Overview
Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail – Salkantay means “wild mountain”. At a height of 6271 m (20573 ft), it is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range and one of the highest in the Andes. It is located northeast of the city of Cusco. During our walk, we will climb up to 5028 m / 16495 feet, we will have views of beautiful Andean landscapes and we will have the possibility to observe condors, alpacas and other Andean animals in their natural habitats.
This trail connects the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail. The total duration of this Salkantay Trek & Classic Inca Trail 7 days. This is a mixed landscape and culture trip, here you will have a unique experience, enjoying the great nature with unique landscapes, customs and traditions of the local people and the experience of walking on the Inca trail.
Our Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 days service, is perfect for families, group of friends and honeymooners. With smaller groups, you get the full attention of our expert guides and with each trekker, having a personal porter to carry 7kg of your gear you can enjoy the salkantay trek & inca trail to the full.
The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 7 days is a good hiking option in the city of Cusco, due to the diversity of landscapes, history, and ancestral culture. Inca Trail Availability
We offer daily departures in the Inca Trail and Alternative routes: check availability here.
It is recommended to book the Inca Trail at least 4 months in advance, because this is the most famous road in South America and many people want to do.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 2900m / 9515 ft.
- Highest Altitude: 5028m / 16,495 ft.
- Coldest Night: Day 2 around 0º Celsius
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Tea / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 72km/ 44.738. miles
- Difficulty: Moderate.
We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail: Check Availability Here.
By booking your Inca Trail with Pacha Expeditions, you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!
Overview Day to Day
- Day 01: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA.
- Day 02: CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMAPA – SALKANTAYPAMPA.
- Day03: SALKANTAYPAMPA – INCACHIRIASKA – PAMPACAHUANA.
- Day 04: PAMPACAHUANA – WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA.
- Day 05: LLUCHAPAMPA – PACAYMAYO – CHAQUICOCHA.
- Day 06: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA.
- Day 07: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND FAQs
Conditions for the Mountain – Machu picchu and Wayna Picchu.
- Note: Level of difficulty depends a lot on your fitness and acclimatization.
- The train service on all tours includes (Expedition to Ollanta) and a bus to Cusco.
- If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and modify the train service return, the camps mentioned in the program are referential, as it depends on the time and date of reservation and Availability of the Ministry of Culture-Cusco.
- Campsites are subject to approval by the decentralized department of the Ministry of Culture, and also depend a lot of the time on your reservation, therefore, the above fields are for reference.
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco- Mollepata – Challacancha.
Salkantay Trek, we pick you up from your hotel at 6 am to start the journey, Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 days, ‘Tarawasi’ (2600m / 8530ft) an important Inca archaeological complex, 2 hours from Cusco.
We will have our breakfast (optional)here and then continue to Mollepata – this is where we meet our horsemen and mules and begin our trek., We will walk for about 3 hours to reach our camp, called Challacancha (3500m / 11482ft).
From here, we will have views of the mountains with snow, Humantay, Soraypampa, which is more than 5750m / 17552 ft above the sea level. Overnight.
- Meals: Lunch – Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl
- Maximum Altitude: 3850 masl
- Distance: 14km/9miles
- Time: 5h approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 02: Challacancha – Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa.
We have breakfast and then start a hike of approximately four and a half hours towards Soraypampa (3900m/12795ft), this point has impressive views of the Humantay (5917m/19412ft), Tucarway (5910m/19389ft) and Salcantay (6271/20573ft) mountains.
We have lunch and rest here, then we will ascend in an easterly direction, approximately one hour until we reach Salkantaypampa, which is located at an elevation of (4100m/13451 ft). Dinner, overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast-Lunch – Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 3650 masl
- Maximum Altitude: 4100 masl
- Distance: 09km/9miles
- Time: 5h approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 03: Salkantaypampa – Inkachiriasca – Pampacahuana.
We have breakfast and then begin our trek towards the Incachiriasca pass that is located at a height of 5028m/16495ft. This is the highest point on our hike and from here, we have a magnificent view of Salkantay or the ‘savage’ mountain (6271m/20573ft).
As well as remarkably colored small lakes that are located on the sides of this imposing snow-capped mountain, there is also the possibility of seeing condors and wild rabbits as well as other typical native animals of the Peruvian Andes – llamas, guanacos and vicuñas.
After arriving at the pass, we will descend to the Pampacawana community (4000m/13123 ft) where we will camp, Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 days.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 4100 masl
- Maximum Altitude: (5.300) 4650 masl
- Distance: 17km / 13.5 miles
- Time: 8h approximately
- Difficult: challenge.
Day 04: Pampacahuana – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa.
We will have breakfast and then walk in the direction of the archaeological site of ‘Paucarcancha’ and then towards the village of Wayllabamba, here we will join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and our horseman and porters will replace mules. We continue on the trail to Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631 ft) where we will spend the night.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 3600 masl
- Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl
- Distance: 20km / 13.5 miles
- Time: 8h approximately
- Difficult: Moderate.
