7
DAYSFROM
$850
Overview
Ideal for adventure lovers, this trek blends the scenic Salkantay route with the legendary Classic Inca Trail.
Hikers follow a trail that winds around the base of the sacred Mt. Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,569 ft) — one of the highest and most magnificent snow-capped peaks in the Peruvian Andes. Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as one of the “World’s 25 Best Treks,” the Salkantay route offers adventure and breathtaking scenery at every step.
Itinerary
Day 1: The real journey begins | Soraypampa to Pampa Japonesa
- Today, we begin with a five-hour drive through small Andean villages, quinoa fields, and herds of cattle. At the trailhead, we’ll meet our horsemen and pack horses, who will accompany us on this unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.
- Learn about Tarawasi, an ancient Inca ceremonial center, as you explore the site.
- Passports or IDs must be presented at check points.
- Today, we hike up to Salkantaypampa and around the glacial moraines. Our first campsite offers stunning views of Mt. Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,694 ft) and the Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Tonight’s campsite is the coldest of the trek, so it’s the perfect time to bundle up with down jackets, warm clothing, or cozy baby alpaca sweaters. Enjoy a comforting cup of coca tea or a glass of hot wine as you gaze up at the breathtaking Milky Way.
- Hiking time: 4.5 hours
- Distance covered: 9 km / 5.5 miles
- Difficulty level: Challenging
Day 2: Conquering the Frozen Inca Pass | Pampa Japonesa to Pampacahuana
- Today is the most demanding day — a two-hour ascent to reach the trek’s highest point, Incachiriasca, also known as the Frozen Inca Pass (5,028 m / 16,592 ft).
- Snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range emerge through the clouds — a perfect photo opportunity.
- Leaving Mt. Salkantay behind, we begin a four-hour descent into the Paucarcancha Valley, where we can appreciate the gradual transition through diverse ecological zones — spotting llamas and alpacas along the way.
- Tonight’s campsite is at 3,700 m / 12,210 ft.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles
- Difficulty level: Challenging to Demanding
Day 3: Joining the Inca Trail | Pampacahuana to Wayllabamba
- The trail descends to Wayllabamba village, where we join the Classic Inca Trail and continue our journey toward Machu Picchu.
- Today, we enjoy a gentle downhill walk along the Wayllabamba River.
- Passports or IDs must be presented at the checkpoints.
- Learn about Paucarcancha, an Inca administrative complex.
- We meet our porters, who will take care of us and carry the camping gear for the remainder of the trek. This is also where we say goodbye to our horses and horsemen, as only porters are allowed to work on the Inca Trail due to government regulations and efforts to preserve the route.
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Distance covered: 5 km / 3 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
Day 4: Crossing the Dead Woman’s Pass | Wayllabamba to Paqaymayo
- Today is the second most challenging day of the trek
- We’ll enjoy a steady four-hour hike up to Dead Woman’s Pass, following the ancient Inca Trail once used by pilgrims over 500 years ago.
- We reach the highest point of the Inca Trail at Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m / 13,909 ft) and take in stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles
- Difficulty level: Challenging
Day 5: Into the Cloud Forest | Paqaymayo to Phuyupatamarca
- Today’s hike takes us through the lush cloud forest — home to hummingbirds, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru’s national bird), and a variety of exotic orchids.
- Learn about the Inca civilization as you explore remarkable archaeological sites along the trail.
- Enjoy stunning scenery and dramatic views of the Peruvian Andes.
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Distance covered: 10 km / 6 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Day 6: Reaching the Sun Gate | Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu
- Begin with a visit to Wiñay Wayna (“Little Machu Picchu”), a stunning Inca site accessible only via the Inca Trail.
- Reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and take in your first breathtaking view of the iconic Machu Picchu — a sight few travelers ever experience. We’ll save the full tour of the ruins for tomorrow (Day 7).
- Head down to the town of Aguas Calientes (a 25-minute ride).
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 7: Visiting the Citadel of Machu Picchu
- Early morning shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride).
- We’ll start early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. As you explore this Wonder of the World, your guide will share its fascinating history and hidden secrets. Afterward, take some time to relax and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the site.
- Optional climb: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” (ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED – Check availability)
- Bus ride back down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train and continue by bus to your hotel.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure briefing for your tour.
- Transfers to the hike’s trailhead & to your hotel on the final day.
- Support staff includes professional cooks, horsemen, and porters, with horses to carry the camping gear and a riding horse available for emergencies. Additional horses can be arranged at an extra cost.
