Salkantay Trek & Classic Inca Trail 7D/6N

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.

Overview

The Salkantay Trek is one of Peru's most spectacular alternative routes to Machu Picchu. Named after the sacred Salkantay Mountain, this trek takes travelers through dramatic landscapes ranging from snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes to cloud forests and tropical valleys.

The Inca Trail is Peru's most famous trekking route and the only trek that follows the original Inca pathways directly into Machu Picchu. Along the journey, hikers discover ancient archaeological sites, cloud forests, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

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.

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

Useful Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

**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

Includes

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

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WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.

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Prices

Price & Add-ons

Group: U$: 980
Private: U$: 1,100

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

Discounts

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Map (Salkantay Trek Inca Trail)

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 Days – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7-Day Tour?

The Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 Days is a unique adventure that combines two of Peru's most iconic trekking routes into one unforgettable journey. Hikers experience the spectacular landscapes of the Salkantay region, including snow-capped mountains and cloud forests, before connecting with the legendary Inca Trail and arriving at the breathtaking Machu Picchu.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 Days?

This trek is considered challenging. It includes high-altitude mountain passes, long hiking days, and varying terrain. Participants should be in good physical condition and ideally have previous trekking experience.

What is the highest altitude reached during the trek?

The highest point is usually the Salkantay Pass, located at approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. Proper acclimatization in Cusco is highly recommended before starting the trek.

Do I need a permit for this trek?

Yes. Since part of the route includes the Classic Inca Trail, a government-issued permit is required. Permits are limited and often sell out months in advance, especially during the high season.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance is recommended. For travel during the peak season (May to September), securing your permit even earlier is advisable.

Is acclimatization necessary before the trek?

Yes. Spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before beginning the trek helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and improves your overall trekking experience.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Yes. Most operators provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.

Will there be access to showers and bathrooms?

Basic bathroom facilities are available at some campsites. Showers are limited and may not be available every day of the trek.

Can beginners join this trek?

Motivated beginners with good fitness levels can complete the trek. However, training with regular hikes and cardio exercises before the trip is strongly recommended.

What is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail?

The dry season from April to October offers the best trekking conditions, with clear mountain views and lower chances of rainfall.

Is the trek available year-round?

The Salkantay route is generally available throughout the year, but the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance and conservation work.

What wildlife can I see during the trek?

Depending on the season, hikers may encounter hummingbirds, orchids, butterflies, spectacled bears (rarely), and diverse Andean flora and fauna.

How do I arrive at Machu Picchu?

The trek concludes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, where you'll explore the ancient citadel and learn about the history of the Inca Empire.

Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions is strongly recommended.

Why choose the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail combination?

This itinerary offers the best of both worlds: the dramatic landscapes of the Salkantay route and the historic pathways of the Inca Trail, creating one of the most complete trekking experiences available in Peru.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Book your Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7 Days early to secure your permit and experience the ultimate journey to Machu Picchu.