The Salkantay, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Trek of 6 Days is one of the most astounding trekking trails that combines the best of our two most popular treks in Cusco, the Salkantay trek and the Inca Trail ending with the grandiose final of visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.
During this trek, you will hike through some of the most marvelous places in the Peruvian Andes, as we will lead you to majestic glaciers, climb high mountain passes, get mesmerized by the mystic, lush and green cloud forest, and wonder at the ancient Inca ruins that conceal themselves within the mountain crests.
Don’t miss out on this enthralling and fascinating adventure, as you will get to experience the best of two trekking trails and an unforgettable memory that will stay with you for life!
 Duration: 6 Days |  Max. Altitude: 5,200 m. / 17,060 ft. |  Accommodation: Camping & Hotel |
 Difficulty: Challenging |  Season: All year |
Overview
Day 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA (CRUZ PATA) – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA
- 5:30 AM Pickup at your Hotel
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner (optional breakfast in Mollepata)
- Estimated hiking KM: 6 hrs.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Climate: Cold to Moderate
- Elevation gain: +800 m.
- Highest elevation: 4.200 m.
- Sleepover in Salkantay Pampa
DAY 02: SALKANTAY PAMPA – ABRA SALKANTAY – SISAY PAMPA
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Estimated hiking time: 8 hrs.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Climate: warm and cold with mosquitoes
- Sleepover in Sisay Pampa
DAY 03: SISAY PAMPA – CANAL PANAMA DE INCA – WAYLLABAMBA
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Estimated hiking time: 5hrs.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Easy
- Climate: Warm
- Sleepover in Wayllabamba
DAY 04: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWA-USCA – PACAYMAYU
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Estimated hiking time: 6hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Climate: warm with mosquitoes
- Sleepover in Pacaymayu
DAY 05: PACAYMAYU – RUNKURAKAY – CHAQUICOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
- Meals: Breakfast
- Estimated hiking time: 2hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Climate: warm
- Sleepover in Wiñayhuayna
DAY 06: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
- Meals: Breakfast
- Estimated hiking time: 2hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Climate: warm
- Transportation back to Cusco
Itinerary
DAY 01: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA (CRUZ PATA) – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA
On the first day, we will pick you up from your respective hotel at 5:30 AM. You will have enough time to sleep a little more in the car as we drive from Cusco to Mollepata (3,000 m. / 9,842 ft.). Here you can choose to have an optional breakfast, or we continue the road directly to Cruz Pata (3,400 m. / 11,154 ft.), where we will meet up with our cooks, assistants, and muleteers.
After a short rest and a good stretch from the drive, we will start to hike from Cruz Pata. The way leads through a magnificent valley with diverse vegetation, while the winding ways will offer you first glances of the impressive snow-capped Salkantay (6,264 m. / 20,551 ft.). Accompanied by the chirping of a myriad of birds you will also be able to spot the Humantay mountain (5,217 m. / 17,116 ft.) in all of its glory. Along the way, you will have enough time to take some pictures and be mesmerized by the beauty of this enchanting landscape.
Arriving in Soraypampa (3,900 m. / 12,795 ft.), we will eat a delicious lunch to recharge our energies, before we continue our hike. You will have the option to hike up to Humantay Lake (4,220 m. / 13,845 ft.). However, it can be challenging due to its altitude, and depending on your physical condition it can take up to 2 hrs., but the emerald glacial waters with their hypnotizing beauty would be worth the effort.
Hereafter we will continue to Salkantay Pampa (3,900 m. / 12,795 ft.) where we will have a tasty dinner that rewards our bodies for the effort of the day and gets us ready to have a good night’s sleep.
DAY 02: SALKANTAY PAMPA – ABRA SALKANTAY – SISAY PAMPA
We will start the second day with an energizing breakfast in the midst of an astounding landscape, surrounded by impressive mountains, horses, and small rivulets. You will be able to marvel at the sunrise while enjoying your breakfast and the cold fresh air of the morning.
