inca trail expedition

with salkantay 7d/6n

TOUR OVER VIEW

  • Tour Type: Hiking, Camping, Culture, History, Adventure
  • Difficulty: Quite challenging
  • Distance: 46.7 miles/75 km
  • Considerations: Permit Required (We’ll obtain it after you book with us)
  • Highest altitude: 4,300 msl -14107.61 Feed
  • Duration: 7 days/6 Nights
  • Good For: Experienced hikers
  • Meals: All Inclusive

INTRODUCTION

This unforgettable seven days hike combines the two most epic treks in Peru; the wilderness hike of Salkantay and the epic Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the two most epic treks in Peru. Starting on the Salkantay Trek, the route diverges just before the Salkantay Pass and instead goes over the Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass), which leads you down to the village of Wayllabamba. In Wayllabamba, you will join the Inca Trail and continue to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco humantay soray pampa

The Inca Trail with Salkantay hike starts with pick up early in the morning from your Hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and we will drive two and a half hours to the trailhead of Challacancha at 3,300 MSL., there we will meet your horseman and horses, and have some time to prepare for the day and enjoy breakfast. We will start hiking and enjoying the beautiful views of Salkantay Mount, lush green valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. Today will be moderate in difficulty, but one of the longer days of hiking. There will be a gradual uphill hike for three and a half hours until Lunch will be at Ichupata, a beautiful Andean mountain. We continue hiking along the trail ridge, with beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Marcocasa until we reach the campsite and we will get dinner and rest the night. 
Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 6 Hours 8 km / 4.97097
  • Difficulty: Quite Moderate
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Elevation: 3,500 – 4,300 meters
  • Weather: Warm during the day, cold in the night

Day 02: soraypampa ichupata

Today we will head for the Inca Trail and start hiking for 3-4 hours past Pampa Japonesa towards the highest pass on the trek, the Incachiriasca Pass (400msl/2.48548feed) where you will have stunning views of glacial Salkantay Mountain which will be 3 hours hike and we will enjoy our lunch in the highest point on the trek we may also even have the opportunity to see some Peruvian wildlife such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas), White Tailed Deer and possibly some of the rarer Andean animals like Condors, Guanacos, and Vicunas. After the pass, we descend to the small community of Ichupata, where we will enjoy our dinner and camp for the night surrounding spectacular mountains.
Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 9 Hours (13 km / 8.07783 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 4100 msl – 1.3451 feed
  • Difficulty: Quite challenging
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Elevation: From 3600 to 4,000 msl
  • Weather: Warm during the day, cold in the night

Day 03: ichupatato -canal inca

Today is our challenging day we will staring hiking 3.5 hours uphill towards the Pampacahuana community which is next to an original Inca terrace and then we will walk for 3 hours hike down to the Inca trail, steep valley to Incaracay and Inca fortress ruins as Paucar Cancha where will have time to explore these small Inca Ruins that most people never get to see this beautiful place, we will enjoy our lunch before continuing our hike to the next our campsite of Inca Canal approximately 3 hours we will also experience a temperature drop from warm to cold Puna the Andean highlands with lovely views into the neighboring valleys and peaks where will camp a magical night

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 9 Hours (13 km / 8.07783 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 4500 msl – 14763.78 feed
  • Difficulty: Quite challenging
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Elevation: From 4300 to 3700 msl
  • Weather: Warm during the day, cold in the night

Day 04: canal inca to - LLULLUCHAPAMPA

Setting off from Inca Canal, we plunge down into the valley to finally join the Inca Trail at Wayllabamba, along our route we will pass our first Inca site of the trek Paucarcancha. At Wayllabamba, we will switch our gear from mules to our wonderful porters who will continue to carry our gear. This is to prevent damage to the Inca Trail. Trekking on with our porters we will head up to our campsite for the night, Llulluchapampa. This is the closest campsite to Dead Woman’s Pass. As we climb we’ll pass through various biozones including the low sierra, cloud forest and the high puna. Again there is a variety of plant and birdlife and if we are lucky we may spot White Tailed Deer again.

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 8 Hours (11 km / 36.08924 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 4500 msl – 14763.78 feed
  • Difficulty: Quite challenging
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Elevation: From 4400 to 3800 msl
  • Weather: Warm during the day, cold in the night

Day 05: LLULLUCHAPAMPA to CHAQUICOCHA

Today is a relatively hard day as we have to traverse 2 passes, luckily our previous night’s campsite is located fairly close to the first pass making the hike less intense. During our hike today, we will witness the fantastic vistas of the high mountain ranges around us, enter the changing environment of the cloud forest, and be able to visit 2 distinct Inca sites Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca making all the hard work worth it. Our campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha which is one of the quieter campsites and gives us beautiful views of the sun setting over the mountains in the distance.

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 10 Hours (18 km /approx 6.21371 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
  • Elevation Gain: 400m /3,117ft, from 3800m/ 12,470ft to 3500m/ 11,483ft 
  • Considered: Longest and  Challenging day
  • Difficulty: Quite challenging
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee

Day 06: CHAQUICOCHA TO wiñay wayna

Compared to Day 5, we will be treated to a relaxing day of hiking on Day 6 through some of the most beautiful scenery the Inca Trail has to offer. We will hike the Inca Flat, a part of the Inca Trail known for its gentle ascents and descents, allowing us to to enjoy the lush cloud forest around us and the spectacular views of the Andes in the distance. We will also visit two more Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna. All together this is by far one of the most impressive days of the trek and many people’s favorites. Our campsite for the night is at Winay Wayna. After our easy hike we will arrive to early afternoon giving us time to have an extended guided tour of the grounds.

