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Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 Days 5 Nights an extraordinary journey that seamlessly blends breathtaking landscapes with ancient Inca paths. Along the way, you will explore a variety of Inca ruins, which provide fascinating insights into Andean life and Inca culture. Additionally, it is believed that the Inca nobility once used this route as a pilgrimage to the sacred Apu Salkantay, the revered Protector Mountain God.
What makes this trek truly unique is that it serves as a longer and more immersive alternative to the classic 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Furthermore, it offers a combination of both treks, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience. As a result, the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail provide the perfect blend of adventure and history for those seeking an unforgettable journey.
Overview
The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 Days 5 Nights is an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking mountain landscapes with rich Incan history. Starting with the stunning Salkantay route, you’ll trek through diverse terrains, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys. After connecting to the Inca Trail, you’ll explore ancient ruins and finish at the iconic Machu Picchu. This challenging and scenic journey offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural discovery, making it a must-do for adventure seekers.
Salkantay Trek: Begin your adventure by hiking through the dramatic high-altitude terrain beneath the towering snow-capped peak of Mount Salkantay.
Diverse Landscapes: Experience diverse ecosystems, from arid mountain paths to lush cloud forests and subtropical valleys.
Inca Trail Connection: After completing the Salkantay route, connect to the historic Inca Trail, walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas.
Archaeological Sites: Visit fascinating Incan ruins along the way, including Llactapata, an ancient site with panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Sunrise: Conclude your journey with a sunrise arrival at the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Physical Challenge and Scenic Beauty: The trek offers a mix of physical challenges and awe-inspiring views, making it suitable for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
This 6-day trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and physical challenge, making it an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Pre-Trek Briefing
A comprehensive briefing with your guide will take place 1 or 2 days before your Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 Days 5 Nights. During this meeting, your guide will meet you at your hotel, providing an opportunity to ask any remaining questions and finalize preparations for the trek. This is the perfect time to ensure you’re fully ready for the journey ahead.
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Ichupata
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning for a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata. Along the way, we’ll be treated to our first glimpses of the stunning Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, as well as pass through lush valleys where local families cultivate crops like potatoes, quinoa, and lima beans. Upon arriving in Mollepata, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local home before continuing our journey.
Next, we’ll arrive at Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of the Salkantay trek. Here, we’ll meet our support team, who will take care of packing all the necessary equipment and loading it onto horses. Our first excursion will be a hike up to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, where we’ll take in the crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop before returning to Soraypampa to officially begin our trek.
Today’s hike takes us uphill from Soraypampa to Ichupata (4,300 m / 14,104 ft) in the upper valley, a 5 to 6-hour trek. Along the way, we’ll stop at Salkantaypampa for lunch, soaking in the views of the towering Salkantay peak.
Ichupata will be our campsite for the night. Once we arrive, we’ll settle in, enjoy a refreshing happy hour, and indulge in a hearty dinner to refuel for the journey ahead.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance Covered: 12 km
Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Lowest Elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,300 m / 14,104 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2: Ichupata –Incachiriasca Pass – Pampacahuana
After a fulfilling breakfast, we’ll begin our steep 3 to 4-hour climb toward the Incachiriasca Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft), the highest point of the entire route. As we ascend, we’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring views of Apu Salkantay, the majestic snow-capped peak, and the dramatic glacial moraines that shape the landscape. Once at the summit, we’ll take a moment to snap photos and soak in the incredible scenery, feeling the vastness of the mountains around us.
We’ll then descend toward our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a serene, flat area that offers sweeping views of the nearby Salkantay Valleys. This spot is also known for sightings of the impressive Andean condor, so we’ll keep an eye out for these magnificent birds soaring high above the valleys.
After lunch, we’ll continue our journey toward the Pampacahuana community (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), located next to an ancient Inca canal that still flows today. This peaceful site, rich in history, will serve as our campsite for the night, offering a chance to rest and reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of the day.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance Covered: 14 km
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Lowest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
Today marks a shift in pace as we join the Classic Inca Trail. We begin with a 3-hour downhill hike from Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha (3,133 m / 10,276 ft), where we’ll enjoy lunch and explore the Inca site. This is also the point where we bid farewell to our horsemen and horses, and welcome our new porters.
From Paucarcancha, we’ll continue with a 25-minute downhill hike to Huayllabamba (2,866 m / 9,400 ft), the last village on the Classic Inca Trail. After a short break, we’ll begin a challenging 4-hour uphill trek to Llulluchapampa (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), passing through diverse ecosystems, including the stunning cloud forest. Llulluchapampa will be our campsite for the night, located just below Dead Woman’s Pass.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance Covered: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Lowest Elevation: 2,866 m / 9,400 ft
Highest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 4: Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha
Today is our longest day, taking us across two high passes. Fortunately, we camped last night at a location close to the first pass, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,825 ft), the highest point on the Inca Trail. After crossing the second pass, Runcuraccay Pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft), the terrain becomes much easier, with only a few minor ascents and descents to navigate.
This day offers some of the most breathtaking views along the entire trail, including visits to two fascinating Inca sites: Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca (3,850 m / 12,628 ft). For most of the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of towering snow-capped peaks, and the surrounding cloud forest is by far the most visually captivating of the journey.
Our campsite for the night is at Chaquicocha (3,620 m / 11,873 ft), where we’ll catch our first glimpse of the distant Ahobamba Valley (though the site itself is hidden from view).
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance Covered: 13 km / 7.5 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours
Lowest Elevation: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,825 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 5: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
After an early breakfast, we’ll continue with an easy ascent to reach the third pass, Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 m / 12,136 ft). During this climb, we’ll witness the impressive craftsmanship of the Incas as we walk along paths that seem to float above the mountain and see massive rocks arranged in perfect order to protect the trail from the rugged Andean terrain. We’ll pass through an Inca tunnel before arriving at the pass and descending to the archaeological site with the same name.