Hereafter we will get ready to ascend the Salkantay pass (5,200 m. / 17,060 ft.) from where you will get the most exceptional views of the mighty Apu Salkantay (6,264 m. / 20551 ft.). The hike will be challenging due to its elevation, but the views and the beauty of this magical place will elevate you just as high. Remember to take it easy, take some pauses and deep breaths, and don’t force yourself, better enjoy the hike and its astonishing beauty.
Arriving at the peak of the Salkantay pass we will take a break to take some pictures and marvel at this wonder of nature. Take your time to fully appreciate this special and unforgettable moment. Breathe and fully experience it.
Then we will start the descent to Sisay Pampa (3,700 m. / 12,139 ft.). You will walk through a mystical forest that is covered with a green thicket, an endless variety of bushes, flowers, moss, and vines climbing their way up the old native trees. This hike will enable you to appreciate the Andean flora and fauna to the fullest. With some luck, you maybe even be able to spot some smaller mammals.
When we will arrive in Sisay Pampa (3,700 m. / 12,139 ft.) we will have a good lunch and a well-deserved rest. Here you will have some free time to enjoy the beautiful nature before having a good dinner that will recuperate all your body’s strength.
DAY 03: SISAY PAMPA – CANAL PANAMA DE INCA – WAYLLABAMBA
At dawn, our journey takes us to the Valley of the Incas. We will pass by small archaeological sites. Our last place will be Wayllabamba (3.000 m.a.s.l.), our camp for tonight and also the starting point for the classic Inca trail the next morning.
DAY 04: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWA-USCA – PACAYMAYU
On this day we will start very early, we will enjoy and get to know the warm and mystic atmosphere.
Our journey takes us to the valleys of Yuncachimpa (3.300 m.a.s.l.) and Lulluchapampa (3.850 m.a.s.l.) and finally leads us to the pass of Warmiwañusca (4.200 m.a.s.l.), which offers an impressive view of the snowy peak of Veronica.
After a short rest at the summit, we will continue walking to our camp called Pacaymayu (3.500 m.a.s.l.).
- The trekking time will be approximately 07:00 hours.
DAY 05: PACAYMAYU – RUNKURAKAY – CHAQUICOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
We start this day, which will be the most beautiful of the trip, with energy after a delicious breakfast.
The first place of arrival is the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3.050 m.a.s.l.). Which is on top of a rocky outcrop, this place, as it was supposed to, was a drum.
We continue the ascent to a pass, at an altitude of 3,950 meters, before reaching the ruins of Sayacmarca (3,600 m.a.s.l.) a quiet village of a labyrinth of narrow streets, spaces, houses, terraces, fountains, etc.
We continue along the silent road and pass through an Inca tunnel and then pass through several places in a forest before the last pass is reached, at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
Below the archaeological remains of Phuyupatamarca: “The city above the clouds”, some Inca remains will be revealed, impressed by its circular walls and its ingenious system of aqueducts that still supply the toilets.
We enjoy a magnificent view over the snow-capped peaks and the Urubamba valley. The slope on the other side is made under a thick canopy of bamboo.
Above the heights, the extraordinary archaeological remains of Wiñaywayna (2.650 m.a.s.l.) appear, on a rocky spur in the heart of the forest and overlooking the Urubamba valley.
Dominated by a huge series of Inca terraces, the urban complex is divided in two by a magnificent staircase leading to a ceremonial area.
This is where we will spend the night.
DAY 06: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
After breakfast around 5:00 a.m. we will equip our torches to the sun gate (Inti Punku) to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Around 08:00 we will visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l.) and enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour of approximately 2:00 hours.
Thereafter, you will have plenty of time to explore the archaeological site on your own.
We will leave Aguas Calientes village in the afternoon for the Ollantaytambo station, then back to Cusco city.
Included
TOUR INCLUDES
- Tourist transport from the Cusco hotel to Mollepata (Cruz Pata).
- Consettur bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance of the train Aguas Calientes – Est Ollanta.
- Tourist transport Est Ollanta – Cusco.
- Entrance to the Salkantay National Park.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide service (Spanish and English).
- Camping equipment (tents, bathroom, dining room, table and chairs).
