Salkantay Trek 4 Days + Llactapata Trek– No Machu Picchu Ticket & No Return Included | Book Now

Day 2 is the most challenging and spectacular day of the Salkantay Trek — the day you reach the highest point of the entire route and witness some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the Andes.

Your morning begins around 5:00 a.m., when the kitchen team brings you a warm cup of coca tea, traditionally known as “te despierto”. This comforting drink helps you wake up gently and supports acclimatization before the big climb ahead.

After about 30 minutes to get ready and pack your belongings, breakfast will be served at approximately 5:30 a.m. Once you’ve fueled up, you’ll do a final backpack check and prepare to begin the ascent.

The hike starts around 6:00 a.m., heading from Quiswarniyoc Camp toward the legendary Salkantay Pass, located at 4,700 meters / 15,420 feet. The uphill section takes around 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace, with regular breaks along the way to rest, hydrate, and take in the incredible views.

Reaching the Salkantay Pass is one of the most powerful moments of the trek. From here, you’ll feel incredibly close to the majestic Salkantay Mountain, surrounded by glaciers, dramatic peaks, and wide-open Andean landscapes. Your guide will share stories about the area and may lead a traditional offering ceremony to honor the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits in Andean culture.

You’ll spend around 30 to 45 minutes at the pass, giving you time to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and celebrate this unforgettable achievement.

Afterward, you’ll begin a 2-hour descent toward Wayracmachay, where the cooking team will be waiting with a nutritious and well-deserved lunch. Weather permitting, you’ll have time to rest before continuing the journey.

The afternoon section takes you from the high Andes down toward the edge of the cloud forest. This final descent to Chawllay Camp takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The trail can be a bit steep in sections, but the scenery is incredible as the landscape transforms from cold mountain terrain into warmer, greener Amazonian valleys.

Upon arrival at Chawllay, located at 2,900 meters / 9,514 feet, your guide will show you to your accommodation so you can rest after a long and rewarding day. In the evening, the cooking team will prepare a warm dinner, and you’ll have time to relax and recover.

Day 2 Details

• Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highest Point: Salkantay Pass – 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
• Hiking Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
• Estimated Hiking Time: 9 to 10 hours
• Camp Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Weather Note: Expect colder conditions at high altitude and warmer temperatures as you descend toward lower elevations.

Important Note

Day 2 is considered the hardest day of the entire Salkantay Trek, mainly because of the altitude and the long distance. However, it is also one of the most beautiful and rewarding days, offering unforgettable views of Salkantay Mountain, glaciers, valleys, and the dramatic transition from the Andes toward the Amazon region.

Day 3 offers a beautiful change of scenery as the trek leaves the high Andes behind and enters the warmer, greener landscapes of the Amazonian cloud forest.

Your morning begins around 5:30 a.m. with a warm wake-up tea served by the kitchen team. After packing your belongings and preparing for the day, breakfast will be served at approximately 6:00 a.m.

The hike starts around 6:30 a.m. from Chawllay, following the trail toward Lucmabamba. This section takes around 4 hours and is considered one of the easier and more relaxed parts of the trek. The route passes through the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley, where you’ll notice a dramatic change in climate, vegetation, and scenery.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of lush landscapes, tropical plants, fruit trees, and local farms. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the Amazonian side of the Salkantay route. Upon arrival in Lucmabamba, you’ll enjoy a special coffee tour experience, where you can learn about traditional coffee production and taste locally grown coffee.

Afterward, the journey continues toward Hidroelectrica, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

From Hidroelectrica, the priority will be reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, as soon as possible in order to register for the in-person Machu Picchu ticket sale. Once you arrive in town, you will need to wait until a number is assigned for the following day’s ticket process.

If you are among the first available spots, you may be able to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the next day. Your guide will assist you throughout the entire process, explaining each step clearly and helping coordinate the best plan according to the situation on the ground.

Once the ticket process is completed, you’ll continue with the evening schedule, including hotel check-in and dinner in Aguas Calientes.

Important Note About the Itinerary

The Day 3 itinerary may be adjusted depending on the urgency of reaching Aguas Calientes to secure Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

In some cases, the Llactapata hike may be skipped in order to arrive earlier in town and improve the chances of obtaining a ticket. These decisions are made directly with your guide during the trek, based on real-time information about ticket availability and the number of travelers already waiting in Aguas Calientes.

Day 3 Details

• Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Easy day hike
• Hiking Distance: 15 km / 10 miles
• Estimated Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Altitude: Around 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• Weather: Hot and humid during the day, cooler at night

Additional Highlight

Day 3 is a more relaxed and scenic part of the Salkantay Trek, offering a beautiful transition into the Amazonian region. With lush valleys, local farms, coffee culture, and the final approach to Machu Picchu Pueblo, this day combines nature, culture, and the excitement of getting closer to the legendary citadel.

This day is dedicated to visiting the legendary Machu Picchu, as long as you were able to secure an entrance ticket in Aguas Calientes.

Once you have your ticket, the most important detail is to arrive at the main entrance of Machu Picchu exactly at the time shown on your ticket. Entry times are strict, so good timing is essential.

To reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you have two options:

• By bus: Around 30 minutes, with an approximate cost of US$ 12.00 one way
• On foot: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill

A guide is not mandatory to enter Machu Picchu, so you may explore the site on your own if you prefer. However, if you would like a guided experience, you can easily hire a professional guide either at the bus station in Aguas Calientes or at the entrance to the archaeological site.

Your visit inside Machu Picchu may last up to 3 hours, depending on the circuit assigned to your ticket. Each circuit offers a different route through the citadel, but all provide a unique opportunity to experience one of the most iconic archaeological wonders in the world.

After your visit, you’ll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo / Aguas Calientes to organize your return to Cusco, either by train or by car, depending on your chosen travel plan.

Important Note

If you are not able to purchase a Machu Picchu entrance ticket for this day, you may need to spend one extra night in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the following day. This option requires flexibility, but it gives you another opportunity to access the citadel and complete your experience.