Inca Trail + Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu "6D/5N"
Salkantay & Inca Trail 6 Days
This trek is a combination of the two most popular treks that exist to reach Machu Picchu, little explored and visited only by those who are willing to challenge its geography and conquer it. This trek will take you around the second largest mountain that surrounds Machu Picchu (Salkantay, elev. 20,574ft/6271m), giving you an up-close view of the impressive mountain and surrounding glaciers. The route near Salkantay offers a view of varying ecosystems, different plants and animals as you hike next to snowcapped mountains and glaciers, down into lush green landscapes of the cloud forest and jungle. The Salkantay – Inca Trail 6 Day hike also offers a different view of the notorious Inca Trail, taking you on a hike through the history of the Incas and visiting some of their mountain top archaeological centers to finish in the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
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Price:
$1,050 USD
per person.
Salkantay – Inca Trail 6Days/5Nights
• This trek is a combination of the two most popular treks that exist to reach Machu Picchu, little explored and visited only by those who are willing to challenge its geography and conquer it.• This trek will take you around the second largest mountain that surrounds Machu Picchu (Salkantay, elev. 20,574ft/6271m), giving you an up-close view of the impressive mountain and surrounding glaciers.
• The route near Salkantay offers a view of varying ecosystems, different plants and animals as you hike next to snowcapped mountains and glaciers, down into lush green landscapes of the cloud forest and jungle.
• The Salkantay - Inca Trail 6 Day hike also offers a different view of the notorious Inca Trail, taking you on a hike through the history of the Incas and visiting some of their mountain top archaeological centers to finish in the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• The Salkantay trek was named as the number 1 Alternate Route to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is recommended and considered one of the most beautiful and popular walks around the world by different travel guides such as Frommers, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic. Hiking this trek gives you the opportunity to have both experiences in one trip.
DAY 1:
Cusco – Cruzpata – Salkantaypampa.
We will begin our expedition with pick up from your hotel (5:30AM) in our private transport and we’ll head toward the town of Mollepata (9184ft/2800m). Here we’ll eat breakfast before continuing on an hour more to the town of Cruzpata (10,168ft/3100m). In this town, we will meet our horseman and his horses that will transport the equipment (tables, seats, food, baggage, tents, and food) for the next three days. From Cruzpata we’ll begin the ascent toward Soraypampa by a fairly flat road.
Once in Soraypampa, we will see the snowcapped mountain of Salkantay (21,000ft/6400m). We’ll continue through the valley, crossed by rivers and streams and filled with native birds and vegetation, to arrive at our camp in Salkantaypampa (12,770ft/3890m) at the foot of Salkantay. The camp is surrounded by many rocks and streams. Here we will pass the night, with the stars and the snow-covered Salkantay filling the sky. A Delicious dinner Will be prepared by our Cook.
✓ Distance: 6.2mi/10Km
✓ Meals: Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,762ft/3890m.
Day 2:
Salkantaypampa – Valle Sisaypampa – Pampacahuana.
Today we will wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, 30 minutes before breakfast to give us strength for the morning. After we enjoy our meal, we’ll begin the 4 hours climb to the highest point of our trek. This place is called El Paso de Inkachiriasca (15,915ft/4855m).
From this point, we can enjoy our closest view of Salkantay and the surrounding ancient glaciers shining in different shades of turquoise and blue. We can also appreciate the small lakes and sometimes will even hear avalanches from Salkantay. Later we’ll descend toward the part of the plain known as Sisaypampa.
From here we can see more snow-covered mountains that accompany us on our trek. Here we will have our lunch before we continue on the hike toward our camp called Canal Inka (11,155ft/3400m).
This place has a canal that was built by the Incas to bring water from the snow of the mountains to the valley below. We’ll pass the night here, and once again, our cook will dazzle us with his cooking.
