CLASSIC INCA TRAIL AND SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
7 Days & 6 Night
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Transportation
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude
4200 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Challenging
Service
Group
Duration:
7 Days
SALKANTAY HIKE AND INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 07D/06N
This route Salkantay and Inca Trail of 4 days is the best for those who want to live a unique experience in the middle of nature, you will enjoy a landscape with the snowcapped peak Salkantay (Andean deity) and to know the archaeological site of Paucarcancha and the history of the original Inca Trail. This spectacular trail ascends through high mountain range and descends through steep valleys, crossing areas with fog, cloud forests and enjoy the flora and fauna. In addition, you will visit many Inca constructions such as Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna a wonderful Inca city located on the side of a mountain near Machupicchu. Then we continue our tour to the Sun Gate, where you will have your first view of the imposing archeological Inca site of Machu Picchu.
7-DAYS INCA TRAIL TRIP DETAILS
DAY 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAGOON - SALKANTAYPAMPA.
The journey in the Andes Mountains of Peru begins at 5 a.m. when Machupicchu Condor Trek staff pick you up at your hotel in our bus, we get to Soraypampa in approximately 3 hours. On the way, we will pass through two indigenous villages, called Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Marvel at the spectacular views of impressive valleys and the famous Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
Arriving at the beginning of our adventure in Soraypampa, you will have a plenty time for admired the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet). Later on with your tour Guide of Machupicchu Condor Trek you will make a round trip of 3:00 hours approximately to visit the turquoise lake Humantay, on the return we will taste a delicious lunch, after a restorative nap, we will continue ascending to Salkantaypampa camping place, where snacks and hot drinks await you, just in front of the majestic snowy Salkantay, then you will have time to settle in your tent that will be prepared for you, before dinner.
Summary day 1: Salkantay and Inca Trail.
Difficulty level : Easy to difficult.
Distance : 7 km / 6.2 miles approximately.
Hiking time : 5 to 6 hours approximately.
Meals included : Lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
DAY 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA.
Machupicchu Condor Trek staff will wake you up with a hot cup of tea to enjoy before getting up for breakfast, and from the tent door you will be able to appreciate an extraordinary view of the landscape. After a delicious breakfast, we start hiking off the traditional trails for approximately 3 hours, mostly uphill. We will stop for lunch along the way and enjoy breathtaking views during our stay. After lunch we continue hiking until we reach the campsite, which is located approximately one kilometer from the Salkantay snow-capped peak. We will enjoy the magnificent views of all the surrounding mountains and snow-capped peaks, the lagoons, and the incredible landscapes of the area. We will have afternoon tea before dinner.
Summary day 2: Salkantay and Inca Trail.
Difficulty level : Difficult to challenge.
Distance : 14 km / 8.7 miles approximately.
Hiking time : 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
DAY 3: PAMPA JAPONESA – INCA CHIRIASKA PASS – SISAYPAMPA (CANAL INCA)
This morning you will again enjoy another hot drink in your sleeping bag, before an appetizing and generous breakfast. This day begins with a slow uphill hike of approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska (5,028 m /16,495 feet) which is known in the language of the Incas (Quechua) as “The frozen Inca pass”. This area is the habitat of the condors, the largest flying bird in South America and usually can be seen in this area. Your tour Guide will help you stay watchful, hoping to spot this majestic bird and enjoy the beautiful scenery. From the highest point of the day, we begin to descend and the trail begins to level out, lunch will be on the way, after lunch finally arriving at our campsite Sisaypampa and upon arrival all our tents will be ready, our tea time and later our dinner.
Summary day 3: Salkantay and Inca Trail.
Difficulty level : Difficult to challenge.
Distance : 12 km / 7.45 miles approximately.
Hiking time : 8 to 9 hours approximately.
Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
DAY 4: SISAYPAMPA - WAYLLABAMBA- LLULLUCHAPAMPA.
