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Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek 7 Days / 6 Nights to Machu Picchu

The Most Famous Hike in Peru & South America

Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek 7 Days / 6 Nights to Machu Picchu

7 Days & 6 Nights

Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek – Off-the-Beaten-Path Inca Trail Adventure

This trek is spectacular for those travelers who want to get off the beaten track, but still experience a desert hike and the original Inca Trail. It is a wonderful journey that will take you right from the Apurimac River basin to the Urubamba River and around the impressive Salkantay Mountain, which is the second largest mountain in the Cusco region (6,277m/20,577ft). On this spectacular trail of twists and turns, you will ascend through high mountain ranges and descend through pockets of cloud forest. You will experience the wildest landscapes and the wonder of the oldest traditions and finest buildings on the planet, a series of diverse ecological zones filled with a huge variety of plants and birds. The ancient and remote trail passes through archaeological sites, leading you to the architectural and cultural grandeur of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary Extended Inca Trail Trek 5 Days

Day 1 Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantaypampa

Your adventure begins very early. We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. and travel by private transport to the town of Mollepata for approximately 2.5 hours, where we will enjoy breakfast (not included).
After breakfast, we will continue for another 1.5 hours to Soraypampa, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes, picturesque communities like Iscuchaca and Limatambo, deep valleys, and majestic snow-capped mountains, including the imposing Salkantay.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa, you will be greeted by breathtaking views of the glaciers of Humantay (5,900 m / 19,356 ft) and Salkantay (6,217 m / 20,396 ft). From this point, we will begin a hike of approximately 2.5 hours (round trip) to the famous Humantay Lagoon, renowned for its vibrant turquoise color and mountainous surroundings.

At the end of the hike, we'll gently ascend to Salkantaypampa, where our campsite is located. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a comforting tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our chef. In the evening, weather permitting, you'll have a privileged view of the Andean sky in all its splendor, where you can clearly see the Milky Way and the well-known llama constellation—a magical experience to end the first day.

Maximum height: 4,200m / 13,779 ft
Minimum height: 2,720m / 8,924 ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate walk: 5 - 6 hrs

Day 2 Salkantaypampa – Pampa Japonesa

We'll start the second day by waking up very early. Our team will offer you a cup of coca or muña tea, ideal for acclimatizing and starting the day with energy. After a delicious breakfast, we'll begin our hike off the beaten path, ascending for approximately 3 hours.

Along the way, we'll stop for lunch, surrounded by mountain scenery. Then we'll continue for another 3 hours until we reach our campsite located in Japanese Pampa, just 1 km from the imposing Salkantay mountain.

Throughout the trek, you'll be able to appreciate unforgettable views: snow-capped mountain ranges, high-altitude lakes, imposing glaciers, and expansive Andean valleys that make this day a truly spectacular experience.

Upon arriving at the campsite in the afternoon, a hot drink—tea, coffee, or hot chocolate—will be waiting for you to relax, and later you'll enjoy a comforting dinner prepared by our chef. Spending the night so close to Salkantay is a unique experience that will connect you deeply with nature.

Maximum height: 4,500m / 14,763 ft
Minimum height: 4,000m / 13,123 ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate walk: 5 - 6 hrs

Day 3 Japanese Pampa – Paso Incachiriaska – Sisaypampa

We'll begin the third day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast to recharge our energy before tackling one of the most spectacular sections of the entire route. We'll begin a gradual ascent of approximately 4 hours until we reach Incachiriaska Pass (4,880 m / 16,010 ft), whose name means "the place where the Inca refreshes himself."

Upon reaching this point, you'll be greeted by majestic landscapes and the grandeur of the Andes at their finest. Here, we'll enjoy lunch prepared by our chef. In this area, among the rocky cliffs, it's possible to spot the imposing Andean condor, considered the largest flying bird in the world, making this day an even more memorable experience.

After lunch, we'll begin a leisurely descent along trails surrounded by nature until we reach our
camp in Sisaypampa, a wide and serene valley where we'll spend the night. There, a hot drink will be waiting for you to relax, and you will enjoy a comforting dinner before resting under a starry sky.

Maximum height: 4,880m / 16,010 ft
Minimum height: 4,200m / 13,779ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate walk: 6 - 7 hrs

Day 4 Sisaypampa – Pampacahua – Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa

After a delicious breakfast, we'll begin our hike towards the end of the valley, where the trail connects with a wider valley known as Pampacahua. In this area, we'll find an original Inca canal that, surprisingly, is still used by local farming communities.

