After breakfast, we will continue our Salkantay Trek. The day begins with a 2-hour uphill hike to the base of Humantay Mountain. Along the way, we will reach a glacial moraine where it is sometimes possible to spot chinchillas in their natural habitat. Approximately one hour later, we will arrive at the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the entire trek at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft) above sea level.

At the pass, you will be surrounded by two magnificent sacred mountains: Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and Humantay (5,850 m / 19,193 ft). Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, and from the pass, you can enjoy breathtaking close-up views of its snow-capped peak. You will also have spectacular views of other surrounding mountains, including Humantay and Pumasillo.

After taking in the stunning scenery, we will descend for approximately 2.5 hours to Huayracmachay, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, we will continue descending for about 4 hours to the beautiful campsite of Chaullay. This section of the Salkantay Trek passes through the lush cloud forest, where the landscape begins to change dramatically as we enter a warmer and greener environment.

Accommodation: Camping in Chaullay (3,250 m / 10,663 ft)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The third day of the Salkantay Trek in Peru begins with a delicious breakfast. We will then descend for about one hour to the village of Collpapampa. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking scenery as we continue through the cloud forest, following the left bank of the Upper Salkantay River.

This section of the trek offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of flora, including palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, and other vegetation typical of the cloud forest ecosystem. It is also common to spot different species of birds, insects, and colorful butterflies. Compared to the previous days of the Salkantay Trek, today's hike is easier, as we gradually descend through the valley toward La Playa (2,050 m / 6,726 ft above sea level).

Camping Options

Please note that the Salkantay Trek has become one of the most popular trekking routes in Peru. As a result, some sections of the trail have experienced increased use and are not currently regulated. The campsite for the third night offers several options, which should be discussed with your guide. These options depend on the group's preferences and the activities planned for the following day.

La Playa is not a remote campsite, and travelers seeking a quieter experience away from larger groups should consult their guide about the possibility of camping in Santa Teresa. However, it is important to note that Santa Teresa is also not a remote campsite and may occasionally be lively due to social gatherings and local activities.

Accommodation: Camping in La Playa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, you have two options depending on your interests and physical condition. Be sure to discuss both alternatives with your guide. Keep in mind that the Salkantay Trek is the second most popular route to Machu Picchu in the Cusco region, which means you will inevitably encounter other travelers along the way. It is not a completely remote wilderness experience.

Important Note

The following options are usually decided by the majority of the group. If you are joining a shared group trek, the decision will be made during the pre-trek briefing or while on the trail. One of the advantages of booking a private trek is that you can choose your preferred option in advance.

Relaxed Option

After breakfast, we will take local transportation to the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station (transportation cost not included in the tour price), where we will enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we will begin an easy 3-hour walk along the railway tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Adventurer Option

We will depart early in the morning and hike uphill for approximately three hours through the cloud forest until reaching the summit, where an interesting Inca archaeological site known as Llactapata is located. Don't let your guide talk you out of it! This is one of the most challenging sections of the Salkantay Trek, but it is also one of the most rewarding and provides a fascinating introduction to Machu Picchu.

From Llactapata, you will enjoy your first distant view of Machu Picchu, perched on the ridge of the mountain across the valley. After taking in the spectacular scenery, we will descend steeply for approximately three hours to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station, where lunch will be served. We will then continue with a pleasant 3-hour walk along the railway tracks until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, marking the end of the Salkantay Trek.

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up and accompany you on a short bus ride to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.

A guided tour of the archaeological site will be provided, including visits to the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Principal Temple, and the Sacred Rock.

This will be an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most mysterious and fascinating places, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the site at your own pace or choose from one of the optional hiking activities available within the sanctuary.

At the agreed time, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch on your own. Later, you will proceed to the train station at the scheduled departure time for your return journey to Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately two hours.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our staff will meet you and transfer you back to the city of Cusco. You will then be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Meals Included: Breakfast