Very early in the morning we wake you up to enjoy a cup of tea and appreciate a beautiful landscape from your tent, we get ready to taste a delicious breakfast and at the end we will say goodbye to our horsemen who were very helpful. We start walking towards a wider valley called Pampacahuana. There, we find an Inca Canal that is still in full operation and in use by the local agricultural settlements. At the end of the Pampacahuana valley, we see our first Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before arriving to Wayllabamba, from this point on, we will have overcome the most difficult parts of our adventure. The camping equipment will be carried by the porters to get into the Inca Trail. Horses are not allowed on the trail because it is a protected area. Wayllabamba is the beginning of the traditional Inca trail and the site of our lunch. After a hearty and tasty lunch, we are walking in the footprints left by the Incas, hiking for 3 more hours through the Llullucha Valley to reach our campsite at Llulluchapampa, to enjoy our afternoon tea surrounded by sweeping mountain views and abundant flora and fauna.
Summary day 4: Salkantay and Inca Trail.
Difficulty level : Moderate to Difficult.
Distance : 11 km / 6.8 miles approximately.
Hiking time : 7 to 8 hours approximately.
Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
DAY 5: LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PAQAYMAYU - CH'AQICOCHA - PHUYUPATAMARCA.
Today is the spectacular and long day of the trek. After a nice breakfast, we hike uphill for two hours to reach the highest point: Warmiwañusqa Pass or Dead Woman’s Pass, located at 4,200m/13,907ft. On the top you will enjoy a spectacular view of different landscapes, magnificent mountains. From this highest point we walk a downhill for two-hours hike (approximately) to Pacaymayu where we have lunch. After lunch we start climbing up to the archaeological site of Runkuraqay (3,800m/12,540ft) to visit, before continuing hiking to the second pass of Runkuraqay (3,977m/13,127ft) you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and impressive lagoons. Continuing our journey, we descend for an hour to the next archaeological site of Sayaqmarca (3,600m/11,877ft). Finally, we hike for two more hours to our third campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft). Walking through the Peruvian jungle top, we can enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu mountain, Vilcabamba range, Urubamba Canyon and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Summary day 5: Salkantay and Inca Trail.
Difficulty level : Moderate to Difficult.
Distance : 15 km / 9.32 miles approximately.
Hiking time : 8 to 9 hours approximately.
Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA - WIÑAY WAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES.
This day we appreciate the best scenery of the Inca Trail, after breakfast with an impressive view of the Vilcabamba mountain range, we start to downhill more than 1000 stairs to the archaeological site of Intipata, then we descend to the campsite of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8,747ft) for lunch. After lunch we go to visit the impressive Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, before to continue for an hour and a half to the Sun Gate (2,720m/8,977ft), here we enjoy the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. After enjoy one of the best landscapes we begin to descend and approach little by little to the place where you can take the most popular photos that are look at in the postcards of Machu Picchu. Finally, we board our bus to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.
Summary day 6: Salkantay and Inca Trail.
Difficulty level : Moderate to easy.
Distance : 10 km / 6.2 miles approximately.
Hiking time : 5 to 6 hours approximately.
Meals included : Lunch, snacks and dinner.
DAY 7: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO.
Definitely this day you will enjoy Machupicchu with our tour Guide, from the hotel we go to Aguas Calientes bus station to board the bus that will take us to the Inca site of Machupicchu. Upon arrival, you will appreciate the sunrise over this great Inca city. Then we begin our guided tour inside Machupicchu for approximately 2 hours, our tour Guide will give you a detailed explanation, as well as visit the most important places within the place, at this time you can also take advantage of taking pictures.
You will also have time to enjoy some activities, if you wish (not included in the price), these free activities are:
- Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the beauty and the magnificent Llaqta of Machu Picchu from the top (request reservation together with the Inca Trail reservation and has an additional cost).
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or a visit to the thermal baths.
After the tour in Machu Picchu, we will go down by bus (included) to the town of Machu Picchu, also called Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon we will return by Expedition or Voyager train, which will take us to Ollantaytambo station. Here our private transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Summary day 7: Salkantay and Inca Trail
Machupicchu : Very exciting day of achievement, visiting Machu Picchu.
Area : Subtropical forest.
Weather : Varied.