✓ Distance: 8.7mi/14 Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 15,928ft/4855m
Day 3:
Pampacahuana – Inkaracay – Llulluchapampa.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our trek through the valley below alongside the river Pampacahuana. A few hours down, we’ll arrive at the first archeological complex called Inkaracay, which we’ll explore with the help of our guide. Later we’ll continue the descent, and a few minutes further down we’ll find the town of Wayllabamba (9840ft/3000m).
Here we will leave our horses and say goodbye to our horseman. From this point, our porters will be in charge of transporting the equipment. On the Inca Trail, it is prohibited to enter with pack animals because it increases erosion of the trail. Here in Wayllabamba, we’ll enjoy our lunch and a rest. Later we’ll make the four hours climb to our camp in Llulluchapampa (12,650ft/3855m).
To get to our camp, we get to walk through a forest of native trees, ferns, moss, orchids, and birds. From our camp, we can observe the snow-capped peak of Wayanay as we enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
✓ Distance: 8mi/13Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,648ft/3855m
Day 4:
Llulluchapampa – Abra Warmiwañusca (Paso de la Mujer Muerta) – Runkuraqay – Chaquiqocha.
After breakfast, we will leave to conquer the second highest point of our trek. We’ll find this point 2 hours up the mountain at Warmiwañusca (13,780ft/4215m), also called Paso de la Mujer Muerta, which means Dead Woman’s Pass. It’s called this because it has the shape of a sleeping, or dead woman. From this point, we’ll descend for two hours toward Pacaymayó (11,850ft/3600m), where we’ll have our lunch and a rest. Refreshed, we’ll continue our trek and visit the second archeological complex called Runkuraqay.
There we’ll stop to visit and explore with our guide. Later we’ll continue the trek toward the third pass also called Runkuraqay (13,000ft/3900m). From this place, we will have another spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. Later we’ll descend toward the next archeological complex called Sayacmarca which we’ll also take some time to explore.
Finally, we’ll head toward our camp for the night, which is about a 30-minute walk from Sayacmarca. Our camp is called Chaquiqocha (11,811ft/3600m), which means dry lake. Here we can visit the marsh and we will pass the night.
✓ Distance: 7.4/12Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 13,780ft/4215m
Day 5:
Chaquiqocha – Puyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna. This part of the hike is very beautiful because of the surrounding vegetation. Today we can appreciate primitive plants. After our breakfast, we’ll continue our trek toward the third pass called El Paso de Puyupatamarca (12,130ft/3700m). There is another archeological complex here that we will explore, and then we will have time to visit and relax.
From this place, it is possible to observe the back of the mountain of Machu Picchu. After pictures, we’ll descend toward our camp next to the archeological complex of Wiñaywayna (8600ft/2700m) which we’ll also explore with the help of our guide. The view from this place is beautiful because we will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the river that crosses it, and the mountain of Machu Picchu.
This camp offers showers (cold) for travelers. Here we’ll have our last dinner together and say goodbye to our staff (cook and porters).
Day 6
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Today we will begin earlier (3:00AM) in order to try to be some of the first at the control (found 10 minutes from camp). After we pass through the control (5:30AM), we’ll head toward Machu Picchu through a very green and humid forest. After an hour of hiking, we’ll arrive at Inti Punku – the Sun Gate – which overlooks Machu Picchu.
After taking pictures, we’ll descend toward the Incan city of Machu Picchu to visit and explore with our guide for two hours. Later, you’ll be able to explore for a few hours on your own. After this time, we’ll head toward the town of Aguas Calientes (6693/2040m) to have lunch or visit the hot springs before taking the train to Ollantaytambo where a car will be waiting to take you back to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
✓ Distance: 3.7mi/6Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast
✓ Maximum Altitude: 11,200ft/3400m (Cusco).
Cusco – Cruzpata – Salkantaypampa.
We will begin our expedition with pick up from your hotel (5:30AM) in our private transport and we’ll head toward the town of Mollepata (9184ft/2800m). Here we’ll eat breakfast before continuing on an hour more to the town of Cruzpata (10,168ft/3100m). In this town, we will meet our horseman and his horses that will transport the equipment (tables, seats, food, baggage, tents, and food) for the next three days. From Cruzpata we’ll begin the ascent toward Soraypampa by a fairly flat road.
Once in Soraypampa, we will see the snowcapped mountain of Salkantay (21,000ft/6400m). We’ll continue through the valley, crossed by rivers and streams and filled with native birds and vegetation, to arrive at our camp in Salkantaypampa (12,770ft/3890m) at the foot of Salkantay. The camp is surrounded by many rocks and streams. Here we will pass the night, with the stars and the snow-covered Salkantay filling the sky. A Delicious dinner Will be prepared by our Cook.
✓ Distance: 6.2mi/10Km
✓ Meals: Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,762ft/3890m.
Day 2:
Salkantaypampa – Valle Sisaypampa – Pampacahuana.
Today we will wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, 30 minutes before breakfast to give us strength for the morning. After we enjoy our meal, we’ll begin the 4 hours climb to the highest point of our trek. This place is called El Paso de Inkachiriasca (15,915ft/4855m).
From this point, we can enjoy our closest view of Salkantay and the surrounding ancient glaciers shining in different shades of turquoise and blue. We can also appreciate the small lakes and sometimes will even hear avalanches from Salkantay. Later we’ll descend toward the part of the plain known as Sisaypampa.
From here we can see more snow-covered mountains that accompany us on our trek. Here we will have our lunch before we continue on the hike toward our camp called Canal Inka (11,155ft/3400m).
This place has a canal that was built by the Incas to bring water from the snow of the mountains to the valley below. We’ll pass the night here, and once again, our cook will dazzle us with his cooking.
✓ Distance: 8.7mi/14 Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 15,928ft/4855m
Day 3:
Pampacahuana – Inkaracay – Llulluchapampa.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our trek through the valley below alongside the river Pampacahuana. A few hours down, we’ll arrive at the first archeological complex called Inkaracay, which we’ll explore with the help of our guide. Later we’ll continue the descent, and a few minutes further down we’ll find the town of Wayllabamba (9840ft/3000m).
Here we will leave our horses and say goodbye to our horseman. From this point, our porters will be in charge of transporting the equipment. On the Inca Trail, it is prohibited to enter with pack animals because it increases erosion of the trail. Here in Wayllabamba, we’ll enjoy our lunch and a rest. Later we’ll make the four hours climb to our camp in Llulluchapampa (12,650ft/3855m).
To get to our camp, we get to walk through a forest of native trees, ferns, moss, orchids, and birds. From our camp, we can observe the snow-capped peak of Wayanay as we enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
✓ Distance: 8mi/13Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,648ft/3855m
Day 4:
Llulluchapampa – Abra Warmiwañusca (Paso de la Mujer Muerta) – Runkuraqay – Chaquiqocha.
After breakfast, we will leave to conquer the second highest point of our trek. We’ll find this point 2 hours up the mountain at Warmiwañusca (13,780ft/4215m), also called Paso de la Mujer Muerta, which means Dead Woman’s Pass. It’s called this because it has the shape of a sleeping, or dead woman. From this point, we’ll descend for two hours toward Pacaymayó (11,850ft/3600m), where we’ll have our lunch and a rest. Refreshed, we’ll continue our trek and visit the second archeological complex called Runkuraqay.
There we’ll stop to visit and explore with our guide. Later we’ll continue the trek toward the third pass also called Runkuraqay (13,000ft/3900m). From this place, we will have another spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. Later we’ll descend toward the next archeological complex called Sayacmarca which we’ll also take some time to explore.
Finally, we’ll head toward our camp for the night, which is about a 30-minute walk from Sayacmarca. Our camp is called Chaquiqocha (11,811ft/3600m), which means dry lake. Here we can visit the marsh and we will pass the night.
✓ Distance: 7.4/12Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 13,780ft/4215m
Day 5:
Chaquiqocha – Puyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna. This part of the hike is very beautiful because of the surrounding vegetation. Today we can appreciate primitive plants. After our breakfast, we’ll continue our trek toward the third pass called El Paso de Puyupatamarca (12,130ft/3700m). There is another archeological complex here that we will explore, and then we will have time to visit and relax.
