Salkantay & Inca Trail: 6-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast, we start our trek for the day. First, we join the main route of the Salkantay Trek. From Salkantay Pampa, it takes approximately 5 hours to reach Yanaccacca (4,200 m/13,451 ft), where we will have lunch at our campsite. Along the way, we have the opportunity to observe the breathtaking scenery of the sacred mountains of Humantay (5,917 m/19,412 ft) and Salkantay (6,271 m/20,574 ft). The Salkantay Mountain is considered by Andean cultures to be an "Apu" (a mountain god) of great importance. We continue through a lovely valley filled with native flowers and impressive views of the mountain in front of us.

Then, we ascend to the Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass; 5,100 m/16,700 ft), the highest point on the entire trek. From this point, we can admire the closest view of Salkantay and the area dotted with small mountain lagoons and old glaciers of diverse shades of blue. If we are lucky, we might see viscachas (chinchillas), white-tailed deer, and hopefully some rare animals such as a condor, guanaco, and vicuña.

Upon arrival at the Yanaccacca campsite, we have lunch and take a break to relax.

After our break, we will hike down for 2 and 3 hours until we reach the Inca Canal campsite. During the hike, we will make stops to rest and take pictures. We will descend to the Sisay Pampa Camp (3,790 m), where we can fully appreciate the imposing Andean topography. This quiet and cozy place is home to llamas and alpacas, and if we're lucky, we might see a condor. There is also a local school. When we arrive at Inca Canal Campsite (3900/, we set up camp and later have dinner. The night might be a bit colder due to the altitude, so please remember to pack enough warm clothes.

Estimated trekking time: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m (13,451 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,900 m (12795.28 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult

Today, we leave the main route of the Salkantay and switch to the route of the Inca Trail. A challenging trek awaits us today, so we finish our breakfast to gain more energy and get ready for the journey. First, we start descending for 1 hour to the Cusichaca Valley until we reach the small village of Pampacahuana (4,000 m/13,123 ft), where we can appreciate ancient Incan channels.

Next, we hike for 3 hours to reach Paucarcancha (3,205 m/10,515 ft). There, our tour guide shows us around the antique Inca ruins called Inkaracay. Then we descend for a few minutes to the town of Wayllabamba (3,000 m/9,842 ft). Here, we say goodbye to our muleteer and horses and welcome our porters as we join the route of the Inca Trail, where only porters are permitted. Before we continue climbing, we enjoy lunch. During the hike, we can appreciate the cloud forest with its native trees, orchids, mosses, ferns, and birds. Finally, we arrive at our next campsite at Ayapata (3,325 m/10,908.79 ft).

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Max. elevation: 5,100 m/16,700 ft
Min. elevation: 3,325 m/10,908.79 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Early after breakfast, you start ascending towards the highest point of the trail - Abra Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman´s Pass) at 4,200 metres passing through the cloud forests of Yunkachimpa and Corral Punku offering excellent views of surrounding snowcapped peaks. From Warmiwañusqa, you descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,300 m), where you have a lunch break. Then you continue hiking through the valley to the Inca´s ruins of Runkuracay where a guided tour follows. Afterwards, you climb up and get over the second pass - Abra Runkurakay (3,860m) walking on this "Royal Inca´s Highway" down to the next Incan site - Sayacmarca. On the way, you pass the Yanacocha Lake. In the end, we get to our second campsite - Chaquicocha (3,670 m).

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 12 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m (12,630 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging

Today, we start hiking passing through lovely subtropical vegetation and many important archaeological sites. Before we reach the first site, we get over Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,670 m) and just behind it, we can see the Phuyupatamarca Incan complex (3,600 m), one of the best preserved and most completed sites of the trek. The complex is located on the top of a mountain and it corresponds with its Quechuan name that means the "Town above the Clouds". After a guided tour, we have lunch there. Then, we start a steep descent via a cloud forest offering an opportunity to see beautiful orchids and different bird species on the way to our last campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m). There we have a guided tour of the same-named impressive archaeological complex consisting of a religious sector, urban sector and an agricultural center with lots of stepped terraces. Afterwards, we are served dinner and then we go to sleep to get ready for the "icing on the cake" of the trail - Machu Picchu!!

Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,670 m (12,040 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate

Early morning of the last day, we climb antique steps to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) to see the sunrise above the long-expected citadel of Machu Picchu!! Then, you enjoy a 2 and half an hour guided visit of the so called "Lost City of the Incas"!! Afterwards, you have an opportunity to climb the peak of Wayna Picchu (45 minutes up and the same time back) on your own to take some panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu!! In the afternoon, you descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to take a train back to Cusco. Arrival in the evening. 

