Trek Day 1: Cusco β Abra MΓ‘laga β Biking β Huamanmarca β Santa MarΓa β Santa Teresa
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Altitude Range: Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) β Abra MΓ‘laga (4,400 m / 14,435 ft) β Huamanmarca (1,890 m / 6,200 ft) β Santa MarΓa (1,430 m / 4,700 ft)
Your adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 7:00β7:30 AM in our private transport. We first head to Ollantaytambo (2,700 m / 8,858 ft) for a short 20-minute break, then continue ascending to the Abra MΓ‘laga mountain pass (4,400 m / 14,435 ft).
At Abra MΓ‘laga, youβll gear up for the downhill mountain biking adventure β a thrilling descent of approximately 45 km, lasting 2.5 to 3 hours, through breathtaking Andean landscapes until we reach Huamanmarca (1,890 m / 6,200 ft), where the biking ends.
From there, we continue by private transport to Santa MarΓa (1,430 m / 4,700 ft) for lunch and check-in at a basic family-run hostel.
π£ββοΈ Optional Adventure: Rafting
In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting 1.5-hour white-water rafting experience (included).
We finish the day with a 1-hour bus ride to Santa Teresa, where weβll have dinner and spend the night in a cozy hostel.
Trek Day 2: Santa Teresa β Zip Line β HidroelΓ©ctrica β Aguas Calientes
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Altitude Range: Santa Teresa β HidroelΓ©ctrica (1,890 m / 6,200 ft) β Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,725 ft)
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Distance: Approx. 15 km
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Hiking Time: ~6 hours total
We start the day with an adrenaline-filled canopy (zip line) experience, included in the tour and lasting about 2 hours. Soar through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking jungle views!
Afterward, we travel for 1 hour by vehicle to reach HidroelΓ©ctrica (1,890 m / 6,200 ft), where we enjoy a hearty lunch before beginning a scenic hike.
From HidroelΓ©ctrica, we walk for about 3 hours along the train tracks, surrounded by lush forest and with unique views of Machu Picchu from a different angleβa magical glimpse of what awaits.
We arrive in Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,725 ft) in the late afternoon, where weβll check in to our hostel accommodation and share a well-deserved dinner with the group.
Trek Day 3: Aguas Calientes β Machu Picchu β HidroelΓ©ctrica β Cusco (Bus Return Option)
We begin our final adventure very early at 4:30 AM. The first stretch is a 30-minute flat walk, followed by a 1-hour ascent through lush forest trails until we reach the gates of Machu Picchu around 6:00 AMβperfect timing to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.
Once inside, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour with a professional guide who will share the fascinating history, architecture, and secrets of this ancient wonder. After the tour, youβll have a short break to take in the views or explore a bit more on your own.
β±οΈ IMPORTANT: You must exit Machu Picchu by 10:30 AM to begin the 3-hour return hike to HidroelΓ©ctrica, passing through scenic jungle paths.
At HidroelΓ©ctrica, youβll board your bus back to Cusco, with estimated arrival in the evening. A long day, but an unforgettable end to your jungle trek adventure.
Includes the return by bus from HidroelΓ©ctrica at 2:00 p.m.Β to 2:30 p.m.Β and arriving in Cusco between 10:00 p.m.Β to 10:30 p.m.Β (approximately 7 hours).Β Cusco center
Transportation to return to Cusco on the last day of the tour.
Trek Day 3: Aguas Calientes β Machu Picchu β Ollantaytambo β Cusco (Train Return Option)
Your final day begins bright and early at 4:00 AM. Weβll start with a 30-minute flat walk, followed by a 1-hour uphill hike to reach Machu Picchu around 6:00 AM, just in time to witness the magical sunrise over the Inca citadel.
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour inside Machu Picchu, where your guide will explain the fascinating history and hidden secrets of this archaeological marvelβaccording to the new government regulations.
π½ After the visit, you must exit the site and descend to the town of Aguas Calientes. You have two options:
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πΆββοΈ Walk for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through a scenic downhill path.
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π Take a 30-minute bus ride to town ($12 USD per person β not included).
Once in Aguas Calientes, youβll have free time for lunch (not included) and to relax or explore the town.
In the afternoon, youβll board the train to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes), and from there, our private transportation will bring you back to Cusco (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), where the adventure ends.
π End of services β Okidoki Travel Peru, your trusted operator.
β οΈ IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTE β Your Visit to Machu Picchu
π« Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets Included
π€οΈ How many circuits are there in Machu Picchu?
There are now 3 official circuits regulated by the Peruvian government, which has made guiding more complex since guides are only allowed to accompany one group per circuit.
π Available Circuits:
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Circuit 1 β Panoramic: Offers panoramic views from the upper terraces. No internal access to the citadel.
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Circuit 2 β Classic: The most complete experience β includes the iconic postcard view plus access inside part of the citadel.
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Circuit 3 β Royalty: Internal visit only, no classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
π Which circuit does the guided tour include?
We include Circuit 2 β the Classic Circuit, which offers both external and partial internal access.
π Entry time: 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM (must be reserved in advance).
π§ Do you want to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain?
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ποΈ Yes, itβs possible! But it costs an extra $20 USD per person.
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β³ Duration: 1.5 hours ascent + 1 hour descent.
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β οΈ Important: If you choose to climb Huayna Picchu, you will miss the guided tour, as the guide cannot attend multiple circuits simultaneously.
πΆββοΈ Do I have time to climb Huayna Picchu if I return by bus?
Yes, but youβll miss the guided tour.
Recommendation: Return by train or stay one more night in Aguas Calientes (hostel not included) and return the next day by bus.
π°οΈ How much time do I have at Machu Picchu with Circuit 2?
You have approximately 2 hours, as the government allows only one visit per ticket.
π To return to Cusco by bus, we must book entry for 6 AM, 7 AM, or 8 AM.
β Entry after 8 AM (9 or 10 AM) does not allow time to return by bus the same day unless you stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.
π¨βπ« How long is the guided tour?
π£οΈ Youβll have 2 hours of guided explanation inside Machu Picchu.
π How long is the walk from Machu Picchu to HidroelΓ©ctrica?
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β¬οΈ 1 hour descent to the bridge.
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β‘οΈ 2.5 hours flat walk along the Urubamba River to HidroelΓ©ctrica.
π Total: approx. 3.5 hours of walking.
ποΈ Whatβs the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain
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π Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
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ποΈ Features Inca structures
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π§ββοΈ Steep and narrow trails β not recommended for those afraid of heights
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β±οΈ Duration: 1.5 hours up, 1 hour down
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πΌοΈ Appears in the classic postcard view behind Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Mountain
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π Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
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π« No Inca structures, but incredible panoramic views
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π₯Ύ Less steep, wider trails
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β±οΈ Duration: 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down
π« Do I need to acclimatize in Cusco?
Yes. Itβs highly recommended to arrive in Cusco 1β2 days before the Salkantay Trek or any other hike.
π‘ Be mindful of the season and pack a rain poncho for the Salkantay trek, even in dry months.
π₯¦ Iβm vegetarian / have food allergies β can I still do the Salkantay Trek?
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Absolutely! Just let us know in advance, and our cook will prepare meals according to your dietary needs.
π Weβll also cover these details during the pre-trek briefing at the Okidoki Travel office.