3 days / 2 nights
Cusco
April to October
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Salkantay Sacred Trek: A Physical, Cultural, and Spiritual Journey to Machu Picchu
A spectacular journey of altitude, adrenaline, and ancestral beauty.
Embark on a breathtaking journey — physical, cultural, and deeply spiritual — as you walk the Salkantay Sacred Trek toward the legendary Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
This route, infused with adrenaline and awe, crosses the highest point of the trek at 4700 meters above sea level, near the towering Salkantay snow peak, whose summit rises to 6271 meters. Here, the air becomes prayer, and the mountain, a teacher.
For lovers of trekking and sacred landscapes
Climbing these steep slopes, surrounded by soul-stirring scenery, dreamlike lagoons, and a biodiversity that sings in silence, transforms this adventure into a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Munay Ana Travel recommends:
Arrive in Cusco 1 to 2 days before the trek begins to gently acclimate to the altitude while exploring this historic city that still breathes the legacy of the Incas.
Walking the Salkantay is not just a physical challenge.
It is a prayer in motion — a ceremony of reconnection with the mountain and with yourself.
Prices
classic
Include:
- Transfer from Hotel to Soraypampa
- Sky domes (Collpapampa)
- Entrance to Salkantay &
- Machupicchu Mountain
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Hotel 2* in Machu Picchu
- village RT – Consettur bus
- tickets
- Meals (Opt. Vegetarian)
- One way Expeditions train
- Transport from train station to cusco
Premium
Include:
- Transfer from Hotel to Soraypampa
- Sky domes (Collpapampa)
- Entrance to Salkantay &
- Machupicchu Mountain
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Hotel 2* in Machu Picchu
- village RT – Consettur bus
- tickets
- Meals (Opt. Vegetarian)
- One way Expeditions train
- Transport from train station to cusco
- Rental of a pair of poles per day USD. 20
- Single Tent room USD. 65
- Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu USD. 80
- Sleeping bag per day & Person USD. 30
- Extra porter 15kg. USD. 80
About the Mountains
Both mountains are quite high, but have distinct characteristics:
- Huayna Picchu rises to 2,720 m / 8,924 ft and features a steep, narrow trail with more extreme sections — a vertical climb that requires caution and stamina.
- Machu Picchu Mountain reaches 3,000 m / 9,843 ft, about 650 meters above the citadel. Its trail is wider and less demanding, accessible to most travelers. However, care should be taken regarding altitude sickness and weather conditions.
- Estimated hiking time:
- Huayna Picchu: ~45 minutes
- Machu Picchu Mountain: ~1.5 hours
Optional: If you feel tired after the Day 2 hike, you have the option to take a train from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as:
natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes due to passenger health issues (illness or medical conditions), pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.
DAY 1 | CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY
Hotel pick-up begins around 3:00 AM, followed by a 3.5-hour private transfer to Soraypampa, where we begin our sacred walk along the Salkantay Trail.
We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch before starting the ascent toward the Salkantay snow peak, reaching 4,630 meters above sea level. Here we are — surrounded by majestic mountain chains, glaciers, and deep ravines. We’ll feel the magic of the Andes.
After a restorative break, we begin a gradual descent toward the archaeological site of Huayracmachay, where we’ll enjoy a revitalizing lunch. From there, we continue descending and enter the edge of the cloud forest, where
We’ll enjoy indescribable views of the landscape before continuing our hike to the first campsite in the Chaullay sector, where we’ll share dinner and spend the night
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Overnight: Sky Del Cielo in Collpa
- Accommodation: Double occupancy (2 people of the same gender)
- Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Campsite elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Hiking distance: : 22 km / 13.7 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
- Weather: Can be quite cold, wintry, or rainy at the Salkantay Pass
DAY 2 | CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – HIDRO – MACHU PICCHU VILLAGE
This day will be unforgettable. After breakfast, we continue our trek through the jungle, where we’ll witness the rich flora and fauna of the region — especially the coffee and tea plantations.
The climate is mild and humid, creating a microclimate ideal for the growth of orchids, whose variety and colors have been recognized by experts as among the most beautiful in the world.
We’ll arrive at a place called Playa Sahuayaco (Optional: Coffee Tour), then continue by local transport to the Hydroelectric Station, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.
After a well-deserved rest, we continue walking toward the town of Aguas Calientes, nestled at the foot of the sacred sanctuary.
2,000 meters above sea level
(Optional: You may visit the hot springs, located about 1.2 kilometers from the town.)
Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together as a group and rest in a 2-star hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Overnight: Lodging in Aguas Calientes
- Accommodation: : Double occupancy (2 people of the same gender)
- Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Lodging elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Hiking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
DAY 3 | AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Early in the morning, just after breakfast (provided by the hotel), we’ll take a 30-minute bus ride uphill to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, we’ll begin a guided tour along Circuit 2A, a specially designed route that covers at least 80% of the site, including 17 areas such as the upper and lower terraces, the sun dial, and other sacred spaces — offering a classic view of Machu Picchu.
The guided visit lasts approximately 2 hours. In coordination with your guide, we’ll then board the bus back to Aguas Calientes. (Lunch is not included in the tour.)
From there, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station, where private transportation will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Cusco.
Important Note 1:
According to Machu Picchu regulations, once inside the sacred city, you cannot retrace your steps. There are clear signs indicating the designated route, and you may only stop at certain areas. You will not be allowed to return to previously visited spots — so we encourage you to cherish every moment in each Inca space.
Important Note 2:
Entry tickets to Machu Picchu are single-use only. Once you exit the site, you cannot re-enter unless you purchase a new ticket.
- Meals: Breakfast at your hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
- Starting elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Elevation in Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,872 ft
- Elevation at Huayna Picchu: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
- Elevation at Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Hiking distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Weather: Can be warm and rainy
Include
- Pre-departure briefing: You’ll meet your Salkantay guide and group at our office for an orientation before your trek begins.
- Tourist transportation: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and travel in private transport to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay trek.
- Experienced Salkantay adventure guide: A certified, professional, English-speaking guide who grew up in this region and carries a deep passion for sharing their heritage.
- Cultural guide for Machu Picchu: A certified, professional, English-speaking guide who will accompany you through the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
- Private camping equipment: Comfortable accommodations at our campsites. All gear — including tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, and more — is transported by our horsemen.
Night 1: Enjoy Your First Night in the Cabins
The campsite is surrounded by sacred mountains, offering a serene and majestic setting.
- Note: It is uncommon for campsites, cabins, or hotels to change after confirmation. However, adjustments may occur due to government regulations, adverse weather conditions, or the physical condition of our travelers. Should any changes arise, ITEP will inform you in advance and as promptly as possible.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear — all carried by our porters and horses.
- Entrance ticket to the Inka site of Machu Picchu
- 1 duffel bag: You may pack up to 5 kg / 11.02 lbs of personal belongings
Professional Trail Chef
A professional chef, specialized in trail cuisine and accompanied by an assistant, will prepare delicious meals throughout the journey to replenish your energy each day.
You will never go hungry!
- Mountain meals: If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), please let us know at the time of booking and inform your guide during the orientation meeting.
- Boiled water: From your first lunch to your final breakfast (served at your hotel), Inka Trail Expeditions will provide all necessary drinking water. It will be boiled, filtered, cooled, and distributed.
Please bring your own water bottles. We recommend carrying about 3 liters. Water will be refilled at each meal. - Morning tea wake-up: Each morning at camp, you’ll be gently awakened with a warm cup of coca tea delivered to your tent — warming you from the inside out before the day begins.
What’s Included
- Daily tea time during the trek: Every afternoon before dinner, our cooks will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, and more. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a comforting snack.
- Hygiene products: A small towel will be provided before each meal to wash your hands, and every morning a bucket of warm water will be available for personal hygiene.
- Medical kit and emergency oxygen: Our team carries a first aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) to Ollantaytambo train station.
(Departure time will be confirmed during the briefing and is subject to availability.) - Day 1: Pick-up from your hotel to Mollepata
- Day 2: Transport from La Playa to Hydroelectric Station
- Day 3: Transport from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco (Expedition PeruRail service)
- Luggage transport: Your belongings will be carried by our team.
Entrance Tickets
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon
- Entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Consettur bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu (round trip)
24-hour guest service: We offer a dedicated support line to assist you at any time
Not include
- Sleeping bags: You may rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our mummy-style sleeping bags are durable and effective, designed to withstand very low temperatures (down to -18ºC / 0ºF). Each includes a sleeping liner and is cleaned after every use.
- Trekking poles: You may rent a set from our company if desired.
- Meals:
- Day 1 – Breakfast: Approx. USD $5 to $10, depending on your choice.
- Day 3 – Lunch and dinner in Cusco
- Train from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes: (If a passenger is feeling unwell after the hike, we recommend taking this train.)
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Additional entrance tickets (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
