Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 7 days - Private service

The Salkantay Trek: A Spectacular Journey to Machu Picchu

This route is one of the most breathtaking adventures in the Peruvian Andes, a unique experience that connects us with the majesty of nature and the rich culture of the Andean world. Along the way, we will witness stunning landscapes: imposing glaciers, sacred mountains, the magical Humantay Lake, and lush vegetation typical of the cloud forest. All of this makes the Salkantay one of the most beautiful and diverse trails in Peru.

Highlights:

• Enjoy one of the best routes to Machu Picchu.
• Personal porter (up to 7 kg/15 lb).
• See the breathtaking Apu Salkantay glacier and snow-capped peaks in one of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever witness.
• See turquoise lagoons, colorful valleys, waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, cloud forests, and unique flora and fauna.
• Explore the magical and mystical Machu Picchu with our expert guide, who will explain the history of the Incas.
• Enjoy an exclusive culinary experience: authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and cuisine that tells stories.
• Experience authentic culture: share traditions, learn from local communities, and discover Peru from its heart.
• Connect with the ancestral wisdom of the Andes. Discover the Andean worldview: a way of understanding life in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth).

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Maras - Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake - Sky Lodge

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Your hotel pickup will be at approximately 4:30 am. We will depart for the village of Maras, arriving around 6:00 am, just in time to enjoy the morning tranquility and the first rays of sunlight on the Andean landscapes.

In Maras, you will not only discover spectacular Andean landscapes and ancient salt mines, but also the warmth and wisdom of its people. We will begin the day with an authentic experience, sharing a delicious traditional breakfast with our porters from the local community.

This special moment is an opportunity to get to know the people who make every adventure in the Andes possible. Around a simple table, yet full of flavor and tradition, you can taste local products while listening to life stories, mountain anecdotes, and customs passed down from generation to generation.

More than just a meal, this breakfast is an act of gratitude and human connection. A space to appreciate the work of the porters, who represent the strength, humility, and solidarity of the Andean communities. We will then continue in our tourist transport to Challacancha, passing through Mollepata. We will travel through rural landscapes with views of Apu Salkantay and Humantay, sacred mountains for the local communities. From Mollepata, we will continue for about 40 more minutes by vehicle to Challacancha, the official starting point of the Salkantay trek.

In Challacancha (3,600 m a.s.l.), we will meet our muleteers and horses, who will accompany us throughout the trek, carrying our luggage. From here, we will begin an approximately 3-hour hike towards Soraypampa, through an open and majestic landscape, with constant views of Apu Salkantay and the glacial valleys.

Our destination will be the welcoming Lodge del Cielo, located in Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), where we will spend the night surrounded by nature, fresh air, and starry skies. This will be the perfect spot to acclimatize and prepare for the big hike the next day towards the Salkantay Pass.

In Soraypampa, a natural, tranquil, and majestic setting, we prepare to enjoy a comforting lunch and recharge our energy. You'll experience an authentic and refreshing treat: preparing traditional mango ceviche, a local recipe that blends native ingredients with the creativity of the farming communities.

You'll be an active participant in its preparation. You'll be welcomed with a brief explanation of the dish's history. Mango ceviche, unlike classic fish ceviche, uses fresh, ripe mangoes grown in lower-lying areas and brought to this community, where they are combined with red onion, yellow chili pepper (ají amarillo or limo), freshly squeezed lime juice, Maras salt, and a touch of herbs like huacatay or Andean mint.

During the preparation:

• You'll learn to peel and cut the mango at the perfect point of ripeness.
• You'll discover the secrets of Andean seasoning, balancing acidity, spiciness, and sweetness.
• You'll learn the secrets of Andean seasoning, balancing acidity, spiciness, and sweetness.
• You'll hear stories and customs related to the use of mangoes in special celebrations or harvest time.

At the end, you'll share ceviche, accompanied by toasted corn kernels, herbal teas, or local chicha (a fermented beverage). More than a cooking class, it's a profound connection with the flavors, knowledge, and hospitality of Andean culture.

In the afternoon, after enjoying a comforting lunch in Soraypampa, we'll begin a hike up to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, located at the foot of the imposing snow-capped mountain of the same name. This natural jewel with its turquoise waters is one of the most photographed landscapes on the route and a place imbued with spiritual energy according to the Andean worldview.

After admiring the surroundings and taking unforgettable photos, we'll begin our descent back to Soraypampa, where a magical night awaits us under a starry sky, surrounded by mountains, in our comfortable Sky Lodge.

