Salkantay Traditional Inca Trail 7D/6N
Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 7-Day Adventure
- Salkantay Mountain: Standing at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet), Salkantay is one of the highest peaks in the Peruvian Andes. Trekkers will journey through its rugged terrains, witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of snow-capped summits and glacial formations.
- Inca Trail: This ancient pathway offers a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incan civilization. Along the trail, hikers will encounter well-preserved archaeological sites, including Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca, each narrating tales of a bygone era.
- Machu Picchu: The trek culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), providing a panoramic view of the legendary Machu Picchu. Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site offers insights into Incan history, architecture, and spirituality.
Trip Details
- Hightlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Travel Info
Highlights
Highlights
Overview of the Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu Trek
The Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu Trek is a unique expedition that combines two of Peru’s most celebrated hiking routes. Over seven days and six nights, trekkers will experience the majestic Salkantay Mountain, traverse ancient Incan pathways, and ultimately arrive at the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This trek is designed for avid hikers seeking a comprehensive and immersive Andean adventure.
Itinerary Overview
- <strong>DAY 01: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA – JAPANESE PAMPA
- DAY 02: JAPANESE PAMPA – INCA CHIRIASCA – INCA CANAL
- DAY 03: INCA CANAL – INCARACAY – PAUCARCANCHA – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA DAY
- 04: INCARACAY – WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA DAY </li>
- 05: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYU – RUNKURAQAY – CHAQUICOCHA DAY
- 06: CHAQUICOCHA – WIÑAYWAYNA DAY
- <li>07: WIÑAYWAYNA – INTIPUNKU – MACHU PICCHU
Itinerary
DAY 01: SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PAMPA - PAMPA JAPONESA
Amazing Adventures starts at 5:00 am with the pick-up from your hotel. We will arrive at the town of Mollepata around 8:00 am, where you can have breakfast, use the restroom, and more. Our transportation will then continue the journey to the town of Soraypampa, where we will begin the hike to Laguna Humantay for about 2 hours to observe the turquoise lagoon beneath the snow-capped mountain.
We will have lunch in Salkantay Pampa and then continue our uphill hike for about 2.5 hours. In the evening, we will have dinner around Pampa Japonesa. It is recommended to wear warm clothing as the campsite is located at 3,900 meters above sea level.
DAY 02: PAMPA JAPONESA - INCA CHIRIASCA - CANAL INCA
We start the day with a wake-up tea and a hearty breakfast. We continue walking uphill, passing through Pampa Japonesa and reaching the Inca Chiriasca pass at an altitude of over 5,000 meters (high puna). Here, we can admire the flora, fauna, and the Soraypampa Valley.
After a two-hour descent from the summit, we will have lunch. Continuing the hike, we will catch a glimpse of the Inca Canal in the distance, which was built during the Inca era and will serve as our campsite for the second night. Dinner will be served in the evening. It is recommended to bring winter clothing.
DAY 03: CANAL INCA - INCARACAY - PAUCARCANCHA - WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA
We start the day with a good breakfast and descend for about 4 hours, observing the local flora and fauna of the valley, until we reach the Incaracay Archaeological Group. After visiting Incaracay, we will have lunch in Paucarcancha and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free before overnighting in Paucarcancha. Afternoon tea and dinner will be provided.
DAY 04: INCARACAY - WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
On the fourth day, we wake up to a wake-up tea and a nourishing breakfast to continue our hike. We will wait for our support staff to pass through the corresponding control and observe the flora and fauna of the Wayllabamba Valley, from where we will start another ascent, passing through Wayllabamba and Ayapata before reaching our campsite in Llulluchapampa.
This day, there is an option to make purchases along the route. Tea and dinner will be provided at the end of the day.
DAY 05: LLULLUCHAPAMPA - WARMIWAÑUSCA - PACAYMAYU - RUNKURAQAY – CHAQUICOCHA
We start the day with a wake-up tea, and there is an opportunity to buy the last cold drinks. Our hike begins over the mountains at an altitude of 3,700 meters, reaching the highest pass of the traditional Inca Trail. From this point, we can observe the immensity of the Andes mountain range before descending to the Pacaymayu Valley, where we will have lunch and use the restroom facilities.
In the afternoon, we will ascend to the second pass at 3,900 meters and then descend to Sayacmarca, where we will explore part of this archaeological group before overnighting in the campsite of Chaquicocha. Tea and dinner will be provided at the end of the day.
DAY 06: CHAQUICOCHA - WIÑAYWAYNA
The sunrise in these mountains is a unique experience that allows you to connect with nature. You can enjoy views of both the Aobamba and Urubamba Valleys and encounter the unique flora and fauna of the cloud forest zone. There are natural lookout points that enhance the tourist experience, and we will stop to serve lunch at the Phuyupatamarka lookout, from where you can see Machu Picchu Mountain in the distance.
From this point, we will descend to the Wiñaywayna campsite, passing through Intipata and observing camelids such as llamas and alpacas. In this campsite, we will have a farewell dinner and express our gratitude to our team.