Estimated trekking time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 4 km
Max. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,400 m (7,875 ft)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide (our guide will visit your hotel a day before);
• Transfer by private vehicle to Soraypampa - the initial point of the trek;
• Accommodation: Campsites (5 nights);
• Entrance fees to the red of Salkantay, Inca Trail Permit and Machu Picchu fee;
• Meals: 5x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner and 5x afternoon hot beverages (please advice us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost);
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 8 participants receives 1 Guide, a group over 9 persons receives 2 Guides);
• Trekking chef;
• Super Muleteer;
• Super Horses and Porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and personal belonging (7 kg), Porters to do so in the second part (due to very strict Inca Trail regulations);
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (3 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress); 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A blanket per person
• A pillow
• Rain Ponchos;
• A pair hiking poles;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• Food;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu citadel to Aguas Calientes Town;
• A Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

• Breakfast on the day 1 and lunch on the last day;
• A shuttle bus high from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($12- one way);
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($ 80);
• International and domestic flights nor airport departure taxes;
• Travel insurance Peru;
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Travelers: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek's price!. If you need to book the flight, let us know, we can try to get the best price, contact us.

It’s very important to take Extra Money. You need to take at least 200-300 soles emergency money:

• The local people built the small markets in the route and you can find the water, snack, chocolate, cola etc.
• Your first breakfast, last lunch no included
• Entrence fee to the hot spring
• If you cannot walk to Salkantay trek, our guide will help to you to up the horse.
• Tip to Salkantay Inca Trail: If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide(s), and staff did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference: however as a guideline we suggest each hiker contributes USD 50 per person to a collective tipping pool, more is always appreciated.

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. The horses carry your luggage from Soraypampa (1st day) to Huayllabamba (3th day). 4 day Inca Trail hike our porter carry your luggage from Huayllabamba to Wiñayhuayna. Our porter takes your luggage to the Aguas Calientes town. They will leave in a restaurant your luggage and that finishing the trek, you can meet. We recommend keeping the weight under 7 kg/15lb.

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Salkantay trek and Inca Trail is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to put your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

Climate in Cusco: The highland region of Cusco has well defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June - August) are very sunny and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night. Rainy season is from January to March. December and January are two of the nicest months for trekking with only the occasional shower and blooming flowers.

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the five, Six and seven day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

• Original passport,
• Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable)
• Travel insurance,
• Pocket money in Nuevos Soles,
• A small rucksack,
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill.
• Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during the entire trek, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.

Many are the routes that are included in Machu Picchu Vacation Packages, but none is like the Inca Trail, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

Few travel excursions will top as many bucket lists as the Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu and for good reason. Combining sub-tropical jungle, lush cloud forests and staggering alpine scenery, the 44-kilometre trek is ranked among the finest in the world.

But there are certain drawbacks. With an increasing number of travellers looking for their piece of the action – 2012 saw 62,789 pass the main gate of the trail. This is one adventure thats fast becoming the most popular trek in the world.

In a bid to minimise environmental impact, the Peruvian Government now issues just 500 permits a day (with up to 300 of those going to cooks, porters and guides), meaning those looking to travel in peak season, May to September will often need to apply for permits months in advance.But to avoid crowds and red tape, a great option is to look at some of the lesser-known alternative treks. The exhilarating, high altitude Salkantay Trek is steadily growing a reputation.

Encompassing five different ecosystems over the same number of days, the ancient path offers a mind-blowing mix of snow-capped glacial mountains, lush tropical rainforests and vast Lord of the Rings-style plains across Mt Salkantay rising 6,271 metres above sea level.

And while the Salkantay may not possess the international brag factor of the Inca Trail, its advantages are many.The Salkantay Trek offers a different experience to the Inca Trail and delivers the best vistas of the Salkantay mountain as well as superb hiking.

Also, you don't need porters. Most travellers on the Salkantay Trek using animals, such as mules or horses. You get really close to the majestic Mt Salkantay, and its possible to stay either in lodges or camp. It's important to note the Salkantay Trek will require a permit from 2015. It doesn't lead directly to Machu Picchu though it does still culminate at the site following a brief transfer from nearby Aguas Calientes on the final morning.

The Salkantay Trek is also a more strenuous alternative to the Inca Trail, the altitude is higher in several places and there is some steep, rugged terrain to tackle. That said, a little bit of prior fitness training goes a long way and people of all ages, in good physical condition, with some hiking experience will do fine on this trek.
If you have the time and energy many people trek both trails as they a really both unique unto themselves.

Inca Trail vs Salkantay Altitude

4 Day Inca Trail

Max. elevation: Dead Woman’s Pass 4,250 meters / 13943.57 feet

5 Day Salkantay Trek

Max. elevation: Salkantay Mountain’s Pass 4,620 meters / 15157.48 feet

Inca Trail to Salkantay Trek cost

Inca Trail: U$ 680 per person included the porters for your personal belonging

Salkantay Trek: U$ 550 per person included the horses for your personal belonging

In the both hike, it is included all camping equipment such sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, hiking poles.

Inca Trail and Salkantay Permits

Inca Trail: it is included the Inca Trail permits and Official Machu Picchu tickets, it is very important to book in advance, because there are only 500 spaces available everyday included trekkers, guides and porters.

Salkantay Trek: It is included the Salkantay and Machu Picchu tickets. Book in advance, there are limited for the Machu Picchu tickets. Usually the all tour operator require the entrance fee between to 6:00 am or 7:00 am for your guided tour.

What do you views during the hike to the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek?

What do you view on the Inca Trail? 

What do you view during the hike to Salkantay?