Salkantay Trek
& Inca Trail

USD 1280 5 days 4 nights

Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging

Maximum group size
6 people

Total distance
75 km / 46.6 mi

Height difference
1.6 to 4.6k m / 5.2 to 15.2k ft asl

Salkantay Trek
& Inca Trail

Official local tour operator of the Inca Trail

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail

5 days

4 nights

The Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail offers an exciting 5-day adventure designed for trekking and nature lovers, combining physical challenges with unique cultural and natural experiences. During this trip, participants will explore stunning landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, on the way to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. The first day begins with a trip to Soraypampa, from where the hike starts towards the campsite at Huayraqmachay, at an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level. On the second day, the route descends through various landscapes, passing picturesque villages and tropical plantations, until reaching the campsite at Playa Sahuayaco. The third day offers impressive views of Machu Picchu from Patallacta before descending to the hydroelectric station and arriving at Aguas Calientes to spend the night. The next day, the adventure continues along the iconic Inca Trail, visiting Wiñayhuayna, an important archaeological site, as well as Inti Punku, from where the citadel of Machu Picchu can be seen in the distance. Arrival at Aguas Calientes on the same evening. Finally, the fifth day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the archaeological complex before returning to Cusco by train.

* Altitude sickness is a common experience for all visitors in Cusco. To minimize symptoms, it is advisable to spend one or two days in the city before starting the hike.

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Maximum group size: 6 people

Total distance: 75 km / 46.6 mi

Height difference: 1.6 to 4.6k m / 5.2 to 15.2k ft asl

Price

USD 1280

per person based on 2 people

Salkantay Trek <br>& Inca Trail

Cusco – Soraypampa – Wayracmachay

DAY 1

Cusco – Soraypampa – Wayracmachay

Distance

16 km – 10 mi / approx. 6 h

Altitude

3,800 to 4,650 m / 12,467 to 15,255 ft asl

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

Lunch: Soroycocha 4,490 m / 14,730 ft asl

Campsite: Wayracmachay 3,850 m / 12,631 ft asl

The Salkantay Trek begins at dawn with a four-hour journey to Soraypampa. During the trip, you will be able to observe the snow-capped mountains and the Apurímac River valley. After approximately three hours of trekking, you will reach Soroycocha, for a lunch break. It is crucial to remain calm and communicate with the guide if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, especially during the more challenging parts. Additionally, it is advisable to dress appropriately to adapt to the changing weather conditions.

After lunch, the trail will continue to ascend until reaching an altitude of 4,650 meters (15,255 ft), offering an impressive panoramic view of the Salkantay mountain range.

After three hours of descent, you will reach the first campsite at Wayracmachay, where dinner will be served and you will spend the night.

Wayracmachay – Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayacco

DAY 2

Wayracmachay – Collpapampa – Playa Sahuayacco

Distance

22 km – 13.7 mi / approx. 9 h

Altitude

1,900 to 3,900 m / 6,234 to 12,795 ft asl

Difficulty

Challenging

Lunch: Collpapampa 2,900 m / 9,514 ft asl

Campsite: Playa Sahuayacco 2,000 m / 6,561 ft asl

The day will start at sunrise with breakfast. Today’s route mostly descends, taking you through a variety of landscapes including the mysterious cloud forest. During the trek, you will admire impressive waterfalls, fruit trees laden with delights like strawberries, as well as wild orchids and bromeliads. Additionally, there is the possibility of spotting the elusive “Cock-of-the-Rock,” an emblematic and endemic bird in the region. After approximately three hours of walking, you will arrive at the picturesque village of Collpapampa, where you will enjoy a comforting lunch.

The journey continues for about three additional hours, marked by a noticeable change in climate, with warmer temperatures and a lush environment. Along the way, you pass through extensive coffee, banana, and avocado plantations, before finally reaching the campsite at Playa Sahuayacco for dinner.

Playa Sahuayacco – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

DAY 3

Playa Sahuayacco – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

Distance

24 km – 14.9 mi / approx. 9 h

Altitude

1,850 to 2,800 m / 6,070 to 9,186 ft asl

Difficulty

Challenging

Lunch: Hidroeléctrica at 1,900 m / 6,233 ft asl

Campsite: Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m / 6,692 ft asl

On the third day of the trek, you will reach the lowest point of the route. After breakfast, the hike begins, lasting approximately three hours until you reach Llactapata. This site had possibly ceremonial purposes and features a wide agricultural area, as well as ruins of the city, ancient stone walls, and gates that extend along the steep terraces visible on the slope. From this vantage point, you will enjoy the first view of Machu Picchu and will be able to take photographs of the impressive views and will have a unique memory.

