Salkantay Inca Trail Trek - Inca Trail Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Inca Trail Trek offers a unique experience that only a few experience. Inca Trail Salkantay Trek combines the best of both iconic treks to Machu Picchu.
On this six day trail to Machu Picchu, you will begin hiking through the highland Peruvian region. You will be closer to the Sacred Apu Salkantay Mountain. Then you will descend through the cloud forests and merge on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
You will be experiencing the highest pass of both treks. Salkantay Pass at 4630 metres above sea level (15090 feet) and the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass of Inca Trail at (4236m/13894ft).
You will revel in the constantly changing scenery and some lesser known inca sites in route to the lost city of Incas, Machu Picchu. Stroll through the complex known to the local people but hidden from the world until it was rediscovered in the early 20th century.
Horses are used for the Salkantay trek portion and human porters for the Inca Trail. Please note that this is a high altitude experience. Consider spending 3-4 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
Please, consider purchasing the Inca Trail permits at least 6 months in advance because they sell out quickly by the official system.
Why SAMEX Tours Peru?
SAMEX Tours Peru is a fully locally owned licensed tour operator based in Cusco. We have an excellent team of professionals who are passionate about what they do. They have an excellent knowledge about the routes, history and culture.
The Salkantay Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is one of our signature treks. We maintain high safety standards. Our main aim is to offer you a pleasant and a safe experience on any of our tours.
Inca trail is closed for maintenance every February, during the rainy season. Do take a moment to check out our reviews on TripAdvisor.
Highlights
We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed) It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least 4 to 6 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.
Trek Location: Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail – Pilgrimage 7 day Hike to Machu Picchu
Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture
Total Distance: 46.7 miles/75 km
Good For: Experienced hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Considerations: Permit required for day four
Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
Highest Altitude – 5028m / 16,495ft.
Coldest Night – Day 2 around 0º celsius
Overall Difficulty – Challenging
DAY 1: CUSCO ‐ MOLLEPATA ‐ SORAYPAMPA ‐SALKANTAY PAMPA
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0500 AM. Then in our private transport, we will be driving you to the northwest of Cusco City to Mollepata. It is a serene Andean village at (2850m/9348ft).
After having breakfast, we will continue to Soraypampa. This is where the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins.
We will begin the trek with a gentle uphill hike. The first section of the trek is a beautiful introduction to the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. We will be hiking to Humantay Lake. It is a beautiful turquoise lake .
After enjoying the views here, we will hike to our campsite at Salkantaypampa (4100m/13451ft).
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2: SALKANTAY PAMPA – INCA CHIRIASCA PASS – SISAYPAMPA
After breakfast, we will begin with a hike to the highest pass of the trek – Incachiriasca Pass (5200m/17060ft),
We will be hiking through the mountains of Humantay, Salkantay, Tucarhuay etc. Then we will be descending to our campsite in Sisaypampa (3750 metres/12303 feet).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 3: SISAYPAMPA – HUAYLLABAMBA
We will begin the day quite early in the morning. After breakfast, we will go through the Inca canal to reach Huayllabamba (3000 metres/9842 feet). From here, we will be entering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Here, we will meet our porters to start the Inca trail the next day. On route we will visit the Pampacahua and Paucarcancha ruins.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4: HUAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS- PACAYMAYO
After breakfast, we will be trekking to Llulluchapampa. This is the highlight of the Inca Trail. You will get to immerse in the spectacular scenery that would compensate for all the effort of this uphill hike.
Vegetation thins and the day warms on the approach to the highest point of the trail – Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) (4236m/13894ft).
We will camp at the Pacaymayo Valley (3526m/11566ft).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: PACAYMAYO – RUNKURAKAY PASS- PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA
After breakfast, we will begin with a hike to the second highest pass at 3850 metres | 12631 feet above sea level. On our way up, we will be visiting the Runcuracay archaeological site.
Our guide will be giving you a guided tour of the complex. We will also be touring the Sayacmarca complex and Phuyupatamarca ruins.
After lunch, we will be hiking to our campsite near the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. While our chef will be preparing dinner, we will be touring the ruins.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Note: If the campsite Wiñay Wayna is not available, which is a 2 hour hike to Machu Picchu, the official system will assign the campsite of Phuyu patamarca which is 5 hours to Machu Picchu.