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Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata – Pampajaponesa

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After a restorative rest in Soraypampa and a nutritious breakfast overlooking the glaciers, we will begin our day ascending through high mountain landscapes. As we progress, the snow-capped Humantay rises behind us, while the imposing Apu Salkantay begins to reveal itself in all its splendor.

Our first stop is Salkantaypampa, a panoramic viewpoint from where we can clearly observe the magnificence of the Salkantay mountain, considered sacred in the Andean worldview. The surroundings are breathtaking: vast plains, pure silence, and fresh high-altitude air.

This is a special moment to connect with the power of the Andes and feel the spiritual energy of the Apus, sacred protectors of these lands. At this point, we will place our apachetas (stone cairns).

According to the Andean worldview, placing a stone on the apacheta is a gesture of respect and gratitude to the Apus (mountain spirits) and to Pachamama (Mother Earth). In doing so, hikers ask for protection, strength to continue their journey, or leave a symbolic thought for those who have passed on. It is also a way to integrate themselves into the path, to "leave a mark" without harming, offering instead of taking.

We will continue ascending gradually towards Ichupata, surrounded by typical high-altitude vegetation such as ichu (Andean grass) and small ravines. This part of the trek allows us to acclimatize better and enjoy the transition of the landscape to a more alpine ecosystem.

Finally, we will arrive at our campsite in Pampa Japonesa, located on the slopes of the Salkantay mountain. This quiet and secluded spot offers spectacular views of the mountain and the starry sky at nightfall.

After settling into camp, we will have time to rest, enjoy afternoon tea, and share a hot dinner amidst a high-altitude landscape that inspires respect and contemplation.

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Day 3: Pampajaponesa – Incachiriaska – Yanacaca – Pampacahuana

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This will be the most challenging day of our trek.

The ascent to the pass will take us between 1 and 2 hours, along a demanding stretch with steep slopes and sharp turns.

As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly breathtaking, until finally the imposing rock formation of the pass is revealed. There, we will take a short break of 10 to 15 minutes to regain our energy and admire the views.

Although the trail is narrow and steep, anyone in good physical condition and acclimatized to the altitude will be able to reach this point safely.

After crossing the pass, we begin the descent, traversing the characteristic high Andean landscapes. Finally, we will arrive at our campsite, where we will have lunch, rest, and spend the night surrounded by nature and tranquility.

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Day 4: Pampacahuana – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

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After enjoying breakfast, we'll begin a 4-hour descent along an ancient Inca canal, leading us to the archaeological site of Paucarcancha. Along the way, we'll traverse a beautiful cloud forest, perfect for connecting with nature and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Upon arrival, we'll explore the Paucarcancha archaeological site, a lesser-known gem of the Inca legacy. Then, we'll enter the Cusichaca Valley, where a delicious lunch awaits us, and we'll have the opportunity to meet our support team—our muleteers—who will accompany us for the rest of the trek.

After lunch, we'll continue our hike for 30 minutes to the village of Wayllabamba, and from there, we'll embark on a final 2-hour trek to our campsite in Ayapata. Once settled in, we'll enjoy a traditional afternoon tea and a comforting dinner under the Andean sky.

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Day 5: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay - Yanacocha – Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha

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Around 5:00 to 5:30 a.m., breakfast will be ready to begin a challenging day filled with natural beauty. Our trek starts with the ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail: Warmi Huañusca Pass (4,200 m a.s.l.), also known as Dead Woman's Pass. The climb is demanding, but the views from the summit reward every step.

From the pass, we will begin the descent to the Pacaymayu campsite (3,550 m a.s.l.), where it is common to spot hummingbirds and a wide variety of Andean birds. Along the way, we will cross a dense cloud forest at 3,650 meters, home to native species such as Polylepis or Queuña trees, which add a magical touch to the landscape.

Once at Pacaymayu, we will take a well-deserved rest and enjoy a revitalizing lunch. In the afternoon, we'll continue our trek towards Chaquicocha, where our next campsite is located. Along the way, we'll cross the second highest pass on the route, Runkurakay, surrounded by ancient Inca ruins and spectacular views. Upon arrival at Chaquicocha, a comforting dinner under the stars will be waiting for us.

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Day 6: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna

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After breakfast, around 6:00 a.m., we'll begin the day with a gentle ascent to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, whose Quechua name means "Village Above the Clouds." Shortly after, we'll reach the third highest pass on the Inca Trail, at 3,680 meters above sea level, where we'll enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, deep canyons, and the surrounding natural environment.

