Languaje
English - Spanish - Portuguese
Best Season
April - November
Departure City
Cusco
Guide
Professional Guide
Maximum Altitude
4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Walking Hours
10-11 hours
Tour Operador
Salkantay Trekking
Destinations
Hiking & Trekking, Machu Picchu
Activities
Hiking & Trekking Activities, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trip Type
Best Hiking and Treking, Hiking and Trekking Packages, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Travel Packages
Difficulty
Medium

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Salkantay Trek Challenge

Salkantay Trek Challenge: Push Your Limits in the Andes

Salkantay Trek Challenge Short on time but seeking an unforgettable adventure in Peru’s Andes? The 3-Day Salkantay Challenge is the ultimate test of endurance and spirit.

In just two days, trek 52.50 km (32.62 miles) across rugged Andean trails and lush jungle. Pass towering snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the enchanting cloud forest.

This isn’t just a trek—it’s a transformative journey to push your limits, reconnect with your inner self, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Peru.

The grand reward? Machu Picchu, the legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Salkantay Trek Challenge Few experiences rival the thrill of standing before this iconic citadel, surrounded by breathtaking views and a deep sense of accomplishment. Ready to rise to the challenge? Peru’s most exhilarating adventure is waiting for you!

Day 01 :

Cusco | Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Wayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)

Overcome the Challenge to the Salkantay Pass

Salkantay Trek Challenge Start your adventure early as we pick you up and take you to Soraypampa (3,900 m /
12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek, where a hearty breakfast awaits.

Begin the day with
the trek’s toughest challenge: the ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), where
breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks await at the summit.

After conquering the pass, descend to a scenic spot for a well-earned lunch. The journey
continues into the vibrant Amazon jungle, where the rugged Andes give way to lush greenery.

By late afternoon, arrive at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite in Collpapampa
(2,950 m / 9,978 ft), surrounded by nature’s tranquility and stunning landscapes.

Enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Mountain Ski View

Collpapampa

Our campsite Mountain Sky View is a warm mountain accommodation and our novelty this year, and it’s with great pleasure that we prepared this place for all those looking for a glamping experience surrounded by nature.

Each one of its individual Mountain Sky View counts with a private bath besides spectacular tropical mountain views. You’ll find peace under the shining stars listening to the voices of wildlife and the whispers of the river in the valley.

Day 02 :

Collpapampa | La Playa - Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

Enter Cusco’s Tropical Paradise

Salkantay Trek Challenge Today’s adventure begins just after 6:00 a.m. with a scenic hike through the lush Santa Teresa Valley to the charming village of La Playa.

Along the way, you’ll pass cascading waterfalls, tropical birds, and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados, with a chance to taste the refreshing granadilla.

At La Playa, enjoy a final lunch with our trekking team and a coffee demonstration to learn about its local importance.

Afterward, take transport to Hidroelectrica and continue with a picturesque hike along the railroad and Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.

The route features tropical plants, waterfalls, and colorful birds like the cock-of- the-rock.

Feeling tired? Opt for a train ride (additional cost). After three hours, arrive at your hotel to relax or explore the car-free streets of Aguas Calientes. Dinner is at 7:00 p.m., followed by a briefing for your exciting visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Day 03 :

Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Explore the Magical and Mystical Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek Challenge The big day is finally here! After an early 4:00 a.m. start and a light breakfast, we’ll head to the entrance of Machu Picchu, surrounded by the serene beauty of the cloud forest.

Stepping into the ancient citadel as it emerges from the mist is a moment of pure awe. Your guide will reveal the secrets of this Incan masterpiece during a two-hour tour.

After soaking in the wonder of Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boar ding the train to Ollantaytambo.

From there, private transport will take you back to Cusco. As you rest, the magic of Machu Picchu and the Andean mountains will linger, a treasured memory of an unforgettable journey.