Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
A stunning trek beneath Mount Salkantay, through remote Quechua villages and hidden Inca sites, ending with a guided visit to Machupicchu.
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Trip overview
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco
You’ve made it! We’ll be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel. Drop your bags, stretch your legs, and enjoy a free afternoon wandering Cusco’scharming streets and tasting local flavors. Later, meet your guide at the hotel for a trip briefing and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Acclimatization Hike in the Sacred Valley
Today we ease into the altitude with a scenic warm-up hike in the Sacred Valley. Think terraced mountains, hidden ruins, and timeless Andean views. It’s the perfect way to get your body moving and your lungs ready while soaking up history and nature.
Day 3: From Cusco to Ichupata – The Trek Begins
We hit the road early, heading to Soraypampa to meet our team and begin the trek. A short hike takes
us to the turquoise Humantay Lake, picture perfect. From there, we climb gradually through lush highland landscapes to our first campsite at Ichupata
(4,400 m), nestled under the towering Salkantay peak.
Day 4: Cross the Incachiriasca Pass to Pampacahuana
After a big breakfast, we tackle the highest point of the route: Incachiriasca Pass (4,950 m). The views are epic, with snow-capped giants all around. We descend into a wide, open valley and reach our peaceful campsite in the remote community of Pampacahuana.
Day 5: Ancient Trails to Aguas Calientes
We descend along an old Inca water channel, passing small archaeological sites and communities. Eventually, we connect with the iconic Inca Trail near Llaqtapata, before heading to Ollantaytambo. From there, a train ride takes us to Aguas Calientes for a comfy night at a local hotel.
Day 6: Machupicchu!
An early bus takes us up to the majestic citadel of Machupicchu for a full guided visit. After the tour, you can choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (limited availability), or simply explore more ruins at your own pace. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Cusco, arriving after nightfall, inspired, and transformed.
Day 7: Farewell Cusco
All great adventures must come to an end. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps one last stroll through Cusco. We’ll arrange your transfer back to the airport and say our goodbyes, for now.
Whats included
Pre-departure briefing
Pick-up from your hotel in the morning and private transfer to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
Personal tents: 2 people per 4-person capacity tent for comfort and storage
One foam sleeping pad per person
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Toilet tent with biodegradable facilities
English-speaking, professional, official tourist guide
2 guides for groups of more than 8 people
Chef and full cooking equipment
Pack animals to carry tents, food, and kitchen gear (Days 3 to 6)
1 emergency horse for every 6 travelers (Days 3 to 6)
Wranglers (Days 3 to 6)
All meals included (Days 3 to 6):
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Daily morning snack
Afternoon tea service (except on the last day)
Vegetarian and special menus available at no extra cost
One reusable textile snack bag per person (plastic-free policy)
Filtered boiled water from lunchtime on the first day onward
Biodegradable personal hand soaps
Biodegradable dishwashing detergent used by the kitchen team
First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Day 3 – Expedition class)
1-day Machupicchu entrance fee
Round-trip bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition class)
Transfer from Cusco train station back to your hotel
24-hour guest service: emergency contact available during your entire stay
Not included
Meals not mentioned:
Dinner on Day 5
Lunch, and dinner on the last day
Sleeping bag (rent available)
Inflatable sleeping pad
Personal load-carrying by pack animals
Entrance to Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional, ~S/20)
Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain climbs — both require an additional entrance fee (US$80 each) and must be booked in advance
Tips — optional and entirely up to you (our staff is fairly compensated)
FAQs
1. What makes this trek different from the classic Inca Trail?
This trek offers a more rugged and spiritual experience, passing under the sacred Salkantay mountain (6,279 m), through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins like Llactapata, culminating in Machu Picchu on the final day. It’s an ideal alternative to the crowded Inca Trail, marrying high-mountain scenery with genuine cultural immersion.
2. How can I avoid altitude sickness (soroche)?
The key is proper acclimatization time is 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. Stay well-hydrated, move at a steady pace, and avoid alcohol.