From this place, it is possible to observe the back of the mountain of Machu Picchu. After pictures, we’ll descend toward our camp next to the archeological complex of Wiñaywayna (8600ft/2700m) which we’ll also explore with the help of our guide. The view from this place is beautiful because we will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the river that crosses it, and the mountain of Machu Picchu.
This camp offers showers (cold) for travelers. Here we’ll have our last dinner together and say goodbye to our staff (cook and porters).
Day 6
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Today we will begin earlier (3:00AM) in order to try to be some of the first at the control (found 10 minutes from camp). After we pass through the control (5:30AM), we’ll head toward Machu Picchu through a very green and humid forest. After an hour of hiking, we’ll arrive at Inti Punku – the Sun Gate – which overlooks Machu Picchu.
After taking pictures, we’ll descend toward the Incan city of Machu Picchu to visit and explore with our guide for two hours. Later, you’ll be able to explore for a few hours on your own. After this time, we’ll head toward the town of Aguas Calientes (6693/2040m) to have lunch or visit the hot springs before taking the train to Ollantaytambo where a car will be waiting to take you back to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
✓ Distance: 3.7mi/6Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast
✓ Maximum Altitude: 11,200ft/3400m (Cusco).
What's Included in the Salkantay - Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu "tour"
✹ Pick up from your hotel.✹ Private Transportation Cusco – Cruzpata (the start of the hike).
✹ Private guide (English, Spanish, Quechua) along the hike and at Machu Picchu.
✹ Tents (2-3 people per 4-person tent, for your comfort)
✹ Sleeping mats.
✹ Meals detailed in itinerary (vegetarian menu available on request, veggies will be washed in boiled water).
✹ A cook and cooking equipment (dining tent, table, chairs).
✹ First aid kit and oxygen on hand.
✹ 11lb/5kg of your personal items (sleeping bag/extra clothes) to go on the horses and later transported by the porters.
✹ Horses or mules to transport equipment and horseman, porters on the Inca Trail.
✹ Bus tickets: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (first day at Machu Picchu only).
✹ Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
✹ Train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
✹ Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
What Is Not Included in the Salkantay - Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu "tour".
✹ First breakfast and last lunch.✹ Snacks (Chocolate, crackers/cookies, dried fruits).
✹ Sleeping bag (you can rent a sleeping bag from us for $30 for the trip).
✹ Bottled drinks (water, sodas, beers, etc.)
✹ Entrance to Waynapicchu.
✹ Entrance to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes.
✹ Tips for guide, Cook, horseman.
Inca Trail Trekking Company recommends a tip of approximately $30-$50 (U.S.) per staff member (split between your tour group). The staff receives a fair salary for their work. The tip is a voluntary gesture of thanks for their days of hard work and is greatly appreciated by the workers.
What to Pack for Salkantay - Inca Trail "6D/5N"
Important. The list given here is a suggested packing list, based on the experience of our guides and staff, and passengers that enjoyed the Salkantay – Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Feel free to pack what you think you need to be comfortable along the hike.✹ Passport.
✹ Student ID (if applicable)
✹ Sleeping Bag.
✹ Hiking Boots.
✹ Socks (6-7 pairs).
✹ Sandals.
✹ Swimsuit.
✹ Thermal Underwear.
✹ Hiking Pants (3).
✹ Shirts (6-7).
✹ Vest.
✹ Fleece/Polartec.
✹ Rain Jacket.
✹ Headlamp/Flashlight (extra batteries).
✹ Sun Hat.
✹ Wool Hat/Gloves.
✹ Sun Glasses.
✹ Water Bottle/Reservoir.
✹ Hiking Poles (1 pair).
✹ Watch (water resistant, with light).
✹ Camera/GoPro.
✹ Plastic Rain Poncho.
✹ Sun Block (50+ SPF).
✹ Chapstick.