- Cook and Assistant (kitchen team)
- Meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner and vegetarian snacks / option).
- Horses, mules and carriers carry weight, 9 kg. of a customer’s personal computer.
- Emergency horse during the trek from Salkantay to Wayllabamba.
First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Breakfast, first day.
- The last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- The sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one).
Contact Us
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- All the rates of our Packages to Peru are expressed in US dollars (optional for currency exchange) and are scheduled per person.
- The valid rates for Peruvians only include IGV.
- All our rates are subject to availability and changes.
- Children under 02 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies), do not pay any service and do not have the right to food, bed or seat on tours.
- DCC (child) is considered a child from 03 to 10 years and 11 months, has a special rate and shares a room with parents.
- Children over 11 years considered adults.
- Minors must travel with an identity document.
- Rates do not apply to holidays, Easter, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas or New Year.
More Information
What is the Salkantay trek?
The Salkantay trek is a trekking route that takes the visitor to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The total trekking distance is approximately 70 kilometres (5 days trek).
The trek for each day is as follows:
Day 1 (16 kilometres trekking): The tour starts in the city of Cusco. The agency picks you up by car from your hotel together with the other hikers to the village of Mollepata. Then you ascend for approximately 7 hours to the camp of Soraypampa passing by the Huamantay lagoon. There, the tours organize food and a tent for the tourists to rest.
Day 2 (22 km hike): The hike starts after breakfast. The highest point of the trek is the ‘Abra Salcantay’. Then you continue downhill to the village of Chaullay, where the cold weather starts to change to tropical. This day is considered the most difficult.
Day 3 (16 kilometres of trekking): The trek on this day is easy, starting with a descent to the so-called ‘Playa Sahuayaco’. After lunch, the trek restarts to the village of Santa Teresa. In this touristic village, you can enjoy the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. There you spend the night.
Day 4 (16 kilometres of trekking): This day is one of the most enjoyable of the trek. You start with a short walk of a few kilometres to the hydroelectric station. After lunch, the trek continues parallel to the Vilcanota River (and the train track) until you reach the village of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain.
Day 5 (bus ascent to Machu Picchu): This day starts very early in the morning with a bus ride to the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. Another option is to walk the 9 kilometres up the mountain. The rest of the day is dedicated to enjoy the Wonder of the World. The return to the city of Cusco is by train and bus.
What does Salkantay – Snowy Salkantay mean?
The Salkantay is a snow-capped mountain whose name translated from Quechua means ‘Wild Mountain’. This peak is known as ‘Apu’ (‘Lord’) because of its majesty and elevation.
Where is Salkantay located?
The ‘Apu’ Salkantay is located in the Cordillera Vilcanota in the southern Andes of Peru. It is the second largest mountain in Cusco, after Ausangate (Mountain of the 7 Colours).
At what altitude is the Salkantay mountain?
The Salkantay mountain reaches 6,271 metres above sea level (m.a.s.l.). The trekking route leading to Machu Picchu has its highest point at the ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650 m.a.s.l.. From there you can see the peak of the snow-capped mountain.
Height of the Salkantay hike
Cusco rises up to 3,400 metres above sea level, which can be a problem for some people, we recommend you to be in Cusco at least 48 hours before starting the trek, during which time you should drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and rest.
The maximum altitude of the Salkantay trek is 4,600m, which is the beautiful Salkantay pass and the minimum altitude of the Salkantay trek is 2,200m at the last camp at Lucmabamba.
The altitude of Salkantay is 6,271 metres above sea level (masl). The highest point is at the ‘Abra Salkantay’, at 4,650 metres above sea level. From there you can see the peak of the snow-capped mountain.
The weather in Salkantay Trek
The weather on the Salkantay Trek is very varied, as it traverses very different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where the weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass and nearby areas.
Temperatures here and at the nearby Soraypampa camp can drop below freezing. The other camps are much warmer due to their proximity to the cloud forest.
October to March is the rainy season. During these months, the days are sunny (19 ℃) and the nights not so cold (4 ℃) but the frequency of rainfall increases considerably.
