Short Salkantay Trek (return by train)

Treks In Cusco

Spain
0 booked

Duration:3 Days
Language English
Transport: Bus
Accommodation: camp, Hotel
N. Pax: 10

Along this route, you'll experience majestic snow-capped mountains, beautiful valleys, breathtaking waterfalls, unique plants, and wildlife in the captivating cloud forest. And once you reach Machu Picchu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), your trek will be complete!

Day 1: Cusco - Sorayapampa - Chaullay

We’ll pick you up at 3:00 am from your hotel and travel by bus to Mollepata and then Soraypampa. A 3-hour hike will take us to Soyroqocha where we’ll have lunch with the beautiful Salkantay mountain (6271m / 20575ft) in the background. We’ll begin our ascent to the highest point of this trek, which is at 4650 meters (15200 feet), enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Once we reach the top of the pass, we’ll descend to the Arrayanniyoq or Chaullay campsite, depending on how you hike on the first day.

Day 2: Chaullay - Collpampa - La Playa

After breakfast, we descend through a dramatic cloud forest, where we’ll have lunch. After lunch, we head towards the edge of the jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of streams to reach La Playa. In the late afternoon, we can visit the Santa Teresa Natural Hot Springs (this is an optional excursion; you must pay for the round-trip bus fare from La Playa to the hot springs). Today, we’ll pass through valleys and enjoy wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We’ll also pass through a very warm area (optional visit to the Natural Hot Springs) to the hydroelectric plant, where we’ll have lunch. After lunch, we continue walking, passing a variety of crops such as coca and bananas. We’ll walk for about two and a half hours along the railway line until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a hostel. You can take advantage of the town’s hot springs (entrance fee 10 soles), a true pleasure after finishing the hike.

Day 3: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

The big day has finally arrived! After months of anticipation, it’s time to visit Machu Picchu. Get up early, around 4:00 a.m., to grab a quick bite before beating the other tour groups. We want you to experience Machu Picchu with fewer tourists, so try to be one of the first to arrive when it opens at 6:00 a.m. Head to the small bus stop in Aguas Calientes and then enjoy a pleasant walk to the entrance.

Prepare to feel something extraordinary as you enter the majestic Machu Picchu. Delight in the magic and mystery that permeates the atmosphere. Your guide will then take you on an informative tour of approximately two hours, showing you all the key sites. If you have tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, now is the perfect time to hike.

Take a break and recharge in Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Then, hop on our private transport back to your accommodation in Cusco.

What’s Included

Briefing sessions
Experienced tour guide
Private camping equipment
A duffle bag
Medical kit or first aid kit
Extras Included in Our Service
24/7 customer service
Satellite phone
Accommodation in Private Campsites
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Included meals
Water on the trail
Wake-up tea
Tea time or happy hour
Daily snacks on the trail
One cloth snack bag per person
Hygiene products
Private Transportation
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 3)
One-way Consettur Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 3)
Transportation of personal belongings
Entrance ticket for Salkantay Trek
Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

Not Included

Walking sticks (rental US$ 15.00 per person)
Sleeping Bag (rental US$ 15.00 per person)
Huayna Picchu Mountain (The ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person)
Machu Picchu Mountain (The ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person)
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 3)
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 2) (US$ 34.00 per person)
Personal hiking clothing and gear
Travel insurance
Tips for our staff
Additional costs or delays beyond our control

What to Bring:

A valid passport and any other necessary travel documents (e.g., visa)
A backpack or daypack to carry essentials such as water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Comfortable camping gear including a tent (for those who choose to camp), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
Hiking boots with good grip and ankle support; several pairs of hiking socks; comfortable layered clothing
Sun hat/cap and sunglasses; a raincoat/jacket
Headlamp or flashlight
Waterproof cover for your backpack
Necessary toiletries and personal items
First aid kit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Salkantay Trek for me?
Perfect for those seeking a more daring adventure as they climb to higher altitudes and endure longer distances! Your journey includes the challenge of conquering the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), an ascent that isn't overly strenuous or daunting despite its high elevation.
How many days do I need to acclimatize in Cusco before the Salkantay Trek?
It is recommended to take two or three days before embarking on your trek to acclimatize and adjust your body to the altitude of Cusco, Peru. This will help you avoid potential problems with altitude sickness during your life-changing journey! Even if you have already been to another high-altitude area of Peru, we suggest spending one or two days in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this ancient city before beginning your adventure.
Information session to prepare for the Salkantay Trek
This meeting, which will be held at our main office (or your hotel) at 5:00 p.m. the day before your trek begins, will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will provide you with useful information about the terrain, geography, and altitude you will encounter. If you are unable to attend, please contact us by email, phone, or in person.
About the duffel bag for the 3-Day Salkantay Trek
Before setting off on your trek, take advantage of the duffel bag we provide and fill it with up to 7 kg / 15.4 lb of clothing for the three days. Our horses will do the heavy lifting and carry it along with your food and camping gear. Please note that you will not have access to it until the end of each day. Make sure you have a backpack large enough to carry all your essentials, such as a warm jacket, rain gear, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water (ideally between 30 and 50 liters).
Can I store my luggage at your office during the trek?
Yes, you can store your main luggage with us or at your hotel before departure. If you have any valuables, please store them in the hotel safe and obtain a detailed receipt. If you are concerned about security, place the items in a sealed, signed envelope. Get ready for an exciting trip with peace of mind!