→ Salkantay + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 7 Days

Our classic Salkantay Trek is an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Sacred path is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity. With more spectacular views, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offer a quiet and rich contemplation of Nature.

Day 01: By car to Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay lake - Sky Lodge
Day 02: Soraypampa - Salkantay - Pampajaponesa
Day 03: Salkantay Pass - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Sisaypampa
Day 04: Sisaypampa - Paucarcancha (Classic Inca Trail)
Day 05: Wayllabamba - Dead Woman's pass - Pacaymayu
Day 06: Pacaymayu - Town in the clouds - Wiñay Wayna
Day 07: Machu Picchu guided tour (Circuit 1 and Circuit 3) - Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Inca Trail

By car to Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay lake - Sky Lodge

“Smooth trekking day” Acclimatization day.
Overnight at Soraypampa Lodge del Cielo “Sky Lodge” at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.
About Our Lodge del Cielo base in Soraypampa: This camp site is located 10 minutes away walking from the village of Soraypampa, this will give you a huge advantage to have a 360 panoramic view of the Humantay glacier, also it is a perfect place, away from the crowd and where we can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Andean Valley.
Note: On the evening before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are picked up starting at 6:00 am at your Cusco hotel by ITEP guide and vehicle “Pick up time can vary and will be confirmed only on the day of your briefing”.

We will pick you up from your hotel and travel by bus to the town of Mollepata. Along the way, we will pass through the picturesque towns of Pampa de Anta (Izcuchaca, Zurite, and Ancahuasi). Our journey will take us into the Limatambo Valley, and then toward Mollepata, where we will begin our adventure trek. At Mollepata, we will complete the arrangements for our trek and then hike to our first camp at Soraypampa.

Here in Soraypampa is going to be the first campsite Lodge del Cielo “sky lodge”. After Lunch time, our excursion will take us to the Humantay Lake, which is fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of the impressive Mt. Humantay.
Our 4-hour walk is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth and those brave enough can go for a swim! Performed by our local Tour Guide, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience.

Return to the Lodge.

Highlights: Humantay Lake trek
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails.

Day 2 | Inca Trail

Soraypampa - Salkantay - Pampajaponesa

We start our day, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, starting very early in the morning with the directions to Choqueckilla, meanwhile we start descending, you are going to enjoy the landscape and the stunning snow peak of Salkantay.
Our camp site is located in the lower part of the snowy pick of Salkantay with an elevation of 4.000 meters / 13.123 feet.
You’ll enjoy views of the mountainous landscape of Vilcabamba, where we are going to enjoy a rewarding lunch. After 7 hours walking through the stunning areas to finally reach our camp site.
This day is not easy but you will enjoy the beauty of the land cape surrounded by snow peaks and some representative fauna of the place all the time, having the explanations of your tour Guide. A local man can make this trail in just 3 hours. But we’re going to do it in 9 hours approx. including the Lunch time.

Walk and Terrain: Walk, on mostly steep trails, and some open slopes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Time: Approximately 7 hours (including picnic lunch in the route), and 2 hours for the lunch time.

Day 3 | Inca Trail

Salkantay Pass - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Sisaypampa

The third day is far and away the hardest day of the trek. It’s long, it’s cold, and you have to make your way over the 4,650 mts – 15,256 fts Salkantay Pass. Nonetheless, waking up at sunrise amidst the sprawling grasslands of Sisaypampa, the sun illuminating the 6264 mts or 20551.18 fts Andean peaks springing up from behind you makes for an energizing and mesmerizing start to the day.

We will wake up with a cup of hot coca tea because this day is going to be quite cold as soon as the breakfast is ready you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to warm up and start our third day walking. With a fairly steep ascent of straits, this trail with constant ascents and rocky structures through place named Inka Chiriasca pass (5,200 meters high) the trek will last for around 3 to 4 hours approximately, with a constant walking pass.

The climb to the pass takes anywhere from 3-4 hours, and it is a fairly steep grind of narrow switchbacks and steady uphills until the rock structures of the pass finally come into view. Unless hiking in June or July the trail should most likely be devoid of any snow or ice, although hail, sleet, ice, and rain are possible at any time of the year.

Though the air is thin and the trail is steep, anyone who is fairly physically fit and acclimated to the altitude can make it over the pass. We had, and probably we´ll have 60-something year old people in our group and they made it over the pass just fine. Our group carry extra oxygen, Also you can ride a horse and let them catch a ride over the pass.