At the end of the valley, we'll visit our first archaeological site of the day: Paucarcancha, an important Inca checkpoint that forms part of the historic road network of the Tahuantinsuyo. After exploring this archaeological site, we'll continue our route to Wayllabamba, one of the most emblematic points on the
famous Inca Trail, where we'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll resume our hike, following the beautiful Llullucha Valley for approximately 3 hours, surrounded by lush vegetation and exceptional mountain views, until we reach our campsite at Llulluchapampa. Here you can relax with a cup of hot tea while taking in the breathtaking views of the valley. We'll end the day with a delicious dinner prepared by our chef before we rest.

Maximum height: 3,800m / 12,467 ft
Minimum height: 3,150m / 10,334ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate walk: 6 - 7 hrs

Day 5 Llulluchapampa – Warmiwañusqa – Pacaymayu – Runcurakay – Phuyupatamarca<br />

Early in the morning, we'll enjoy a nutritious breakfast before beginning our approximately 2-hour ascent along an ancient Inca cobblestone path to reach the famous Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,217 m / 14,047 ft), the highest point on the Inca Trail and one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the entire route.

From the summit, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the valley and the effort you've put in. After a well-deserved rest, we'll begin our descent along a restored section of the Inca Trail to the Pacaymayu River, where we'll have lunch. In the afternoon, we'll resume our hike, ascending for another 2 hours to the Runcurakay Pass (3,977 m / 13,127 ft).

From this point, we'll enjoy an incredible view of the mountains surrounding the entire region. Finally, we will descend for approximately 3 hours until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m / 12,047 ft), one of the most beautiful campsites on the Inca Trail, surrounded by clouds and breathtaking views. We will spend the night here.

Maximum height: 4,217m / 14,047 ft
Minimum height: 3,550m / 11,646ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Challenging
Approximate walk: 8 - 9 hrs

Day 6 Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Today you will experience one of the most beautiful days of the entire trek. Very early, after breakfast, you can enjoy an incredible sunrise overlooking the Urubamba Canyon, Machu Picchu Mountain, and several archaeological sites along the Inca Trail.

Then we will begin a descent of approximately two hours through the cloud forest to reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive Inca complexes on the route, where we will enjoy lunch.

Afterward, we will continue hiking for another hour to reach the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From this point, you will experience an unforgettable moment: your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains and a spectacular landscape. After enjoying the viewpoint, we will descend to the citadel of Machu Picchu and then take our transport to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel (hotel optional, depending on the chosen category).

Maximum height: 3,650m / 12,047ft
Minimum height: 2,040m / 6,693ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate walk: 5 - 6 hrs

Day 7 Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The big day has arrived! After an early breakfast at the hotel, around 5:30 a.m., we'll board one of the first buses to the citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving just in time to appreciate the sunrise (weather permitting), one of the most magical moments of the trip.

Once inside the sanctuary, we'll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the most important areas and discovering their history, architecture, and spiritual significance.

Afterward, you'll have free time to continue exploring, take photos, or take an optional hike such as: Huayna Picchu (advance booking required), Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required), or a hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). After the tour, we'll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, between 2:55 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. At 4:22 p.m., we will board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. There, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, where this incredible adventure will end.

Maximum height: 2,720m / 8,924 ft
Minimum height: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Climate: Cold - Sunny
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate walk: 2 - 3 hrs

What does the Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek 7 Days ?

What is included?

Entrance Fees and Tickets

  • Inca Trail entrance ticket.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • 3 bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Transfers

  • Private transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa (trek starting point).
  • Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Meals

  • Full board as per itinerary (vegetarian/vegan option available upon request).
  • Hot water for washing and boiled water for refilling bottles.

Camping Equipment

  • Comfortable tents (2 people per tent).
  • Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables, and chairs.
  • Thick foam sleeping mat.

Specialized Staff

  • Bilingual professional guide, expert in high-altitude trekking.
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Porters to carry up to 7 kg of personal belongings (includes sleeping bag).
  • Muleteers and pack animals to carry all camping equipment.
  • Porters for tents, food, and cooking equipment.
  • Professional chef and complete kitchen equipment.

Safety

  • First-aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen tank
  • Emergency horse, used in case of altitude sickness or illness

What is not included?

Food

  • Dinner on the last day.
  • Personal energy snacks, such as chocolate bars, dried fruit, or nuts.

