Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 123 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights worth booking?
Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights is a 72-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $680 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 123 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (123)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $680 per person
The Salkantay Trek Challenge covers 49 km (31 miles) to Machu Picchu in just 3 days, offering the highlights of the classic route in a shorter timeframe. Hike past the impressive Salkantay Mountain, cross rugged Andean h
What you get
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (The voyager or Expedition)
- Dinner
About this experience
The Salkantay Trek Challenge covers 49 km (31 miles) to Machu Picchu in just 3 days, offering the highlights of the classic route in a shorter timeframe. Hike past the impressive Salkantay Mountain, cross rugged Andean highlands, and descend into lush cloud forest valleys. Enjoy comfortable nights at exclusive Andean huts and in Aguas Calientes before reaching the legendary Lost City of the Incas. • 3-day trek along the Salkantay Trail, the best alternative to the Inca Trail • Epic photo opportunities at the Salkantay Glacier Mountain • Trek from high-altitude Andes to cloud forest landscapes in just two days • Stay at exclusive campsites in small groups • Guided visit to Machu Picchu with a professional guide
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (The voyager or Expedition)
- Dinner
- Backpack cover
- Breakfast
- Experienced cooks, horsemen and porters
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- Water, Tea Time, and snacks on the trail
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining room, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
- Trekking Poles and warm blankets
- Duffle bag for up to 5 kg/11 lb of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
- One way bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- All Private Transport and transfers during the tour
- Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, walkie talkies, and emergency satellite pones
- All entrance fees to Salkantay Trek
- Accommodations (1 night at Mountain Sky View, 1 night at a Hotel)
Not included
- Optional train transfer Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the train operator)
- Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
- Personal Hiking Clothing and gear
- Lunch and Dinner on the last day
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Tips for the staff (Optional)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 days
Pickup included
With Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Salkantay Trekking
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- Machu Picchu permits are limited and can sell out several months in advance. We recommend booking at least 5 months ahead for travel between May and August
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 123 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
123 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best experience of my life!
My husband and I completed the 3 day Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu with this group (12 of us total). Our tour guide, Guido, made this the best experience we ever could have imagined. He was so kind, patient, funny, and knowledgeable. It wouldn’t have been the same with any other tour guide. The food we had at eat meal was not only delicious, but so beautiful and thoughtfully plated. I will be recommending this company to anyone who plans to visit Peru!
via Tripadvisor
Salkantay 3 Day Challenge
Wow! This was a phenomenal experience and worth the price for how much we got over the course of 3 days. On the first day we were picked up very early but the whole process was very smooth. The breakfast on day 1 was wonderful and filled us up for our first hike - Salkantay. As someone who has never hiked like this before this was definitely tough but completely do able. Our tour guide Alan was so lovely. He kept our spirits up and morale high. At one point I was moving very slowly and he made sure I was always doing ok and was very motivating. I am very grateful to Alan as he made our experience a 10/10 and was very knowledgeable. The views were insane and the nature was exactly what I wanted. We had a smaller group - only 5 of us which made the experience very personal and close. Also our horsemen Juan Carlos did a great job at always making sure our extra bags got to each destination. We traveled with a back pack on ourselves and our duffle bags were sent separately. The food was so great as well. Our chef Julio always cooked up a feast for us with so many different options and flavors and nutrients. On a hike like this one you have to be fueled and prepared, and Julio made sure we were. Overall my experience with Salkantay was very good. The accommodations were comfortable and clean. The transportation was safe and smooth. This company has everything together and all the logistics handled in the most seamless way possible.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Salkantay Pass Trek!
My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our trek to Salkantay Pass and Machu Picchu experience! Hever was such an attentive and knowledgeable guide. I was so impressed by the food and how accommodating our chef, Mauro, was. There was a large variety of options, including my own vegan plate, at every meal. The trip was very well-paced and rewarding!
via Tripadvisor
Great views and some altitude struggles
The 12 hours of hiking on the day that we crossed the Salkantay pass was a lot but all the views and Macchu Picchu at end were unforgettable. Hever was a great guide!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome 3-day alternative to longer hikes
Fantastic experience. First day was the most challenging: reaching the Salkantay Pass at 15k ft (4600m) and then descending 5k ft (1500m) to camp. Scenery was gorgeous along the way. Second day was more high-jungle hiking to reach Aguas Calientes. Third and final day was a tour around Machu Picchu. Our guide, Julio Cesar Choque, made the experience incredible. He went above and beyond to make sure we got the most out of each part of the hike, and supported us the whole way. The entire process was extremely well organized and I never was confused or had to worry about logistics. I recommend this 3-day version of the hike if you’re crunched for time and can’t make the 4 or 5 day hike work. I also recommend spending a few days in Cusco prior to the hike to acclimate to the altitude.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $680 to $760
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 43
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $680 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 123 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 72-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights?
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Around 43 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salkantay Trek Challenge – 3 Days / 2 Nights start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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