Salkantay + Inca Trail Expedition 7 days

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