Visiting: Soraypampa · Salkantay Pass · Lucmabamba · Llactapata Inca Site · Aguas Calientes · Machu Picchu
Overview
The Salkantay Trek 3 Days is the fastest and most affordable way to trek the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu — built for fit, experienced hikers with limited time. On Day 1 you climb straight to the 4,650 m Salkantay Pass beneath the glaciers of Nevado Salkantay, then descend into the Lucmabamba cloud forest. Day 2 follows an original section of the Inca Trail to the Llactapata viewpoint for a unique, distant view of Machu Picchu, and Day 3 is your guided tour of the citadel.
Because it compresses the classic route into three days, this version skips Humantay Lake and crosses the high pass on the very first day — so good acclimatisation in Cusco beforehand is essential. You still sleep 1 night in our Sky Star Domes at Lucmabamba and 1 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes. No permit and no quota required, unlike the classic Inca Trail.
Machu Picchu entrance is included. We aim to secure Circuit 2 – Route 2-A (Classic), the iconic panoramic viewpoint; if it isn't available we book the best alternative circuit. For the classic circuit we recommend booking 3–4 months ahead, as tickets are sold by the Peruvian government.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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1
Cusco → Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) → Lucmabamba
The adventure starts with a 2:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel and a 3-hour transfer to Soraypampa, the trailhead, where the group gathers for a hearty breakfast. Around 6:30 AM you begin the climb to the highest point of the whole Salkantay trail at 4,650 m — about 3 hours up — before celebrating at the summit with sweeping views of Salkantay Mountain and a traditional offering to the Apus (Andean mountain spirits) in thanks for safe passage.
From the pass it's a 15 km descent down to about 2,900 m, split into two parts: roughly 2 hours to the lunch spot, then another 3 hours to Chawllay, where local transport takes you about 1 hour to the Lucmabamba camp. There you spend the night in our Sky Star Domes, sleeping under the stars in the heart of the jungle for a truly unique experience.
Good to know: Warm and windy by day but cold at night, this is the most demanding day — you cross the trek's highest point on Day 1, so good prior acclimatization in Cusco is essential.
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2
Lucmabamba → Llactapata Inca Trail → Aguas Calientes
After a 6:00 AM wake-up, breakfast at 6:30 and on the trail by 7:00, you leave Lucmabamba for a 3-hour climb along an original section of the Inca Trail up to the Llactapata archaeological site. From the ruins you get a unique view of Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu and the surrounding mountains, all framed by the lush vegetation of the Peruvian Amazon. A steep 2-hour descent — where trekking poles really help — then drops you down to Hidroeléctrica.
At the hydroelectric station you stop for lunch at a local restaurant and a chance to relax before the final stretch: a scenic 3-hour walk along the railway, with glimpses of Machu Picchu from the valley, into Aguas Calientes. Your guide takes you to your hotel to rest and freshen up, and dinner is at 7:00 PM at a local restaurant, where you finalize the plan for tomorrow's visit to Machu Picchu.
Good to know: It's a hot, challenging day combining Inca history at Llactapata with a scenic descent through Amazonian cloud forest — trekking poles make the steep section to Hidroeléctrica much easier.
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3
Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco
The final day is dedicated to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, and you must reach the main gate at the exact time printed on your ticket. From Aguas Calientes you can either hike up (about 1.5 hours: a 30-minute flat walk to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, then roughly 1 hour climbing around 1,700 steps) or take the shuttle bus ($12 USD one way, running every 5–10 minutes from 5:30 AM). Inside, you meet your professional guide for a 2-hour guided tour of the circuit assigned to your ticket, with time for photos and the views. If you booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, those ~3-hour round-trip hikes begin after the tour.
Afterwards you return to Cusco one of two ways. By train: walk or bus back to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo (1.5 h), then continue by tourist vehicle to Cusco (2 h), arriving roughly 7:00–8:00 PM. By car via Hidroeléctrica: a 3-hour hike to the station, then the drive to Cusco (5–6 h), arriving around 10:00–10:30 PM. The car option only works if your Machu Picchu entry is between 6:00 and 9:00 AM; with a later time you'd miss the car and need an extra night in Aguas Calientes.