Meals included : Breakfast.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel for free
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Porters, horseman and pack horses, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, you need to include the sleeping bag in the 7kgs, carried by our horses and porters)
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional tour guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 3 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Hotel en Aguas Calientes con ducha y baño privado.
- comfortable foam mattress
- All the gear for our porters and cook
- Expedition Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelback (the chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Extra porter for your belongings (you will need only a day backpack to carry what is needed during day)
- Private toilet tent with toilet seat, only for our group.
- Hot water for washing purposes
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast.
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to the hot springs.
- Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (it books out very quickly).
- Sleeping bag. If you don’t want to bring your own, you can hire this from us.
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Machupicchu Condor trek!
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days 6 Nights is a challenging high-altitude adventure, requiring thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it begins early in the morning, make sure to pack the following essential items:
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones).
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG (The horse will carry it)
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack.
RECOMENDAMOS LLEVAR:
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 2 Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $25 USD.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO CARRY IN THE DAYPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch. Bring your own water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
SALKANTAY TREK WITH INCA TRAIL TOUR PRICE
Permits are required for your selected start date. Tour prices vary based on the group size. The prices listed are valid from APRIL 2025 to January 2026 and are quoted in US dollars ($USD).
The Saltantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done at any time of the year, as long as we have a minimum of 2 traveling tourists!
GROUP PRICE:
- $890 USD per persona.
PRIVATE SERVICE
- 2-3 Trekkers: $1079 per person
- 4-5 Trekkers: $979 per person
- 6 or more Trekkers: $890 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter in Salkantay only Inca Trail!).
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL AND SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
7 Days
Price
$
1175
USD
Per Person
Group Size
Up to 16
Activity Level
Moderate
INCA TRAIL TREK DAILY VIDEOS: SEE WHAT EACH DAY IS LIKE!
THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK DIFFERENCE
Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.
Camping Equipment
7 kg personal porters included
Private restroom tents
Safety on the Inca Trail
Social Projects
¡The best trekking food in Peru!
MEET THE MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK TREKKING TEAM!
The majority of our team has been with us from the beginning, witnessing the evolution of Roots & Rhythms and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team who share our mission of delivering authentic and transformative experiences. With Roots & Rhythms, you’ll not only explore New Orleans, but you’ll also fall in love with the people who make it special.”
Our Super Porters
Equality Matters
Our Guides
Our Chefs
VIDEOS OF MACHUPICCHU CONDOR TREK STAFF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Machupicchu Condor Trek, we understand that travel can present logistical problems, so we are committed to making your experience as safe as possible. We have a detailed manual that covers all logistical aspects, from proper storage of camping equipment to recommendations on accommodation and restaurants in Cusco. In addition, our staff is available at all times to answer any additional questions you may have. From your arrival to your last day in Cusco.
SIMILAR TRIPS IN CUSCO
The traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique experience and the most requested in Latin America, Machupicchu Condor Trek takes you on a trek of 04 days and 03 nights, where we will have the joy of enjoying a unique experience, there is no similar trek for its ecological and archaeological diversity.
It is a wonderful classic Inca Trail 05D/04N route and sleeps in quieter campsites away from the hustle and bustle of the other groups. It is also recommended for families with children and seniors, and it all culminates in the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu, with the perfect guided tour.
This 7 days Salkantay and Inca Trail trek is the best for those who want to live a unique experience in the middle of nature, enjoying views of the snow-capped Salkantay and the original Inca Trail. In addition, you will visit Inca constructions such as Wiñay Wayna, a wonderful Inca city located on the side of a mountain near Machupicchu.
If your dream is to visit Machupicchu through the Inca Trail and you only have a few days, we offer you this exciting trip by train and trek to Machupicchu. The 2-day Inca Trail combines beautiful scenery and archaeological sites. This trek is ideal for those who have limited time to visit the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in only 2 days and see impressive Inca constructions. The ‘Inca Trail’ crosses the national park and enters through the Sun Gate, where you will see spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Excited to start the adventure trek, and camp in the dense vegetation.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Machupicchu Condor Trek is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
THEY SUPPORT US
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