Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 7 Days / 6 Nights
Overview
Available languages
1 week
Mobile ticket
Experience the best of the Andes with the Salkantay and Classic Inca Trail 7 days and 6 nights, a unique experience that combines two iconic routes to Machu Picchu. Enjoy high mountain landscapes, ancient trails, and the thrill of entering the lost city on foot. Perfect for travelers who want a complete and authentic adventure without having to choose between two of the best treks in the world.
- Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley with expert local guides.
- Travel the Salkantay route among glaciers, valleys, and cloud forests.
- Connect with history by walking the legendary Inca Trail.
- Enjoy organized camps and first-class logistical support.
- Enter Machu Picchu on foot with spectacular views at sunrise.
- Return by panoramic train while admiring the Andean landscape.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humatay Lake - Sky Camp
Accommodations
Overnight at the Sky Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Cusco
We start very early, around 5:00 a.m., with pickup at your hotel and a two-hour drive to Mollepata
Mollepata
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.
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)
Our exclusive Sky Camp is located in Soraypampa, where you will have time to rest before lunch.
Humantay Lake
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.
We end the day with a comforting dinner and a beautiful sunset, then rest under the starry sky in our clear-roofed domes.
Soraypampa - Salkantaypampa - Ichupata - Pampajaponesa
Accommodations
Overnight in comfortable tents in Pampajaponesa
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
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.
Salkantay Trail
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.
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.
Pampajaponesa - Abra Incachiriaska - Yanacaca - Pampacahuana - Inca Canal - Paucarcancha
Accommodations
Overnight in comfortable tents in Paucarcancha
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
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.
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.
Paucarcancha Ruins
We end the day at the Paucarcancha camp, where you will enjoy dinner before resting
Paucarcancha - Wayllabamba - Ayapata
Accommodations
Overnight in comfortable tents in Ayapata
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Paucarcancha Ruins
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.
In the afternoon, we officially enter the Classic Inca Trail, where you will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest.
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.
Ayapata - Dead Woman's Pass - Runkuraqay Pass - Yanacocha - Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha
Accommodations
Overnight in comfortable tents in Chaquicocha
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
After an energetic breakfast
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.
Runkuracay
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.
Sayacmarca
In the afternoon, we arrive at Sayacmarca, one of the most enigmatic archaeological complexes on the Inca Trail.
We end the day with a short 25-minute walk to the camp in Chaquicocha, where you will enjoy dinner and rest.
Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna
Accommodations
Overnight in comfortable tents in Wiñay Wayna
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
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.
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.
The Ruins of Intipata
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.
Winay Wayna
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.
Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Winay Wayna
We will start very early with a light breakfast to embark on a 2-hour hike to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
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.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
We will take a guided tour of the upper terraces, ideal for your classic photo of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
Then we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own and visit the craft shops.
Ollantaytambo
Finally, we will board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Options
With Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 days
Pickup included
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
What‘s Included
Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite phones
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Experienced Mountain Guide
5 nights camping accommodation (Pampajaponesa, Paucarcancha, Ayapata, Chaquicocha, Wiñay Wayna)
Products for higiene(small towel and soap)
Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho and backpack cover
Transportation of personal belongings.
All private transport and transfers during the tour
Entry fees to Salkantay Trek and Humantay lake
Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train
Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
Permits and tickets for the Inca Trail.
Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1C and Circuit 3B)
1 night at Sky Camp in Soraypampa (Day 1)
Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass (Day 2)
Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
Clothing and personal hiking equipment
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Salkantay Trek with a Professional Guide and Great Crew
kostasg10,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We completed the Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking and had an amazing experience. Our senior guide, Alex, was outstanding—highly experienced, extremely knowledgeable about the route and mountain conditions, and always calm and professional, which made us feel safe and well supported throughout the trek. He also brought the journey to life with his deep knowledge of Inca history and Andean culture, sharing insights that made each part of the trek much more meaningful. A special mention also goes to Mandel, the assistant guide, who had a positive attitude, kindness and was very upportive. The muleteer team worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to manage logistics and transport, and the chef and sous-chef consistently prepared excellent meals! Overall, a fantastic experience thanks to a dedicated and professional team. Highly recommended.
Exceptional service and hard-working team
996neetas,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I completed the 7 day Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail with Salkantay Trekking and had a wonderful experience with them. I joined as a solo traveller into a small group of mixed abilities. The trip itself was very well organised and our tour guide, Edgar, was simply the best - entertaining us and looking after us each step of the way. The food was exceptional - each meal with a different dish cooked to perfection with fresh Andean ingredients. The whole staff / team are friendly and very hard working, and they work together seamlessly as a unit to look after us and transport our belongings every day between each campsite. Overall, I'm very happy that I chose Salkantay Trekking as my tour organiser in Peru!
Just Book It!
Trip51209637148,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Do yourself a favor and book this trek now! This trek is a challenging and rewarding experience. Our lead guide, Guido, was top-notch. We feel like we hit the lottery when we got him for our guide. He built an atmosphere of respect and fun while keeping everyone safe and happy. His knowledge of the mountains is unparalleled. He was able to share what it was like to grow up in the mountains and shared his respect for the mountains, the native plants and the local culture. The cooks, Wilfredo and Vidal, introduced our group to local flavors with each meal. You will not leave this trek feeling hungry. Each meal was an experience in itself. So, book this trek to experience the best of the mountains and Machu Picchu! And cross your fingers that you will get Guido as your guide.
