Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek 7 days

Your Andean adventure begins early at 5:00 am with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive towards Soraypampa, passing through picturesque villages such as Iscuchaca and Limatambo, surrounded by stunning valleys and views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.

Upon arrival at Soraypampa, enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Humantay and Salkantay glaciers. Afterward, hike approximately 2.5 hours round trip to visit the famous Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise waters.

Continue ascending to Salkantaypampa, where hot drinks and snacks await you with a spectacular glacier backdrop. Settle into your campsite and enjoy dinner under the Andean sky.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2

Wake up with a hot drink served at your tent before breakfast. Today’s hike takes you off the beaten path, with approximately 3 hours of uphill trekking through remote Andean landscapes.

Enjoy lunch along the route before continuing toward the campsite located near the impressive Salkantay Mountain. The area offers incredible views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and vast valleys. Relax with afternoon tea before dinner.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3

Start your morning with a warm drink and a nourishing breakfast. Today, you will hike approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880 m / 16,010 ft), the highest point of the trek.

This area is home to the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world. With some luck, you may spot one soaring above the mountains. After reaching the pass, the trail becomes more gradual as you continue to Sisaypampa, where you will camp for the night.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 4

After breakfast, we continue trekking through a wide valley known as Pampacahua, where you will see an ancient Inca canal still used by local communities.

Along the way, visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha before reaching Wayllabamba for lunch. From here, you officially join the Classic Inca Trail route, walking on original Inca pathways.

In the afternoon, hike through the Llullucha Valley to reach the campsite at Llulluchapampa, surrounded by impressive mountain views.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Note: During the Salkantay section, equipment is carried by horses. Once you enter the Inca Trail, porters will carry all camping gear, as animals are not permitted.

Day 5

After an early breakfast, begin the ascent to Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,217 m / 14,047 ft), also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail.

From the summit, enjoy incredible views before descending to the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch. In the afternoon, climb toward Runkurakay Pass (3,977 m / 13,127 ft) and continue descending to Phuyupatamarca, where you will camp surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 6

This is one of the most scenic days of the trek. After breakfast, hike through cloud forest trails with panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and surrounding mountains.

Visit the impressive Inca site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing to Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you will get your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.

Descend to the citadel for photos, then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at your hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7

Wake up early for breakfast and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over the citadel.

Your guide will lead a comprehensive 2-hour tour, exploring the most important sectors and sharing the history of this iconic site.

After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may have free time to explore the town, visit the hot springs, or shop.

Optional: Huayna Picchu hike is available (requires advance booking and additional cost).

In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transport back to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is expected around 7:00 pm.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy