Salkantay Trek and Classic Inca Trail 7D/6N
7 Days
Overview
The 7-Day Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu combines high Andean valleys, the snow-capped Salkantay, cloud forests, and iconic Inca sites including Paucarcancha, Runkuraqay, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna, finishing at the Sun Gate with panoramic views of Machu Picchu. An immersive Andean adventure rich in history and breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAGOON - SALKANTAYPAMPA.
Your adventure in the Peruvian Andes begins with an early 5:00 a.m. hotel pick-up and a scenic drive to Soraypampa, passing through traditional Andean villages and enjoying spectacular views of valleys and the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
From Soraypampa, enjoy a round-trip hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. After lunch, continue to Salkantaypampa Camp, where hot drinks and snacks await, followed by a relaxing evening beneath the majestic Salkantay Glacier.
Distance: 7 km (6.2 mi)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals Included: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea & dinner
DAY 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA.
Wake up to a hot cup of tea served at your tent, followed by breakfast with breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. From camp, we begin a 3-hour uphill hike off the traditional trails, immersing ourselves in pristine high-altitude scenery.
We stop for lunch along the route while enjoying panoramic views of glaciers, lagoons, and rugged mountain terrain. In the afternoon, we continue hiking to our remote campsite near the Salkantay Glacier, located just one kilometer from the snow-capped peak. Upon arrival, enjoy afternoon tea before dinner as you take in the spectacular surroundings.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea & dinner
DAY 3: PAMPA JAPONESA – INCA CHIRIASKA PASS – SISAYPAMPA (CANAL INCA)
Wake up inside your sleeping bag with a hot drink, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare for the most demanding day of the trek. Today’s journey begins with a steady uphill hike of approximately 4 hours to reach Incachiriaska Pass (5,028 m / 16,495 ft), known in Quechua as “The Frozen Inca Pass.”
This high-altitude region is home to the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in South America. With some luck, you may spot these majestic birds soaring above while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers and untouched Andean landscapes.
From the highest point of the day, we begin a long descent as the trail gradually levels out. Lunch is served along the way before continuing to our campsite at Sisaypampa, where your tents will already be set up. Relax with afternoon tea, followed by a well-earned dinner under the Andean sky.
Distance: 12 km (7.45 miles)
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea & dinner
DAY 4: SISAYPAMPA - WAYLLABAMBA- LLULLUCHAPAMPA.
Start the day early with a hot cup of tea and scenic views from your tent, followed by breakfast and a farewell to our horsemen. We hike through the wide Pampacahuana Valley, home to a still-functioning Inca irrigation canal used by local farmers.
Along the way, visit the Paucarcancha archaeological site before reaching Wayllabamba, where we officially join the Classic Inca Trail. After lunch, our porters take over the equipment as horses are not permitted in this protected area.
In the afternoon, hike for about 3 hours through the Llullucha Valley to Llulluchapampa campsite, enjoying mountain views, rich flora, and a relaxing afternoon tea.
Distance: ~11 km / 6.8 mi
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea & dinner
DAY 5: LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PAQAYMAYU - CH'AQICOCHA - PHUYUPATAMARCA.
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. After breakfast, begin a steady 2-hour ascent to Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m / 13,907 ft, the highest point of the Inca Trail. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and valleys.
Descend for about 2 hours to Pacaymayu Valley for lunch. In the afternoon, climb to the Runkuraqay archaeological site, then continue to the second Runkuraqay Pass, where stunning mountain and lagoon views await.
The trail then descends to Sayaqmarca, another impressive Inca site, before a final 2-hour hike to Phuyupatamarca campsite, surrounded by cloud forest and spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain, the Vilcabamba Range, and the Urubamba Canyon.
Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 mi
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea & dinner
DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA - WIÑAY WAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES.
Today offers the most scenic landscapes of the Inca Trail. After breakfast with panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, descend more than 1,000 stone steps to the impressive Intipata archaeological site.
Continue downhill to Wiñay Wayna Camp (2,650 m / 8,747 ft) for lunch, followed by a guided visit to this beautifully preserved Inca complex. In the afternoon, hike 1.5 hours to the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
From here, descend along the upper trail to reach the classic postcard viewpoints of the citadel. Finally, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals: Lunch, snacks & dinner
DAY 7: MACHUPICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTABO - CUSCO.
Today is the highlight of your journey. From your hotel, we take the bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, where you’ll witness the sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour with our expert guide, visiting Machu Picchu’s most important temples, ceremonial areas, and viewpoints, with time for photos and detailed explanations.
Optional activities (not included):
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (advance reservation required, extra cost)
Visit the local museum or relax at the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
After the tour, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, return by Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
Area: Subtropical cloud forest
Weather: Variable
Meals Included: Breakfast
Inclusions
INCLUDED
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel for free
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Porters, horseman and pack horses, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, you need to include the sleeping bag in the 7kgs, carried by our horses and porters)
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
- English speaking, experienced professional tour guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 3 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private shower and bathroom.
- comfortable foam mattress
- All the gear for our porters and cook
- Expedition Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelback (the chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Extra porter for your belongings (you will need only a day backpack to carry what is needed during day)
- Private toilet tent with toilet seat, only for our group.
- Hot water for washing purposes
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast.
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to the hot springs.
- Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (it books out very quickly).
- Sleeping bag. If you don’t want to bring your own, you can hire this from us.
- Ingreso al Puente Inca y Puerta del Sol
- Extra activities such as zip line and canopy
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Machupicchu Condor trek!
Packing Check List
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days 6 Nights is a challenging high-altitude adventure, requiring thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it begins early in the morning, make sure to pack the following essential items:
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones).
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG (The horse will carry it)
RECOMENDAMOS LLEVAR:
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 2 Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $25 USD.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO CARRY IN THE DAYPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch. Bring your own water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Price
SALKANTAY TREK WITH INCA TRAIL TOUR PRICE
Permits are required for your selected start date. Tour prices vary based on the group size.
The Saltantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done at any time of the year, as long as we have a minimum of 2 traveling tourists!
SERVICE PRICE:
$1180 USD per person with 3* hotel
$1160 USD per person (hotel not included).
- Feel free to choose and book your own hotel for a more flexible and comfortable travel experience!
Important :
- For groups of 4 or more travelers, please contact us for a special group price: info@condortrek.com
Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:
We offer special discounts for travelers in the following categories:
Students (18–25 years old) – $25 USD off
Valid student card required (must include: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date).
A copy of the card must be submitted at the time of booking for government approval.
Travelers under 18 years old – $25 USD off
A copy of your passport is required at the time of booking.
Children under 11 years old – $30 USD off
A copy of your passport is required at the time of booking.
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