DAY 01 Cusco : Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Sky Camp

You’ll be up nice and early today to be ready for us to pick you up around 4:00 a.m. You’ll travel in our comfy transportation with blankets to enjoy a bit more sleep on the drive. After 2 hours, we’ll enjoy a brief stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast. We’ll then continue to Challacancha, where we’ll start our hike.

First, you’ll meet the cooks and horse riders, as well as do the final equipment check. Then, we’ll be on our way. You’ll start with a 3-hour moderate walk to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we’ll be spending our first night. The first section is relatively flat with a slight bit of uphill through a deep valley of glaciers. You’ll notice that a lot of the trail follows a restored Inca water channel, which local farmers still make use of today. This section is 7 km / 4.35 mi overall.

Once you get to Soraypampa, you’ll get settled in at our exclusive Sky Camp, where you’ll sleep this evening. You’ll have a bit of time to rest after enjoying your first lunch in the mountains. Feeling refreshed, it’ll be time to start the hike up to the incredibly beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m /13,780 ft).

This round trip takes about 3 hours and covers 3 km / 1.86 mi. It’s not fair, but you need to take things slowly at this altitude. You’ll have some time once you get to the lake to enjoy the fantastic scenery. There aren’t many places in the Andes quite as stunning as the turquoise waters glistening against the Humantay glacier. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale!

Back at camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious and well-deserved dinner with a beautiful sunset as your company. You can’t describe the energy here, but you’ll feel its peacefulness for yourself once here. Then it’ll be time to turn into your Sky Camp igloo. From the glass roof, you’ll be able to enjoy a night under the stars, constellations, and comets and wake up to see the Apu Salkantay watching over you.

DAY 02 : Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Huayracmachay – Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)

You’ll be woken up today at the first signs of daylight with an energizing cup of coca tea to get you going. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before we set off on our trek to the route’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). You’ll be walking 7 km / 4.34 mi over 3 hours. It’s a difficult ascent up the ‘trail of the 7 Snakes’ rightly named due to its winding path.

Once you reach the top, you’ll appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys as well as Salkantay Mountain sitting right next to you (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), which is the second-highest in the Cusco region and one of the Apus (Inca Gods). You can also observe Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. After you’ve taken in the views and enjoyed a rest, you’ll start the 7 km / 4.35 mi walk downhill to the lunch spot in Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), from where you can enjoy fantastic views.

This section of the trail is rocky and gravely, and you get some beautiful views down into the valley below. After a re-energizing lunch, you’ll be entering the edge of the Amazon jungle, also known as the ‘cloud forest.’ This part is 9.5 km / 5.9 mi and takes around three and a half hours. Along the way, you get to enjoy a magical tropical forest and witness how quickly and dramatically the landscape changes from the Andes to the Amazon. You’ll spot colorful scenery, unique wildlife, and native plants. You’ll find the climate becomes much warmer here.

After your longest day of hiking, you’ll be pleased to reach our campsite at Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft). You’ll be served a hearty meal before hitting the hay in your Mountain Sky View for a peaceful night’s sleep in the small village. You’re sure to sleep well tonight!

DAY 03 : Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba (Jungle Domes)

Today you’ll be woken at 6:00 a.m. for your tea and then breakfast before setting off from the campsite. We’ll be walking through the Santa Teresa Valley. You’ll enjoy a more leisurely walk today with more downs than ups as you soak in the lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, coffee, and avocado.

We’ll pass through a small village named Collpapampa, and after descend through a valley where you’ll observe waterfalls, birds, hot springs, fruit trees, and plenty of flora and fauna. You might be lucky enough to see the national bird of Peru, the ‘Cock of the Rock.’

In La Playa, we’ll devour a tasty lunch before we head to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), just another hour away. That’ll be our camp for the night. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the tropical surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm – especially perfect for those who are coffee lovers. Even if you’re not partial to the odd cup of Joe, the smell in the air is delightful. This is the main farming industry in the jungle, and they export products to the US, Asia, and across Europe. You’ll also visit avocado and orange plantations.

Once you’re ready for bed, after dinner, of course, you’ll be settling down for the night in another one of our exclusive campsites, the Jungle Domes. As you drift off, you’ll be able to hear the many sounds of nature and feel at one with the earth as you gaze up at the stars through the top of the dome in your comfy bed.

DAY 04 : Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

You’ll be eager to put on your hiking boots for your last day of trekking after you’ve filled up on fuel for breakfast. This morning you’ll be able to walk along a bit of the original, world-famous Inca Trail! After a 2 hour uphill climb and fascinating views over the Santa Teresa Valley, you’ll reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site right in front of Machu Picchu.

