Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail Machu Picchu 7 days
Experience the two most popular treks to Machu Picchu: Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail with authorized local tour operator
Salkantay Trek Inca Trail Machu Picchu is extremely remarkable trek flaunting remarkable panoramas of the peaks on the Vilcabamba mountain range in Peru. Since the trail goes around the stunning Mountain of Salkantay; one of the highest Mountains in Peru. The trail reaches its highest point at “Inca Chiriasqha Pass” 5,200m / 17060ft which offers magnificent views of Mt.Salkantay and deep valleys below.
The trail traverses fabulous mountain panorama, Inca and Peruvian-style villages; culturally fascinating vicinity of ancient Inca Temples and irrefutably challenging Mountain Passes. Therefore the Salkantay Trek Inca Trail route is diverse, remote, secluded and enriched topography; offering a fabulous experience for the one looking to take an adventurous journey; explore the scenic beauty of the Machu Picchu and Salkantay regions. No wonder the trail is considered to be one of the best treks in Peru.
Our Trekking package of “Salkantay Trek Inca Trail” is newer trekking routes on the mountains of “Vilcanota mountain range”; it’s considered safe and awe-inspiring trail to Machu Picchu. Experience the glory of walking on the trail traversed by legendary Inca ruins; you also will pass through beautiful “Inca Chiriasqha” and “Dead Woman” Passes. The trail traverses a variety of terrain and explores the rich cultural and natural diversity of the Cusco region. Consequently, the Salkantay Trek Inca Trail offers an amazing view of the Mt. Umantay, Mt. Salkantay, Apurimac canyon, Urubamba canyon and Machu Picchu the icon of the Incas.

OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
TIMING: 7 days and 6 nights.
STARTING AND ENDING POINT: Cusco Hotel.
DEPARTURE DATES: Daily Departure group service and private service – Mini: 2 people.
TYPE OF TOUR: Adventure, Cultural and History.
TRANSPORT: Bus, trekking and train.
DIFFICULTY:Does involve some narrow trails, so sturdy footwear is required to help you enjoy it fully.
TRAIN OPTIONS: Expedition Option: This is the cheapest, but still a very comfortable way of getting to Machu Picchu.
VISTADOME OPTION: Vistadome train is faster, has snack-service, bigger windows and is generally a more comfortable experience; if you prefer this service, please the let us know at the booking time (Extra US$30pp).
DESCRIPTION FOR SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL
7-day Salkantay Trek Inca Trail is one of the famous trekking routes in Peru. It opened for trekkers in the 1980s and since has been possible for the adventure travelers. The region no doubt is rich in sceneries apart from the diverse culture, flora and fauna. The route is the most popular trekking because of its panoramic sceneries of the Andes, including the Mt. Salkantay(6,271m), Mt. Umantay (6,194m) Mt. La Veronica (5,750 m), Mt. Chullunko (5,980m.), Mt. Qesqa(5,800m), Mt. San Gabriel (5,760m). There are Inca settlements along the trail and diverse communities.
The trek takes you around the Mt. Salkantay, following the courses of three mighty rivers- “Soray” in the beginning, “Pampajahuana” in the zone where the trail joins to the classic Inca trail and “Urubamba” which is one of the world’s deepest gorges, flanked by the giant Salkantay and “Vilcabamba” range. The flora, geography and culture also change dramatically along the Trail; This trek starts at the village of Mollepata and cross two high passes one of them is located at 5,200 m / 17060ft (Inca Chiriasqha Pass), and the other reaches 4,200 m / 13779ft (Dead woman’s pass).
THE SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN
Salkantay or Salcantay is a Quechua name that means “wild”; it’s one of the highest mountain in Peru and is located in the mountain range of Vilcabamba between the two large rivers: Urubamba and Apurimac rivers. Our program of Salkantay Trek Inca Trail normally takes 7 Days and has become popular with trekkers wanting to combine a quieter and less trodden route with the history of the Inca ruins on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
SHORT ITINERARY
Day 1: Salkantaypampa camp:
First of all , we’ll pick you up from your hotel and travel to Cruzpata (One hour beyond Mollepata ); here we’ll start trekking with stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range. The camp will be at the base of the Salkantay Mountain; 6-7 hour trek.
Day 2: Inca Chiriasqha pass at 5,200m:
We will start at 07:30 a.m trek up toward the highest pass; and after a good rest at this lovely spot decent to the Sisaypampa camp; 7-8 hour trek.
