Combine the 2 most epic treks in Peru; the wilderness hike of Salkantay and the Iconic Classic Inca Trail. For this hike, travelers must be in good physical condition and have experience camping.
Overview of Salkantay Inca Trail Expedition 7 days 6 nights
Trip details:
- Duration: 7 days
- Depart: Challacancha
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Season: All year round, except in February
- Destination: Machu Picchu
- Total Distance: 86 km / 53 miles
Highlights of Salkantay + Inca Trail
- Explore Humantay Lake in the afternoon
- Camp near Salkantay Mountain
- Join The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Help Local children’s education with TreKero
Price per person: 1280 USD. Book Now
Map of Salkantay + Inca Trail 7 days
Full Itinerary of Salkantay Inca Trail Expedition
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
After being picked up from your hotel in Cusco, drive for 3 hours to the trailhead at Challacancha (3,644 m / 11,955 ft). After enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by your trekking chef, hike for 4 hours to Soraypampa following the ancient aqueduct. In the afternoon, visit the spectacular turquoise water Humantay Lake (4,200 m– 13,779 ft). The campsite is at Soraypampa, with comfortable camping equipment and fresh meals from your expert chefs.
- Total distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
- Approximate time: 7 hours
- Maximum altitude: 4,200 m– 13,779 ft
- Campsite altitude: 3,860 m– 12,664 ft
- Considered: Moderate
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Pampa Japonesa
After an early breakfast, start with a gentle uphill towards the Salkantay mountain (the 2nd highest peak of the Cusco region and the 7th in Peru). Enjoy the amazing view of the Vilcabamba Mountain range that separates the Andes from the Cloud Forest. The hike takes about 6 hours to Pampa Japonesa (4,280 m /14,041 ft). Camp next to the great Salkantay and beautiful glacier lakes.
- Total distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Approximate time: 7 hours
- Campsite altitude: 4,280 m /14,041 ft
- Considered: Moderate to Challenging
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Pampa Japonesa – Sisaypampa – Canal Inca
Wake in your tent with a cup of coffee served by your trekking team and get ready to conquer the highest point of this expedition, the Incachiriasca pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Once you reach the top, enjoy the amazing views while enjoying a hot cup of coca tea to help you with the altitude. From the pass, you will start descending through the Pampacahuana Valley, following the meandering streams to the third campsite next to a small village.
- Total distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Approximate time: 8 hours
- Campsite altitude: 3,670 m /12,040 ft
- Considered: Challenging
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Canal Inca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
Enjoy an energetic breakfast and start with a 3-hour downhill trek to the Incan ruins of Paucar Cancha (3,143 m / 10,410 ft), a beautiful archeological complex but rarely visited. Next, continue for 30 minutes to Wayllabamba to visit another Inca Site of the same, check into the Classic Inca Trail's second checkpoint, and join the other hiker to the 4th Campsite at Ayapata.
- Total distance: 15 km / 89.3 miles
- Approximate time: 7 hours
- Campsite altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Considered: Moderate
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha
Wake up in the middle of the Inca Trail hikers, enjoy breakfast with the whole Inca Trail Team, and begin the 4-hour ascent to the Classic Inca trail's highest mountain, Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman's Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Upon arrival at the top, enjoy the amazing vistas of the Vilcanota Mountain range, then decent for 2 more hours to Pacaymayo Valley (3,600m / 11,811 ft), where lunch is served. Well-fed and re-energized, start the 2nd mountain climb, Runccuracay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123). Finally, it will be another 2 hours downhill to the 5th campsite at Chaquicocha (3,550 m / 11,646 ft). You will visit several Inca sites throughout the day: Runccuracay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca.
- Total distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Approximate time: 9 hours
- Campsite altitude: 3,550 m / 11,646 ft
- Considered: Challenging
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyu – Intipata – Wiñaywayna
The fifth day is well deserved after Salkantay Pass and Dead Woman's Pass. Today, you will only hike half a day, mostly downhill. After breakfast, start the most beautiful day of the Salkantay Inca Trail expedition. Explore Phuyupatamarca ( 3,660 m / 12,007 ft), Intipata ( 2,800 m / 9,186 ft), and Wiñaywayna (2,640 m / 8,661 ft). After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to take a shower or wander around the campsite chasing llamas.
