Experience an unforgettable 7-day trek combining the legendary Salkanta y Trek and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, considered among the best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. This unique expedition starts with the Salkantay Classic, passing glaciers, high mountain passes, and stunning landscapes before joining the historic Inca Trail 7-day trek to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will trek…
Experience an unforgettable 7-day trek combining the legendary Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, considered among the best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. This unique expedition starts with the Salkantay Classic, passing glaciers, high mountain passes, and stunning landscapes before joining the historic Inca Trail 7-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Along the way, you will trek through remote valleys, lush cloud forest, and visit impressive Inca archaeological sites hidden in the Andes. Supported by an expert tour guide and a professional team of porters, the trek includes camping equipment, trekking poles, and a personal duffle bag for comfort and safety. Each day begins with a warm cup of coca tea, preparing you for a long day of hiking with challenging ascents and descents.
The highlight comes as you arrive at the Sun Gate and enjoy your first incredible view of the Machu Picchu Citadel. After a guided Machu Picchu tour, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Picchu Mountain. Then, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train via Ollantaytambo.
Organized by a certified local operator with an office in Cusco, this Salkantay and Inca Trail journey is truly a trip of a lifetime and one of the most rewarding ways to reach Machu Picchu.
Southern Peru Explorers, with over 12 years of experience and based in Cusco, is a certified local operator dedicated to delivering unforgettable trekking adventures that combine nature, culture, and authentic experiences.
The 7-day trek Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most comprehensive and exclusive expedition in the Andes. You should choose this route because it combines the raw power of nature—glaciers, 4,500-meter passes, and absolute solitude with the…
The 7-day trek Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most comprehensive and exclusive expedition in the Andes. You should choose this route because it combines the raw power of nature—glaciers, 4,500-meter passes, and absolute solitude with the mysticism and architectural perfection of the Classic Inca Trail. It is the only way to witness remote archaeological sites like Paucarcancha or Incaracay. This journey allows you to experience a unique ecological transition, from the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay to the lush cloud forests of Wiñay Wayna, culminating in the triumphant entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.
A great 7 day trek, to Machu Picchu, begins quite early the morning with a pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a m. We journey thru some really scenic country to the Challacancha trailhead (3,300 m), there you'll meet the entire team porters horsemen and your guide. A good breakfast and a warm cup of coca tea get things started then we sort our duffle bags and begin the trek for real.
The path winds gently upward through wide open valleys, offering amazing sights of the Salkantay Glacier falling water and mountains capped with snow. This day really lets you get used to the altitude whilst also providing some of the best views on the whole trip. Following lunch at Ichupata, with imposing mountain vistas all around, we hike on to Soraypampa where the staff sets up camp and cook a good dinner using fresh stuff and all the necessary camping gear.
Facts & Figures:
It is one of those days that will not soon be forgotten and makes for one of the best parts of this trek, when physical exertion is rewarded by stunning alpine scenery in the Andes.
After breakfast, we leave camp and follow a trail up through the Pampa Japonesa. Our guide will show us traces of the Inca presence on this path, once connecting the valleys with the Apus via their high-altitude trails. The peak of the day comes when we reach Incachiriasca Pass at 4,850 meters (15,912 feet). From this majestic mountain summit, we get to enjoy an unlimited view of giant glaciers, old ice formations, and the deep valleys around. Here, we will learn more about the geology of the place and the flora and fauna at these altitudes, including the spiritual significance of the Apus.
We have lunch on the way down through an isolated mountain environment, which is home to many species of the Andes, such as condors, vizcachas, and wild llamas. We arrive at Ichupata valley, where we pitch our tents for the night.
Facts & Figures:
Today is set to be a day of walking par excellence, a day that captures everything about Inca Trail hiking, with challenging uphill climbs mixed with breathtaking vistas that go into secluded valleys not seen by many others around us. We start out as a group making a strong determination to climb up to Pampacahuana, passing through ancient agricultural terraces as proof of how technologically advanced the Incas were.