Day 3: Paucarcancha Inca ruins:
The trail continues descending through the high Andean valley with the presence of Llamas and Alpacas until Paucarkancha camp where we will see the Inca Channel still in use; 6-7 hour trek (L-D).
Day 4: Llulluchapampa camp:
One hour down to Wayllabamba community and join to the traditional Inca Trail; from here, we’ll continue up to Llullucha camp located at 3,800 m / 12467ft; 5-6 hour-trek. (B-L-D)
Day 5: Ch’akiccocha:
Two-hour trek up to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m / 13779ft), then we’ll descend to Pacaymayo Valley where lunch will be served; after lunch, we’ll continue up to the second pass ( 4,000 m / 13123ft) and then we’ll descend to Ch’akiccocha Camp; 7-8 hour trek (B-L-D).
Day 6: Wiñaywayna:
5 hour-trek through the original Inca Trail with stunning mountain scenery and exploring enchanting Inca site: 7 -8 hour trek (B-L-D).
Day 7: Machu Picchu:
Two hour-trek to Machu Picchu and visit before the crowd arrives from Cusco at midday. Finally, we’ll return to Cusco by train.
FULL ITINERARY
DEATILED ITINERARY FOR SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Cruzpata – Salkantaypampa:
The Adventure begins once we pick you up from your hotel at 06:00 a.m and transfer you to Mollepata town; here we’ll stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast and purchase some items for the trek; from Mollepata, we’ll continue one hour more by car until Cruzpata (3,200 m / 10450ft – the starting point of the trek) here we will encounter our “arrieros” (horsemen) and trekking staff. We’ll initiate our Trek to Machu Picchu carrying small bag because the heavy ones will be taken by the horses.
At Cruzpata, we’ll see spectacular views of the chains of snow-capped mountains of Vilcabamba and the lush of Apurimac River Valley, then a gentle climb for about 4 hours to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12467ft) our spot for a rest and lunch. After lunch, we’ll continue climbing gradually for 2 hours and 30min through the more unspoiled Andean valleys to Salkantaypampa, our campsite for our first night.
Please Note: There is an option to explore the Umantay lagoon. This will be decided by the criteria of the guide and the group.
- Meals: L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,200 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,900 masl
- Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Inca Chiriasqha Pass – Sisaypampa:
A wonderful morning because the imposing views of the Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20574ft) close to the camp; the trek will start at 07:00 a.m with a gentle climbing to Pampa-Japonesa (Japanese Climbers Base-camp) and then, we’ll continue up toward the Inca Chiriasqha Pass (5,200 m / 17060ft) the highest of the trek. This pass is a wonderful spot for sightseeing because it is surrounded by majestic snow-peaks such as: Humantay (5,217 masl), Tucarhuay (5,450 masl) and Chullunku (5,428 masl).
The mountains still plays very important role in the mentality of the inhabitants of the zone; they believe that in each mountain is living one spiritual person named “APU”. After the pass, we will trek down for 30 minutes where we’ll stop for lunch, afterward, we will descend until Sisaypampa Camp (3,800 m / 12467ft).
- Meals: B – L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 5,200 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,800 masl
- Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Day 3: Sisaypampa – Paucarcancha:
After breakfast, we’ll continue descending through a beautiful valley with native flowers and impressive views of a typical Andean Valley where we’ll see llamas and alpacas; after 3 hours of trekking, we will arrive to Pampaccahuana community near which exist an Inca canals repaired few years ago by the archeologist Ann Kendall Project to help local farmers of the zone; here we will stop for rest break and enjoy our lunch; then, we’ll continue the final 3 hours approximately down to Paucarcancha, an Inca ruins where we will stop to explore – camp here.
- Meals: B – L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,200 masl
- Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Day 4: Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa:
Today we will connect to the famous Inca Trail. After breakfast, one hour walk down to Wayllabamba Community (3,000 masl); this is also the place from where our muleteers return to their homes with their mules. Fresh porters will join us to continue the trek to Machu Picchu; the porters will carry the heavy gear like: duffel bags, camping equipment and food, etc
From Wayllabamba the trail climbs zigzag up for 2 hours to Ayapata where the lunch will be served; after that, we’ll continue up through enchanted native polylepis woodland until we arrive to Llulluchapampa camp.
