Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humatay Lake - Sky Camp

1. Cusco
   2h
   We start very early, around 5:00 a.m., with pickup at your hotel and a two-hour drive to Mollepata
2. Mollepata
   45m
   In Mollepata, we will have an optional breakfast. Then we continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike and where you will meet the team that will accompany you along the route.
3. 3h · Admission ticket included
   We begin the hike following an ancient Inca water channel that is still in use, on a relatively flat 7 km stretch to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
4. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Our exclusive Sky Camp is located in Soraypampa, where you will have time to rest before lunch.
5. Humantay Lake
   3h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, we ascend to Humantay lake on a three-hour hike, covering 3 km. You can enjoy its turquoise waters and take pictures.
6. 10h · Admission ticket included
   We end the day with a comforting dinner and a beautiful sunset, then rest under the starry sky in our clear-roofed domes.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantaypampa - Ichupata - Pampajaponesa

1. 1h · Admission ticket included
   We start the day with hot coca tea and a spectacular view of Mount Salkantay. After breakfast, the guide will give a brief explanation about the hike and the importance of mountains (Apus) in the Andean worldview.
2. Salkantay Trail
   4h
   We begin the ascent to Salkantaypampa on a steep trail due to the altitude; however, our guide and team will be there to accompany you and ensure a comfortable pace. You will enjoy unique panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and the natural environment surrounding the trail.
3. 12h
   After a short break, we descend to Ichupata, where we will have lunch surrounded by peaceful scenery.
   In the afternoon, we continue to Pampajaponesa, where we will set up camp for the night. Here you will enjoy a hearty dinner before resting while observing the impressive constellations of the Andean sky.

Day 3: Pampajaponesa - Abra Incachiriaska - Yanacaca - Pampacahuana - Inca Canal - Paucarcancha

1. 4h
   We start early with an energy-packed breakfast and a cup of coca tea to prepare for the ascent to Abra Incachiriaska (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), the highest point of the trek. From the summit, you will enjoy majestic landscapes and, with a little luck, you may see condors flying overhead. To help you acclimatize to the altitude, we will share an additional cup of coca tea.
   
   Before continuing, you will have the option of taking a 30-minute walk to get closer to the glaciers or resting in the area. Then we descend to Yanacaca, where a well-deserved lunch awaits us.
2. 3h
   In the afternoon, we continue our descent to Pampacahuana, crossing beautiful Andean valleys with time to take photographs. Further on, we will enter a section of the Inca Trail, passing by different archaeological sites and the Inca canal, as well as interacting with local families and learning about their customs.
3. Paucarcancha Ruins
   12h
   We end the day at the Paucarcancha camp, where you will enjoy dinner before resting

Day 4: Paucarcancha - Wayllabamba - Ayapata

1. Paucarcancha Ruins
   2h
   After breakfast, we begin our hike through remote areas surrounded by nature until we reach Paucarcancha, where the guide will explain the history and impressive Inca architecture of the site. As we continue, you will notice how the flora changes as we approach the Sacred Valley, with a warmer climate and more vegetation.
2. 2h
   In the afternoon, we officially enter the Classic Inca Trail, where you will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest.
3. 10h
   Then we begin the ascent to the camp, experiencing the last change in climate as we enter the cloud forest. At the end of the day, you will enjoy a comforting dinner and a comfortable rest.

Day 5: Ayapata - Dead Woman's Pass - Runkuraqay Pass - Yanacocha - Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha

1. 1h
   After an energetic breakfast
2. 4h
   We begin a four-hour ascent to the Dead Woman's Pass, observing how the landscape changes from cloud forest to high mountains covered with ichu (Andean straw).
   From the summit, we continue our descent along a stone path to the lunch area.
3. Runkuracay
   2h · Admission ticket included
   We then walk for 45 minutes, accompanied by exotic flowers and wild orchids, but we invite you to admire them without touching them as they are endangered species, until we reach the archaeological site of Runkuraqay and cross another 45 minutes to the Runkuraqay Pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft) to continue on to Yanacocha, an ancient ceremonial center linked to water.
4. Sayacmarca
   1h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, we arrive at Sayacmarca, one of the most enigmatic archaeological complexes on the Inca Trail.
5. 11h
   We end the day with a short 25-minute walk to the camp in Chaquicocha, where you will enjoy dinner and rest.

Day 6: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna

1. 1h
   We start the day with a leisurely breakfast before continuing on our way, asking permission from the glacier and then following a gentle trail with views of the Pumasillo glacier.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   We arrive at the Inca complex of Phuyupatamarca, known as the “village above the clouds” due to its strategic location and its function linked to astronomy.
3. The Ruins of Intipata
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We then descend to Intipata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), notable for its wide terraces and views of the Sacred Valley with the Urubamba River.
4. Winay Wayna
   10h
   We continue the hike to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), our campsite and lunch spot. In the afternoon, you can shower, rest, and explore the archaeological site, famous for its aqueducts and terraces, before sharing a warm farewell with the team of porters.

Day 7: Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

1. Winay Wayna
   1h
   We will start very early with a light breakfast to embark on a 2-hour hike to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
2. 1h · Admission ticket included
   After the first hour, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will have your first view of the citadel at sunrise. We will continue for another hour until we enter the site, with the landscape now clear.
3. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We will take a guided tour of the upper terraces, ideal for your classic photo of Machu Picchu.
4. Aguas Calientes
   1h 30m
   Then we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own and visit the craft shops.
5. Ollantaytambo
   4h
   Finally, we will board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 05:00 and 05:30 am.

• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
• The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
• Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
• Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
• Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required