Next, we have a sharp descent into an impressive Andean valley that takes us to some of the rarest Inca remains such as Incaracay and Paucarcancha, which are important archeological places not visited by many of those who hike the Inca Trail. These sites had an important role in controlling access to the Sacred Valley, and your guide will tell you all about them as you walk through unaccompanied by crowds.
Our surroundings begin to change as we leave behind the large open grasslands called puna and move to a colder and higher altitude region. The trail follows the ancient stone paths as we make our way to Inca Canal where we will set up camp. Surrounded by quietness and tall mountains, this camping place is an authentic place of exploration and reflection after a challenging yet memorable day.
Day 3 Key Details and Statistics
Alternative text suggestion: "Porters passing through Wayllabamba on the Traditional Inca Path 7 Days trek"
Leaving Inca Canal, we descend into the valley. Right here we meet the official Traditional Inca Path just in Wayllabamba. During this stage, a stop is made at Paucarcancha. This place marks the first significant archaeological site of your trek. Your guide will provide you with great insight concerning the role of this site on the historical trail.
After reaching Wayllabamba, the mules will exchange their load to the experienced porters' team who will take care of all your stuff further by the Inca Path. This swap is an important step to preserve the Inca Path and the real start of the traditional stage. Further, we will make our way up to Llulluchapampa. This place marks the nearest campsite to the famous Dead Woman's Pass. While ascending, the landscape will change passing through different ecological zones: low sierra, dense cloud forest, and open high puna, full of local birds and flora. Lucky travelers will be able to see white-tailed deer. We reached our camp afternoon. Sufficient time to refresh and get energy before hard Inca Path to Machu Picchu.
Facts and Figures:
One of the toughest but rewarding days of the classic Inca Trail trek as we walk over two high mountain passes today. Thankfully, the proximity of our campsite to the first pass will make the ascent up to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwañusqa) less tiring. Arriving at this famous place rewards us with amazing views of the surrounding Andes and a great feeling of satisfaction.
After descending into the Pacaymayo Valley, we continue our trek by ascending to the Runkurakay Pass passing by fantastic scenery and changing biomes. On the way, we visit two impressive Inca archaeological sites of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca which were carefully designed on top of the mountain ridges, allowing great insight into the ingenuity of the Incas and their pathway management system. As we move further along, the surroundings change into the cloud forest, rich with vegetation and spectacular views of the valleys below.
In the late afternoon, we reach Chaquicocha, one of the most peaceful and scenic campsites of the Inca Trail. From there, we can enjoy wonderful sunset views of the mountains and relax after a hard day of walking.
Facts and Figures:
Today we will walk along the part of the Inca Trail which offers a more relaxed pace compared to previous days, giving us enough time to appreciate one of the most scenic parts of the Inca Trail. Well maintained stone paths will take us down through the cloud forests full of orchids, hummingbirds, and stunning Andean views.
On the way, we visit the Phuyupatamarca which is the unique Inca site known as the "Town Above the Clouds" with its ceremonial springs and terraces overlooking the deep ravines. Continuing our way down, we pass through numerous stone stairs enjoying amazing views of the surrounding landscape until we get close to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites on our trek.
Arriving at our campsite with some daylight left will give us a chance to have a more detailed guided visit of Wiñay Wayna when your guide will tell you about its agricultural terraces and ceremonial sites. This is one of the world's most spectacular hikes which was selected as one of the best hikes in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
Facts & Figures:
Day 7. We get up early morning to complete the final leg of the incredible trek by walking with our porters to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, which is reached at dawn. This would give us the incredible experience of seeing Machu Picchu come alive as the citadel reveals itself out of the mist.
Following the entry to the Machu Picchu Citadel, an informative tour of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is conducted by an experienced guide who provides detailed information about the historical and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu.
Later, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own or you may opt for hiking to Huayna Picchu or Picchu Mountain with a permit. Afterwards, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes and have lunch. Our tour continues on with a train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and onward to Cusco with private transportation.
Facts & Figures:
Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.
Local pros with heaps of Andean culture, history, and high-altitude trekking knowledge are all our guides. Fluent in English, each one's equipped to tackle tough paths like the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail 2026, and other famed ways to Machu Picchu. You'll get a super immersive guided trip on your travels, making sure your safety, comfort, and a rich cultural feel is covered, from the mountains clear to Picchu.
