want to take the bus, considering the wait time, or whether you prefer to hike the last leg of the ascent, which takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will all depend on your physical condition after the hike.
• Trekking poles: You can rent a set from our company if you wish.
• Day 1: Breakfast: approximately USD 5 to USD 10.00, the price may vary depending on your selection.
• Consettur bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu: • Last day: Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. USD 20 to 25.00, price may vary depending on your selection.
• Personal clothing and equipment.
• Gratuities for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well-paid, so feel free to tip as you wish. "Recommended tip: USD 6 to USD 8 per day per traveler for all trekking staff." Again, this is optional and may vary depending on your satisfaction.
• Option: If you feel tired after the trek on day 2, you have the option of taking a train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. (Cost: USD 34.00)
• Additional costs or delays beyond the control of the administration (bad weather, itinerary changes due to security issues, illness, changes in government policy, political instability/strikes, etc.)

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org or by WhatsApp (+51) 970 506 205 and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”

NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

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