Llactapata is the first Inca site you’ll see on the trek, and you’ll learn all about the mysteries of the ancient culture and the extraordinary site. You even get to have your first exciting glance of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from here. Your guide will fill you in on all the history of the Incas while you take all the photos you want to share your fantastic experiences with friends and family back home.

Afterward, you’ll walk downhill for 1:30 hours, where you get another couple of peeks at the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, along the way – only making your anticipation for tomorrow stronger. We stop for lunch in Aobamba before we continue, for a half-hour, to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). One of the most impressive sites in this section is the 250- meter-tall artificial waterfall, which generates electricity for the entire city of Cusco.

Once in Hidroelectrica, you have a couple of options: 1) If you’re tired out after all the trekking, you can opt to board a train to Aguas Calientes (US$ 37.00 extra). 2) If you want to enjoy the last stretch of the trek, you can enjoy the flat walk along the side of the tracks to Aguas Calientes, which takes around 3 hours. It’ll be one more chance to enjoy your warm jungle surroundings as you hike.

Along the way, you’ll see Intihuatana, an ancient rock the Incas used as a sundial, which worked together with the sundial stone at Machu Picchu. These were used to measure and read the winter solstice, meaning the beginning of the farming season for the Incas. Next, you’ll reach the train tracks that lead to Aguas Calientes. Once in the small town, you’ll enjoy dinner at a restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Note: During the rainy season, the hike up the Llactapata Trail isn’t 100% guaranteed due to safety concerns. When there’s frequent heavy rain, this trail can become very dangerous.

DAY 05 : Aguas Calientes – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Sun Gate / Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Your adventure begins today nice and early as you’ll be picked up from your accommodation at 5:00 a.m. approx. You’ll then walk for around one and a half hours to KM 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. You can see the golden sun covering the expansive Andean mountains and the Urubamba River along the railway. We’ll provide you with your box lunch and a snack for you to enjoy later on.

The hike starts on the same path as the Classic Inca Trail. You’ll be immersed in the stunning landscape as you’re surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains watching over you. After a short while, we’ll reach our first Inca archaeological site on the trek, Chachabamba, and learn a little about it from our guide.

After another 3 hours, we get to one of the fascinating Inca sites, the Wiñay Wayna complex (meaning ‘forever young’ in Quechua) that sits at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft. Most trekkers who stop here are amazed by the incredible architecture. You’ll explore the site and discover a ritual water source, temples dedicated to nature’s forces, and beautiful agricultural platforms. Wiñay Wayna is the perfect place to learn a little more about the impressive history of the Incas.

While you’re at these sites, take some time to relax, unwind in peace, and connect to Mother Nature through birdsong and the soft whisper of the wind. You’ll spot the campsites where those doing the Classic Inca Trail spend the night a little further on. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy the tasty lunchbox we’ve prepared for you, chill out, and recharge your batteries.

Once you’re ready to go again, we’ll continue the hike to the Sun Gate, from where you get your first outstanding views of Machu Picchu and all its incredible architecture. You’ll be astounded at how the Incas were able to build such a site on a mountain. The landscape is very dreamy, and you’ll feel the magic and mystery of Machu Picchu that’s withstood the test of time amazingly. Use this opportunity to capture some unique photos and honor the Incas as you ponder how they were able to lift such big stones and try to understand their deep connection with nature.

We won’t be entering the citadel just yet, though. At this time of day, the tourists inside will be leaving, and you’ll be able to watch the magical golden light of the sun setting on the immense stone walls for some tranquility. You can look forward to tomorrow knowing that you’ll be exploring every inch of this masterpiece. For now, you’ll take an alternative path down to the exit, where you’ll board a bus that takes us to the small town of Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel. Before you rest your body for the night, we’ll grab some dinner in one of the town’s best restaurants. Make sure you get to sleep early as you’ll be rising before the sun does tomorrow.

DAY 06 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After a well-deserved night’s rest, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Today, you’ll be wandering the mysterious streets of the majestic historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu! You’ll need to be up before sunrise to ensure you beat the crowds. You’ll take a short walk from your hotel to catch a bus that’ll take you on a 25-minute drive to the entrance of the Inca citadel. You’ll enter just before the sun comes up and paints the fortress with a gorgeous golden hue.

After soaking it all in and taking your first few photographs, you´ll tour the complex in a guided tour of an hour and a half and take amazing pictures of the place. Here, you´ll see some of the most important parts of Machu Picchu and learn about its history. Once the tour is over, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you have booked tickets in advance); these tours will take you an hour and a half and three hours up and down, respectively.

