Full Itinerary - Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days Expedition

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa (Salka Glamp)

Your adventure begins early with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we drive into the high Andes, passing small villages, deep valleys, and wide mountain views. After arriving in Soraypampa, you’ll enjoy a fresh breakfast surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Andes.

Then, we start the hike to one of the most beautiful places in Peru: Humantay Lake. The walk is uphill and steady, but the reward is unforgettable. At the top, you’ll find bright turquoise water surrounded by glaciers, rocky peaks, and dramatic mountain scenery.

You’ll have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the quiet power of this special place before hiking back down for lunch prepared by our trekking chef. In the afternoon, we continue deeper into the Salkantay Valley, where waterfalls, glaciers, and wild landscapes begin to show you the real spirit of this route.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Salkantaypampa, home to our exclusive Salka Glamp campsite. Enjoy warm drinks, a delicious dinner, and your first night surrounded by the mountains. When the sky is clear, this is a perfect place for stargazing.

• 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: Salka Glamp – Salkantay Lake – Frozen Inca Pass – Inca Canal

Day 2 is the most challenging day of the Salkantay section, but also one of the most rewarding. You’ll wake up at Salka Glamp with hot coca tea or coffee and a powerful view of the Andes around you. After breakfast, we begin hiking into the wildest part of the Salkantay route.

Our first major highlight is Salkantay Lake, a quiet glacial lake located below the mighty Salkantay Mountain. This part of the trail feels remote, peaceful, and full of energy. As we climb higher, the mountains become bigger, the air feels thinner, and the views become even more impressive.

We then continue to the highest point of the expedition: Inca Chiriasca Pass, also known as the Frozen Inca Pass, at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. Reaching this pass is a true achievement. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and the silent high Andes.

After celebrating at the pass, we descend into the peaceful Pampacahuana Valley, one of the hidden treasures of this trek. We stop at Sisaypampa for lunch, then continue to our campsite near an ancient Inca canal. Tonight, you’ll sleep in a remote Andean valley, surrounded by pure nature.

• 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: Inca Canal – Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

After a hearty breakfast in the mountains, we begin a beautiful downhill hike through the Pampacahuana Valley. The scenery starts to change as we leave the high Salkantay wilderness and move toward warmer valleys, traditional landscapes, and the beginning of the Classic Inca Trail.

After about 3 hours, we arrive at Paucarcancha, a beautiful and rarely visited Inca site located at 3,143 m / 10,410 ft. This is one of the most meaningful moments of the journey, where the Salkantay route connects with the historic paths of the Incas. We’ll enjoy lunch near the site and take time to explore.

Here, we meet our Inca Trail porters and say goodbye to the muleteers who supported us through the Salkantay section. Then, we continue hiking for about 30 minutes to Wayllabamba, where we visit another Inca site and pass the second checkpoint of the Classic Inca Trail.

In the afternoon, we hike for around 2 more hours to Ayapata, our campsite for the night. This is your first night on the ancient Inca Trail, surrounded by quiet mountains and fresh Andean air. Enjoy dinner, relax, and get ready for one of the most iconic days of the trek.

• 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 – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Chaquicocha

Today is one of the most important days on the Classic Inca Trail. You’ll wake up early with a hot drink brought to your tent, then enjoy breakfast before starting the climb toward Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail.

The first ascent takes about 4 hours and is both challenging and unforgettable. As you climb toward Warmiwañuska, the trail becomes steeper and the views become more dramatic. Reaching the top at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft is a proud moment and one of the great achievements of the expedition.

After taking time to rest and enjoy the scenery, we descend to our lunch spot for a well-earned meal. In the afternoon, we continue toward Runkurakay Pass, where you’ll visit a fascinating Inca site and learn more about the history and purpose of this ancient route.

Later, we visit Sayacmarca, another beautiful Inca site with impressive views over the valleys and mountains. By late afternoon, we arrive at Chaquicocha, our campsite for the night. From here, you can enjoy a peaceful 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 – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna

After crossing the Frozen Inca Pass, Dead Woman’s Pass, and Runkurakay Pass, Day 5 feels calmer and more scenic. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the Classic Inca Trail, with cloud forest, mountain views, stone paths, and some of the best Inca sites on the route.