- Total distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Approximate time: 5 hours
- Campsite altitude: 2670 m / 8759 ft
- Considered: Moderate
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Discover Machu Picchu – return to Cusco
After the long expedition across the Andes, you will arrive in one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. First, hike for 1 hour to the Sungate (Intipunku) for the incredible Inca Citadel first view. Then, continue downhill for 1 more hour to Machu Picchu. You will have a guided tour exploring the most beautiful places, then enjoy your free time or hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain. After You finish with Machu Picchu, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to take the Vistadome train back to Cusco. The expected arrival time is around 7:30 pm.
- Total distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Considered: Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast
Included
- All transportation Included
- Duffle bag for 8 kilos of your stuff
- Mules and muleteers for Salkantay área
- Personal porter for Inca Trail
- Admission tickets to Salkantay, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu
- All meals included except last day's lunch
- Tea time, wake-up tea, snacks, everyday
- 6 nights campings
- 4-man Eureka tent for each 2 trekkers
- Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, hot water bags, extra blankets
- Drinkable water every day
- Portable toilets, hot showers, warm water to wash
- Souvenir t-shirt
- Professional English speaking Tour guide
- Second tour guide for groups 9+
- All taxes and booking fees are included
Not Included
- Sleeping bags, inflatable mattress
- Last Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu admission tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Tips to staff
Important Information
- Minimum 2 people to guarantee departure
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options are available
- Travelers need a good physical fitness level
Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Book the Salkantay Inca Trail only with 200.USD per person
- The remaining payment can be made 48 hours before departure with any credit card and no booking fees.
- Initial payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Cancellation within 48 hours or less, 90% of the total price is due
- The trip can be canceled due to force majeure/government restrictions
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Salkantay and the 7-Day Inca Trail FAQs
How many days should I acclimatize before starting the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek?
It is best to spend at least two or three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. During this time, take gentle walks, get plenty of rest, eat light meals, and avoid intense exercise.
This trek reaches approximately 5,100 m, so being physically fit is not a substitute for proper acclimatization. Even a well-trained traveler can still experience the effects of high altitude.
How far in advance should I book the trek?
During the high season, we recommend booking at least five to six months in advance. During the low season, four to five months is usually sufficient. Booking early is important because Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out quickly, especially as the peak-season months approach.
Is this a good option for my first multi-day trek?
This route is not usually the best choice for a first multi-day trek. It covers approximately 86 km, includes steep climbs and descents, and crosses a mountain pass at nearly 5,100 m.
The trek does not require technical climbing, but it does demand endurance, quick recovery, and experience walking for several hours on consecutive days. For a first adventure, it may be better to begin with a two- or three-day alternative route to Machu Picchu, such as the 2-Day Short Inca Trail or the Huchuy Qosqo Trek with Machu Picchu.
What sleeping bag do I need for the coldest nights?
Your sleeping bag should be suitable for below-freezing temperatures, especially at the higher-altitude campsites. Be sure to check its comfort rating rather than relying only on the extreme temperature shown on the label.
It is also helpful to bring dry thermal clothing, warm socks for sleeping, a hat, and waterproof bags to protect your gear and keep your clothes dry.
What are the advantages of choosing this trek over shorter routes?
The main advantage of the 7-Day Salkantay and Inca Trail trek is the opportunity to complete two of Cusco’s best-known trekking routes in a single journey. The first section explores the dramatic landscapes surrounding Apu Salkantay, while the second follows ancient Inca paths all the way to Machu Picchu.
Another major attraction is that this route receives fewer visitors than many traditional trails to the Inca city. Along the way, you will discover landscapes seen only by travelers who complete this expedition, including lakes beneath the snow-covered Salkantay Mountain, ancient Inca canals, and archaeological sites located along mountain paths that are rarely included in other itineraries.
It is also a rewarding challenge for travelers who love nature and adventure. Over seven days, the route crosses snow-capped mountains, Andean valleys, Amazon cloud forests, and ancient Inca trails before reaching Machu Picchu. Few treks offer such a remarkable variety of landscapes, ecosystems, and history in a single experience.
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