How to Book Your Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
Booking your Salkantay Trek 3 Days with Machu Picchu Team is fast, secure, and straightforward. You can reserve your adventure online from anywhere in the world, or visit our Cusco office if you’re already in Peru. Since Machu Picchu entrance tickets and preferred circuits have limited daily availability, booking 3 to 4 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially during high season (April to October).
Two Ways to Book
Book Online: The fastest, most convenient way to reserve your trek is through our secure online platform, available 24/7. Accepted payment methods include credit card, debit card, and international bank transfer. Note that card payments carry a 3.99% processing fee, while bank transfers are free of charge.
Book In Person: If you’re already in Cusco, visit our main office: Machu Picchu Team, Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, in the city’s historic center. Our travel specialists will personally guide you through the reservation, answer questions, and help you select the best option for your trip.
Step 1 — Choose Your Departure Date
Click “Book Online” to access our live availability calendar. Select your preferred departure date, return option (Train or Car via Hidroeléctrica), and traveler category (Adult, Student, or Child) — our system automatically displays the correct pricing for each. You’ll then choose whether to pay the required booking deposit to secure your spot, or the full tour price upfront. Once complete, click Continue.
Step 2 — Enter Passenger Details
Fill out the reservation form with each traveler’s information exactly as it appears on their passport. Double-check that full names, passport numbers, nationalities, email addresses, and WhatsApp numbers are all accurate — incorrect details may prevent the purchase of your Machu Picchu entrance or train tickets. Before proceeding, review our Terms & Conditions, complete the digital signature, and click Continue.
Step 3 — Customize Your Trek
Here you can personalize your Salkantay Trek 3 Days with optional add-ons: sleeping bag rental, trekking pole rental, the Lucmabamba zipline adventure, a Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (subject to availability), a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (subject to availability), or a Vistadome train upgrade (available only for travelers returning by train). Mountain permits are issued directly by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and carry limited daily availability — note that only one additional mountain hike can be added per travel date, either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, not both. Once your selections are made, click Continue.
Step 4 — Complete Your Payment
Choose your preferred payment method and finalize the transaction securely. Your reservation is confirmed automatically once payment processes successfully. You’ll immediately receive a booking confirmation email, your payment receipt, and your reservation number. Shortly after, one of our travel specialists will reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your reservation, verify all passenger information, confirm your Machu Picchu circuit and entrance time, verify any optional services requested, and answer any remaining questions before your trek. If an optional service (such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) turns out to be unavailable, we’ll notify you right away and process a full refund for that specific item.
Your Reservation Is Ready
Once everything is confirmed, you’ll receive your final booking confirmation with all the details needed before arriving in Cusco — departure date, pick-up information, pre-trek briefing details, included services, packing recommendations, contact information, and emergency assistance numbers. From the moment you book until the end of your journey, the Machu Picchu Team remains available to support you every step of the way, ensuring a safe, memorable adventure to Machu Picchu.
Booking Policy, Payment & Cancellation Terms — Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
At Machu Picchu Team, transparency is a priority. Please review the following booking, payment, and cancellation policies carefully before confirming your reservation.
1. Booking Deposit
Securing your spot on the Salkantay Trek 3 Days requires a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. This deposit allows us to immediately reserve services requiring advance purchase, including your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, train tickets (if included), hotel reservation in Aguas Calientes, and operational logistics and permits. Since these services are purchased and confirmed right after booking, the deposit remains non-refundable and non-transferable.
2. Remaining Balance Payment
If you paid only the deposit at booking, the remaining balance must be settled no later than 48 hours before the trek begins. Payment can be made at our Cusco office, online through our secure platform, by credit or debit card, via bank transfer, or in cash (USD or Peruvian soles). Failing to pay the balance before this deadline may result in automatic cancellation without refund of the deposit.
3. Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
All entrance tickets are issued exclusively by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Once issued, tickets cannot be cancelled, refunded, transferred, or modified — including passenger names or travel dates. These regulations come from the Peruvian government and apply to every authorized tour operator.
4. Optional Mountain Tickets
Additional tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain carry limited daily availability and are purchased immediately upon booking confirmation. Following the same Ministry of Culture regulations, these permits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable. Only one mountain ticket can be added per travel date.