✹ Insect Repellent.
✹ Toiletries.
✹ Toilet Paper (2 Rolls).
✹ Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer.
✹ Pocket knife, lighter, whistle, sewing kit.
✹ First Aid Kit.
✹ Personal Medication.
✹ Snacks.
✹ Money (local currency).
✹ Sleeping Bag $30 USD.
✹ Hiking Poles $20 USD (pair)
Salkantay – Inca Trail 6Days/5Nights
• This trek is a combination of the two most popular treks that exist to reach Machu Picchu, little explored and visited only by those who are willing to challenge its geography and conquer it.• This trek will take you around the second largest mountain that surrounds Machu Picchu (Salkantay, elev. 20,574ft/6271m), giving you an up-close view of the impressive mountain and surrounding glaciers.
• The route near Salkantay offers a view of varying ecosystems, different plants and animals as you hike next to snowcapped mountains and glaciers, down into lush green landscapes of the cloud forest and jungle.
• The Salkantay - Inca Trail 6 Day hike also offers a different view of the notorious Inca Trail, taking you on a hike through the history of the Incas and visiting some of their mountain top archaeological centers to finish in the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• The Salkantay trek was named as the number 1 Alternate Route to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is recommended and considered one of the most beautiful and popular walks around the world by different travel guides such as Frommers, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic. Hiking this trek gives you the opportunity to have both experiences in one trip.
DAY 1:
Cusco – Cruzpata – Salkantaypampa.
We will begin our expedition with pick up from your hotel (5:30AM) in our private transport and we’ll head toward the town of Mollepata (9184ft/2800m). Here we’ll eat breakfast before continuing on an hour more to the town of Cruzpata (10,168ft/3100m). In this town, we will meet our horseman and his horses that will transport the equipment (tables, seats, food, baggage, tents, and food) for the next three days. From Cruzpata we’ll begin the ascent toward Soraypampa by a fairly flat road.
Once in Soraypampa, we will see the snowcapped mountain of Salkantay (21,000ft/6400m). We’ll continue through the valley, crossed by rivers and streams and filled with native birds and vegetation, to arrive at our camp in Salkantaypampa (12,770ft/3890m) at the foot of Salkantay. The camp is surrounded by many rocks and streams. Here we will pass the night, with the stars and the snow-covered Salkantay filling the sky. A Delicious dinner Will be prepared by our Cook.
✓ Distance: 6.2mi/10Km
✓ Meals: Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,762ft/3890m.
Day 2:
Salkantaypampa – Valle Sisaypampa – Pampacahuana.
Today we will wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, 30 minutes before breakfast to give us strength for the morning. After we enjoy our meal, we’ll begin the 4 hours climb to the highest point of our trek. This place is called El Paso de Inkachiriasca (15,915ft/4855m).
From this point, we can enjoy our closest view of Salkantay and the surrounding ancient glaciers shining in different shades of turquoise and blue. We can also appreciate the small lakes and sometimes will even hear avalanches from Salkantay. Later we’ll descend toward the part of the plain known as Sisaypampa.
From here we can see more snow-covered mountains that accompany us on our trek. Here we will have our lunch before we continue on the hike toward our camp called Canal Inka (11,155ft/3400m).
This place has a canal that was built by the Incas to bring water from the snow of the mountains to the valley below. We’ll pass the night here, and once again, our cook will dazzle us with his cooking.
✓ Distance: 8.7mi/14 Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 15,928ft/4855m
Day 3:
Pampacahuana – Inkaracay – Llulluchapampa.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our trek through the valley below alongside the river Pampacahuana. A few hours down, we’ll arrive at the first archeological complex called Inkaracay, which we’ll explore with the help of our guide. Later we’ll continue the descent, and a few minutes further down we’ll find the town of Wayllabamba (9840ft/3000m).
Here we will leave our horses and say goodbye to our horseman. From this point, our porters will be in charge of transporting the equipment. On the Inca Trail, it is prohibited to enter with pack animals because it increases erosion of the trail. Here in Wayllabamba, we’ll enjoy our lunch and a rest. Later we’ll make the four hours climb to our camp in Llulluchapampa (12,650ft/3855m).