Entrance Fees and Tickets

  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu (US$75 per person)
  • Entrance to Picchu Mountain (US$75 per person)

Accommodation

  • Hotel

Camping Equipment

  • Sleeping bag (-15°C): US$25
  • Air mat: US$25
  • Trekking poles: US$20

Additional Costs or Services Not Mentioned

  • Upgrade to the Vistadome train: US$67 per person.***
  • Additional activities such as ziplining or a barbecue.
  • Additional horse for extra luggage, including additional permit.

Travel Insurance

Tips

Price for Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek 7 Days / 6 Nights to Machu Picchu

The price of the Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek 7 Days / 6 Nights to Machu Picchu varies depending on service type (group or private), travel season, permit availability, and the level of comfort you prefer. This combined high-mountain and heritage trekking program is designed to deliver exceptional value while providing full logistical support, expert guidance, and access to two of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Andes.

This 7-day expedition blends the dramatic glacier landscapes of the Salkantay route with the historic stone paths of the Inca Trail, creating a unique and diverse journey to Machu Picchu. The program includes required permits where applicable, professional bilingual guides, trekking staff and porters, full camping equipment, meals on the trail, safety gear, and guided entry to Machu Picchu.

All logistics — transportation, campsites, meals, coordination, and return travel — are fully organized so you can focus entirely on the trekking experience.

If you would like a private expedition, upgraded camping comfort, or panoramic return train service, our team will be happy to prepare a personalized quote.

Group Prices – Salkantay + Inca Trail Trek (7D/6N)

  • 2 people: USD — per person
  • 3 people: USD — per person
  • 4 people: USD — per person
  • 5+ people: USD — per person

Optional Add-Ons for Your Experience

Enhance your itinerary with the following premium upgrades:

  • Vistadome Panoramic Train Upgrade
    • A panoramic train with wider windows, Andean music, and cultural onboard experiences.
      USD —
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket
    • (Requires booking 3 months in advance) USD 60
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket
    • (Requires booking 3 months in advance) USD 60
  • Private Photographer for Machu Picchu
    • Capture premium photos of your journey. USD
  • Private Luxury Vehicle Upgrade
    • Comfortable and exclusive full-size vehicle for all transfers. USD
  • Extra Night in Cusco or Sacred Valley
    • Extend your experience in 4★ or 5★ hotels.

Book Your Salkantay & Inca Trail Expedition With Confidence

Your price is guaranteed after booking.
No hidden fees. No unexpected increases.

Before confirming your reservation, please review:

  • Permit availability
  • Passport requirements
  • Physical difficulty level
  • Altitude considerations
  • Packing list
  • Inclusions & exclusions

Our team ensures your combined Salkantay and Inca Trail expedition is safe, fully supported, and unforgettable — from your first briefing to your arrival at Machu Picchu.chu.th, premium, and unforgettable — from your first pickup to your return from Machu Picchu.

Recommendations before and during your trip to Peru

Before leaving your country:

  • Original passport (must be the same one used for your booking).
  • If you have renewed your passport, remember to bring both. (IMPORTANT)
  • Valid student ID (if you booked as a student).
  • Comfortable shoes or sneakers for sightseeing.
  • Light and warm clothing for sightseeing, gloves, scarf, jacket.
  • Hat or cap and sunglasses.
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho if your visit is between October and March.
  • Water bottle and snacks.
  • Backpack with essentials.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Camera and extra batteries.
  • Personal medications.
  • Extra emergency cash (Soles).
  • Extra cash (Soles) for souvenirs (optional).

For traditional tours:

  • Tourist pass and corresponding entrance fees (Our team will give you your tickets at the briefing).
  • Light clothing (light pants or shorts, t-shirt), as the days are very hot.
  • A warm jacket if you're returning in the afternoon, as the evenings are chilly.
  • Water bottle and snacks.
  • Sunscreen.

For treks:

  • Comfortable trekking pants and shoes.
  • Dri-FIT shirts.
  • Warm clothing, wool hat, and gloves.
  • Hat or cap and sunglasses.
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
  • Water bottle and snacks.
  • Coca leaves, chocolate bars, and lemon drops.
  • Backpack with essentials.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Trekking poles.
  • Personal medications.
  • Personal first-aid kit (band-aids, headache pills, etc.).
  • Extra emergency cash (Soles).

For Machu Picchu

  • Lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts (there are many mosquitoes in Machu Picchu).
  • Water bottle and snacks.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Walking sticks with rubber tips if needed.
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho if visiting during the rainy season.

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