Skip links

Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek 7 Days

Salkantay – Machu Picchu

The 7 Day Inca Trail offers tourists the chance to enjoy a mix of both the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail combined. Starting on the Salkantay Trek the route diverges just before Salkantay Pass and instead goes over the Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass) which leads you down to the village of Wayllabamba where you join the Inca Trail and continue on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

By booking your Inca Trail with Pacha Peru Explorers you are choosing the best.

Useful Information

  • Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
  • Highest Altitude – 5028m / 16,495ft.
  • Coldest Night – Day 2 around 0º celsius
  • Overall Difficulty – Very Difficult
  • Acclimatization is Recommended***

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcocasa

Today is a fairly easy day to help us ease in to the trek. Our tour begins by visiting the important Inca site of Tarawasi which lies about 2 hours drive from Cusco. After our tour of the site we’ll carry on to Mollepata where we’ll begin our trek. Following a different path to most groups we will see a variety of native plants, flowers and birds along the way and have fantastic views of the valley spread out before us.

Our campsite for the night is at Marcocasa (3500m / 11482ft) from where we will have fantastic views of the snow-capped peak Rayuska (5350m / 17552 ft.). Hardly anyone camps here so we will be able to enjoy this beautiful spot in complete peace and tranquility.

Day 2: Marcocasa – Salkantaypampa

Leaving Marcocasa we’ll carry on along the trail heading for Soraypampa where we will join the main Salkantay trekking route. Once again today is fairly easy going without too much distance to cover. The views today are fantastic and we will see several high peaks looming above us. By the time we get to Soraypampa the 3 main peaks of the region, Humantay (5917m / 19412 ft.), Tucurway (5910m / 19389 ft.) and Salkantay (6217m / 20573ft.) will all be in view.

From Soraypampa it’s about another hour’s walk to Salkantaypampa (4100m / 13451 ft.) where we will camp for the night. Due to the high altitude it can get cold at night here so you are recommended to put on your hat and gloves before going to sleep.

Day 3: Salkantaypampa – Pampacawana

Today we once again leave the main trekking route as we head for the Inca Trail. Continuing up the valley towards Salkantay we take a side path that leads us up and over the Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass, 5028m / 16495 ft.) which is the highest point on the trek. From the pass we carry on down to the small community of Pampacawana (4000m / 13123 ft.) where we will camp for the night.

The views today are once again amazing. Climbing up over the shoulder of Salkantay you feel completely dwarfed by the sheer size of the mountain and can get a sense of why the Inca’s worshipped it as a god. The whole area is dotted with small mountain lakes of varying hues and colours and we will also hopefully see a variety of wildlife such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and White Tailed Deer and possibly some of the rarer Andean animals like Condors, Guanacos and Vicunas.

Day 4: Pampacawana – Llulluchapampa

Setting off from Pampacawana we’ll make our way down the valley to join the Inca Trail at Wayllabamba, along the way we’ll pass by our first Inca site of the trek ‘Paucarcancha’. At Wayllabamba we’ll switch from using mules to carry our gear to porters – this is to prevent damage to the Inca Trail.

Our campsite for tonight is at Llulluchapampa (3800m / 12460ft.) which is the closest campsite to Dead Woman’s Pass. As we climb up to Llulluchapampa we’ll pass through various biozones including the low sierra, cloud forest and the high puna. There are many opportunities to see a variety of plant and birdlife and if we are lucky we may spot White Tailed Deer again.

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha

Today is fairly hard going as we have to make our way over 2 passes, luckily we’ve camped fairly close to the first so it’s not as hard as for most Inca Trailers who are camped in the valley far below.

The views today are fantastic, we see the high mountain ranges as we cross the 2 passes and will have the chance to visit 2 Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca). We will also see a variety of plant and life in the as we are now arriving to the area known as the cloud forest. Our campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft) which is one of the quieter campsites and affords beautiful views of the sunsetting over the mountains in the distance.

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Winay Wayna

Having made it over the 2 passes yesterday we’re now treated to a relaxing day through some of the most beautiful scenery the Inca Trail has to offer. With a relatively short distance to cover along what is known as Inca Flat (gentle ascents and descents) we get to enjoy the lush and verdant cloud forest around us and the spectacular views of the Andes in the distance.

With visits to 2 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna) this is by far one of the most impressive days of the trek. Our campsite for tonight is at Winay Wayna (2680m / 8792ft) which we will arrive to be early afternoon and get to have an extended guided tour of once we have settled in.

Day 7: Winay Wayna – Machu Picchu

Today is the highlight of the trek. Waking up early you head straight to the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu and once the site opens can carry on to the Sun Gate where you’ll get your first fantastic views of Machu Picchu.

On arrival to Machu Picchu you’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourslef and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.