To get to our camp, we get to walk through a forest of native trees, ferns, moss, orchids, and birds. From our camp, we can observe the snow-capped peak of Wayanay as we enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
✓ Distance: 8mi/13Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,648ft/3855m
Day 4:
Llulluchapampa – Abra Warmiwañusca (Paso de la Mujer Muerta) – Runkuraqay – Chaquiqocha.
After breakfast, we will leave to conquer the second highest point of our trek. We’ll find this point 2 hours up the mountain at Warmiwañusca (13,780ft/4215m), also called Paso de la Mujer Muerta, which means Dead Woman’s Pass. It’s called this because it has the shape of a sleeping, or dead woman. From this point, we’ll descend for two hours toward Pacaymayó (11,850ft/3600m), where we’ll have our lunch and a rest. Refreshed, we’ll continue our trek and visit the second archeological complex called Runkuraqay.
There we’ll stop to visit and explore with our guide. Later we’ll continue the trek toward the third pass also called Runkuraqay (13,000ft/3900m). From this place, we will have another spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. Later we’ll descend toward the next archeological complex called Sayacmarca which we’ll also take some time to explore.
Finally, we’ll head toward our camp for the night, which is about a 30-minute walk from Sayacmarca. Our camp is called Chaquiqocha (11,811ft/3600m), which means dry lake. Here we can visit the marsh and we will pass the night.
✓ Distance: 7.4/12Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 13,780ft/4215m
Day 5:
Chaquiqocha – Puyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna. This part of the hike is very beautiful because of the surrounding vegetation. Today we can appreciate primitive plants. After our breakfast, we’ll continue our trek toward the third pass called El Paso de Puyupatamarca (12,130ft/3700m). There is another archeological complex here that we will explore, and then we will have time to visit and relax.
From this place, it is possible to observe the back of the mountain of Machu Picchu. After pictures, we’ll descend toward our camp next to the archeological complex of Wiñaywayna (8600ft/2700m) which we’ll also explore with the help of our guide. The view from this place is beautiful because we will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the river that crosses it, and the mountain of Machu Picchu.
This camp offers showers (cold) for travelers. Here we’ll have our last dinner together and say goodbye to our staff (cook and porters).
Day 6
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Today we will begin earlier (3:00AM) in order to try to be some of the first at the control (found 10 minutes from camp). After we pass through the control (5:30AM), we’ll head toward Machu Picchu through a very green and humid forest. After an hour of hiking, we’ll arrive at Inti Punku – the Sun Gate – which overlooks Machu Picchu.
After taking pictures, we’ll descend toward the Incan city of Machu Picchu to visit and explore with our guide for two hours. Later, you’ll be able to explore for a few hours on your own. After this time, we’ll head toward the town of Aguas Calientes (6693/2040m) to have lunch or visit the hot springs before taking the train to Ollantaytambo where a car will be waiting to take you back to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
✓ Distance: 3.7mi/6Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast
✓ Maximum Altitude: 11,200ft/3400m (Cusco).
Cusco – Cruzpata – Salkantaypampa.
We will begin our expedition with pick up from your hotel (5:30AM) in our private transport and we’ll head toward the town of Mollepata (9184ft/2800m). Here we’ll eat breakfast before continuing on an hour more to the town of Cruzpata (10,168ft/3100m). In this town, we will meet our horseman and his horses that will transport the equipment (tables, seats, food, baggage, tents, and food) for the next three days. From Cruzpata we’ll begin the ascent toward Soraypampa by a fairly flat road.
Once in Soraypampa, we will see the snowcapped mountain of Salkantay (21,000ft/6400m). We’ll continue through the valley, crossed by rivers and streams and filled with native birds and vegetation, to arrive at our camp in Salkantaypampa (12,770ft/3890m) at the foot of Salkantay. The camp is surrounded by many rocks and streams. Here we will pass the night, with the stars and the snow-covered Salkantay filling the sky. A Delicious dinner Will be prepared by our Cook.