Phuyupatamarca is one of the best-preserved and most complete archaeological sites along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Located at the highest point of a mountain, its name means “town above the clouds.” From here, we’ll have a view of a sophisticated sacred complex featuring water fountains with solid foundations, as well as stunning views of the Urubamba River valley and the long stone steps that will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,692 ft).
We’ll set up camp at Wiñaywayna, an extraordinary site just five minutes from the complex. This site includes an agricultural center with terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area.
We will rise early to begin the final section of the Inca Trail, which will take us to Inti Punku (2,400 m / 7,875 ft), also known as the Sun Gate. This landmark serves as the primary entrance to the magnificent Machu Picchu and provides one of the most awe-inspiring sunrise views of the ancient city. The hike is fairly easy, and after about an hour of walking, we will reach this extraordinary viewpoint.
From Inti Punku, we will continue our descent for roughly 40 minutes to arrive at the Machu Picchu citadel. Once there, we’ll stop at the renowned “classic photo” location to capture some iconic images before taking a brief break. Following that, we will start our guided two-hour tour of the site to uncover its fascinating history, architecture, and surroundings. If you’ve chosen to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, please ensure you select the 10:00 AM slot.
After exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. The arrival time in Cusco will depend on your train schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,856 ft
Minimum Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Distance to Walk: 6 km / 3.73 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours
Inclusions
Included:
Pre-departure briefing at your hotel.
Hotel pickup on the morning of your trek departure.
Private transport from Cusco to Challacancha (starting point of the trek).
Entrance fees for the Salkantay Route and Inca Trail.
Entry to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 or 2).
English-speaking professional guide throughout the trek.
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Comfortable 4-person tents (shared by 2 people) for a restful night.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Private transport from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Professional Chef preparing delicious meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners).
Meals include a variety of nutritious foods, such as pancakes, omelets, fresh fruit, pasta, rice, chicken, fish, and more. Vegetarian, vegan, and special diet options available upon request.
All necessary camping equipment, including dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent, and toilet tent.
Gear for porters and cook.
Comfortable foam mattresses.
First aid kit, including emergency oxygen.
Boiled drinking and washing water provided daily.
One duffle bag per person (with a 6kg weight limit for personal belongings).
Motorola Talkabout Radio for communication.
24/7 customer service support.
All applicable taxes included.
Does Not Include:
Travel insurance.
Breakfast on the first day.
Lunch on the last day.
Sleeping bag (available for rent at our office).
Walking poles (available for rent at our office).
Entry to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu ($75 USD).
Personal expenses during the trek, such as soda, alcoholic drinks, or extra snacks.
Optional upgrades (train and hotel).
Tips for Guide, Cook, Porters and Horseman.
What to Bring for Your Trek
The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 Days 5 Nights is a challenging high-altitude adventure, requiring thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it begins early in the morning, make sure to pack the following essential items:
Essential Documents
Original passport.
Travel insurance.
Backpack and Gear.
A good daypack (such as an Eagle Creek Afar Backpack): This is essential for carrying your personal belongings during the trek.
Reusable water container or hydration pack (e.g., CamelBak) to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Water for the first day hike (water will be provided from Day 2 onward).
Headlamp with spare batteries: For navigating camp during the evenings and early mornings.
Clothing
Lighter trekking boots: Sturdy yet comfortable for the rugged terrain.
3 pairs of trekking pants (avoid jeans): One pair for hiking, and one cotton pair for camp. Be sure to treat both with insect repellent before your trek.
Layers for varying temperatures: The weather can fluctuate greatly, so pack lightweight clothing for layering.
1 rain jacket: The first night can be as cold as -5°C (41°F), so a rain jacket is crucial in case of rain during the dry season.
1 warm/winter jacket: Essential for cold nights at higher altitudes.
Thermal wear: Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and a woolen hat to stay warm during chilly evenings.
4 pairs of underwear and 4 pairs of socks: Quick-drying options are ideal for trekking.
4 t-shirts and 2 long-sleeve shirts: Comfortable and breathable clothing for hiking and camp.
Sleeping Gear
Lightweight sleeping bag liner: Easy to pack and essential for a good night’s rest.
Personal Care
Travel-size tissues and wet wipes: For personal hygiene on the go.
Sun protection cream (SPF 35 or higher): Protect yourself from the intense mountain sun.
Bug spray: Insect repellent to avoid bites, especially in the forested areas.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other personal items needed for hygiene.
Medication: Bring Imodium AD or other stomach medication, as well as any prescription medications you require.
Health & Safety
Iron tablets or altitude sickness pills: Important for adjusting to the higher altitudes during the trek.
First aid kit: Bandages, moleskin for blisters, and other essential medical supplies.
Miscellaneous
Swimwear: For a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Camera and film/memory card: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and memories of your trek.
Plastic bags: To keep wet or dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
Flip flops: Ideal for changing out of hiking boots in the evening and relaxing at camp.
Extra money: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips for your trekking team
Prices
Prices:
Permits are required for your selected start date. Tour prices vary based on the group size. The prices listed are valid from March 2025 to January 2026 and are quoted in US dollars ($USD).
2-3 Trekkers:$1079 per person
4-5 Trekkers:$979 per person
6 or more Trekkers:$890 per person
Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
Inka terra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy).
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $245 per person per night (double occupancy).
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$40.00
US$140 Personal Porter to carry extra 12 kg of personal items
Availability
Availability
2025
Feb.
2025
Mar.
2025
Abr.
2025
May.
2025
Jun.
2025
Jul.
2025
Ago.
2025
Set.
2025
Oct.
2025
Nov.
2025
Dic.
2026
Ene.
2026
Feb.
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
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