Included

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Chef
  • Mules / Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
  • Mules / Personal porter to carry 10kg of your personal effects
  • Pick-up from your hotel
  • Transportation by bus to Mollepata
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Afternoon Snacks and 6 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Walking Poles
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU FROM DECEMBER 1ST:

Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.

 

ALUMINUM 0.700ml BOTTLES:

As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our clientes Pacha Peru Explorers offers 0.700ml aluminum water bottles FREE, when our guide visit your hotel he bring you the bottle.

Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

We look forward to meeting you…

Does Not Included

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 6
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

PLEASE NOTE: Times provided may vary depending on your acclimatization and level of fitness..

PLEASE NOTE: If you haven’t been rent a personal porter your personal things will be carry by your own (clothes,sleeping bag,foam mattress,etc)

What you need to take

  • Original Passport
  • Student card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable Trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellant
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film
  • Torch with spare batteries

TRIP LENGHT

7

DAYS

2 PERSONS

$1500

PER PERSON

3 to 5 PERSONS

$1300

PER PERSON

5 to 6 PERSONS

$1100

PER PERSON

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

PRE PAYMENT PER PERSON

50%

BALANCE

50%

Additional Items:

Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.

Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.

The ticket is $45 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

* Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek, it will be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain are now also within a timeframe of when you can begin – which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain. You can, however, schedule a second visit to the citadel on the next day.

This ticket is $45 per person.

Vistadome Train

All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

This train is $100 per person.

ESSENTIALS:

  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

  • 4-5 wicking t-shirts
  • 3-4 hiking pants
  • 7 sets of undergarments.
  • 7 sets of hiking socks
  • 1 Fleece
  • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
  • 1 Rain jacket and pants
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 wool hat
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Walking boots
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
  • Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
  • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
  • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
  • Earplugs

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Handsanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toiletpaper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates. Some items are listed above and can be a personal choice if you want in daypack or duffel.

  • Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
  • Sunhat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (IPhone)
  • Handsanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

FAQs on the 7 Days INCA TRAIL and SALKANTAY TREK

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

BOOKING

We try to make booking as easy as possible at Pacha Peru Explorers. We need a booking form that is completed and includes all details for the entire party on one form please, and then a $300 deposit per person. We will then book your permits. When permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% set. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

PERMITS

Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators, like Pacha Peru Explorers, can obtain permits from the government. Once your permit is secured, the name and start date can not be changed, under any circumstance. The only information the government permits us to change is the passport numbers.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less from your trip.

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO

Most people will get to Cusco by air. Please remember that the Cusco airport is for domestic travel only. If you come directly from overseas through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and re-check them for your flight to Cusco. Four airline carriers fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. They all offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or AVIANCA. They tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO

While you can stay at any hotel in Cusco, the city is becoming more challenging to navigate by car. Many roads, especially near the main square, are open to pedestrian traffic only. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car and arrange another meeting point for pick up/drop off. For a list of recommended hotels, please ask your Pacha Peru Explorers sales rep.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY

Ollantaytambo is the best place to stay other than Cusco. By staying in Ollantaytambo, you get a little more sleep, because we will pick you up about 1.5 hours after the Cusco pick up time. You can only have your briefing in Cusco. So please arrange a time that works for you and our office team with your Pacha Peru Explorers sales rep.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES

Of course, if you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 4:22 that evening than there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Pacha Peru Explorers office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.

WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE USED IN PERU

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US outlet and also the South American outlet.


DURING YOUR TRIP

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK

While you don’t need any specific training to do the 4 Day Inca Trail, being fit will help. The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercises with steep inclines and stairs. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up two peaks that day.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS

We always recommend light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS

Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down and all made by the Incas 400 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well. All our walking sticks are expandable black diamond poles that can be folded up and tied to your bag when you are not using them. For those who are bringing your own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE

All of your luggage is not needed for the trek and should stay in Cusco. All hotels are very accommodating and quite used to storing luggage on-site, or you can safely store with the Pacha Peru Explorers team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

Please understand that this is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

Please complete the form below to request a reservation. One of our Trip Coordinators will contact you, often within two business hours, to confirm availability of the trip and/or provide you with other options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the tour. Please call us or write us by whatsap at (+51) 998 037474 with any questions or to confirm availability or write us directly to pachaperuexplorers@gmail.com

 

 

Group Travel

Personal Details

Trip Details

You are booking NOW:  

INCA TRAIL AND SALKANTAY 7 DAYS

Number of Travelers  

14 years and above
Below 14 years

USEFUL INFORMATION

Locations Visited: Mollepata, Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Dead Woman’s Pass, Sayacmarca, Puyupatamarca, Runkuraccay, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu


Trip Style: Hikking, Camping, Adventure, History, Culture


Length: 75 Km/46.7miles (7 days / 6 nights)


Frequency: From March 1st to January 31st.


Group: 2 pax min, max 12 pax


Difficulty: Challenging