We start with a scenic hike toward Phuyupatamarca, also known as the City in the Clouds. This impressive site offers wide views of the mountains and valleys below. From here, the trail continues down through lush vegetation, ancient steps, and peaceful Andean scenery.

Later, we visit Intipata, a beautiful set of agricultural terraces with amazing views over the Urubamba Valley. We then continue toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most important and impressive Inca sites on the entire trail, second only to Machu Picchu.

After lunch near Wiñay Wayna, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy a shower before exploring the site with your guide. Its terraces, houses, water channels, and mountain setting make it unforgettable. In the evening, we return to camp for tea, dinner, and a special final night with the trekking team.

• 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: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the day you have been waiting for. We wake up very early, enjoy breakfast, and walk to the final checkpoint of the Inca Trail. Once it opens, we begin the last stretch toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate.

After several days of hiking through glaciers, valleys, mountain passes, and ancient Inca paths, your first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate is unforgettable. This is the classic arrival that makes the Inca Trail so special.

From the Sun Gate, we continue down toward Machu Picchu through Circuit 1, where you can enjoy the upper panoramic viewpoints and take the classic photos of the citadel. After this first section, we exit and re-enter through Circuit 3 for a guided visit of the central areas, including temples, palaces, water channels, terraces, and ceremonial spaces.

After the tour, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, board the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking, plus guided tour
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days: Price and Booking

Take on one of Peru’s most unforgettable adventures: the wild Salkantay Trek and the legendary Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in one amazing 6-day journey. Your tour includes expert guides, mountain camps, fresh meals, permits, Machu Picchu tickets, and the scenic return on the Vistadome train.

Join a premium small-group tour for a friendly trail experience, or choose a private Salkantay and Inca Trail tour for more comfort, privacy, and flexibility. Traveling with family or friends? The private option can be a great deal for groups.

Small-Group Tour

A great choice if you want to share the adventure with a small group while enjoying personal service and expert support.

Private Tour

Perfect for couples, families, and friends who want their own guide, their own pace, and a more exclusive experience.

Booking and Payment

Inca Trail permits sell out fast, especially from May to September. Book early to secure your preferred date.

• Deposit: US$ 300 per person to confirm your booking.
• Pay the balance online or at our Cusco office by credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
• We need each traveler’s passport details exactly as shown on the passport.
• Tell us in advance about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals.

Discounts

Children under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID receive a US$ 30 discount. Student IDs must show the full name, photo, university name, and valid expiration date. ISIC cards are not accepted.

Book Early and Secure Your Spot

Spaces on the Classic Inca Trail are limited every day. Once permits are gone, no extra spots can be added. Check your date on our Inca Trail Availability page and reserve your adventure before it sells out.

Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek Packing List

Packing smart will make this trek much more enjoyable. In just 6 days, you’ll move from the cold, windy high mountains of Salkantay to the stone paths of the Inca Trail and the warmer, more humid climate of Machu Picchu. Pack light, dress in layers, bring warm clothes for the high camps, and keep your rain gear ready every day.

For the trek, bring warm layers, waterproof boots, rain gear, sun protection, extra socks, and comfortable hiking clothes. For Machu Picchu, keep it light with breathable clothes, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack.

TreXperience provides a duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb, carried by cargo mules during the Salkantay section and by licensed porters on the Inca Trail. You only carry your daypack with daily essentials like water, snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, passport, sunscreen, camera, and personal medication.

Keep your daypack small and light for Machu Picchu, as large backpacks are restricted inside the citadel. Your guide will let you know what to leave before entering Machu Picchu.

Essentials

You do not need to bring all your luggage on the trek. Leave large suitcases at your hotel in Cusco. If you are changing hotels after the trek, you can leave your larger bags with TreXperience and collect them when you return.

These are the most important items to bring. Keep documents, medication, money, and anything valuable in your daypack, not in your duffle bag.