- All camping equipment, including tents, tables, and stools.
- Sleeping pad.
- Machu Picchu entrance fee and Inca Trail permits.
- Bus tickets: one ride up to Machu Picchu and two rides down to Aguas Calientes.
- Train tickets back to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on train availability.
- English-speaking tour guide (an additional guide for groups of 9+).
- Duffle bag (up to 8 kg / 17 lbs).
- Hotel accommodation for one night in Aguas Calientes (at your chosen hotel).
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners (If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian or gluten free, PLEASE let us know).
- Emergency First-Aid kit and oxygen bottle.
BRIEFING: Meet your guide and fellow adventurers before the hike begins. Learn all about the route and get helpful tips to make the most of your trekking experience.
×Not Included
- Backpacks.
- Sleeping bag (you can bring your own or rent one locally in Cusco).
- Hiking poles (you can bring your own or rent one locally in Cusco).
- Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 7.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” (ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED – Check availability).
- Tips for guides, cooks, horsemen, and porters.
- Travel Insurance (You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip).
NOTE: The itinerary above is a sample. Hiking times, campsites, and lunch spots are subject to change at our guides’ discretion, depending on weather conditions, availability, group progress, or safety regulations set by the Peruvian government.
Ξ Packing List:
- Original Passport
- Valid ISIC card (If you’re a student and want to get the discount…)
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun cream (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Towels and sandals
- Personal medication
- Bring some small change — it’s useful for restrooms and buying snacks along the way
- Camera and chargers
- Headlamp with spare batteries
⇒ Considerations:
- Hikers are strongly encouraged to spend a few days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft) or at a similar elevation to properly acclimatize before beginning the hike.
- Hikers should be in very good physical condition and have prior hiking experience, as much of the terrain is rugged and challenging.
- Weather conditions may vary. Temperatures range from below freezing to around 22°C / 72°F, warm and humid.
- Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” or Huayna Picchu Mountain is a terrific add-on experience since they both offer outstanding views of the Inca citadel, but the entrance fees are limited (400 people a day) and at scheduled times. If you are considering climbing either of them YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR A SPOT IN ADVANCE.
- Inca Trail permits are required for this hike. BOOK IT ASAP, AS PERMITS CAN SELL OUT MONTHS IN ADVANCE.
BUSINESS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Peru Machu Picchu Tours S.A. is committed to responsible travel that respects local people, their culture, local economies, and the environment. With your support, we can help conserve the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to the communities that welcome us.
How to Travel Responsibly: What You Should Know…
- Protecting the natural environment is essential. If you need to go to the bathroom, please do so away from water sources and bury the waste. Pack out or bury used toilet paper, and remember that tampons and sanitary pads must always be carried out. Avoid using soap or shampoo in rivers or lakes. Your guide will advise when washing with soap is not suitable for the environment.
- Many travelers choose to bring a small extra bag to collect any litter they find along the trail—and to carry out their own. This simple action helps keep the landscape clean. Remember that you may need to carry your rubbish until reaching the next town where proper disposal is available.
- Help us reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use water bottles. Instead, bring a reusable canteen, a CamelBak hydration system, or a water filter to refill safely along the route.
¶ Types of Services:
You can choose between two service options for your trekking experience:
Group Service: This is a high-quality shared service with a maximum of twelve travelers per group. Groups of up to eight hikers are led by one guide, and groups of 9+ are accompanied by two guides. This is a great option for those who enjoy meeting new people and sharing the trekking experience. Our GROUP SERVICE operates on set departure dates.
Private Service: These services are arranged exclusively for your party, with full flexibility to select the departure date, group size, and trek duration. This provides a more personalized experience, quieter campsites, and fewer travelers along the trail. Private treks also include added support, such as extra porters or horsemen for your personal equipment.
| Hike duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
| Hike level | Moderate to Demanding |
| Hike style | Active |
| Type of hike | Archaeological, Cultural, and Adventure |
| Distance | 59 km / 36.5 miles |
| Hiking time | Day 1: 4.5 hours / Day 2: 7 hours / Day 3: 3 hours / Day 4: 6 hours / Day 5: 5 hours / Day 6: 4 hours / Day 7: Machu Picchu |
| Elevation | Lowest point: 2,400 m (7,900 ft) – Highest point: 5,028 m (16,496 ft) at Salkantay Pass. |
| Accommodation | 5 nights camping, 1 night hotel |
| Group size | Group service up to 12 hikers maximum – Private service (as requested) |
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