Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days | 5 Nights.

6 Days / 5 Nights

5 Stars

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Tour Overview

Experience the perfect synergy of high adventure and ancient culture with the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 6 Days. This unique route traverses magical landscapes, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks via the high mountain passes before connecting with the Classic Inca Trail. It is the ultimate journey uniting nature, adrenaline, and history, designed specifically for hikers in good physical condition seeking a grand challenge.

Meals Included: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Cenas.

6 Days / 5 Nights

PRICE FROM $1.102,00 per person

Places to visit: Cusco

Trip starts in: Hotel, Airbnb, or specific location in Cusco.

Physical Level: Difficult

Travel Style: Mixed

Group Size: 5 to 12 People

Total Distance: 75 km

Meals Included: 5 Breakfast(s), 5 Lunch(es), 5 Dinner(s)

Departures: Daily Departures

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Pampa

The adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and a transfer to Mollepata for breakfast. We continue to the famous Humantay Lake for a scenic hike before proceeding to our first campsite at Salkantay Pampa, right at the foot of the mountain.

Activity Description: Hike to Humantay Lake and ascent to camp.

Key Data: Max Altitude: 4,200 MASL | Hiking time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 15 km.

Day 2

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Incachiriasca Pass – Sisaypampa

Today involves conquering the highest point of the entire 6-day trek: the Incachiriasca Pass (5,100 MASL). Here, you will witness incredible views of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay peaks. You will see the frozen Salkantay Lake—a sight unique to this specific route—before descending to the campsite at Sisaypampa.

Activity Description: Crossing the Incachiriasca Pass (Frozen Inca Pass).

Key Data: Max Altitude: 5,100 MASL | Hiking time: 8 hours | Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 14 km.

Day 3

Day 3: Sisaypampa – Inca Canal – Wayllabamba

Wake up surrounded by mountains in absolute silence. The itinerary continues with a descent passing the Inca Canal and the Paucarcancha archaeological site. We arrive at Wayllabamba, where we will have lunch. Crucial Logistics Change: Here, we switch from pack horses to human porters as we enter the protected Inca Trail network.

Activity Description: Descending the valley, visiting Paucarcancha, joining the Inca Trail.

Key Data: Max Altitude: 3,300 MASL | Hiking time: 7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 15 km.

Day 4

Day 4: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Pass – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

Today we hike the Classic Inca Trail. It will be a challenging day as we ascend the Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman's Pass), the highest point of the classic trail (and the second highest of your trip). You will encounter more archaeological sites and a shift in vegetation as we camp at Chaquicocha.

Activity Description: Conquering Dead Woman's Pass.

Key Data: Max Altitude: 4,215 MASL (approx) | Hiking time: 10 hours | Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 16 km.

Day 5

Day 5: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna

As we approach Machu Picchu, we hike along the original Inca stone path, offering views of the Urubamba River and snow-capped peaks. We visit the sites of Phuyupatamarca and Intipata before reaching the stunning Wiñay Wayna campsite.

Activity Description: Hiking the Cloud Forest and visiting Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Key Data: Max Altitude: 3,600 MASL | Hiking time: 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 10 km.

Day 6

Day 6: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate (Intipunku) – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The grand finale. We hike early to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to see Machu Picchu at sunrise. After a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Finally, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco.

Activity Description: Machu Picchu Tour and return.

Key Data: Max Altitude: 2,720 MASL (Sun Gate) | Hiking time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate | Distance: 6 km.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Pre-departure Briefing.
Professional Tour Guide.
Entrance Tickets: Salkantay Trail, Classic Inca Trail (Permit), and Machu Picchu.
Transportation: All transfers from start to finish.
Train: Expedition Train (return).
Camping Equipment: Tents (4-season), dining tent, tables, chairs.
Staff: Mules/Horsemen (Days 1-3), Porters (Days 4-6), Experienced Mountain Chef.
Accommodation: 5 nights camping in comfortable 2-person tents.
Meals: All meals (except first breakfast/last lunch).
Luggage: Duffel bag for up to 5kg (11lbs) of personal items.
Extras: Sleeping mat, hand towels, daily boiled water, snacks.

Not Included

First breakfast, last lunch.
Personal expenses.
Water bottles/containers.
Rentals: Trekking poles, Sleeping bag, Inflatable mattress.
Tips: Customary based on satisfaction. Crucial for the support staff (porters/cooks).

Packing List

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following items:

Essentials & Documents

Local money

Medical kit

Passport

Sunscreen

Water

Clothing & Footwear

Cap and hat

Tennis and boots

Waterproof

Waterproof jacket

Equipment & Gear

Camera and cell phone

Portable charger

Small backpack

Sunglasses

Recommended Extras

Gel alcohol

Lanches snacks

Lip balm

Tour Map

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days | 5 Nights. Map

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Travel Tips & Recommendations

Essential Travel Info

Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.

Bring warm layers and high-quality rain gear (poncho/jacket). The weather is unpredictable and includes high-altitude freezing temperatures and cloud forest humidity.

Optional Upgrades

Customize Your Experience

Enhance your trip with these optional upgrades available upon request.

Expedition Train upgrades.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail on this route?

Yes, absolutely. Since days 4, 5, and 6 take place on the Classic Inca Trail network, an official permit issued by SERNANP is mandatory. These permits are limited and sell out months in advance. You must book this specific combo tour early to secure your spot.

What physical condition is required for this tour?

This trek is rated Moderate to Challenging. It is more demanding than the standard Salkantay or standard Inca Trail because it involves more days and crosses the Incachiriasca Pass (5,100m). You do not need to be a professional athlete, but excellent physical condition and acclimatization are required.

When is the best time to do this route?

The best season is from April to October (Dry Season). While it gets cold at night (especially at the high camps like Sisaypampa), the days are generally sunny. We do not recommend this specific route in February due to trail closures and heavy rains.

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