✓ Distance: 6.2mi/10Km
✓ Meals: Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,762ft/3890m.
Day 2:
Salkantaypampa – Valle Sisaypampa – Pampacahuana.
Today we will wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, 30 minutes before breakfast to give us strength for the morning. After we enjoy our meal, we’ll begin the 4 hours climb to the highest point of our trek. This place is called El Paso de Inkachiriasca (15,915ft/4855m).
From this point, we can enjoy our closest view of Salkantay and the surrounding ancient glaciers shining in different shades of turquoise and blue. We can also appreciate the small lakes and sometimes will even hear avalanches from Salkantay. Later we’ll descend toward the part of the plain known as Sisaypampa.
From here we can see more snow-covered mountains that accompany us on our trek. Here we will have our lunch before we continue on the hike toward our camp called Canal Inka (11,155ft/3400m).
This place has a canal that was built by the Incas to bring water from the snow of the mountains to the valley below. We’ll pass the night here, and once again, our cook will dazzle us with his cooking.
✓ Distance: 8.7mi/14 Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 15,928ft/4855m
Day 3:
Pampacahuana – Inkaracay – Llulluchapampa.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our trek through the valley below alongside the river Pampacahuana. A few hours down, we’ll arrive at the first archeological complex called Inkaracay, which we’ll explore with the help of our guide. Later we’ll continue the descent, and a few minutes further down we’ll find the town of Wayllabamba (9840ft/3000m).
Here we will leave our horses and say goodbye to our horseman. From this point, our porters will be in charge of transporting the equipment. On the Inca Trail, it is prohibited to enter with pack animals because it increases erosion of the trail. Here in Wayllabamba, we’ll enjoy our lunch and a rest. Later we’ll make the four hours climb to our camp in Llulluchapampa (12,650ft/3855m).
To get to our camp, we get to walk through a forest of native trees, ferns, moss, orchids, and birds. From our camp, we can observe the snow-capped peak of Wayanay as we enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
✓ Distance: 8mi/13Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 12,648ft/3855m
Day 4:
Llulluchapampa – Abra Warmiwañusca (Paso de la Mujer Muerta) – Runkuraqay – Chaquiqocha.
After breakfast, we will leave to conquer the second highest point of our trek. We’ll find this point 2 hours up the mountain at Warmiwañusca (13,780ft/4215m), also called Paso de la Mujer Muerta, which means Dead Woman’s Pass. It’s called this because it has the shape of a sleeping, or dead woman. From this point, we’ll descend for two hours toward Pacaymayó (11,850ft/3600m), where we’ll have our lunch and a rest. Refreshed, we’ll continue our trek and visit the second archeological complex called Runkuraqay.
There we’ll stop to visit and explore with our guide. Later we’ll continue the trek toward the third pass also called Runkuraqay (13,000ft/3900m). From this place, we will have another spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. Later we’ll descend toward the next archeological complex called Sayacmarca which we’ll also take some time to explore.
Finally, we’ll head toward our camp for the night, which is about a 30-minute walk from Sayacmarca. Our camp is called Chaquiqocha (11,811ft/3600m), which means dry lake. Here we can visit the marsh and we will pass the night.
✓ Distance: 7.4/12Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
✓ Maximum Altitude: 13,780ft/4215m
Day 5:
Chaquiqocha – Puyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna. This part of the hike is very beautiful because of the surrounding vegetation. Today we can appreciate primitive plants. After our breakfast, we’ll continue our trek toward the third pass called El Paso de Puyupatamarca (12,130ft/3700m). There is another archeological complex here that we will explore, and then we will have time to visit and relax.
From this place, it is possible to observe the back of the mountain of Machu Picchu. After pictures, we’ll descend toward our camp next to the archeological complex of Wiñaywayna (8600ft/2700m) which we’ll also explore with the help of our guide. The view from this place is beautiful because we will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the river that crosses it, and the mountain of Machu Picchu.