5. Train Tickets
If your package includes train transportation, tickets are purchased through PeruRail or Inca Rail. Once issued, these tickets are generally non-refundable and subject to each operator’s policies, with changes only possible when permitted by the train company, subject to availability and additional fees. Machu Picchu Team cannot override these external policies.
6. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email.
- More than 48 hours before departure: Your booking deposit is retained as a cancellation fee. If you’ve already paid the full tour price, the remaining balance will be refunded after deducting the non-refundable deposit, any Machu Picchu tickets already purchased, optional mountain tickets issued, train tickets issued, confirmed hotel reservations, non-refundable optional services, and payment processing fees.
- Within 48 hours of departure: 100% of the total tour cost is forfeited, with no refund issued, since all services have already been confirmed with hotels, transportation providers, guides, cooks, and support staff.
7. If You Paid Only the Deposit
Canceling after paying only the deposit results in no refund. However, if your Machu Picchu entrance ticket has already been issued, you may still use it personally on the original travel date, arranging your own transportation and logistics — the ticket cannot be transferred or used on a different date.
8. Changes to Your Reservation
Once confirmed, any requested changes — departure date, passenger information, return option, train schedule, hotel, or optional services — depend on availability and may incur additional charges based on supplier policies. Certain services, including Machu Picchu and train tickets, cannot be modified once issued.
9. Refund Processing
When applicable, refunds are processed using the original payment method whenever possible, typically taking 7 to 30 business days to appear in your account depending on your bank or card provider. Bank charges, exchange rate differences, payment gateway fees, and other transaction costs remain non-refundable.
10. Our Commitment
We aim for complete transparency throughout the booking process. Entrance tickets, transportation, accommodations, and operational services are purchased immediately after your reservation is confirmed to guarantee your place on the trek. We encourage all travelers to review these policies carefully before booking and reach out with any questions — we’re always happy to help you book with full confidence.
Terms & Conditions — Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu
Passenger Information
All travelers are responsible for providing accurate personal information exactly as it appears on their valid passport, including full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Incorrect or incomplete details may lead to denied entry at Machu Picchu or prevent the issuance of train tickets and other travel documents. Machu Picchu Team is not liable for additional costs arising from inaccurate information supplied by the traveler.
Passport Requirements
The passport used at booking must match the one presented when entering Machu Picchu and boarding the train. If you renew or replace your passport after booking, please notify us immediately so we can advise on the documentation required by Peruvian authorities.
Student Discount
Travelers booking with the student discount must provide a valid student ID meeting the requirements set by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. If this documentation isn’t submitted before tickets are issued, or if the student ID is rejected by authorities, the traveler must pay the price difference before the tour begins.
Physical Fitness
The Salkantay Trek 3 Days is a high-altitude mountain adventure requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for long hiking days, high-altitude conditions, uneven terrain, steep ascents and descents, and rapidly shifting weather. If you have a medical condition that could affect your participation, consult your physician before booking and inform us in advance.
Medical Conditions
Travelers are responsible for disclosing any relevant medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or physical limitations before the trek, allowing our guides and support team to provide appropriate assistance throughout the journey.
Altitude and Personal Responsibility
This trek reaches elevations above 4,600 meters (15,000 feet). While our professional guides carry first-aid equipment and emergency oxygen, each traveler accepts the inherent risks of high-altitude trekking — including altitude sickness, fatigue, slippery trails, cold temperatures, heavy rain, falling rocks, and other natural hazards beyond our control. Participation is entirely voluntary.
Itinerary Changes
Machu Picchu Team reserves the right to modify the itinerary whenever necessary due to circumstances beyond our control — severe weather, landslides, road closures, government regulations, strikes, natural disasters, train schedule changes, or safety concerns. Whenever possible, we’ll offer the best available alternative while preserving the quality of your experience.
Force Majeure
Machu Picchu Team cannot be held responsible for delays, itinerary changes, cancellations, or additional expenses caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, earthquakes, floods, pandemics, political unrest, demonstrations, government restrictions, airline delays, train cancellations, or other acts of God. Such situations don’t constitute grounds for compensation or refunds beyond what’s outlined in our Cancellation Policy.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t included in the tour price. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive coverage before traveling to Peru, ideally including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or delayed luggage, and personal accidents.
