Day 2 represents the most challenging and rewarding stage of your journey to Machu Picchu, combining high-altitude trekking with some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. This day is carefully designed to balance physical effort with unforgettable scenery and meaningful cultural experiences.

Early Morning Preparation

The day begins at 5:00 AM with a traditional wake-up service known as “te despierto”, where the trekking team delivers warm coca leaf tea to your accommodation. This ancestral infusion is widely used in the Andes to support altitude acclimatization and provide a gentle, energizing start to the day. You will have approximately 30 minutes to prepare and organize your gear.

Breakfast and Departure

A nourishing breakfast is served at 5:30 AM, giving you the energy required for the most demanding section of the trek. After a final equipment check and brief preparation period, the hike begins around 6:00 AM.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)

The ascent from Quiswarniyoc to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the entire trek, takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace. The trail gradually climbs through rugged high-altitude terrain, with scheduled breaks every hour to rest, hydrate, and maintain energy levels. While the route is physically demanding, proper acclimatization from the previous day significantly enhances your ability to complete this section comfortably.

At the Summit

Upon reaching the summit at 4,700 meters, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Salkantay Mountain. This sacred peak holds deep cultural significance in Andean cosmology, and your guide may introduce a traditional ritual honoring the Apus, the mountain spirits revered by local communities.

You will have approximately 30 to 45 minutes at the summit to take photographs, rest, and fully absorb the atmosphere of this extraordinary location.

Descent to Wayracmachay (Lunch Point)

The descent begins with a two-hour hike down to Wayracmachay, where the trekking team will be waiting with a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch. This segment marks the transition from high alpine terrain toward greener and more temperate landscapes.

Afternoon Descent to Chawllay

After a short rest, the trek continues with a second descent of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours toward the Chawllay campsite, located at 2,900 meters (9,514 ft). This section features a noticeable change in ecosystem, as the route gradually shifts from the cold Andes into the warmer edge of the Amazon basin. Along the way, you will witness lush vegetation, diverse flora, and increasingly humid conditions.

Arrival at Chawllay

Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your accommodation for the night. The day concludes with a well-earned dinner prepared by the cooking team, offering a moment to relax and reflect after the most physically demanding day of the trek.

Day 2 Summary

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Maximum Altitude: 4,700 m (15,420 ft) – Salkantay Pass
• Hiking Distance: 22 km (14 miles)
• Estimated Duration: 9 to 10 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m (9,514 ft)
• Weather Conditions: Warmer temperatures at lower elevations, with increasing humidity as you descend
• Important Note: This is the most demanding day of the Salkantay Trek, but also the most visually spectacular. The combination of high mountain scenery and the transition into the cloud forest makes it a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3 offers a remarkable transition from highland trekking to lush tropical landscapes, bringing you closer to the final destination: Machu Picchu. This stage combines scenic hiking, cultural immersion, and a comfortable evening in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the Inca citadel.

Morning Start

The day begins at 5:30 AM with a refreshing wake-up tea delivered by the trekking team, followed by time to organize your belongings and prepare for the day ahead. A hearty breakfast is served at 6:00 AM, providing the necessary energy for the journey through the Santa Teresa Valley.

Trek from Chawllay to Lucmabamba

At approximately 6:30 AM, the hike begins from Chawllay toward Lucmabamba, the third key point along the route. This section of the trek lasts around five hours and is characterized by relatively gentle terrain, making it less physically demanding than the previous day.

As you progress through the Santa Teresa Valley, you will experience a dramatic change in environment. The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical fruit plantations, and diverse flora and fauna typical of the cloud forest. This region is also known for its agricultural richness, particularly its high-quality coffee production.

Coffee Tour Experience

Upon arrival in Lucmabamba, you will participate in an authentic coffee experience hosted by a local family. This immersive activity provides insight into the traditional methods of coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing unique to the region. You will also have the opportunity to taste freshly brewed Santa Teresa coffee, renowned for its rich flavor and quality.

