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: 5,100 m / 16,732 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 on 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 Dead Woman’s 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: Chaquicocha – 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
• Highest altitude: 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 checkpoint, 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

Pricing - Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 6 days

Price per person

• From US$ 890 - Adults
• From US$ 860 - Children and students

Student Discount

• US$ 30 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 years old and students under 25 with a valid university ID. The ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.

Booking and payment

• Deposit: US$ 200 per person (to reserve your spot).
• The remainder can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
• Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Before you book

• Check your desired travel dates and contact us.
• Your passport must be valid and have at least 6 months' validity from the date of your entry into Peru.
• If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when you make your reservation.
• Pay attention to your physical condition. You need to be in good physical shape.

How to book

To book this tour:

• Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and the number of travelers
• Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
• Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
• Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.

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Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek Packing List

• Duffle bag - up to 7 kg (15 lb). TreXperience gives you this bag during the briefing the day before the trek. Pack your clothing and personal items that are not needed during the active hours of the hike. Our porters carry it from camp to camp, and you won’t have access to it while hiking.
• Daypack - up to 5 kg (11 lb). Bring your own and carry it yourself all day with the essential objects needed during the hour's hike: water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. We suggest a 25–35 L backpack with a rain cover.

Large daypacks aren’t allowed inside Machu Picchu. If you bring one, you’ll need to leave it in the lockers located just one side of the archaeological park entrance (symbolic price). This rule is about the physical size of the daypack, not stated capacity, so a pack that’s slightly over the liter limit but not bulky is generally fine.

What to do with the rest of your luggage

You don’t need to take everything on the tour. Leave any large bags in your Cusco hotel’s storage.

If you’re moving to a different hotel after the trek, you can leave your large suitcases with TreXperience. When you return to Cusco, pick them up and continue to your new hotel.

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.

• Original Passport
• Valid student ID (if you book as a student)
• Water container: Camelbaks or water bottle (recommended 2 liters)
• 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 duffel 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 sneakers)
• 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
• Trekking poles
• Moisturizers, Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: Band-aids, moleskin, etc.

Salkantay Inca Trail 6 Days - Travel information

The Inca Trail

A UNESCO-listed hiking route that follows original Inca stone paths to Machu Picchu. The classic version is 4 days / 3 nights (about 42 km / 26 mi), with a shorter 2-day option. Expect a mix of steps, high passes, cloud-forest sections, and several archaeological sites along the way (e.g., Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna).

The Salkantay Trek

A high-Andes alternative to the Inca Trail that approaches Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Pass and descends into the cloud forest. Common formats are 5 days / 4 nights or 4 days / 3 nights, with route variations by operator.

48-72 hour acclimatization and Salkantay trek Altitude Sickness

General tips for the first days: Eat simple meals, skip alcohol, and drink plenty of water (add electrolytes). If you get a headache, rest, try coca tea or basic pain relief, and inform your guide. Short, gentle walks (about 30–45 minutes each) help your body adjust.

Timing: Arrive in Cusco 72 hours before your trek if you can, 48 hours at minimum.

Salkantay trek and Inca Trail high points

Inca Trail and Salkantay trek Weather

Andean weather changes fast. A warm, sunny morning can turn to rain and wind within minutes. Pack for sun, rain, wind, and cold, plus humid, warm conditions as you drop into the cloud forest.

• Apr–Oct (drier): Sunny days, cold nights. In May–July, overnight temps can fall below 0 °C, and high areas can see snow.
• Nov–Mar (rainy): Showers are common (some weeks may still be dry). Expect wind on the pass and humidity in the cloud forest.

Inca Trail and Salkantay: Rules on gear

• On the Salkantay trail: Drones are restricted at busy spots like Humantay Lake. Only fly where you won’t disturb others, and always coordinate with your guide and follow local rules. Large backpacks and trekking poles are allowed on the trek.
• At the Inca Trail: Drones are not allowed. Large backpacks must be carried by porters. Use only the restrooms in portable campsites or those assigned by your tour operator en route. Bring water in a reusable bottle. Follow the path without straying from the path and always listen to your guide.

Plastic-Free Inca Trail

Our care for the environment walks alongside the beauty of this landscape as we work toward a plastic-free Inca Trail. Join us to set a cleaner standard and build a sustainable, responsible adventure through a route steeped in history.

Bring a reusable water bottle or canteen with you. Keep any food scraps and/or wrappers to dispose of in a trash can at the campsite. Every little helps.

Money, ATMs, and tipping on route

• Carry Peruvian soles in small bills for snacks, using bathrooms, and tips.
• ATMs: Available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, not on the trails Salkantay and Inca Trail.
• Tipping: Optional but common.
• Keep cash in a zip pouch, take only what you need each day, and stash a spare note for emergencies.

Machu Picchu tickets & circuits after Salkantay

The Ministry of Culture uses fixed circuits with a specific entry time and a maximum stay.

This trek usually includes Circuit 1, which allows you to access upper viewpoints with amazing views of the citadel. In addition, we include in this tour Circuit 3, which allows you to visit the urban areas and royal quarters.

Tickets are first-come, first-served. There’s no hold system; we can only book with full names and passport numbers, and these cannot be changed.

• Circuit 1: Upper area and main viewpoint (guardhouse area) for the classic wide views.
• Circuit 3: Lower sector with major structures like the Temple of the Sun and the royal quarters.
• Circuit 2: Combines parts of Circuits 1 and 3, viewpoints below the guardhouse plus the lower sector, hence, the broadest coverage.

Salkantay trek with Classic Inca Trail 6 days -  Frequently Asked Questions