This Salkantay Trek 3 Day has spectacular views, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, Andean plateaus, waterfalls, and a high jungle. It even includes an original Inca trail to a small Inca ruin and a distant view of Machu Picchu, before reaching the famous city. This hike is approximately 60 km/37 miles and climbs to 4,600 m/15,092 ft. It is the second most popular hike in the Cusco region (after the Inca Trail), so it is quite crowded.
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As all the Inca trails can be done on your own or with an agency (except the Inca Trail, which by regulation can only be done with authorized agencies), the departure is from the city of Cusco and you have to go to Av. Arcopata from where buses leave daily to Mollepata.
* In case you cannot find a bus to Soraypampa you will have to walk from Mollepata, this hike takes approximately 8 hours.
This first day you can stay camping in Soraypampa or make the ascent to the Abra del Salkantay (4600 masl) and camp on the other side of the mountain and in the jungle area.
Arriving at the Abra del Salkantay you will be able to appreciate unique rock agglomerations called “Apachetas” that are made by the hikers who pass through this place as a symbol of respect to the mountain and as a request for any wish they have, this is a custom that comes from Inca times and even earlier cultures.
The descent route to pass the Abra de Salkantay is a jungle and passes through villages such as Chaullay, Colquepampa, La Playa, and others.
The options to stay this day are to stay at La Playa or Santa Teresa and the next day leave for Hidroeléctrica by bus or walking to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village) and finally visit the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The return can be done by train to Ollantaytambo or by Hydroelectric, everything will depend on your time and budget.
