Salkantay Challenge Trek 3 Days

Start your adventure early in Cusco with a 2:00 am pick-up from your hotel. We’ll take you on a 3-hour car ride to Soraypampa, where you’ll join the Salkantay group for breakfast before embarking on a 22-kilometer hike. The highlight of the trail is the highest point at 4630 meters, offering breathtaking views of Salkantay mountain and the chance to make an offering to the Andean gods. After celebrating at the top, we begin our 15-kilometer descent in two sections, with the first section taking us to the lunch point, and the second section bringing us to Chaullay, where we’ll set up camp. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the diverse landscapes, from glacier mountains to lush jungles. In the evening, relax with a cold beer, a delicious dinner and tea. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire and excite you!

On the second day of your journey, you will find yourself immersed in the lush green jungle. You will be awakened by the aroma of freshly brewed coca tea at 6:00 am, and a delicious breakfast will be served to fuel you up for the day ahead. At 7:00 am, you’ll embark on a 5-hour hike through the picturesque Santa Teresa Valley, which is home to a variety of crops such as coffee, bananas, avocados, Coca, passion fruit, and much more. As you trek through the valley, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the breathtaking scenery around you. After five hours of hiking, you’ll reach La Playa Sahuayaco, where local transportation will take you to Hidroelectrica for lunch. From there,  3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes town on the flat trail. You’ll then head to your hotel for a refreshing shower and some relaxation. In the evening, we’ll take you to a restaurant in Aguas Calientes for dinner before retiring for the night. This day is sure to be filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever.

On the third day of our Salkantay Challenge Trek 3 Days, we will embark on an early morning journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, the highlight of our adventure. The day starts before dawn, allowing us to catch one of the first buses up the winding road to the gates of the ancient city. This ensures we arrive in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, a moment that symbolizes the awakening of the Inca spirit.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour:

Once at Machu Picchu, we will dive into a comprehensive two-hour guided tour. Our expert guides will lead us through the heart of the citadel, sharing stories and insights that bring the stone structures to life. We will explore key areas such as the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows. Each step and turn reveals the genius of Incan architecture and the mystical allure that has captivated visitors for centuries.

After the guided tour, we will have some free time to explore the site on our own. This is the perfect opportunity to soak in the views, take photos, or simply sit and reflect on the majesty of this Wonder of the World. For those who seek a little more adventure, there are additional hikes within Machu Picchu, such as the climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability and permits), offering even more stunning vistas.

In the afternoon, we will descend back to Aguas Calientes. Here, we’ll have a brief period to enjoy lunch or explore the town before boarding the train for the return trip to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, marking the end of our unforgettable journey.

Key statistics for the second day of the two-day Short Inca Trail Tour from Cusco include:

• Distance covered: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 0.9 miles) from the bus drop-off to Machu Picchu.
• Highest altitude: 2,430 meters (about 7,972 feet) at Machu Picchu.
• Lowest altitude: 2,040 meters (about 6,692 feet) at Aguas Calientes.
• Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate, with most of the day spent exploring the site.

This day not only offers the climax of our trek, the exploration of Machu Picchu. It also wraps up our journey with a serene return to Cusco. This return is filled with memories of the ancient paths we’ve tread and the timeless beauty we’ve witnessed.

Join us for this life-changing experience on the Salkantay Challenge Trek 3 Days, where history, culture, and nature converge into an adventure that transcends the ordinary.