As an officially approved tour outfit, all the needed permits and entrance tickets are part of the deal. This means the whole Salkantay Trek, entry to the Salkantay Pass, campsites, Rainbow Mountain, warm baths, and your proper ticket into Machu Picchu are all covered. Logistics worries? Forget em, we're on it.
Nutrient-packed, yummy meals, especially for high-altitude trekking, are made by our pro chefs. They mix international tastes with real Peruvian ones, and yep, dietary needs are always respected. Three meals each day in our dining tent give you the power and coziness you need for your Salkantay trek journey.
Horses and experienced wranglers (porter support) are included to carry your duffel bag during the trek. This allows you to hike comfortably with only a daypack. Duffel bag weight is limited to 7 kg / 14 lbs (including your sleeping bag) to ensure the well-being of our animals. Access to duffel bags is available at each campsite.
For maximum comfort, we provide high-quality tents that are manufactured for difficult mountain conditions. This way, you get to sleep in a spacious tent that is large enough to accommodate four people, with just one other person sharing. If you require more privacy, you may request a premium private tent service.
We ensure that pure, uncontaminated drinking water is provided throughout the course of the trip for you to drink and fill your own water bottle with. Using water from pure mountain streams, we urge all travelers to carry their own water container or Camelback in order to conserve the environment around Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
Complete transportation services are included from the start to the finish of your tour. We will pick you up at your Cusco accommodation, and take you to where your hiking trail starts. After your hike and exploration of Machu Picchu, you will be transported back to Ollantaytambo by train, with your final destination being Cusco in a private vehicle.
Our number one priority is your safety. Each guide holds a first aid certificate and comes fully equipped with a medical kit along with additional oxygen supplies. In emergency cases, satellite phones can be used to quickly evacuate the place.
Prior to your journey's commencement, you'll participate in a thorough exposition session held at our establishment or at your hotel. This here session, the guide will be going over the travel plan, all the safety rules, and what you can look forward to on the way to Picchu. You gonna also get your duffel bag that the porters will carry.
Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.
Climbing both the Salkantay glaciers and then the ancient Inca Trail stone paths that is a world-class test. Your equipment needs to be adaptable for the -10°C (14°F) winds on the high points and the 25°C (77°F) moisture in the cloud forest. Use this list made by experts to make sure you is comfortable and safe on this 7-day journey.
6 photos from this tour.
A great 7 day trek, to Machu Picchu, begins quite early the morning with a pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a m.
Our tour continues on with a train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and onward to Cusco with private transportation.
Prior to your journey's commencement, you'll participate in a thorough exposition session held at our establishment or at your hotel. This here session, the guide will be going over the travel plan, all the safety rules, and what you can look forward to on the way to Picchu. You gonna also get your duffel bag that the porters will carry.
For maximum comfort, we provide high-quality tents that are manufactured for difficult mountain conditions. This way, you get to sleep in a spacious tent that is large enough to accommodate four people, with just one other person sharing. If you require more privacy, you may request a premium private tent service.
We really care about your comfort and well being. If you got any dietary limits or food allergies, like if you dont eat meat, or cant have gluten, or specific allergies, just tell us early so we can sort things.
April to October can be considered the best time to visit the place where weather is more predictable with occasional rainfall. This season witnesses maximum crowd so reservation becomes necessary.
Booking information for this tour.
Thank you for selecting our company for your trip to Machu Picchu. It would be our pleasure to organize your amazing tour in Peru, arranging everything for your enjoyment with no worries on your part.
Booking your tour is quick, easy, and completely secure. To proceed with your reservation, we kindly ask you to provide the information listed below. Please ensure that all details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport, as this information is required by Peruvian authorities to issue official entrance tickets, train reservations, and transportation services.
Passenger Information
Full Name:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Copy of passport:
Date of Birth:
So that logistics run smooth and transfers are a breeze, we ask for your accommodation specifics in Cusco. Tell us the hotel for before and after the hike please. This info helps us get pick ups drop offs and schedules right.