When you’re ready to leave, it’ll be time to head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have a bit of time to select a restaurant of your choice for a bite to eat before catching a train. You’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo by train, and then a private bus will be there to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.

Now it’s time to enjoy a thoroughly deserved rest and put your feet up. Your trip might be over, but we assure you your heart will be thumping for many years to come as you look back fondly on your incredible adventure.

 

 

At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Permits & Entrance Tickets

• Day 1: Entry Ticket to Humantay Lake & the Salkantay Trek
  
• Day 5: Permits and Ticket for the Inca Trail
  We will process all necessary permits once we receive your complete information and reservation deposit. Permits are subject to availability and are issued for a specific date under your name. They cannot be modified under any circumstances. Passport number changes are only allowed for renewal purposes, in which case you must provide both your old and new passports.

• Day 6: Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
  Your Inca Trail ticket includes Circuit 1, taking you straight to the upper section of Machu Picchu — where you’ll capture that unforgettable postcard photo with the best panoramic view of the citadel.
  To make your visit even more complete, we’ll include an extra ticket for a deeper exploration: Circuit 2, for a full revisit through the heart of Machu Picchu, or Circuit 3, to discover the remaining lower section.
  Just a heads-up — tickets are subject to availability, and we’ll secure the available option at the time of your reservation.

High Quality Service & Safety

• Pre-departure briefing

  The day before your trip, you’ll meet your guide at 5:00 p.m. at our main office in Cusco. During this briefing, you’ll receive the final details about your departure, get to know the other members of your group, and receive your duffle bag. This meeting ensures you’re fully prepared for your adventure.

  If you’re unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can arrange an alternative time, location, or a detailed WhatsApp call.

• Experienced Tour Guide
  Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!

• One Duffle Bag
  For the trek, you’ll receive a duffel bag to pack your personal belongings, with a maximum weight limit of 5 kg (11 lb), which will be carried by our staff.

• Sleeping Bag
  Our sleeping bags are durable and designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They feature a mummy shape and include a sleeping liner for added warmth. Each bag is thoroughly cleaned and carefully maintained after every use.

• Trekking Poles
  Trekking poles enhance stability on hard terrain while minimizing impact on joints.

• Backpack Cover & Rain Poncho
  Our attention to detail sets us apart. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack and a poncho for extra comfort and protection along the way.

• Professional long-range walkie-talkie
  Walkie-talkies optimize communication, ensuring quick response and coordination in key situations and locations.

• Medical Kit or First AID Kit
  All Salkantay Trekking guides have specialized first aid training and attend mandatory training sessions every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit and oxygen to handle basic emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If needed, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you arrive at a clinic for treatment.

Accommodation

Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites

Like our ancestors, we are very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts.

Campsite Facilities

• Bathrooms: Shared bathrooms are available at our Sky Camp and Jungle Domes, while our Mountain Sky View Campsite offers the comfort of private bathrooms.
• Showers: Refreshing showers are available at both the Mountain Sky View and Jungle Domes Campsites. However, due to local regulations, showers are currently not permitted at campsites in Soraypampa, where our Sky Camp is located.
• Dining & Kitchen Areas: Each campsite features a cozy dining area and a fully equipped kitchen, so you can enjoy your meals comfortably and without worry. All fresh ingredients are carefully transported by our team of mules to maintain quality and freshness throughout your journey.

• Day 4 & 5: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  Enjoy two cozy nights in Aguas Calientes at a hotel offering twin, double, or triple rooms—each with a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, and breakfast included. Luggage storage is also provided while you explore Machu Picchu.

Meals

• 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 5 Dinners
  Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets: vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost, so let us know if you have any particular restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.

• Water on the trail
  During the trek, we’ll provide warm, previously boiled water at every mealtime while our Andean chefs are with the group. Make sure to bring an empty water bottle or a CamelBak for refills — we recommend a capacity of at least 2 liters.

• Wake up tea
  Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your bed so that you’re warmed from the inside out before you start your day.

• Tea Time or Happy Hour
  Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite!

• Snacks on the trail daily
  Every morning we’ll give you snacks so you can enjoy them during the walk. Your tour leader will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc., at the beginning of each day.

• One cloth snack bag per person
  We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks—perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout your journey!

Transportation

• Transfers and bus tickets
  • Day 1: Transport from your hotel to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek
  • Day 5: Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Day 6: Round-Trip Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Day 6: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco

• Day 6: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  Expedition Machu Picchu by PeruRail or The Voyager to Machu Picchu by Inca Rail (train options and schedules subject to availability).