Good to know: The car-via-Hidroeléctrica return only works for Machu Picchu entry times between 6:00 and 9:00 AM; with a later entry you return to Cusco the next day, and any extra lodging or meals are the traveler's responsibility.
Trek at a Glance
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Highest point | Salkantay Pass — 4,650 m / 15,255 ft |
| Total distance | ~50 km / 31 mi |
| Difficulty | Demanding (long Day 1, altitude) |
| Accommodation | 1 night Sky Star Domes + 1 night hostel |
| Meals | 3 breakfasts · 2 lunches · 2 dinners |
| Group size | Max 16 travelers |
| Permit | Not required |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
Prices — 2026 Season
The price depends on your return option (by car is the most affordable; by train adds the scenic Sacred Valley ride) and traveler category.
| Return | Adult | Student | Child (8–17) |
|---|---|---|---|
| By car | $340 | $320 | $320 |
| By train | $405 | $385 | $385 |
Prices per person, group service. Student rate requires a valid ISIC-approved ID (under 25). A $180 deposit per person confirms your booking.
Optional Add-ons
- Huayna Picchu Mountain$60
- Machu Picchu Mountain$60
- Vistadome panoramic train (one-way)$35
- Zipline adventure (Lucmabamba)$25
- Trekking poles (pair, full trek)$15
- Sleeping bag (−10°C, full trek)$15
What to Pack
You'll get a duffle bag at the briefing for up to 7 kg (carried by horses, includes your sleeping bag). Everything for the day goes in your daypack. Note: bags over 25 L aren't allowed inside Machu Picchu.
- Always with you: original passport (+ student ID if applicable), 25–30 L daypack, 1.5–2 L water, broken-in hiking boots, headlamp.
- Clothing: moisture-wicking layers, warm fleece + down jacket, waterproof jacket & pants, sun hat, beanie, gloves, camp shoes.
- Extras: sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, quick-dry towel, power bank, dry bags, personal medication, sleeping bag rated to −10°C (or rent from us).
How to Book
Book online from anywhere or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). A $180 per person deposit confirms your spot and lets us buy your Machu Picchu ticket; the balance is due no later than 48 h before departure.
- Choose your date and package (return by car or train) and traveler category.
- Fill in traveler details and accept the terms.
- Add optional extras (mountains, zipline, gear, Vistadome).
- Pay the deposit or full amount — our team confirms your booking and our team contacts you by WhatsApp.
Deposit: $180 per person, non-refundable (used to buy your Machu Picchu ticket immediately).
Machu Picchu & mountain tickets: issued by the Peruvian government — non-refundable, non-transferable, non-modifiable (date, time, circuit, name are final).
Cancellation: more than 48 h before — you lose the $180 deposit; within 48 h — 100% of the amount paid, no refund.
Force majeure: we may adjust the itinerary for weather, strikes or government restrictions, always seeking the best alternative.
Full terms are confirmed at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrive in Cusco (3,300 m) at least 2 days before. The 3-day version crosses the 4,650 m Salkantay Pass on Day 1, so prior acclimatisation is especially important — drink plenty of water, try coca tea, eat light and avoid alcohol the first day.
Demanding — it compresses the route, so Day 1 is long (~22 km, ~9 h) and crosses the 4,650 m pass early. It's best for fit, well-acclimatised trekkers with some hiking experience. If you'd prefer a more gradual pace, choose the 4 or 5-day version.
The dry season (April–October) has the most stable weather and clearest mountain views. The rainy season (November–March) is greener with fewer crowds. April and October are excellent transition months.
No. To fit the route into three days, this version goes straight from Soraypampa over the Salkantay Pass and skips Humantay Lake. If visiting Humantay Lake is a priority, choose the 4-day or 5-day Salkantay Trek instead.
Yes, both are optional add-ons ($60), subject to government availability. You can choose only one per day. Book early — spots are limited and sell out quickly.
Our exclusive 360° panoramic glass domes — a unique glamping experience with views of the night sky and mountains. On this 3-day trek you spend 1 night in them at Lucmabamba, a feature unique to Machu Picchu Team.