This camp offers showers (cold) for travelers. Here we’ll have our last dinner together and say goodbye to our staff (cook and porters).
Day 6
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Today we will begin earlier (3:00AM) in order to try to be some of the first at the control (found 10 minutes from camp). After we pass through the control (5:30AM), we’ll head toward Machu Picchu through a very green and humid forest. After an hour of hiking, we’ll arrive at Inti Punku – the Sun Gate – which overlooks Machu Picchu.
After taking pictures, we’ll descend toward the Incan city of Machu Picchu to visit and explore with our guide for two hours. Later, you’ll be able to explore for a few hours on your own. After this time, we’ll head toward the town of Aguas Calientes (6693/2040m) to have lunch or visit the hot springs before taking the train to Ollantaytambo where a car will be waiting to take you back to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
✓ Distance: 3.7mi/6Km
✓ Meals: Breakfast
✓ Maximum Altitude: 11,200ft/3400m (Cusco).
What's Included in the Salkantay - Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu "tour"
✹ Pick up from your hotel.✹ Private Transportation Cusco – Cruzpata (the start of the hike).
✹ Private guide (English, Spanish, Quechua) along the hike and at Machu Picchu.
✹ Tents (2-3 people per 4-person tent, for your comfort)
✹ Sleeping mats.
✹ Meals detailed in itinerary (vegetarian menu available on request, veggies will be washed in boiled water).
✹ A cook and cooking equipment (dining tent, table, chairs).
✹ First aid kit and oxygen on hand.
✹ 11lb/5kg of your personal items (sleeping bag/extra clothes) to go on the horses and later transported by the porters.
✹ Horses or mules to transport equipment and horseman, porters on the Inca Trail.
✹ Bus tickets: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (first day at Machu Picchu only).
✹ Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
✹ Train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
✹ Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
What Is Not Included in the Salkantay - Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu "tour".
✹ First breakfast and last lunch.✹ Snacks (Chocolate, crackers/cookies, dried fruits).
✹ Sleeping bag (you can rent a sleeping bag from us for $30 for the trip).
✹ Bottled drinks (water, sodas, beers, etc.)
✹ Entrance to Waynapicchu.
✹ Entrance to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes.
✹ Tips for guide, Cook, horseman.
Inca Trail Trekking Company recommends a tip of approximately $30-$50 (U.S.) per staff member (split between your tour group). The staff receives a fair salary for their work. The tip is a voluntary gesture of thanks for their days of hard work and is greatly appreciated by the workers.
What to Pack for Salkantay - Inca Trail "6D/5N"
Important. The list given here is a suggested packing list, based on the experience of our guides and staff, and passengers that enjoyed the Salkantay – Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Feel free to pack what you think you need to be comfortable along the hike.✹ Passport.
✹ Student ID (if applicable)
✹ Sleeping Bag.
✹ Hiking Boots.
✹ Socks (6-7 pairs).
✹ Sandals.
✹ Swimsuit.
✹ Thermal Underwear.
✹ Hiking Pants (3).
✹ Shirts (6-7).
✹ Vest.
✹ Fleece/Polartec.
✹ Rain Jacket.
✹ Headlamp/Flashlight (extra batteries).
✹ Sun Hat.
✹ Wool Hat/Gloves.
✹ Sun Glasses.
✹ Water Bottle/Reservoir.
✹ Hiking Poles (1 pair).
✹ Watch (water resistant, with light).
✹ Camera/GoPro.
✹ Plastic Rain Poncho.
✹ Sun Block (50+ SPF).
✹ Chapstick.
✹ Insect Repellent.
✹ Toiletries.
✹ Toilet Paper (2 Rolls).
✹ Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer.
✹ Pocket knife, lighter, whistle, sewing kit.
✹ First Aid Kit.
✹ Personal Medication.
✹ Snacks.
✹ Money (local currency).
✹ Sleeping Bag $30 USD.
✹ Hiking Poles $20 USD (pair)