Salkantay Trek Expedition: The Inca Route That Combines the Inca Trail

Today is a special day because we will see Salkantay Mountain in all its glory. We will wake up early, enjoy breakfast, and then receive important recommendations and safety briefings about the trail from our guide. Once we are ready, we begin our hike toward the mountain.

The first section of the trail is flat and offers beautiful views of the mountain. We cross a small, snow-fed river and then hike uphill for about 40 minutes until we reach a flat area where we take a short break. Then, we hike uphill for another 40 minutes to reach Uchupata. There, we enjoy incredible views of Salkantay Mountain and have time to take photos. From this point, we can also see the high pass of the classic Salkantay trek where other hikers follow the traditional route.

We continue walking to further appreciate the mountain until we reach Inca Chiriaska and observe the stunning Salkantay Lake. This beautiful lake is fed by glacial waters from the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After taking time to admire the scenery, we continue the ascent to the highest pass, which is 15,912 feet (4,850 meters) high. Throughout the hike, we are accompanied by breathtaking views of Salkantay.

After crossing the pass, we observe the melting snow. With some luck, we may spot viscachas, Andean deer (taruka), or other wildlife. These animals were considered sacred during Inca times. Then, we descend to our campsite at Yanacaca, where we enjoy lunch.

After a short rest and saying farewell to the sacred Salkantay Mountain, we continue hiking. Along the way, we pass through three flat sections with stunning landscapes and incredible mountain vistas. During this part of the hike, we cross the river three times as it winds through the valley, blocking parts of the trail.

After passing through this spectacular area, we will follow a narrower trail to our campsite at Pampacahuarina. Along the way, we take in the views of the Salkantay River and the Inca Canal, an ancient water channel built by the Incas. Though parts of the canal have been lost due to a lack of maintenance, we can still admire this impressive example of Inca engineering.

Upon arriving at the campsite, we enjoy dinner and go to sleep early in preparation for hiking part of the Inca Trail the next day.

Min Altitude: 12,467 ft / 3,800 m (Pampacahuarina Campsite)
Max Altitude: 15,978 ft / 4,870 m (Inca Chiriaska Pass)
Hiking Duration: 12 hours
Physical Rating: Difficult
Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Snack

Today, we will wake up early, enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and continue hiking toward the Inca Trail trailhead at kilometer 82. The hike takes about eight hours, and the entire route is downhill.

After breakfast, we start our descent along the trail and admire the river that the Incas once tried to divert. As we enter the subtropical zone, it is important to use mosquito repellent, especially during certain seasons when mosquitoes are more abundant. During the hike, we enjoy the region’s rich flora, including native flowers and orchids.

We arrive at the Paucarcancha Inca site, where we explore the ruins with our guide. Then, we continue hiking to the Huayllabamba checkpoint and officially enter the Inca Trail. We enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes along the trail during the hike before stopping for lunch.

Afterwards, we hike in the opposite direction of the classic Inca Trail as if leaving it behind. We observe the impressive Patallacta Inca site and enjoy a guided tour of the Qoriwachina (Corihuarachina) Inca site. There, we admire the Inca terraces and learn about the history and construction of these ancient structures.

In the afternoon, we head to the train station and take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night at a hotel. We rest and prepare for the next day—a very special day—as we will visit Machu Picchu.

Min Altitude: 8,268 ft / 2,520 m (Qoriwachina Train Station)
Max Altitude: 12,467 ft / 3,800 m (Inca Chiriaska Pass)
Hiking Duration: 8 hours
Physical Rating: Moderate / Easy
Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Snack

Today, we will visit the dramatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, hidden between two imposing mountains and shrouded in mystery.

We will wake up early and head to the bus station according to the assigned Machu Picchu circuit at the time of booking. Your wake-up time depends on the entry time printed on your Machu Picchu ticket.

During the bus ride, you will enjoy the beautiful subtropical landscapes and rich flora.

Upon arrival, our guide will lead you to the main entrance, where you will present your passport and ticket for verification. Once your information is confirmed, you will enter Machu Picchu via the designated route. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour, during which you will learn about the history of the citadel and have time to take photos.

After the tour, you will exit the citadel. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we highly recommend booking these tickets in advance, as they are limited. If you have one of these permits, you will hike independently. From these mountains, you will enjoy a spectacular and unique viewpoint of Machu Picchu.

After finishing your visit, take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch on your own, then return to your hotel to collect your belongings. Then, head to the train station for the return train to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting there to take you back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel upon arrival, marking the end of the Salkantay Trek Expedition.

• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Soraypampa;
• Accommodation: camping (2 nights), Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night);
• Salkantay and Inca Trail Permits & entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 2x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional trekking cook;
• A muleteer for your hike;
• Horses to carry food, camping, cooking equipment and and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
  Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress) and cover;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) and a sheet for the sleeping bag;
• A comfortable pillow with a clean cover;
• A pair for the hiking poles;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• Rain Ponchos;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Tourist train round trip to Machu Picchu;
• A shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Medical Kit & Oxygen Bottle;
• Sustainable Travel: When you book the Salkantay Trek Expedition to Machu Picchu 4 Days with Tierras Vivas, we are committed to supporting various social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in the Andean communities. Visit us to Responsible People!

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff will provided the following:

• Our staff will provided the Biodegradable soap;
• Every morning our trekking chef will provide the hot water for personal cleaning;
• Small towels for your clean your hands
• Our trekking cook will provide you with hot water bottles each night to put inside your sleeping bag in case you get cold.
• Portable Two-Way Radio Communication: Two pairs of radios will be used by our guide and trekking chef to communicate throughout the trek. These radios are connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP. If you want to learn more about the importance of this radio communication, visit 'Radio Communication vs. Satellite Phone.

• First breakfast and last lunch.
• Travel insurance is not mandatory, but we recommend it in case of an emergency before the trek. Our departure is 100% guaranteed.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80).
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory).
• Other extras not mentioned.

The Salkantay Trek Expedition to Machu Picchu includes a professional tour guide, an experienced trekking cook, and muleteers. Tierras Vivas also provides a dedicated trip representative who will keep you informed and assist you throughout your journey.

Our tour guides aim to provide a seamless, stress-free experience and ensure that our travelers enjoy the best possible trip. They share detailed information about the places visited, offer recommendations on what to see and do, suggest good places to eat, and introduce you to other members of our team. They have extensive knowledge of the visited cities and regions, as well as expertise in nature, history, traditions, Inca culture, and the native plants along the trail. This expertise includes knowledge of the historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. When beneficial, we also work with local guides whose specialized knowledge enhances the visitor experience.

All of our guides are professionally trained at the university level, are fluent in foreign languages, and are highly experienced. Tierras Vivas provides ongoing training each year in first aid, emergency response in high-altitude environments, mountain guiding, and guiding within Machu Picchu.

Our trip representatives are professional tourism graduates who speak foreign languages fluently. They will contact you before and after the Salkantay Trek Expedition to keep track of your guide, cook, and muleteers and ensure that everything runs smoothly. They confirm departure times, coordinate logistics with the team, and provide additional information when needed. In case of an emergency, your representative will be available to assist you and provide immediate support.

Our trekking cooks specialize in preparing traditional Andean cuisine with fresh, natural ingredients from the countryside. Meals are prepared according to your dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with celiac disease. Our cooks receive specialized training in food handling, hygiene, and high-altitude meal preparation to ensure safety and quality throughout the trek.

All staff receive regular training each year in first aid, high-altitude emergency response, step-by-step emergency procedures, and customer care.

Meeting Point & Pre-Trek Briefing

One or two days before the trek, your guide and trip representative will visit your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to provide a detailed briefing and important information about your Salkantay Trek Expedition. Please inform us in advance of your accommodations in Cusco so that we can schedule this meeting accordingly.

After the briefing, our representative will ask for your WhatsApp number, which will be our main means of communication with you. If you need assistance or more information about additional excursions, our representative will be available to help you at any time.

Salkantay (6271m) is a glacial summit situated less than fifty miles northwest of Cusco city in the southern region of Peru by the Cordillera Vilcanota. Salkantay is a striking snow-topped peak, honored for thousands of years by the native Indians. The name Salkantay is a quechua word, meaning "Savage Mountain". It is the 38th tallest peak in the Andes and the twelfth tallest in Peru. However, as a sphere high point in deeply carved landscape, it is the second most geographically easily seen crest in the country, after Huascaran.

This Salkantay Trek Expedition follows a newly discovered route, offering travelers the opportunity to explore lesser-known landscapes and learn more about the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

On the first day, we visit the Tarawasi Inca Temple before continuing by vehicle to Soraypampa. From here, we begin trekking through the countryside of Ichupata, where we enjoy impressive views of Salkantay Mountain. The route continues to Inca Chiriaska, one of the most remarkable highlights of this new Salkantay trek. We then cross the Inca Chiriaska Pass, the highest point of the Vilcabamba mountain range, where we observe the stunning Salkantay Lake. The day ends with a hike through some of the most beautiful and untouched areas of this new Salkantay Expedition route.

On the second day, we descend to connect with the ancient Inca water canal, and along the way, we visit and appreciate several impressive Inca archaeological sites.

The third day features a gradual descent with spectacular views of Mount Ocobamba. From there, we hike to Chuqueñana Pass and continue along a beautiful section of the trail until reaching Km 88 of the Inca Trail. In the afternoon, we board the train to Aguas Calientes.

On the fourth day, we visit the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.