Combine Peru's most epic hikes, the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek. Start this fantastic trip by visiting Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, and join the Inca Trail at the Village of Wayllabamba. After 6-days of hiking in the mountains, you will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
While you enjoy every step of the trek, you will learn from the deep Andean roots as you cross fascinating Inca Sites. Camping in the wilderness will allow you to experience the true essence of nature with a team of expert chefs and porters who will ensure your comfort. We offer daily departures with a minimum of 2 participants.
Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days Expedition
This 6-day Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 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. 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 boasts different but equally breathtaking scenery. It'll be 4 days crossing 2 mountain passes and admiring the unique Inca settings such as Wiñaywayna and Phuyumapamarca.
No adventure is complete without a visit to the world-popular 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 Inca Trail Expedition 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 of the Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 days Expedition
Day 1: Soraypampa – Humantay lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata
The 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 Mountain. 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's warmer vibe and temperature will also mark our approach to the Inca Trail. Lunch will be served right near the Inca sites, 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 ascend 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 an archeological site lies, which 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, you'll be able to admire a 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's it's just 1 hours to the Citadel itself. Along with the guide, you will explore the amazing 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 Ollantayta,bo. You'll be in the panoramic train, so its 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.
- 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. Packing all the necessary equipment will help you keep light and comfortable during the trip. Here are the essentials you need to bring:
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 the 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.
Price of the Private Salkantay Inca Trail Expedition 6 days
Price per person:
- From US$ 890
To book the Salkantay + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour, 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
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