After descending for three hours through dense vegetation and lush trees, you will reach the Hidroeléctrica station, where lunch will be served. Next, you will continue with a walk for approximately two more hours until you reach Aguas Calientes, where you will be staying in a hotel for the night. Dinner is included.

* During the rainy season, the availability of the Llactapata route cannot be guaranteed because this section can pose a risk. Therefore, an alternative route will be chosen for the safety of both hikers and staff.

Cusco – Km.104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wuayna – Aguas Calientes

DAY 4

Cusco – Km.104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wuayna – Aguas Calientes

Distance

12 km – 7.5 mi / approx. 6 h

Altitude

2,040 to 2,720 m / 6,692 to 8,924 ft asl

Difficulty

Moderate

Lunch: Wiñayhuayna 2,650 m / 8,692 ft asl

Campsite: Aguas Calientes 2,040 m / 6,692 ft asl

You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately at 5 am to start the trek. About an hour and a half later, surrounded by the beautiful landscape alongside the train tracks and the Urubamba River, you will have reached Km 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. This initial stretch offers impressive views and a truly unforgettable experience. After approximately three hours of hiking, you will reach Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological site of great importance on the Inca Trail. Here, you will explore the ruins with the guide and learn about their history and significance. Following the visit, there will be a stop for lunch.

Finally, you will continue the journey towards Inti Punku, known as the Sun Gate. From this point, an impressive view of the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu awaits. After a brief moment to take photographs and enjoy the panoramic view, you will descend to Machu Picchu and then take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where a well-deserved overnight rest awaits.

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

DAY 5

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Distance

8km – 4,970 mi / approx. 3 h

Altitude

2,040 to 2,720 masl. / 6,692 to 8,923 ft asl

Difficulty

Easy

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will board the first bus of the day that will take you directly to Machu Picchu. During the guided tour of the archaeological complex, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in history and discover fascinating details of this unique place. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore on your own. If you wish and for an additional cost, you can visit the Huayna Picchu mountain, where you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views. It is important to note that there are limited daily entrances available for Huayna Picchu, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure a place.

After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will have the option to return on foot along the trail or take a bus back to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco, thus completing this exciting trekking experience.

Included

Private transfers from hotel to Challacancha / train station – hotel
Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Return train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Pre-trek briefing
Inca Trail permit
Tent with space for 4 people, but only with 2 occupants
Bathing tent
Foam mattress
Our professional cooks prepare meals incorporating elements of the Western diet and traditional Peruvian delicacies
Porters (for equipment and items) carry camping gear, food, and kitchen equipment. If desired, you can hire a porter.
Dining tent with field tables and chairs and a kitchen tent for the cook
Cook and kitchen equipment
Oxygen bottle (one per group)
First aid kit
Snacks: Nutritious and energy bars, assorted nuts and chocolates
Seasonal fruit
Water to refill bottles each morning
04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, and 04 dinners (optional vegetarian or vegan meals available upon request)

Not included

Sleeping bag (20 USD)
Walking sticks with rubber tips (10 USD)
Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
Optional personal horse
Entrance to the hot springs
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (70 USD)
Other meals
Insurance
Tips
Personal expenses
Other unspecified extras

Notes

What to bring for the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 5-day:

A lightweight backpack for the trip
Flashlight and batteries
Rain gear (jacket and pants) or rain poncho
Special trekking footwear, waterproof boots recommended
Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece liners, gloves, scarf, and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Camera, films, and batteries (batteries deplete faster in cold weather conditions)
Hat or cap to protect from sun, rain, and cold
Sunscreen and after-sun lotion or moisturizer for face and body
Insect repellent containing a minimum of 20% DEET
Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolates, raw fruits, etc.
Water bottle for the first morning
Personal first aid kit with any special medication you may need
Small towel or sarong
Swimsuit (if you intend to swim in the hot springs)
Cash – enough for snacks, tips, and souvenirs
Original passport and ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
Walking sticks with rubber tips (10 USD)

* During the month of February, the Inca Trail remains closed due to maintenance work on the route. It is recommended to check availability and make a downpayment for entry. For more information, you can contact us at peruqualitytours@gmail.com

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