Short on time but hungry for adventure? Experience the premier alternative to the Inca Trail in an intensive, exclusive format. Our Salkantay Trek 2 Days / 1 Night is designed for travelers who want to combine the physical challenge of the Andes with the mystical luxury of sleeping in our Star Domes under a blanket of stars, culminating in the majesty of Machu Picchu.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to the trailhead. Hike through beautiful valleys toward Soraypampa and enjoy a visit to the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise waters. Spend the night in our exclusive Star Hut, surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
The most challenging and rewarding day of the Salkantay Trek. Hike to the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) near the majestic Nevado Salkantay. After enjoying panoramic views of the Andes, descend into the lush cloud forest and camp in Chaullay Star Domes.
Walk through tropical landscapes, coffee plantations, and rivers in the Santa Teresa Valley. Continue toward Hydroelectric and hike along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Your adventure begins with a 2:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco. We drive approximately 3 hours to the trailhead near Mollepata where we enjoy breakfast before starting the trek.
We hike toward the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise glacial waters. After enjoying the views, we continue ascending toward the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains.
From the pass, we descend into the dramatic cloud forest landscape until reaching Chaullay, where we spend the night in our comfortable Star Dome Glamping camp.
After breakfast, we continue descending through the warm tropical valley. The scenery changes completely into lush vegetation, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and fruit farms.
We reach La Playa for lunch and then take transportation to Hidroelectrica.
From here you have two options:
Walk approximately 3 hours along the scenic railway to Aguas Calientes
OR
Upgrade to the train from Hidroelectrica (optional)
Arrival to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Overnight in hotel.
Early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Enjoy a professional 2-hour guided tour exploring the most important temples, terraces, and ceremonial sectors.
After the guided visit and some free time for photos, we begin our return journey. Instead of taking the train, we hike approximately 3 hours back to Hydroelectric Station, following the scenic railway path surrounded by lush vegetation and mountain landscapes.
At Hydroelectric, our private driver will be waiting for you. From there, we travel by comfortable minivan for approximately 6 hours back to Cusco, enjoying beautiful views along the way.
Estimated arrival in Cusco: 10:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Difficulty: Moderate (due to afternoon hike)
End of services in Cusco
Optional Train Return Available
If you prefer a more comfortable and faster return, you may request the train option from Aguas Calientes instead of hiking to Hydroelectric.
This upgrade is available upon request and subject to availability, with an additional cost.
We recommend booking this option in advance, especially during high season.
Please contact us if you would like to include the train return in your Salkantay Trek package.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel or Hostel
First Day:
Beautifull trail through the heart of the andean mountains. We had the hounour of being guided by Persy Cusi, whose knowledge about nature and Inca history and culture bewildered us through 4 days of walking. In adition, Persy made even the imposible for our confort and for us to have a nice trip (he has also amazing cooking habilities and knows the best spots for pictures where no other tourists went). Higly recomended trail, guide and touring company.
first of all machu picchu was amazing,but only can re-entry twice! wayna picchu was amazing too but there were only 2 slot of time 200 people can get inside each time, need to book the ticket before. My slot was 10-11 entry time, so we thought we could spend more time in machu picchu so we reached the entry gate at 11.
I recently visited Peru for a wedding in Lima…I took it upon myself to extend my trip by visiting Cusco so I could do some sightseeing and hiking. I researched and found Peru…reached out to them, told them when I would be there and what I wanted to do. They in return sent me a whole itinerary detailing each day. The trips were absolutely amazing, the tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, personable and fun.
What else to say about this beautiful, historic and amazing place. We hiked up the Wayna piccu to get an overlook on the maccu piccu and where lucky. It was absolutely breathtaking!