Lunch at Lucmabamba

Following the coffee tour, return to camp for a freshly prepared lunch by our professional cooking team. This break allows time to relax and recharge before the final segment of the day.

Journey to Aguas Calientes

After lunch, the journey continues with a 1.5-hour drive from Lucmabamba to Hydroelectrica. From there, you will begin the final stretch of the trek: a scenic 3-hour walk to Aguas Calientes along the railway line. This route follows a designated pedestrian path, offering a safe and gradual approach through subtropical landscapes.

Arrival and Evening in Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest, hot shower, and comfortable accommodation—an important contrast after two nights in the mountains.

Dinner is served at approximately 7:00 PM in a local restaurant. During this time, your guide will provide a final briefing and coordinate all details for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 3 Summary

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Extended Day Hike
• Hiking Distance: Approximately 25 km (15 miles)
• Estimated Duration: 9 to 10 hours (including transfers)
• Altitude: Aguas Calientes – 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
• Weather Conditions: Warm, humid, and tropical climate
• Important Note: Day 3 combines trekking, cultural experiences, and transportation segments, offering a more relaxed pace while preparing you for the highlight of the journey—your guided exploration of Machu Picchu on the following day.

The final day of your journey is dedicated to exploring the world-renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the highlight of your Salkantay Trek experience. Your entrance is scheduled according to the time indicated on your official ticket, and it is essential to arrive at the main gate precisely at that time.

Transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Entrance

From Aguas Calientes, you have two well-established options to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu:

Hiking Option (Approximately 1.5 hours)
This route begins with a 30-minute walk from your hotel to Puente Ruinas, the first control point, where your passport and entrance ticket will be verified. From there, you will ascend approximately 1 hour via a stone stairway of nearly 1,700 steps leading directly to the main gate.
For early entry times (e.g., 6:00 AM), it is recommended to depart around 4:30 AM following breakfast at your hotel.

Shuttle Bus Option (Approximately 30 minutes)
For a more comfortable alternative, shuttle buses operate between Aguas Calientes and the entrance. Tickets cost approximately USD 12 per person (one way) and can be purchased either the evening before or on the same morning. Buses begin service at 5:30 AM and run every 5 to 10 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Regardless of the option selected, punctual arrival at the entrance gate is essential.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Upon arrival, you will meet your professional guide and group to begin a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. The route followed will correspond to the circuit assigned to your ticket. During the visit, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the site’s historical significance, architectural mastery, and spiritual importance, while also allowing time for photography and personal exploration.

Optional Mountain Hikes

Travelers who have secured additional permits may undertake one of the following optional hikes after the guided tour:

• Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Machu Picchu Mountain

These hikes take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours round-trip and must be booked in advance due to strict daily limits on availability.

Return to Cusco

After completing your visit, you will return to Cusco according to the transportation option selected at the time of booking:

Option 1: Return by Train

• Descend to Aguas Calientes either by hiking (1.5 hours) or shuttle bus (30 minutes).
• Board the train to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours).
• Continue by tourist transportation to Cusco (approximately 2 hours).

Train departures typically occur between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, subject to availability. Arrival in Cusco is generally between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Option 2: Return by Car via Hydroelectric

• Hike from Machu Picchu to Hydroelectric (approximately 3 hours).
• Arrival must be before 2:30 PM to board the only vehicle departure at 3:00 PM.
• The return drive to Cusco takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Estimated arrival in Cusco is between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM.

Important: This return option is only feasible for travelers with Machu Picchu entry times between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Later entry times do not allow sufficient time to reach Hydroelectric before departure, in which case an additional overnight stay in Aguas Calientes will be required at the traveler’s expense.

Final Considerations

This final day is designed to provide a seamless and enriching conclusion to your trekking experience, combining expert-guided exploration with flexible return options. Proper time management and adherence to your scheduled entry are essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world.