We really care about your comfort and well being. If you got any dietary limits or food allergies, like if you dont eat meat, or cant have gluten, or specific allergies, just tell us early so we can sort things.
Our payment is safe encrypted and simple. To finish your booking, go to the secure payment link below and fill out the form with your card Visa or Mastercard. Once your payment is confirmed, well book everything essential for your journey right away, like your Machu Picchu tickets, train rides, buses, and all stuff in your chosen package. Important thing to know: Machu Picchu entry and train times are tight and depend on how many slots are left. So we suggest paying fast to lock in your spot and avoid any trouble.
After complete verification of your reservation, a final message of confirmation will be sent to you including all details of your trip along with schedule and other travel tips. In case you have any queries or assistance during any stage, you can easily contact our staff who will be ready to assist you anytime.
Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.
Inca trails, built by the Inca, were once used as routes for reaching the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu from Cusco. This trail is famous throughout the world because of its scenic beauty, rich culture, and history; it is among the best places for trekking in the world. Trekking on the trail or combining it with alternatives like the Salkantay Trek is an amazing opportunity to experience the legacy of the Incas while traveling in the Andes and natural environment.
Yes, entry in the Inca Trail is controlled and regulated by the Peruvian government where quota per day is fixed. We would seriously advise you to make your reservation at least one month prior to your travel, especially when it is the time of rush. Even though permit is not required in the Salkantay Trek, advance reservation is always better.
April to October can be considered the best time to visit the place where weather is more predictable with occasional rainfall. This season witnesses maximum crowd so reservation becomes necessary.
This sevenday Inca Trail is generally thought of as somewhat tough. Whilst you dont need any special skills, a decent level of fitness is a good idea. Being well prepared will let you really appreciate the journey, regardless of whether you hike the standard Inca Trail or the tougher Salkantay one.
Sure, the Inca Trail is safe if you go with an authorized tour firm. All hikers need to stick to park rules and what the guide says. Safety plans, how campsites are set up, and secure tent spots mean your hike will be comfortable and secure.
Totally. Lots of people manage the Inca Trail without any prior hiking. But, it is a hard hike, so getting ready matters. Regular walks, light exercises, and getting used to the altitude will make your trip on both the Inca Trail and Salkantay trek much better.
Food is made with care to give you energy and goodness during the hike. You get a good mix of carbs, protein, fruit, and veg each day. If you have special food needs, they can sort them out if you tell them early. In a dining tent, meals are enjoyed, it making a warm and social atmosphere after each hiking day.
Yes. Entrance to Machu Picchu is included in the tour. The highlight of the trek is arriving at the citadel, where the Inca Trail officially ends. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu may be available with an additional permit.
We suggest taking walks of at least one hour daily, practicing stair or hill training, leg strengthening and cardio training. Also, acclimatization to the altitude before trek is highly advisable, especially if you are thinking about hiking high altitude treks like Salkantay trek.
If permits are not yet booked, changing date is possible. Once the permits are acquired, it becomes non-transferable and non-refundable. The availability of permit changes depends on remaining spots.
No rigid age limit exists. Adventurers beyond sixty are advised to consult their physician and be physically fit. Children younger than seven are not advised for the trek given its rigor however private tour might provide adaptable plans.
For a more secluded journey we provide personal trekking choices. Private tours let you hike at your speed get bespoke guiding and rest soundly in your own tent making your travels more personal and pleasant.
Salkantay Trek CUSCO SALKANTAY PAMPA, SALKANTAY PAMPA QOLLPAPAMPA, QOLLPAPAMPA TO LUCMABAMBA, LUCMABAMBA TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu with epic Andean views, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, jungle trails and guided tour
Inca Jungle CUSCO TO SANTA TERESA-INCA JUNGLE, MACHU PICCHU
Experience the best of Peru with this quick and unforgettable Essential Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu in just 3D/2N.
Inca Jungle FROM CUSCO TO SANTA MARIA, INCA JUNGLE, SANTA TERESA TO AGUAS CALIENTES, MACHU PICCHU GUIDED
Experience the Inca Jungle Trek 4 days with biking, rafting, and trekking through the Andes to the iconic Machu Picchu.