Salkantay Inca Trail
agustinam813,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience combining nature and culture. Physically demanding and mentally liberating. The guide, Guido, contributed greatly with his experience and knowledge. A special mention for the food, abundant and delicious. Thank you Salkantaytrekking, highly recommended!!
Walk, eat and wonder
661elianep,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience and breathtaking landscapes. Guido, our guide, is very experienced, knows the place, history, customs, flora and fauna; daily reserved a time to share knowledge with the group of trailers. He was an efficient administrator of the huge support group (cooks, arriers and loaders). Frank, the second guide, always smiling, attentive, available and careful with everyone. The Cook does miracles given the conditions of intinerant cuisine. The food is always delicious and full! I think we eat as much as we walk ....or more!! Bath, only cold or river shower. It's the cost of adventuring in nature. Bring wet towels, they always help. After all, I liked the people and the structure to serve us.
What a wonderful experience!
rimmaschj,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guides, porters and chefs all did an amazing job of making this a memorable experience. During the hard hiking, Markito and Andy both were very supportive and made every effort to make sure I was safe. They were also very knowledgeable about all the archeological and cultural sites. Markito made the trip a delight with his humor and easy going manner. Andy was so caring and conscientious.
Magical!
145sylvian,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was actually 6 days, but otherwise the same. It was magical! The scenery was incredible! We were extremely happy with our guides, the accommodations, and the food. Highly recommend to the adventurous traveler.
Outstanding!
Stay50499412394,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A massive thank you to Pedro and Roger who were my guides for the 6 day salkantay and short Inca trail trek, they were absolutely incredible to spend 6 days with and I couldn’t have asked for better people, they both have an amazing sense of humour and care so much about the people they’re with and have a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm for what they do - as a young female travelling solo I felt very safe! Pedro was a little quieter as the second guide but added a lot to the group with the knowledge he provided and with how personal he was with each person at the end of our trek and always made sure to go to the back of the group and chat with the people who were a little slower so they didn’t feel left out or behind. I would say he’s perfect for smaller groups with was the case near the end of the trek. Roger was very knowledgeable is his approach and answer all our questions as much as possible and took the lead most of the time perfect for bigger groups like at the start of our trek. I recommend salkantay trekking as a whole, they provided great knowledge of the trails and history teaching us lots and lots, and very accommodating we had SO much food the chefs are amazing we never went hungry and I brought snacks with me for the trek but they were all still there by the end as they provided snacks and tonnes of food! We had an amazing young chef who was very talented and Always making sure we had plenty of water throughout the trek and food! They all made sure that we were warm on cold mornings with blankets in the van and hot water bottles the first night when it was freezing, and waking us up with coco tea. All whilst smiling and joking with us, teaching me Spanish and checking in with us when the altitude was intense. I think having done the salkantay trek it was the most beautiful trek I’ve ever done!! It was so hard but every morning you wake up excited to go because it’s gorgeous! Our guides were very caring towards the people in our group who were sick on the first day of the trek with one staying behind to provide oxygen just incase and to arrange horses to take them up salkantay on day two! Something I would say is that the hotel choice for Aguas Calientes could have been a little better as I found actually some of the accommodation on the trek was nicer, as our hotel in aguas calientes didn’t have hot water or WiFi. Our guides were really quick to jump in and help us resolve this with the hotel quickly but I still think that some of the other groups had better hotels. I do think that on day 3 the coffee experience could have been better as I was hoping that a local family would be providing the demonstration or we would get to see the process instead it felt staged just for salkantay trekking. Some tips - Definitely bring electrolytes specifically if you’re going in May as the whole 6 days was blue sky and sunny and very hot the last 4 days. Also bring blister plasters! The down hills are harsh on the feet. Also also keep in mind that there was no single point on this trek that had a flat section apart from the 3 hour train track section, so even though on the brochure it says max altitude and min altitude for that day, there is steep uphills for multiple hours then steep downhills for multiple hours and repeated throughout the day. Something else would be that don’t underestimate the ratings of the days, specially day 5 was rated as moderate but all of our group said it was challenging specially because the previous day had been 10 hours hiking with the last three hours walking along the train tracks which even though it was flat it was exhausting due to the heat and the rocks under your feet with no path next to it. I completely respect that the locals have to do this walk all the time and for me to complain seems small but it wouldn’t have been an issue if I felt prepared for the next day to be challenging too, whereas most of our group thought we were getting a little less strenuous day after. Overall even though there are some things to improve it still deserves 5 stars!!
Great hike and interesting history
williamkZ3792UW,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. The company is very well organized and did a great job communicating with us leading up to the trip and while we were traveling. The hiking is amazing and the history is interesting. Great guides Uriel and Andy.
Challenging but rewarding
Tourist434651,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trek was quite challenging but rewarding. The food and accommodation exceeded my expectations i was honestly suprised at what they were able to prepare given the remote and difficult locations. Our guides jesus ( chachy) pedro were very knowledgeable and had alot of good information along the way. We added on rainbow Mountain but had to cancel because we got stuck in trafic and didn't have enough time. If you want to add on rainbow Mountain really consider the timing as it is a very tight squeeze especially after 5days hard trecking.
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