Day 05: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha.
After breakfast, we will begin a steep ascent to Huarmihuañusca Pass (called “Dead Woman’s Pass” due to its image from afar) which is at 4,200m/13,750ft. From here, we will have an incredible view of the impressive Inca Trail, then we will descend to Pacamayu where we will have lunch. After a break, we go back up to visit the archaeological site of ‘Runcuracay’ and reach the Runkurakay pass (4000m/13080 ft).
The views of the mountains and surroundings, from this point, are spectacular, then a steep descent begins from the pass that leads to the Inca site of ‘Sayacmarca’, here we will have a short break before continuing to Chaquicocha (3660m/12007ft) where we will pass the night.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 3600 masl
- Maximum Altitude: 3650 masl
- Distance: 13km / 09.5 miles
- Time: 7h approximately
- Difficult: challenge.
Day 06: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna.
We have breakfast and begin walking towards Wiñay Wayna. On the way, we pass the archaeological sites of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (‘Town in the Clouds’) and ‘Intipata’. We will spend the night at Wiñay Wayna campsite (2680m/8792 ft).
A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, do not miss visiting the most impressive site on the trail.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 3650 masl
- Maximum Altitude: 2600 masl
- Distance: 16km / 07.5 miles
- Time: 6h approximately
- Difficult: Moderate.
Day 07: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
We have breakfast at 4am and leave the camp at 5am, walking towards the city of Machu Picchu, which is about 6km away, we will arrive at ‘Inti Punku’ (Puerta del Sol) (2730m/8792ft) and there we will wait to observe the beautiful Andean sunrise over the spectacular city of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft).
We will then walk the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (postcard photo) of this ancient city. Finally, we visit Machu Picchu itself!
Here your guide will offer you a tour of the Inca city (approximately 03 hours) to get to know the main places, you can also climb the Huayna Picchu mountain (depending on availability – optional) (2720 m / 8890 ft) It takes 45 minutes to get to the top.
Then you have to return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to have lunch and then board the train back to the city of Cusco. According to scheduled time.
- Meals: Breakfast and water for drinking.
- Distance: 6km
- Difficulty: Easy
**Train included in all tours is the Expedition Train (to Ollanta). Train times will only be confirmed once the full amount of the tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:55, and being the 9:20 pm, the last train. Pacha Expeditions will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
Please Note:
Train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timetables and availability. If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (large windows that the Expedition train) for an increased price.
*If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town – a real treat after finishing the trail!
N.B. Campsites may be subject to change depending on allocations by the official body that controls access to the Inca Trail (Ministry of Culture Cusco)
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND FAQs
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
- Collection from hotel and train station
- Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollanta)**
- Entrance fee to Salkantay, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 afternoon snacks, 6 dinners, and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Cook
- 2-man tent
- Sleeping mattress
- Horseman and mules
- Porters (they carry cooking and camping equipment)
- Oxygen bottle
- First Aid kit
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain US.70 – will need to be booked way in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
- First breakfast and Last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
- VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train -This train runs from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Poroy) and it will cost you US.70 per person extra.
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters.
- First Breakfast
- Last Lunch Aguas Calientes
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport (and *Student card if applicable)
- Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
- Water (only for the first day of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water).
- Sun protection cream (factor 70 recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
- *To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card.
- * To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with a current and updated date
- * If desired, train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+U$.65)
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Walking stick (with rubber tip)
- Plasters and bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Hire of sleeping bag – U$.30
- Walking stick: U$.15
- Day pack: U$.20
- Single tent: U$.25
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND FAQs
Prices
Price & Add-ons
Group: U$: 980
Private: U$: 1,100
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – U$: 25 (pair)
- Sleeping Bag
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train – U$: 50 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train– U$: 380 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 245 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 50 Per person
Book Now
Acomodation
Map (Salkantay Trek Inca Trail)
Reviews
fuimos atendidos por el senhor javier mendoza quien se encargo de todas nuestras necesidades, con su trabajo e invaluables informaciones, siempre dispuesto a responder nuestras preguntas y necesidades, meses antes... read more
August 20, 2018
gracias por la experiencia la montaña de colores estuve muy buena disfrutamos de la caminata y el paisaje todo estuvo bien organizado tal como nos ofrecieron muchas gracias amigos siempre... read more
January 1, 1970
Excelente tours
100 % confiable
100 % recomendado
Buena atención en nuestra estadía de 8 días en cusco
June 12, 2022
Positive Impact Travel.
By joining this trip, you are directly supporting a project with a positive impact, with the Goal of Sustainable and responsible Development for future generations. The earnings that Pacha Expeditions receives, for each of our tours, a percentage is destined to support various Andean communities. Pacha Expeditions organizes activities for the benefit of the local community, for children and adults, throughout the year. Our projects are backed by local authorities and are audited by third parties. Which implies positive impacts on the beneficiaries