Original passport

Toiletries

Peruvian soles cash

Good-quality daypack

Water bottle

Power bank

Sunscreen

Hand sanitizer

What to Wear on the Trail

The best way to dress for the Salkantay and Inca Trail is in layers. Start with a light, quick-dry shirt, add a warm fleece or jacket when it gets cold, and keep your waterproof jacket close in case the weather changes. Avoid cotton for hiking because it stays wet and cold.

For the Salkantay section, you need warm clothing for high altitude, especially in the mornings, evenings, and near the Frozen Inca Pass. For the Machu Picchu area, bring lighter clothes because the weather is usually warmer and more humid.

High-top hiking boots

Hiking crew sock

Comfortable underwear

Thermal base layers

Moisture-wicking shirts

Quick-dry hiking pants/trousers

Fleece

What to Pack in Your Daypack

Your daypack should be light but complete. This is the bag you carry while hiking, and you will not be able to access your duffle bag until you reach camp. Pack for sun, rain, cold wind, and long hiking hours.

On the final day, your daypack should be as small as possible for Machu Picchu. Bring only what you need for the visit: passport, water, sun protection, rain jacket, camera or phone, and any personal medication.

Waterproof and windproof jacket

Sun hat or cap with neck cover

Sunglasses

Beanie or chullo

Buff or bandana

Headlamp

Insect repellent

Camera + extra batteries

Snacks

Trekking poles

Personal Medication

What to Pack in the Duffle Bag

Your duffle bag is for the items you need at camp and overnight. The weight limit is 7 kg / 15 lb, and this must include your sleeping bag and air mattress if you bring your own or rent them from TreXperience.

Pack warm clothes for the high-altitude camps, dry clothes for sleeping, extra socks, toiletries, and one light outfit for Machu Picchu and the return journey. Use reusable dry bags or packing cubes to keep your clothes organized and protected from rain.

Sandals

Sport pants

Warm down jacket

Long-sleeve T-shirts

Sleeping bag

Mattress

What TreXperience Provides

TreXperience provides key camping and support equipment to make the trek safer, more comfortable, and easier to enjoy. This allows you to travel lighter and focus on the mountains, the Inca Trail, and the unforgettable arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Duffel Bag 7kg / 15lb

Towels

Trexperience T-shirt

Backpack Rain cover

What You Can Rent from TreXperience

If you do not want to bring bulky gear from home, you can rent camping equipment from TreXperience for an extra fee. We recommend reserving rental gear in advance so our team can prepare it for your departure.

Trekking poles

Sleeping bag

Air mattress

What Not to Bring to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has strict entry rules. To avoid problems on the final day, do not carry large or restricted items into the citadel.

• Large backpacks, bags, or purses bigger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm / 16 x 14 x 8 in.
• Food, plates, cutlery, kitchenware, or large food containers.
• Alcohol, illegal substances, or aerosols.
• Umbrellas, tripods, selfie sticks, camera extensions, or stabilizers.
• Drones or professional filming equipment without special authorization.
• Walking sticks or trekking poles inside the citadel, unless allowed under special conditions.
• Large luggage, hard bags, or bulky items.

Your guide will remind you what to leave before entering Machu Picchu. For the visit, keep it simple: small daypack, passport, water, rain jacket, sun protection, and camera or phone.

Smart Packing Tips

• Break in your hiking boots before the trek. New boots can cause blisters.
• Keep rain gear at the top of your daypack, not at the bottom.
• Bring warm clothes for Salkantay, even if you travel in the dry season.
• Bring light, breathable clothes for Machu Picchu and the return train.
• Pack extra socks. Dry feet make a big difference on long hiking days.
• Use a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Keep electronics and important documents in a waterproof pouch.

See our complete guide on the blog: Inca Trail Packing List.

Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days - Travel Information

Before you book, here is the essential travel information you need for this expedition. This trek combines the wild Salkantay mountains, the Classic Inca Trail, the Sun Gate arrival to Machu Picchu, and the scenic Vistadome train return. Use this guide to understand the difficulty, altitude, weather, permits, camping, safety, luggage, and how to prepare for one of the most complete treks to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most practical questions travelers ask before booking this trek. These answers will help you choose the right option, prepare with confidence, and understand what happens before, during, and after your adventure to Machu Picchu.