A compact but demanding three-day route from Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes that combines a high alpine pass at Salkantay, the bright Humantay lagoon and a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Expect steep climbs, varied terrain and dramatic ecological shifts.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Cusco before dawn—pickup at 3 a.m.—and ride through thinning air until Soraypampa, where the trail opens and the glacier-carved flank of Salkantay rises like a challenge. The first steps are immediate: rock, moraine dust, and a steady climb toward the pass where wind and altitude sharpen the view.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and prior day-hike experience at altitude; ability to hike 6–8+ hours with elevation change.
Wildlife
History
The Salkantay corridor has long connected highland communities with jungle valleys and was a secondary route used during pre-Columbian times and the Inca period.
Conservation
Trail pressure and waste are managed by local operators and park authorities; stick to marked routes, pack out trash, and use provided water refills to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the 3 Day Private Salkantay Trek Adventure Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco first
Spend 1–2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Pack a 7 kg duffel for porters/horses
You’re allowed a small duffel (7 kg) to be carried by horses—keep essentials and valuables with you.
Start early and carry snacks
Long first-day climbs and remote sections mean carry extra snacks and at least 1–2 liters of water; guides provide boiled water once a day.
Train for long descents
Downhill sections are long and can fatigue knees—bring trekking poles and shoes with good heel support.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for cold nights and high-pass exposure.
Sturdy trekking boots (broken-in)
Support on rocky ascents and long descents.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee impact on steep, uneven terrain.
Water purification or tablets
Boiled water is provided once; purification lets you refill safely between stops.