Personal Belongings
Travelers are responsible for their own personal belongings throughout the tour. While our team takes great care handling luggage and duffel bags, Machu Picchu Team is not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of cash, passports, cameras, mobile phones, jewelry, electronics, or other valuables. We recommend keeping valuable items in your daypack at all times.
Respect for the Environment
The Salkantay Trek 3 Days passes through protected natural areas and fragile ecosystems. All participants are expected to respect wildlife and local communities, avoid littering, stay on designated trails, follow their guide’s instructions, and help preserve Peru’s natural and cultural heritage.
Passenger Conduct
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, participants are expected to behave respectfully toward fellow travelers, guides, cooks, muleteers, drivers, hotel staff, and local communities. Machu Picchu Team reserves the right to remove any participant without refund if their behavior endangers themselves or others, is violent, abusive, or discriminatory, is excessively disruptive, involves illegal drug use, causes damage to property or the environment, or fails to follow the guide’s safety instructions.
Photography and Marketing
During the trek, our guides or staff may capture photos or videos for promotional purposes. If you’d prefer not to appear in marketing materials, simply let your guide know before the tour begins, and we’ll gladly respect your preference.
Claims and Customer Support
Our goal is to deliver an exceptional travel experience. If any issue arises during your tour, please notify your guide or contact our operations team immediately so we can resolve it as quickly as possible. Formal complaints must be submitted within three (3) calendar days after tour completion; claims submitted after this period may not be accepted.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Peru. In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first pursue an amicable resolution through mutual negotiation; if no agreement is reached, the matter will be submitted to the competent courts of Cusco, Peru.
Acceptance of These Terms
By confirming your reservation with Machu Picchu Team, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions, along with our Booking, Payment, and Cancellation Policy. We appreciate your trust in Machu Picchu Team and look forward to sharing an unforgettable adventure with you on the Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu.
1. How does the Salkantay Trek 3 Days differ from the 4-day version?
The 3-day option condenses the same key highlights — Salkantay Pass, the Llactapata Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu — into a faster-paced itinerary with longer daily hiking distances, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but good physical fitness.
2. How physically demanding is this trek?
This trek ranges from moderate to challenging, with Day 1 being particularly intense as you climb to 4,630 meters on the very first day. A reasonable level of fitness and prior acclimatization to altitude are strongly recommended.
3. What kind of accommodation is included?
Your package includes one night in our exclusive Sky Star Domes in Lucmabamba, offering panoramic views under the stars, plus one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before your Machu Picchu visit.
4. Which Machu Picchu circuit is included in this trek?
We prioritize Circuit 2A (Classic Designed Route), offering the iconic panoramic viewpoint and access to key archaeological areas. If unavailable, Circuit 2B serves as our second option, with the exact circuit confirmed based on availability at the time of booking.
5. Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to my itinerary?
Yes, both are available as optional add-ons for $65 USD each. Since only 400 spots are available daily for each mountain, we recommend booking these early alongside your trek reservation. Only one mountain hike can be added per date.
6. Is the zipline activity a replacement for the Llactapata hike?
Yes, on Day 2, if you choose the zipline experience, you’ll skip the hike to the Llactapata viewpoint, since there isn’t enough time for both. Both groups reunite for lunch at Hidroeléctrica before continuing together to Aguas Calientes.
7. Can I choose between returning to Cusco by train or by car?
Yes, both options are available at booking. Returning by car via Hidroeléctrica is more budget-friendly, while the train return includes a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley at a higher cost.
8. Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
Not necessarily. While you’re welcome to bring your own, sleeping bag rentals are available for $10 USD, rated for temperatures as low as -10°C — more than sufficient for the cold nights at higher elevations.
9. Is tipping required for the guides and support staff?
No, tipping is entirely optional and left to your discretion. While appreciated, our staff already receive fair wages, so any tip is simply a gesture of gratitude, never an obligation.
10. What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure result in the loss of the non-refundable booking deposit. Cancellations within 48 hours of departure result in the loss of the full amount paid, since Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, and hotel reservations are purchased immediately upon booking confirmation.
