Get the best of both worlds by combining two of Peru’s most amazing hikes: the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. Kick things off with a visit to the stunning Humantay Lake and cross the high Salkantay Pass before joining the classic Inca Trail at Wayllabamba. After six unforgettable days in the mountains, you’ll reach Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.

Along the way, you’ll explore incredible Inca sites and get a deeper sense of Andean culture. Each night, you’ll camp out surrounded by nature, with a crew of expert chefs and porters making sure you’re well taken care of. Our Salkantay and Inca Trail Tour departs every day.

Salkantay + Inca Trail 6 Days Expedition

This 6-day Salkantay and Inca Trail Expedition is what we call a perfect match. Not only will you experience the nature of the Salkantay Trail, but you will tick off all the highlights of the Inca Trail. The Incas perfectly knew these roads and used them to communicate for hundreds of years. They remained hidden until the 20th century, and now they are recognized as some of the best hikes in the world, thanks to National Geographic.

This adventure kicks off from Cusco City with a trip to the Salkantay Trek and exploring the trail's most important highlights, such as the Humantay Lake. Unlike most tours, we camp in a secluded location close to the majestic Salkantay Mountain, perfect for stargazing. After beating the most challenging mountain pass, you will connect with the best of the Inca Trail, which has different but equally breathtaking scenery. It'll be 4 days crossing two mountain passes and admiring the unique Inca settings such as Wiñaywayna and Phuyumapamarca.

And no adventure is complete without a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu. The trail will end just at the Sun Gate, which offers a stunning view of Machu Picchu during sunset. Top-notch guides will accompany you on the route, so we have you all covered!

Tour Highlights:

Top places visited: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, Wiñaywayna, Dead Woman Pass, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu.
Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Get epic views after the crowds.
Enjoy a camping experience, including a night near the impressive Salkantay Mountain.
Try our best chef's Peruvian recipes along the trail.
Return on the Exclusive Vistadome panoramic trains.
Book with Confidence and Flexibility

Salkantay and Inca Trail Tour at a Glance:

Day 1: Soraypampa – Humantay lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata (15 km / 9.3 mi)

Start your day around 4:30 am and drive for 3 hours to Soraypampa. Visit Humantay Lake and sleep in Ichupata, also known as Pampa Japonesa, next to the great Salkantay Mountain and a beautiful glacial lake.

Day 2: Ichupata – Sisaypampa – Canal Inca (13 km / 8 mi)

Wake up with a cup of coffee or coca tea and start walking to conquer the highest point of the expedition, the Inca Chiriasca Pass, also known as the “Frozen Inca Pass.” Sleep near a small village.

Day 3: Canal Inca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata (15 km / 9.3 mi)

After breakfast, be ready to visit Paucar Cancha and follow the Inca Trail part. After some hours, you will reach Ayapata campsite—the first camp on the ancient path of the Incas.

Day 4: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Chaquicocha (16km / 9.9 mi)

Start your day on the Inca Trail and be ready to conquer two summits: Warmiwañuska Pass, also known as Dead Woman's Pass, and Runcuracay. Sleep in a comfortable tent in Chaquicocha.

Day 5: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna (10km / 6.2 mi)

After the last two passes, you can relax on this day and visit the Inca sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna. Sleep just 2 hours apart from Machu Picchu.

Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco (6km / 3.7 mi)

Wake up early and have the most fascinating day: Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and experience the morning sunrise. Finally, you can enjoy the Inca Citadel in a guided tour of almost 3 hours.

Included

Pre-departure briefing
Professional Tour Guide
Entry tickets to the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu
All transportation from start to finish
Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
Camping equipment (dining tents, tables, chairs, hot showers, and portable toilets)
5-night camping in comfortable tents
Eureka tents for every 2 trekkers
Cargo mules for the Salkantay Trek
Personal porter for the Inca Trail
Experienced chef
All meals on the trail, except the last day lunch
Drinkable water and daily snacks
Duffle Bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear
Pillow, sleeping pad, hand towels, extra blankets

Not Included

Sleeping bags, air mattresses, or trekking poles (you can rent them from us)
Last day lunch
Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional)
Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain (optional – recommended only if you stay an extra day in AC)
Travel Insurance
Gratuities for the staff

Full Itinerary - Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days Expedition

Day 1: Soraypampa – Humantay lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata

This adventure starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. We'll drive for 3 hours to Soraypampa and enjoy the first breakfast below the amazing Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. After breakfast, you will start with a gentle 3-hour round-trip hike toward Humantay Lake. Depending on your pace, you will explore this glacier gem and then go on the same trail to the lunch place.

The next part takes us uphill to admire the magnificent view of the Vilcabamba Mountain range that separates the Andes from the Cloud Forest. The total hike to Ichupata (also known as Pampa Japonesa) is approximately 8 hours. Once we get there, we'll camp right below the great Salkantay Mountain and next to a beautiful glacial lake. You’ll truly experience the wilderness with a night out in the middle of the mountains.

Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Duration: 8 hours
Campsite Altitude: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 2: Ichupata – Sisaypampa – Canal Inca

Today, you'll be up bright and early for a cup of coffee from the trekking team. We'll start by conquering the trek's highest point, the Inca Chiriasca Pass, also known as the “Frozen Inca Pass” (5,100 meters / 16,732 feet). It'll be just a matter of 20-30 minutes to the summit, admiring the Glacier Valley and the Salkantay Mountain up close.

