Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days & 6 Nights

“DAY of gentle walking” – Acclimatization day. Overnight in Soraypampa at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

Note: The night before this day there will be an informational talk with your Inca Trail Explorer guide. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up starting at 06:00 am, at your hotel in Cusco with the guide and transport vehicle (the pickup time may vary and will be confirmed only on the day of the informational talk).

We will pick you up at your hotel and travel by bus to the town of Mollepata. Along the way, we will pass through the picturesque towns of Pampa de Anta (Izcuchaca, Zurite, and Ancahuasi). Our journey will take us to the Limatambo Valley, and then to Mollepata, where we will begin our adventure hike. In Mollepata, we will complete the necessary paperwork for the trek and then walk to our first campsite in Soraypampa.

Here in Soraypampa is where the first campsite will be located. After lunchtime, our excursion will take us to Lake Humantay, which is fed by glaciers situated high above on the slopes of the impressive Mount Humantay. Our 4-hour hike is necessary to reach the lake, but the view is truly worth it and those brave enough can take a dip! This unique experience will be guided by our local Inca Trail Explorer guide, with the majestic view of Mount Salkantay culminating this incredible experience.

Return to Soraypampa.

Highlights: Hike to Lake Humantay

Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours

Walking and terrain: Hiking, jogging, on open paths, some steep ascending trails.

We start our day enjoying a delicious breakfast, leaving very early in the morning towards Choqueckilla. During the ascent, you will enjoy the scenery and the impressive snowfall of Salkantay. Our campsite is located at the foot of the snow-capped peak of Salkantay, at an altitude of 4,000 meters / 13,123 feet. You will enjoy views of the mountainous landscape of Vilcabamba, where we will have a comforting lunch. After 6 to 7 hours of hiking through the stunning areas, we will finally arrive at our campsite.

This day is not easy, but you will enjoy the beauty of the landscape surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the representative fauna of the area, with explanations from our tour guide. A local man can do this route in just 3 hours, but we will do it in approximately 7 hours, including lunchtime.

Hiking: Steep trails and open slopes

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking Time: Approx. 7 hrs (including 2 hrs for lunch)

The third day is undoubtedly the hardest day of the trek. It is long, cold, and you will have to cross the Abra Salkantay at 4,650 m / 15,256 ft. However, waking up at dawn amidst the vast prairies of Sisaypampa, with the sun illuminating the Andean mountains of 6,264 m / 20,551.18 ft rising behind you, is an energizing and captivating start to the day.

We will wake up with a cup of hot coca tea because this day will be quite cold. Once breakfast is ready, you will enjoy a delicious meal to warm up and start our third day of hiking. With a fairly steep ascent on narrow paths, this route presents constant climbs and rock structures in a place called Inca Chiriasca Pass (5,200 meters high). The trekking will last about 3 to 4 hours approximately, with a steady pace.

The climb to Abra Salkantay will take between 3-4 hours, and it is quite a steep effort with narrow curves and constant ascents until the rocky structure of the pass is finally seen. Unless you walk in June or July, the trail is unlikely to have snow or ice, although there may be hail, sleet, ice, or rain at any time of the year.

Although the air is thin and the trail is steep, anyone who is physically fit and acclimatized to the altitude will be able to cross the pass without issue. We have had, and will likely have, people in their 60s in our group, and they crossed the pass without difficulty. Our group carries extra oxygen. You can also ride a horse and let the horse take you through the pass.

You will appreciate the imposing Andean topography with incredible views of mountains, glaciers, valley mountain ranges, lakes, and some flora and fauna of this region.

Once you cross the Inca Chiriasca pass, as a reward, you will have the beauty of the landscape of this region. Continuing with the hike, you will begin to descend about 1,700 meters / 5,577 feet, arriving at our campsite where you can rest and enjoy a comforting lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Time: Approximately 8 hours

Type of Hike and Terrain: Hiking on narrow paths

Today you will start the trek with 4 hours of descent through the Inca Canal that will take us to the archaeological center of Paucarcancha.

Continuing with the trek, you will visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha, then enter the Cusichaca valley, where you will enjoy lunch and meet the support staff (the porters). From this point, you will enter the Inca Trail and finally arrive at the fortified campsite where you will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Time: Approximately 8 hours

Type of Hike and Terrain: Hiking on narrow paths

At around 05:00 – 05:30 am, after waking up, breakfast will be ready. Today we will start the trek with a steep climb to the highest pass, called Abra Warmi Huañusca, also known as the Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200 meters above sea level. From this point, you will begin the descent to the Pacaymayu campsite at 3550 meters.

On the descent from the pass, we will have the opportunity to see a large number of hummingbirds and other birds. Additionally, we will be able to enjoy an incredible variety of native plants such as Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the amazing cloud forest at 3650 meters.

Upon arriving at the Pacaymayu campsite, you will feel proud to have reached the top of the pass, which is very high. After a well-deserved rest, you will enjoy a delicious lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Time: Approximately 8 hours

Type of Hike and Terrain: Hiking on narrow paths and stairs

In our opinion, this is the most impressive day! We will wake up for breakfast around 06:00 am, and start the day with a gentle ascent to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (which means “City in the Clouds”) and reach the third highest point of the route, at 3680 meters. From this place, you can enjoy incredible views of the mountains and canyons, the surrounding landscape is spectacular!

The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca is just a few minutes walk from the third pass. After visiting it, we will continue walking (3000 steps!) through the cloud forest and the impressive Inca agricultural terrains.

We will arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (at 2680 meters). Today we will hike only about 4 to 5 hours, and we will arrive at the campsite in time for lunch! A short trek.

This campsite is located at the Inca site of the same name, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Even if you are tired after the day’s trek, do not miss the opportunity to visit the most impressive sites along the route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Time: Approximately 8.30 hours

Type of Hike and Terrain: Hiking on narrow paths

At around 04:00 am, it is time to wake up, have breakfast, and start day 7 on the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu on time. This is the final part of your journey; we will leave at 06:00 am, to arrive at Inti Punku or the Sun Gate. At that moment, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu stands before us, with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all who see it. It is a reality of what the Incas must have faced on their arduous journey to this vast temple of Machu Picchu. From here, we walk down to the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400 m/7872 ft). After 40 minutes of walking, we will enter the citadel from the top, passing by the “House of the Guardians.”

From there, we will proceed to the control point where we will register and leave our belongings. Your professional guide will lead you through the amazing ruins and their main streets. You will be able to explore the town squares and also climb the intricate stone-carved stairs. Machu Picchu is considered the spiritual center of the world according to esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site on your own.

You will also have time to enjoy some of the following activities on your own if you wish (not included in the price):

• Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. • Other optional activities in Machu Picchu city include a visit to the new local museum or a bath in the hot springs.

The hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain depends on availability; please let us know if you wish to add any of these additional hikes at the time of your booking.

Return to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and then board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station, where our transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 20:30 pm.