April to September is the dry season. During these months, the days in Salkantay have a stable climate (18 ℃), but the nights have the lowest temperatures of the year (-10 ℃).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO THE SALKANTAY TREK?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the dry season (April to October). During those months, there is less chance of rain, so the roads are in better condition.
In the dry season, however, the days are sunnier and the nights are cooler. According to mountaineering experts, June, July and August; is the best time to do the Salkantay trek.
| High Temperature °F | Low Temperature °F | |
| Jan | 63 °F | 39 °F |
| Feb | 63 °F | 39 °F |
| Mar | 63 °F | 39 °F |
| Apr | 64 °F | 37 °F |
| May | 64 °F | 32 °F |
| Jun | 64 °F | 28 °F |
| Jul | 63 °F | 27 °F |
| Aug | 64 °F | 30 °F |
| Sep | 64 °F | 34 °F |
| Oct | 66 °F | 37 °F |
| Nov | 66 °F | 37 °F |
| Dec | 64 °F | 39 °F |
Tips for the Salkantay trek
- Acclimate one or two days in the city of Cusco before doing the Salkantay trek.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages or foods with a lot of fat. Altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties.
- Do a little exercise before the Salkantay trek. You don’t need to be in excellent physical shape, but a little exercise will help.
- No matter what time of the year, wear warm clothes during the Salkantay trek. The nights are especially cold in the first two days.
- Plan even in the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.
Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail
| Classic Inca Trail | Salkantay Trek | |
| Description: | It is known by the name of the Classic Inca Trail, a trek that starts from the Sacred Valley of the Incas and has as its final destination Machu Picchu. | Is an alternative walk to the Traditional Inca Trail, it consists of reaching Machu Picchu through snowy mountains, abundant vegetation, fauna, lagoons and a high-Andean landscape. |
| Duration: | 4 days / 3 nights | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Total Route: | 43 km – 26.72 miles | 65 km – 40.4 miles |
| Starting point: | Km 82, in Huayllabamba | Challacancha town |
| Itinerary: | 1st day: Cusco – Huayllabamba (6-7 hrs.) 2nd day: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo (7-8 hrs.) 3rd day: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna (7-8 hrs.) 4th day: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu (2 hrs.) | 1st day: Cusco – Challacancha,(5-6 hrs.) 2nd day: Soraypampa – Challway, (7-8 hrs.) 3rd day: Challway – Playa Sahuayaco, (5-6 hrs.) 4th day: Llactapata – Aguas Calientes, (7-8 hrs.) 5th day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, (2 hrs.) |
| Difficulty: | Moderate | High |
| Landscape: | From high Andean grasslands to humid tropical forest. | High-Andean, presence of snow-covered areas of potato and corn, valleys, lagoons, cloud forests, waterfalls, hot springs. |
| Flora: | More than 300 species of orchids, shrubs, ichu, straw and typical trees from Inca times. | At first, straw or ichu, crops; then, a characteristic flora of the jungle will appear, as well as coffee, banana, avocado, pineapple and coca leaf crops. |
| Fauna: | Privileged place of endemic species of birds, butterflies, insects. There are also species, such as spectacled bears, vizcachas, lizards, etc. | South American camelids, llamas and guanacos, mainly skunks, vizcachas, in the lakes diversity of aquatic birds, butterflies and fauna of the jungle eyebrow. |
| Climate: | Semi-tropical, hot and humid days, cold nights, rains (from November to April). Minimum 6º C – 11º C (June), Maximum 20º C – 26ºC (June). | Rainy season from November to April, Minimum between 5º C – 11º C (June) in Abra Salkantay, Maximum between 20º C – 26º C (June) in Playa Sahuayaco. |
| Archaeological Attractions: | Patallacta – Pueblo Alto, Warmiñanuska – Dead Woman’s Pass, Runkuracay – Pile of Stones, Sayaqmarca – Dominant Town, Conchamarca – Lodazal, Phuyupatamarca – City on the Clouds, Wiñaywayna – Forever Young, Inti Punku – Puerta del Sol, Inca City of Machu Picchu – Old Mountain. | From Soraypampa to Challway, vestiges of an original Inca Trail. On the fourth day, Llactapata (a resting place) was seen in a Temple located, in front of Machu Picchu. Inca Llacta of Machu Picchu. |
| Entrance Ticket: | Entrance to the Inca Trail route and the Inca City of Machu Picchu. | Entrance to the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. |