- Meals: B – L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 5,200 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,800 masl
- Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pakaymayu – Ch’akiccocha:
After breakfast, we will start ascending through numerous Inca steps towards the warmihuañusca pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) 4,200 m / 13779ft. From here, we will have amazing view of the impressive Inca Trail and spectacular mountains around. Then, we’ll descend to Pakaymayu Valley where we will have lunch. After a rest, we’ll climb again to visit the archaeological site of ‘Runkuraqhay’ (round shape balcony) and then, we’ll continue to Runkuraqhay Pass 4,000 m / 13123ft.
From the pass in a clear days you can see Dead woman’s pass and in frond the Pumasillu snow mountain range. From the pass, we’ll continue to descend through Inca steps to the Inca site of ‘Sayacmarka’ (inaccessible town) which also was discovered by Mr. Hiram Bingam at 1915. We will have a short rest here before continuing towards Ch’akiccocha camp.
- Meals: B – L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,600 masl
- Trekking time: 7 – 8 hours
Day 6: Ch’akiccocha– Phuyupatamarka – Wiñaywayna:
Today will be an excellent day because we will trek through the cloud forest and on the original Inca Trail which is paved with white granite stone. We will visit Phuyupatamarka ruins and observe many flowers and a great variety of birds, especially Hummingbirds. Also, we’ll have a splendid view of the snow-capped mountains of Pumasillu Mountain Range. Lunch will be served at the campsite; In the afternoon, we will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñayhuayna (Young Forever) often considered the most beautiful Inca Temple.
- Meals: B – L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,600 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 2,600 masl
- Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours
Day 7: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco:
Our reward at the end of our epic 7-day Salkantay Trek Inca Trail is the amazing Panorama as we’ll arrive to the great Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a 2 hour-guided tour of Machu Picchu and then you will have extra time to explore by yourself; at midday approximately, we will take the bus down to the town of “Aguas Calientes” where you can enjoy your lunch and in the afternoon, we will catch the train back to Cusco and you will be transferred to your Hotel.
Meals: B
Maximum Altitude: 2,750 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2,000 masl
Trekking time: 2 hours
PRICE INFO
THE PRICE FOR SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU
Daily Departure
Group serveice and private service
TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
Expedition class | US$ 1,150 |
Vistadome class | US$ 1,180 |
Hiram Bimgham class |
Private Service Prices
2 people US$1,250 per person
3 people US$1,230 per person
4 people US$1,200 per person
5 people US$1,180 per person
6+ people US$1,150 per person
Discounts for Salkantay Trek Inca Trail Machu Picchu
Student Discount: US$40 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$40
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$40
Walking Pole US$12
Inflatable Mattress US$30
Single Tent Supplement US$45
Personal Porter to carry extra 7kg of personal items US$120
VIDEO
SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU VIDEO
SALKANTAY TREK & INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU LOCATION
PHOTO GALLERY
SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU INCLUDES
- Transportation: Tourist bus from Cusco to Cruzpata (starting point of the trek); Tourist train Expeditions class from “Aguas Calientes” Ollantaytambo; bus down from Machu Picchu to “Aguas Calientes”; transfer to you hotel .
- Camping equipment: We provide four people capacity tent for two people, brand new four season tents, therm-a-rest, dining room tent, kitchen tent, toiled tent, seats, tables, tent for guides and helpers, kitchen gears.
- Entrance fee: to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu.
- Inca Trail Permits
- Meals: 6 breakfasts ;6 hot lunches; 6 hot dinners and delicious meals prepared by professional chef food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), we’ll offer vegetarian option if you request; we’ll provide available boil water each morning for your water bottles.
- Guides: English-speaking professional guides, 2 guides over 8 people.
- Cook: Professional Chef and Chef’s Assistants.
- Horses: For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears as well to carry your personal items (7kg per person) in duffel bags that we provide; Muleteers.
- Porters: To carry from Wayllabamba to Machu Picchu all camping gears including your persona duffle bag.
- Others: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag: can be rented in our office for US$ 20 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
- Breakfast: on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service. If not, we’ll stop at Mollepata for your breakfast and also you can buy some items for the trek.
- Meals: Lunch in the town of “Aguas Calientes” on the final day you must consider a bugged of US$ 15 to 20 in average restaurant.
- Tips for the staff.
SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU MAP