The Inca complex of Phuyupatamarca is located just a few minutes from the pass, and after exploring it, we'll continue descending through a beautiful cloud forest, enjoying the changing landscape and climate.

Our hike today will last approximately 4 to 5 hours. We'll arrive at the Wiñay Wayna campsite (2,680 meters above sea level) just in time for lunch. This privileged location is next to the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), which we will have the opportunity to visit in the afternoon.

At the end of the day, we will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea and a delicious dinner, while we prepare for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

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Day 7: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

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We will begin between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., depending on the campsite location (the campsite is assigned by the Ministry of Culture). It's time to get up and prepare for Day 4 of the Inca Trail, the final leg of your journey to Machu Picchu.

A boxed breakfast will be provided. By 6:30 a.m., we will arrive at the Sun Gate. Here, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu unfolds before us, revealing its breathtaking beauty—an incredible sight for everyone! It's an extraordinary moment to imagine what the Incas must have experienced during their arduous journey to this expansive temple of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, we will descend into the citadel of Machu Picchu.

The first part we will visit is Circuit 1B, or the upper terraces. Here, we will give a brief explanation of the site, and you will have a great opportunity to take a classic photo at one of the seven wonders of Machu Picchu. From there, we will descend to the checkpoint where we will register and leave our belongings (optional, extra cost for lockers), to re-enter (with a second entrance ticket) this time inside the Machu Picchu citadel (entrance to circuit 3B, depending on availability) with your professional guide who will lead you through the incredible archaeological area, showing you its main streets, city squares, and finely carved stone staircases.

Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Temple of the Sun, as well as the Sacred square, the Royal Tomb, and the Main square. Machu Picchu is considered the spiritual center, the center of esoteric wisdom in the world. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site at your own pace.

Return to Cusco: Descend to Aguas Calientes and then board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Please note that the train departure time may vary depending on the schedule and train availability. Once you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, our transportation will be ready to meet you and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

NOTE: Please check the availability of entrance tours within the Machu Picchu citadel with your sales respresentative.

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End of our Services

INCLUDES

• Pre-departure information: You will meet your Salkantay and Inca Trail guide and group at our office for a pre-trek orientation. At this time, we will provide you with the duffel bags that our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trek begins. If you are unable to attend at this time, please let us know so we can arrange another time.
• Tourist transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and you will travel by private transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek.
• Experienced Inca and Salkantay Trail tour guide: Your English-speaking, professional, and certified tour guide will all grow up in this region and have a genuine passion for sharing their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, healthy, and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy your time along the Inca Trail and ensure your safety and happiness...
• Experienced Cultural Tour Guide in Machu Picchu: English-speaking, professional, and certified in tourism. For visiting the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
• Private Campsites: Each campsite is carefully selected to give you a highly personalized experience.
  • Night 1: Relax in a soft bed at our Sky Lodge in the Soraypampa campsite under the watchful gaze of the sacred mountains Apu Humantay and Salkantay. Spend the hours as you wish, gazing at the stars through your elegant glass roof!
  • Night 2: Enjoy your second night in the Japanese pampa on the Salkantay/Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but sleep only 2, leaving plenty of room to stretch out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and trekking poles so you don't have to track dirt in.
  • Night 3: Enjoy your third night in Sisay Pampa on the Salkantay/Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in, leaving plenty of room to stretch out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and trekking poles so you don't have to track dirt in.
  • Night 4: Enjoy your fourth night in Wayllabamba on the Salkantay/Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in, leaving plenty of room to stretch out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and trekking poles so you don't have to track dirt in.
  • Night 5: Enjoy your fifth night at Pacaymayu Camp on the Salkantay/Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in, leaving plenty of room to stretch out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and trekking poles so you don't have to track dirt in.
  • Night 6: Enjoy your sixth night at Wiñayhuayna Camp on the Salkantay/Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in, leaving plenty of room to stretch out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, providing extra outdoor space to leave your boots and trekking poles so you don't have to track dirt in.
  • Note: It is unusual for campsites, cabins, or hotels to change after confirmation. However, changes may occur due to government regulations and permits, adverse weather conditions, and the physical condition of our visitors. Inka Trail Expeditions Perú will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
• Camping equipment: dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entrance ticket to Salkantay/Humantay Lake
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail (spaces are limited)
• Entrance ticket to the Inca site of Machu Picchu
• 1 duffel bag: You can put your belongings in it.
• Mules/horses: We will give you your duffel bag at your briefing the night before; this is for carrying your belongings.

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org or by WhatsApp (+51) 970 506 205 and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”

NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

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