| Advantages: | Visit various archaeological centers along the way. Enjoy a varied range of flora and fauna typical of the jungle. Enjoy different climates. It will be a positive and unforgettable experience. Know one of the most visited tourist attractions in Perú. Inca Trail Machu Picchu guarantees the proper execution of your trek. Walk through different ecological floors. | Visit various archaeological centers along the way. Enjoy a varied range of flora and fauna typical of the jungle. Enjoy different climates. It will be a positive and unforgettable experience. Know one of the most visited tourist attractions in Perú. Inca Trail Machu Picchu guarantees the proper execution of your trek. Walk through different ecological floors. |
| Disadvantages: | Income is limited, only 500 people per day. In high season (June – October), tickets are sold out | You need to acclimatize in the City of Cusco, for one or two days before starting the trek. It can give you cold or altitude sickness. |
WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SALKANTAY TREK VS INCA TRAIL?
Inca Trail:
The fact of traveling this ancient path will make you have one of the most impressive experiences in your life. Due to its beauty, this walk is the preferred one for travelers, having to be requested 5 to 6 months in advance (a permit is required that has limited spaces per day).
The Inca Trail runs through 42 kilometers of jungle and mountains, reaching a maximum height of 4200 meters above sea level and visiting some archaeological complexes such as Patallacta, the Wiñay Wayna ruins and, of course, the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. manchu picchu trek
Advantages of the Inca Trail:
- It arrives directly to Machu Picchu by the Camino Real de los Incas something that no other trek does.
- An impressive amount of ancient and spectacular ruins can be seen every day.
- You reach Inti Punku, the famous gate of the sun with an impressive view over Machu Picchu at sunrise.
- We observe amazing landscapes: from high snow-capped mountains to a fertile cloud forest and a magnificent jungle.
- There are good facilities and services in the camps.
- The satisfaction of having made such a famous walk.
Disadvantages of the Inca Trail:
- You must make your reservation approximately 6 months in advance and you must do the trek on the date of your reservation, due to the great reception of hikers, date changes are not allowed. If someone cancels their permission it will not be used. But if you do not reach it, you can take an alternative walk.
- The campgrounds are overcrowded, the facilities packed, and it’s not exactly a good adventure camping experience.
- We find many people around us so it seems like a human highway.
Salkantay:
The Salkantay Walk runs through 70 kilometers of mountains and beautiful landscapes, reaching a maximum height of 4600 meters above sea level and spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range, especially the Salkantay pass or Salkantay pass, we can also observe a geothermal lagoon called Humantay, the imposing snow-capped mountain range of Salkantay, the hot springs of Cocalmayo and finally we arrive at Machu Picchu.
Advantages of the Salkantay Trek:
- You take a natural walk almost to Aguas Calientes.
- Geographically, the Salkantay trek is closer to the traditional Inca Trail.
- Because it is an alternate walk we find small groups of people.
- You do not need to make a reservation in advance, since this walk can be done at any time you want.
- A true wilderness and adventure camp is held.
- You need a much cheaper budget, that is, it is not expensive.
Disadvantages of the Salkantay Trek:
- You will need to spend the night before your visit to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, we recommend that you take the bus to the citadel in the morning of the day of your visit.
- Although archaeological ruins are not seen on this tour, it is possible to connect with nature in a deeper way.
- You need to acclimatize before doing the walk, it could give you cold or altitude sickness.
Price
HOW MUCH?
We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.
Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected], you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:
- Name and surname:
- Passport number:
- Nationality:
- Date of Birth:
- Phone:
- Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Cusco, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts.
To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.
PAYMENT METHODS
- IZIPAY
- PAYPAL
- WESTER UNION
- MONEYGRAM
- TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU
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