To appreciate the imposing Andean topography with incredible views of mountains, glaciers and mountain ranges of the valley, lakes and some Flora and fauna of this region.
Well, once you cross the pass of Inca Chiriasca, as a reward you will have the beauty of the landscape of this region.
Going ahead with the walk you will began descending along the route with 1,700 meters or 5577 feet, arriving to our camp site you can have a rest and enjoy a rewarding lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Tim: Approximately 8 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk on narrow trails

Day 4 | Inca Trail

Sisaypampa - Paucarcancha (Classic Inca Trail)

Today you will begin the trekking for 4 hours descending through the Inca Channel that will lead us to the archaeological center of Paucarcancha.
Continuing with the trek you are going to visit the archaeological place named Paucarcancha then you will get into the valley of Cusichaca, where you are going to enjoy the lunch and meet with the support staff (the porters), from this point you are going to get into Inka trail and finally this is the fort camp site where you are having overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Tim: Approximately 8 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk on narrow trails

Day 5 | Inca Trail

Wayllabamba - Dead Woman's pass - Pacaymayu

At around 5:00 - 5:30 am after you wake up, the breakfast will be ready; today we will start our trekking with a steep ascent towards the highest pass named Abra Warmi Huañusca also known as dead Woman's Pass at 4200 masl. From this place you are going to begin the descent To the Pacaymayu camp site (3550 meters).

On the way down of the pass we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. Also, we will have time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants such as the Polylepis or Q'ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650 meters.

We will reach the campsite of Pacaymayo; you should feel proud of reaching the top! Of the pass which is very high, after resting at this place you will enjoy a lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Time: Approximately 8 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk on narrow trails and stairs

Day 6 | Inca Trail

Pacaymayu - Town in the clouds - Wiñay Wayna

In our opinion, this is the most impressive day! We will wake up for breakfast around 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning Town in the Clouds) and to reach the third highest point on the trail at 3680 meters). From this place you will be able to have amazing views of the mountains and canyons, the surrounding area is spectacular.

The Inca site, Phuyupatamarca is located a few minutes walk from the third pass after visiting this we’ll continue walking (3000 steps!) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Inca.

We’ll arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680 meters). Today we will walk only for about 4 to 5 hours and have arrived to camp by lunch time! A short distance.
This campsite is the Inca site with the same name, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek; don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive sites on the trail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Tim: Approximately 8.30 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk on narrow trails

Day 7 | Inca Trail

Machu Picchu guided tour (Circuit 1 and Circuit 3) - Cusco

At around 4:00 am it´s time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 7 on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu on time. This is the final part of your journey; we will go at 6:00 am to reach Inti Punku or The Sun Gate. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel is in front of us with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. The reality of what the Inca people must have encountered on their taxing journey to this expansive temple of Machu Picchu. At this point, we walk downhill towards the Machu Picchu Citadel. (2400m/7872 ft.) After walking 40 minutes, we will enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”.

From there we will proceed to the control point where we register and leave our belongings. Your professional guide will direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made from stone. Machu Picchu is considered as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site on your own.

You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price).
• Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
• Other optional activities in Machu Picchu Town includes a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

*** Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains hike depends on availability; please let us know if you want to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.
*** We take INKA TRAIL clients in our vans / cars – We do not use public transport.

Back to Cusco: You will descend to Machu Picchu town by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station where you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco arriving around 8:30 p.m.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Difficulty: Moderate

What's Included?

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Salkantay Royal Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay and Royal Inca Trail trek.
Adventure Experienced Salkantay Inca Trail Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy…
Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visiting the sacred city of Machupicchu.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for have a very local experience.
- Night 1: Relax on your soft bed in our Lodge del cielo in Soraypampa Campsite under the watchful eye of Apu Sacred mountain Humantay and Salkantay. Spend as many hours as you would like star-gazing through your elegant glass ceiling!
- Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in pampa Japonesa on the route Salkantay /Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Sisay Pampa on the route Salkantay /Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 4: Enjoy the 4th night in Wayllabamba on the route Salkantay /Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 5: Enjoy the 5th night in Pacaymayu campsite on the route Salkantay /Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 6: Enjoy the 6th night in Wiñayhuayna Campsite on the route Salkantay /Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
Note: It is not usual that campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: Any changes in this matter, ITEP travel will be informing you previously as soon as possible.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entrance ticket to Salkantay/Humantay lake
Entrance ticket to Royal Inca Trail “Spaces are limited”
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site
Bus Consettur to Machupicchu inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, so we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".
Loading Mules/horses: We will give you your duffel bag at your briefing the night before; to be filled with the things you will need for the next night and day. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your evening campsite. On days 1,2, 3 and 4, Our mules/horses carry all camping equipment and your allowance of personal baggage (5 kgs/11.02 lbs).
Porters “Inca Sherpas for the Royal Inca Trail”:
On day 5, 6,7th we include a personal porter for your personal baggage (5 kgs/11.02 lbs.), who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite. Also last day your luggage will be carried by our porters to Machupicchu village “Aguas Calientes” and you will get it after your guided tour in Machupicchu. Porters can’t enter in Machupicchu Inca City with luggages.
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
Transfer back to Cusco: Touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco (Day 7)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

What's not Included?

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)