Inca Trail & Salkantay 7 Days

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Salkantaypampa

At 5am we pick you up at your hotel and we drive you in our private van to Soraypampa for 3.5 hours. Along the way  you can enjoy some spectacular views of villages such as: Izcuchaca and Limatambo, stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay. At the trailhead (Soraypampa) we have breakfast and enjoy the amazing views of Humantay (5900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6217m/20,396ft) Mountain glaciers.  We take a 2.5 hour roundtrip hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake and later on  we gently ascend  to Salkantaypampa where we will camp. We enjoy our afternoon tea time,  coffee, or hot chocolate. The views on this day are truly breathtaking.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 13kms/8.1 miles (6 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Pampajaponesa 

We’ll wake you up with a cup of Coca tea and breakfast to kick off our second day. Our journey will commence with flat terrain for about 10 minutes before transitioning into a challenging uphill climb. This segment of the trail is steep and demanding, so we’ll proceed at a comfortable pace since our destination is only 4 hours away. 

Upon reaching our campsite, known as Pampa Japonesa, we’ll enjoy our lunch before embarking on an afternoon exploration of Salkantay Lake, which typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This will bring us in close proximity to the Salkantay glacier. Following our lake excursion, we’ll return to camp. Pampa Japonesa offers an incredible vantage point to soak in the beauty of the Soraypampa Valley, providing ample opportunities for breathtaking photos of the Salkantay glacier. The sunset view from here is truly stunning. As night falls, we’ll marvel at the starry sky before settling in for dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 6kms/3.7 miles. (6 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 3: Pampajaponesa - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Yana Ccaca - Inca Canal.

Today is an extraordinary day. We’ll embark on a two-hour uphill hike to reach the Incachiriaska Pass (also known as the Frozen Inca Pass), standing at an impressive 5028 meters (16495 feet), making it the highest point of our trek. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll have the option to either take a 30-minute hike closer to the glacier or descend to our lunch spot.

The scenery today is once again breathtaking. As we ascend over the shoulder of Salkantay, we are humbled by the towering presence of the mountain, gaining insight into why the Incas revered it as a deity. With luck, we may encounter various wildlife such as Viscachas (resembling rabbit-like Chinchillas), White-Tailed Deer, and perhaps even some of the elusive Andean creatures like Condors.

After reaching the Pass, we’ll enjoy a three-hour downhill trek to our lunch destination, YanaCcaca, where our skilled cook eagerly awaits us with a delectable meal. Following our repast, we’ll continue our journey for roughly three hours, descending to our campsite at Canal Inca, where we’ll spend the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12kms/7.45 miles.(8-9 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Challenge

Day 4: Canal Inca - Paucar Cancha - Wayllabamba - Ayapata.

We’ll kick off our day by indulging in a delightful breakfast, followed by a leisurely journey down the valley towards Paucarcancha. It will take us roughly three hours to reach our lunch spot. Before we sit down to eat, we’ll explore the ancient Inca ruins of Paucarcancha, with our knowledgeable guide enlightening us about its historical significance. Here we’ll switch from using horses to carry our gear to porters – this is to prevent damage to the Inca Trail.

Following lunch, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting our dedicated porters, who have trekked all the way from km 82, the starting point for those embarking on the 4-day Inca Trail hike. At the same time, we will say bye-bye to our horsemen.

After a brief stop at the checkpoint to present our passports and Inca Trail permits, we’ll embark on a one-hour hike to Wayllabamba. From there, we’ll continue our journey to the Ayapata Campsite, where we’ll settle in for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 11kms/6.8 miles (6-7 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 5: Ayapata - Dead Woman Pass - Pacaymayo - Runku Rakay Pass - Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha.

Today is a tough day because we have two passes to cross. After our breakfast, we hiked for about 4 hours until the Dead Woman Pass. The hike to this pass will be easier but the steps make it harder. At the summit, we’ll witness the changing landscapes and capture photos of both valleys before descending to Pacaymayo for a delicious lunch. 

Next, we’ll ascend the Runku Racay Pass, stopping along the way to visit the Inca Site of Runku Raqay with detailed explanations from our guide. As we continue, we’ll observe a dramatic shift in landscape from the highlands to the rainforest.

After reaching the Pass, we’ll descend for about an hour to the Sayacmarca Inca Site, where our guide will lead us in exploration.

Finally, we’ll make our way to our campsite, Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft), known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views of the sunset over the distant mountains.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16kms/8.7 miles (8-9 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 6: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Intipata  -Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

We’ll begin with a relatively short trek along what’s called Inca Flat (gentle inclines and declines) until we reach Phuyupatamarca. Then, start descending the stone steps to Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), where you enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River and the mountains.

After resting, you will continue to the archeological site of Wiñay Wayna or “Forever Young,”The tour guide will explore the impressive terraces, temples, and urban areas and enjoy the Urubamba River’s views as you learn about the Incan history. At the same time, the team prepares a special last lunch.

Following, it is a tradition on the Inca Trail to have a thanking ceremony for all the hard work the porters and cooks have provided. If you wish, you may leave a tip for them at this time. After we´ve said goodbye to our team, we will carry on to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first views of Machu Picchu.

It takes about an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones in the highland jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From there, it is about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we´ll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see views of Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bust to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

• Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel 3***
• Distance: 14 kms/7.4mls (8-9 hours more or less of hiking time)
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 7: Aguas Calientes - Guiding Tour Of Machu Picchu- Cusco

An early morning will reward you with another momentous day of exploring the “Lost City of the Incas”. Your tour guide will take you through the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, discussing the mystery and skill of its construction as you absorb the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin.

Enjoy a two-hour tour of this majestic Machu Piccchu Inca City and take some time to savor your accomplishment as you soak in the views. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones.This will give the tourist free time to take photos, scroll on their own wherever your interests take you.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. 

The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.

***IMPORTANT:

• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by requeste and it has to be done by booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
• On the 7 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is now way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu like the circuit #2 for US$55 per person.
• OPTIONAL extra tickets for Machu Picchu (Circuit #2 ) will cost US$55

What Is Included

What Is Not Included

Added Values For Free

Price & Availability

“The Salkantay Trekking & Inca trail Hike to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you  as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

Prices:

Group Service

• US$ 1175 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS)

Private Service                              

• US$ 1325 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS) – 2 to 3 persons
• US$ 1275 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS) – 4 to 6 persons
• US$ 1250 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS) – 7 to 8 persons

***We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. For solo travellers- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek.

Discounts

• 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Extras

• Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent -  US$30 – (Tent for single trekkers only)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US$60 (depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43 pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single supplement US$30 per night (for solo travellers with single room)
• DUFFLE BAG – for your belongings.

Essentials

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

For Your Duffel

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2-3 wicking t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

Toiletries

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

nside Your Daypacks

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Earplugs