DAY 6: WIÑAY WAYNA – INTIPUNKU – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO
After an early breakfast, we will hike the final part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will be reaching the Sun gate at sunrise so you will be able to get an enchanting view of the sun rising over the walls of the iconic Incan citadel.
We will then hike down to the Machu Picchu citadel. Here we will be presenting our entrance ticket. Our local expert will then give you a two hours detailed tour of the citadel.
After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on our own. If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will be directing you to the respective entrance.
At an advised time, we will be taking a bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here you will have some free time to saunter on the arrow cobble stoned streets rimmed with local shops.
We will then take a train back to Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley. Here our representative will be meeting and will be transferring you back to your respective hotel in Cusco.
Breakfast included
End of Services
***Add an extra day so you can trek at ease and overnight in Aguas Calientes so you can be relaxed for your next day´s visit to Machu Picchu.
What is Included:
- Local tour guide
- Mules and Muleteers
- Andean Chef
- Porters on Inca Trail
- Private transportation to the start point.
- Permit and entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Portable biodegradable bag in toilet with tent.
- Camping equipment: double tents, sleeping pad, kitchen/dining tents, tables, stools, and all kitchen gear. There are basic toilet facilities at each campsite.
- All meals on the itinerary (B= Breakfast L= Lunch, D= Dinner). Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals on request at no extra cost.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- First-aid kit and oxygen.
- Samextoursperu uses walkie talkies.
- All trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
Service not Included:
- Domestic flights. (we can book for you)
- Cusco and Sacred Valley tours (we can book for you)
- Breakfast on first day, Lunch last day in Aguas Calientes.
- Extra porter to carry your baggage (per person-will carry 7kg/15lbs to include weight of your sleeping bag for the entire trek) US$95. Per person
- Personal items like individual gear, sleeping bag, medicines, laundry, telephone calls, etc. If you will request one, please send us your height.
- Travel Insurance.
- Entrance fee: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Peak $70. per person
- Single Tent: $30.
- Walking Pole set: $25.
- Sleeping bag with liner: $30.
We recommend that you bring:
- Original passport and (ISIC student card if applicable)
- A Backpack (for personal porters we provide a duffle bag)
- Warm sleeping bag Minus 8ºC
- Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles: metal tips are not allowed on the trail
- Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature especially at night
- Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or in cold conditions
- Gloves or mittens, scarf , wool socks, woollen hat for cold nights
- T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for comfort
- Flash light, head torch and extra batteries
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Personal medical kit, insect repellent
- Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel
- 2 litre water bottle, disposable plastic bottles are forbidden in Machu Picchu site
- Water purifying tablets optional, since we provide boiled water
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs
- Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc in soles
- Emergency money at least 200-300 extra soles.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
Our staff hand picks the best hotels in the country to ensure you experience utmost comfort and character.
Feel free to browse our recommendations and let us know if you’d like to incorporate a specific property in your customized journey!
PRICE IN REFERENCE
This example tour has costs beginning at US $ 2,400 per person, based on two sharing accommodations. If more will travel in your private party, it will benefit you as the cost “per person” will reduce.
Prices are based on final accommodation choices, travel dates and other details within your tour, which are flexible to your individual interests and desires.
Feel free to reach us via email at info@samextoursperu.com or by calling us directly at Whatsapp +51958192161.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salkantay Trek
South American Exclusive Tours Peru present you the list of Frequently Asked Questions about your travel in Peru, together with the detailed answers.
We hope it will provide you with the solid knowledge about the country and let you enjoy your stay to the fullest. We wish you all the best while preparing for your journey! Let it be a beautiful preparation period before the unforgettable experience in Peru and Cusco.
We’d love to hear from you! Thank you so much for your interest in having a personalized travel experience in Peru.
Contact us using the form below and one of South American Exclusive Tours Perú experts planners will reply within one business day to arrange your private experiences in Perú.
For all other inquiries please do not hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help with everything. Feel free to reach us via email at info@samextoursperu.com or by calling us directly by Whatsapp at +51 958192161
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