DAY 7: WIÑAYWAYNA - INTIPUNKU - MACHU PICCHU
We will wake up in the early morning to pack our personal belongings and dismantle the campsite because our support team needs to transport all the camping equipment to the train station, where the train departs at 5 am. We then proceed to the penultimate control point and continue along a winding trail to reach the Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you can appreciate the view of the Vilcanota River.
Due to the guidelines issued by the government regarding the citadel, we will enter the Machu Picchu Llaqta through the main control point, where we will have free time, access to restroom facilities, and use of the custodia service (for a fee of 10 soles).
In coordination with the guide, we will proceed with the guided tour of the Machu Picchu Llaqta. Our visit to this Wonder of the World will conclude around 11 am. We will then descend by tourist transportation or on foot (according to your preference) to the town of Machu Picchu, where you can have lunch at a designated restaurant before boarding the return train to Cusco in the late afternoon.
What's included?
Included
- Hotel pick-up to the bus station.</li>
- Transportation to Mollepata.
- Guide service.
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Tents and mats.
- First aid kit.
- Horses for carrying agency equipment and 5 kg of passenger luggage up to Incaracay.
- Porters for the traditional Inca Trail route.
- Return train ticket.
- Bus ticket for the descent.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco or with the company).
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Lunch on the seventh day.
- Mineral water.
- Personal hygiene items.
Travel Info
Inka Trail Regulations
- Inka Trail Regulations – CLICK HERE
- Regulation for Sustainable Use and Tourist visit for conservation to Machupicchu Ministery of Culture – CLICK HERE
- Agrement Letter CLICK HERE
- Prohibitions-Unathorized Elements – Solid Waste Managemente CLICK HERE
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Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Trekking Adventure
A Legendary Route Combining Nature, Culture, and History
The Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that blends two of the most famous trekking routes in Peru. This 7-day journey takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, remote mountain passes, and ancient Inca ruins before culminating at the world-famous Machu Picchu. This trek is ideal for those seeking both the challenge of high-altitude trekking and the cultural richness of an authentic Inca experience.
Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, this itinerary begins with the Salkantay Trek, a route renowned for its stunning glacial peaks, diverse ecosystems, and remote beauty. You’ll hike through high-altitude passes, lush cloud forests, and small Andean villages, experiencing the natural diversity of Peru in a single trek. As you transition into the Classic Inca Trail, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, passing through stunning archaeological sites, stone-paved paths, and mystical cloud-shrouded landscapes before reaching the legendary Machu Picchu.
Why Choose this Inca Trail Trek?
1. A Unique Combination of Two Iconic Trails
This trek merges the best of both worlds: the rugged, high-altitude beauty of the Salkantay route and the historically rich paths of the Inca Trail. This makes it one of the most complete and rewarding trekking experiences in South America.
2. Stunning Natural Landscapes
From the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay Mountain (6,271m/20,574ft) to the lush cloud forests surrounding Machu Picchu, this trek offers a variety of landscapes rarely found in a single route. You’ll also pass by turquoise glacial lakes, deep valleys, and high-altitude grasslands teeming with wildlife.
3. Rich Cultural and Historical Significance
Hiking the Inca Trail is like walking through history. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, which were once part of the extensive Inca road network. These ruins offer insight into the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization and provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
4. Fewer Crowds and a More Authentic Experience
Since this trek is a combination of two different routes, it allows you to enjoy the solitude of the Salkantay Trek before joining the more popular Inca Trail. This means fewer crowds at the beginning of your journey, offering a more intimate experience with nature and local culture.
5. Arrive at Machu Picchu Through the Iconic Sun Gate
Unlike other trekking routes, this combined trek allows you to enter Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate)—the original entrance used by the Incas. This is the most breathtaking way to see the Lost City of the Incas for the first time, as the site reveals itself dramatically at sunrise.
What to Expect on the Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu Trek
Challenging Yet Rewarding Hikes
This trek is considered moderate to challenging, with high-altitude passes reaching over 4,600m (15,091ft). While the hike requires good physical condition, the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment make every step worthwhile.
Varied Climates and Ecosystems
Be prepared for changing climates, from cold mountain passes near Salkantay Glacier to warm, humid conditions in the cloud forests leading to Machu Picchu. Packing appropriately for all weather conditions is essential.
Camping Under the Andean Sky
The nights spent in remote campsites offer an unforgettable experience, where you can gaze at the clear, star-filled sky of the Andes. This trek also provides opportunities to interact with local Quechua communities, adding an authentic cultural touch to your journey.
Wildlife Encounters
The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including Andean condors, spectacled bears, and hummingbirds. The trek’s remote nature allows you to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Andean wilderness.
Who is This Trek For?
- Adventure seekers looking for an extended, immersive trekking experience.
- Travelers wanting to combine scenic beauty with rich history.
- Hikers in good physical condition, ready to take on high-altitude challenges.
- Those who want to experience the best of both the Salkantay and Inca Trail routes.
If you love trekking, history, and breathtaking scenery, the Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu trek is the ultimate Peruvian adventure.
Book Your Inca Trail Salkantay to Machu Picchu Adventure Today!
This trek is a truly unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Since permits for the Inca Trail are limited, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Secure your spot today! Contact us now and start planning your epic Inca Trail Salkantay Machu Picchu adventure. Book Now!