Take on the 3-day Trekking Challenge, a shorter yet exhilarating trek to Machu Picchu for those pressed for time. This intense journey spans 49 km (30.45 miles) across rugged mountains and dense jungles, reaching Aguas Calientes in just two days. Experience stunning landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, vibrant valleys, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Your trek ends at the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, an unparalleled reward.
Day 1:
Cusco|Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Andean Huts
Begin your adventure with an early morning pickup, taking you to the start of the trek at Soraypampa. Here, you’ll face the trek’s biggest challenge: hiking up to the Salkantay Pass. Reaching the summit rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the snowy mountain peaks. After the descent, enjoy lunch before entering the Amazon jungle, witnessing a dramatic shift in scenery from the Andes to lush jungle. Enjoy the verdant greenery and tropical wildlife as you trek. Your day ends in the village of Collpapampa, nestled in nature’s soothing sounds, where you’ll spend the night.
Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
Our campsite, MountainSky View in Collpapampa at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet), is our newest mountain accommodation and a warm invitation to those seeking a glamping experience enveloped by nature. Each private Andean Sky Hut at our site is equipped with its own bathroom and offers spectacular views of the tropical surroundings. Here, you can find tranquility under the stars, listening to the sounds of wildlife and the gentle whispers of the river in the valley.
– 16 Sky Huts
– 2 people per Sky Hut
– Dinning room, kitchen and Bathroom
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: mountain sky view
Difficulty: challenging
Walking distance: 22 km / 13.67 mi
Walking time: 10 hours
Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Minimum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highest elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Campsite elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Day 2:
Chaullay | Collpapampa – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica -Aguas Calientes
Enter Cusco’s Tropical Paradise
In the morning, we’ll continue our hike through increasingly dense rainforest. You’ll have the opportunity to spot wild orchids and various bird species en route to our lunch stop. Afterward, our transport will pick you up and take you to Hydroelectrica. From there, you can either walk alongside the train tracks to Aguas Calientes or choose to take the train for an additional $37. The Urubamba River will accompany you throughout the journey. Once in town, enjoy a local dinner before an early night in a hotel, preparing for the exciting day ahead at Machu Picchu.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 27 km / 16.78 mi
Walking Time: Approximately 9 hours
Minimum Elevation: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
Starting Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Accommodation Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Optional: Train ride from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
Day 3:
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Explore the Magical and Mystical Machu Picchu
Experience the magnificent day you’ve been anticipating at Machu Picchu. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene views. We’ll take a bus to the entrance for a magical exploration. Inside, dive into a two-hour guided tour covering the key areas. Afterwards, if you’ve pre-booked, there’s an opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Take full advantage of your time at this mystical Inca citadel. Later, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch followed by a train ride to Ollantaytambo. Our transport will then bring you back to your Cusco hotel by 8:00 p.m.
Location: Temple of the Condor
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Activity Duration: 2-5 hours exploring
Optional Activities: Moderate to Challenging (2-4 hours)
Machu Picchu Citadel Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
What is included?
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure briefing
Experienced tour guide
Private camping equipment
One duffle bag
Medical kit or first aid kit
Extras included in our service
Satellite phone
Accommodation
Personal accommodation in private campsites
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners
Filtered water during the hike
Wake up tea
Tea time or happy hour
Snacks on the trail daily
One cloth snack bag per person
Hygiene products
Transportation
Exclusive transportation for our groups
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 3)
Consettur bus ticket one way from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 3)
Transportation of personal belongings (Duffle Bag)
Pickup from your hotel (within the Historic Center of Cusco) and transport to the starting point of the hike and back to your hotel in Cusco after the tour
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary
What is not included?
Entrance tickets to: Huayna Picchu Mountain ($60.00 USD per person), Machu Picchu Mountain ($60.00 USD per person)
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 3)
Train from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 2) ($37.00 USD per person)
Consettur bus ticket one way from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 3) ($12.00 USD per person)
Clothing and personal trekking equipment
Travel insurance
Tips for staff
Additional costs or delays out of our control
Walking poles
What you should bring:
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Shorts
Waterproof gaiter
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho.
Waterproof or wool gloves
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Neck gaiter or buff
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Camera and charger
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Bathing suit
Towel
Flashlight
*Price per person from 538 USD
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