• Personal Belongings Transportation
  • On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (5 kg / 11 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp
  • On day 4, your duffle bag will be transported by van and then by train.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Huayna Picchu Mountain

Up for a challenge? Climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu. This 45-minute uphill trek rewards you with breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re afraid of heights, push through—the reward is truly worth it!

• Cost: US$ 60 per person
• Booking: Reserve 2–3 months in advance due to high demand.
• Entry Times:
  • 7:00 a.m.
  • 9:00 a.m. (recommended)

With your 6:00 a.m. Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance, you’ll have time to climb Huayna Picchu after your guided tour. This portion is completed independently, following your guide’s instructions.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the breathtaking peaks that surround the archaeological site. Its trails are less steep, wider, and less intimidating than those of Huayna Picchu, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more relaxed climb. Reaching the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers unforgettable panoramic views. This hike requires an entrance ticket, which we can secure for you in advance upon request.

• Cost: US$ 60 per person
• Entry Times:
  • 6:00 a.m.
  • 8:00 a.m.

• Since your Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance is at 6:00 a.m., you can choose to add a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket for 8:00 a.m., pausing your guided tour of the citadel to complete the hike independently, following your guide’s recommendations.
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain
  Huchuy Picchu is a small mountain just above the Machu Picchu citadel, offering a short, scenic, and less crowded alternative to the more demanding Huayna Picchu. Its gentle, well-maintained trail is perfect for travelers seeking a light yet rewarding hike, with sweeping views of the citadel and the surrounding Andes. While Huayna Picchu involves a steep and strenuous climb, Huchuy Picchu delivers a more relaxed and accessible experience—without giving up the stunning scenery.

• Cost: US$ 50 per person
• Availability: High season, from May to September
• Entry Times:
  • 9:00 a.m. (recommended)
  • 11:00 a.m.

• With your 6:00 a.m. Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance, you’ll have time to climb Huchuy Picchu after your guided tour. This portion is completed independently, following your guide’s instructions.
• Optional Horse or Mule Ride Assistance from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
  
• Optional Horse or Mule Ride Assistance from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass (Day 2)
  
• Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
  If you feel tired or unwell after the previous trekking adventure, you have the option to take the train to Aguas Calientes from Hidroelectrica train station instead of walking.

• Cost: US$ 40.00 per person.

• Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 6)
  
• Travel Insurance
  
• Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear
  
• Tips for our staff
  While our team receives fair salaries, any additional gesture is always appreciated in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Participants often choose to pool their tips and present them directly to the hiking team or through their guide.

• Additional costs or delays beyond our control
  Landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.

Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek Packing List

The Salkantay and Inca Trail expedition is one of the most challenging and epic hikes to Machu Picchu, so you will need to pack all the essentials, but keep light and comfortable during the trip. All the heavy equipment will be carried by muleteers and porters, including a duffle bag provided by Peru Trekkers

Here’s what we recommend packing:

Essentials:

• Original Passport
• Valid student ID (if you book as a student)
• A good daypack (small and comfortable)
• Water container: Camelbaks or water bottle (recommended 2 liters)
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight, good soles)
• Trekking poles

What to pack in the Daypack:

You need to bring a small, comfortable backpack for hiking. We recommend that it be no larger than 25 liters; this is for Machu Picchu, where big bags are not allowed inside.

• Water: We provide you with drinkable water every day after the first lunch. For the first morning, you need to bring 2 liters of water.
• Rain gear (rain jackets, rain pants, waterproof hiking gloves, ponchos)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat)
• Beanie hat, warm gloves
• Camera, extra batteries
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic garbage bags
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

What to pack in the Duffle Bag:

During this Salkantay Inca Trail Tour, the porters will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings, including your duffle bag. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress, which you can bring your own or rent from Peru Trekkers.

• 6 T-shirts (long sleeve – Wicking T-shirts preferably)
• 3-4 comfortable hiking pants
• 7 sets of underwear
• 7 sets of hiking socks
• 1 warm down jacket: can be cold at night
• Comfortable camping shoes (sandals or snickers)
• Camping towels (quick-dry). We provide small hand towels.
• Soap (in a sealed container)
• Battery charger (Enough for 6 days)
• Plastic bags: to organize clean and dirty stuff
• Sleeping bag (-10C°): you can bring your own or rent from TX
• Earplugs for the night
• Toiletries, Sunscreen
• Moisturizers, Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: Band-aids, moleskin, etc.