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 7.5 Hours (9 km /approximately 8.7 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 2,800m (9186 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lucnh, Dinner
  • Weater: Warm tropical

Day 07: wiñay wayna to machu picchu

Day 7 is another highlight of our trek. We will wake up early to enter the Sun Gate where you’ll get your first fantastic views of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu you’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of all the most significant sites learning about Incan history and culture. Afterwards free time will be given to wander around the citadel or climb Huayna Picchu, the highest peaked mountain of Machu Picchu with even more Inca structures at the peak (we can help you book the mandatory tickets for this unforgettable hike in advance). Together, we will return to the Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can have your choice of restaurants for lunch. After lunch, we will take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and then the van back to Cusco.
Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 4 Hours Including in Machu Picchu
  • Considered: Moderate Easy day
  • Highlights:  Machu Picchu
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Return: Train and bus
  • Highest altitude: 2,400 msl (7874.016 ft.)

Inclusions

01

TOUR GUIDES

All of our guides are native to the region and have a true passion for teaching others about their culture and heritage. They have all studied English; as well as several other languages to ensure that communication is clear on your adventures with us. All our guides are experienced with the Inca Trail, and our other high-altitude treks. They will support you and ensure that you are safe and happy throughout your trip.

02

TICKETS - PERMITS

We are one of the few tour operators authorized to both book your permits and operate on the Inca Trail. Permits are registered in your name with a specific date and cannot be modified after confirmation. Your tickets will be purchased by us, and looked after by your guide until the time they are needed. These include:

03

MEALS

Our highly trained chefs cook delectable, nutrient-rich meals, that honor your food restrictions while surprising you with International and Peruvian flavors. Prepare for a superb culinary experience to accompany this unforgettable expedition. Food is typically served family-style, three times a day in our dining tent.

04

PORTERS

Included with your trek is a team of porters who, along with our horses, carry all equipment and materials necessary for the trek. They usually walk ahead and set up your camp, so everything such as your tent, the kitchen and food is ready upon your arrival. Your duffel bag is also carried by the porters, so that you can take in the most that each sight has to offer.

05

DUFFLE BAG

During your briefing, you will receive a personal duffel bag to pack all of your necessary belongings in; and will be carried by our porters. The duffle should not exceed more than 6kgs /15.4 lbs, including your sleeping bag. All other personal items needed, should be packed in a personal day pack.

06

TENTS

We consistently maintain 4-season tents in order to ensure peak performance on our treks. In order to ensure maximum comfort, we provide you with a four-person tent to sleep yourself and one other hiker. If you wish to have your own personal tent to yourself, you can request our first class experience option. 

07

WATER

We always ensure you have plenty of clean drinking water for mealtimes, as well as enough for you to refill your bottle whenever needed. We use fresh spring water running down from the mountains. We require that you bring your own personal water bottle/s or Camelbak. To care for our spectacular environment, we humbly request that you use a reusable non-single-use plastic bottle.

08

TRANSPORTATION

Your transportation from Cusco to and from this trek is included. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco and taken to the start of your trek in Ollantaytambo. After your return riverside journey on the train, you will reach the train station, where you will be picked up by a van to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

09

FIRST AID

Every guide is first aid trained, and carries a first-aid kit and oxygen for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, elevation sickness, cuts, scrapes, etc.). In case of emergencies, every guide is equipped with a satellite phone which will allow for a quick exit off the trail to get you directly to a clinic for treatment, if needed.

10

SLEEPING BAG

You will either receive our North Face or Therm-a-rest down alpine mummy bag, which has an impressive temperature limit of -10C. Boasting quilted blanket interior, foot warmer pocket and a cinchible fitted design. Best of all, these sleeping bags are certified for responsible, sustainable down manufacturing. We  also carry extra blankets, pillows and sleeping bags for your comfort.

11

BRIEFING

The night before your Machu Picchu hike, you can either come to our office or we can come to your hotel lobby for your briefing. During the briefing, you can also meet some of your fellow travelers that you will be with for the next couple of days. Your guides will explain the itinerary in detail, and will give you your duffel bag for you to pack your personal belongings that will be carried by our porters.

12

EXTRAS

We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from our competitors. Every hiker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best experience to remember for a lifetime!

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BEFORE HIKING

Important Information

YOU NEED TO KNOW

This page has all the facts, figures and important questions answered, while allowing you the opportunity to explore the adventure activities in detail.

AVAILABILITY

ALTITUDE MAP

TRAVEL INFO

BROCHURE

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booking

Once you have decided which adventure is best for you and your adventure partners, head over to the ‘Book Now’ tab. This will provide you with a booking form for you to provide your prsonal information. This will directly notify us about your booking, and after payment/deposit, it will reserve your space on the trek/tour you wish to participate in.

PRICE

PER PERSON
  • 2 People $990.00
  • 3 People $950.00
  • 4 People $890.00
  • 5 People $830.00
  • 6 People $790.00
  • +7 People $750.00
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