From the top, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning scenery in this part of the world. You can also get to see the Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco, located more than 90 miles away! Next, you will descend from the mountain pass to the Pampaccahuana Valley and follow the winding stream to the second campsite next to a small village.

Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
Duration: 8 hours
Campsite Altitude: 3,670 m / 12,040 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Canal Inca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

After a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on a 3-hour downhill across the Pampacahuana Valley to Paucar Cancha (3,143 meters / 10,410 feet), a beautiful and rarely visited archeological complex. The valley has a warmer climate, and it's where we connect the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. Lunch will be served right near an Inca site, and this is where we meet our Inca Trail porters and say goodbye to our muleteers.

Filled up and ready, we'll continue hiking for 30 minutes to Wayllabamba and visit another Inca site before we pass the second checkpoint of the Classic Inca Trail. From there, we'll walk an extra 2 hours to Ayapata, our third camp for the night. The evening will be all yours to relax, eat dinner, and head to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Duration: 7 hours
Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Chaquicocha

Rise and shine! You'll wake up to different sounds than previous days; the porters usually start with an early breakfast and then wake you up with a hot drink in your tent. We'll prepare to beat the most challenging part of the Inca Trail: the Death Women Pass and the Runkuraqay Pass. The first ascent will take 4 hours through rocky mountains to Warmiwañuska, the trek's highest point. We'll get there just in time to enjoy the extraordinary scenery and the misty fog that sometimes covers this part of the trail.

After reaching the top, we'll take a downhill walk to the lunch place and enjoy a wholesome meal before taking the next hike. We'll then conquer Runkurakay Pass after 2 hours, where you’ll find an archaeological site you’ll be able to explore. Further along, we'll visit another Inca site called Sayacmarca before reaching our second camp in Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft.). Here, we’ll admire the beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner.

Total Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Duration: 10 hours
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 5: Chaquiccocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna

After the Frozen Inca, Dead Women’s, and Runqurakay Pass, this day will be much easier and more pleasant. We'll have only half a day of hiking and an afternoon free to relax and prepare for the final day of the Inca Trail. During this stretch, you'll visit some of the most fascinating Inca sites, including Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds), Intipata, and Wiñaywayna (Forever Young). This last one is the second most important after Machu Picchu.

We'll have lunch near Wiñaywayna, spend time at leisure for a shower, and then explore the site. This fantastic Inca site boasts some of the Inca Trail's best architecture, which includes terraces, houses, and guard posts. You can also enjoy the stunning views over the valley below and the Urubamba River. We will then return to the campsite for tea, dinner, and a special surprise!

Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Duration: 5 hours
Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Altitud máxima: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

On the final day, we will wake up early and prepare for the final stretch of the Inca Trail. After passing the last checking point, we will start a one-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), from where you will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu. From here it's just 1 hour to the Citadel itself. Along with the guide, you will explore the fabulous Lost City of the Incas and find the place almost uncrowded.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Aguas Calientes for lunch and finally take the train to Ollantaytambo. You'll be on the panoramic train, so it's a bit more relaxed and laid-back trip, admiring the incredible vistas. Lastly, we'll take you from the train station right to your hotel in Cusco, ending this Salkantay and Inca Trail Expedition with incredible memories you’ll keep for a lifetime!

Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
Hiking Duration: 3 hours
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Meals: Breakfast

Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek Packing List

The Salkantay and Inca Trail expedition is one of the most challenging and epic hikes to Machu Picchu, so you will need to pack all the essentials, but keep light and comfortable during the trip. All the heavy equipment will be carried by muleteers and porters, including a duffle bag provided by TreXperience

Here's what we recommend packing:

Essentials:

Original Passport
Valid student ID (if you book as a student)
A good daypack (small and comfortable)
Water container: Camelbaks or water bottle (recommended 2 liters)
Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight, good soles)
Trekking poles

What to pack in the Daypack:

You need to bring a small, comfortable backpack for hiking. We recommend that it be no larger than 25 liters; this is for Machu Picchu, where big bags are not allowed inside.

Water: We provide you with drinkable water every day after the first lunch. For the first morning, you need to bring 2 liters of water.
Rain gear (rain jackets, rain pants, waterproof hiking gloves, ponchos)
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat)
Beanie hat, warm gloves
Camera, extra batteries
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic garbage bags
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

What to pack in the Duffle Bag:

During this Salkantay Inca Trail Tour, the porters will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings, including your duffle bag. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress, which you can bring your own or rent from TreXperience.

6 T-shirts (long sleeve – Wicking T-shirts preferably)
3-4 comfortable hiking pants
7 sets of underwear
7 sets of hiking socks
1 warm down jacket: can be cold at night
Comfortable camping shoes (sandals or snickers)
Camping towels (quick-dry). We provide small hand towels.
Soap (in a sealed container)
Battery charger (Enough for 6 days)
Plastic bags: to organize clean and dirty stuff
Sleeping bag (-10C°): you can bring your own or rent from TX
Earplugs for the night
Toiletries, Sunscreen
Moisturizers, Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medication
First aid kit: Band-aids, moleskin, etc.

Pricing - Salkantay + Inca Trail Expedition 6 days

Price per person:

From US$ 890

To book the Salkantay + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.

You can also book this as a group service; please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com

Student Discount:

All travelers under 17 will have a US$ 40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get a US$ 40 discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.

Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:

To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:

25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
The ID must have a valid expiration date