Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
Experience the most comprehensive Machu Picchu trekking tour available. This unique 7-day Salkantay and Inca Trail combo is more than just a hike; it is an unforgettable expedition that blends the rugged beauty of the Andes with the profound history of the ancient Inca civilization.
Why Choose the Salkantay & Inca Trail Combo?
For adventurers seeking a more diverse experience than the classic Inca Trail, this alternative route delivers. Your journey begins in the historic city of Cusco, leading you through the formidable Salkantay Mountain range.
Trek Highlights:
- High-Altitude Adventure: Ascend to the Salkantay Pass at 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) for unparalleled Andean views.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Hike through snow-capped peaks, lush cloud forests, and vibrant tropical valleys.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit traditional Peruvian villages and explore hidden archaeological sites.
- The Grand Finale: End your journey with a majestic sunrise tour of Machu Picchu.
This 7-day Peru trek is a physical challenge and a spiritual pilgrimage, designed for those who want to see the very best of the Andes. Book your Salkantay adventure today and step into the footsteps of the Incas.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to km.82 (starting point of the trail)
Entrance Ticket
Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees
Personal tents
2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field. kailas tent or north face tent
Mattress
One inflatable sleeping pad per person
Dining tent
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Toilet tent
Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horses
Horses to carry the team gear
Porters
Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Meals
Meals (06B, 06L, 06D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Soap
Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
Detergents
Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
Bus Ticket
Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Train Ticket
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition, Vistadome, upon request +US$80)
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Others
hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
What’s not included
Breakfast
Breakfast on the first day
Meals
Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Personal Porter
Extra porter 14 kilos US$180
Personal Tent
Personal Tent US$60
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$1,100
Itinerary
Detailed 7-Day Salkantay Trek & Classic Inca Trail Itinerary
This unique 7-day expedition combines the rugged beauty of the Salkantay Trek with the historic significance of the Traditional Inca Trail. Follow this day-by-day guide to the ultimate Machu Picchu adventure.
Day 1: Cusco | Humantay Lake | Soraypampa
Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa (3,400m)
Your Machu Picchu adventure begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to the village of Mollepata. Here, you will meet your expert wranglers and mules. The trek starts with a picturesque ascent toward Humantay Mountain (5,917m).
After a nutritious lunch in Checchicancha, we continue to our first campsite at Soraypampa. The day’s highlight is a rewarding afternoon hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial marvel nestled among the peaks.
- Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Sunset views of Salkantay Peak.
Day 2: The Heart of the Andes | Pampa Japonesa
Route: Soraypampa – Pampa Japonesa (4,300m)
Today, you leave the crowds behind as you venture deeper into the Salkantay mountain range. The trail crosses a vast Andean plain with unparalleled vistas of snow-capped glaciers. We camp at Pampa Japonesa, a high-altitude site located just 1km from the base of the mighty Salkantay. Falling asleep to the sound of distant crashing glaciers makes this one of the most unique nights on any Peru trekking tour.
Day 3: High Altitudes & Andean Condors
Route: Pampa Japonesa – Incachiriaska Pass – Sisay Pampa
Prepare to reach the trek’s highest point. We ascend for four hours to the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880m). This "frozen" pass offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape and is the best place to spot the Andean Condor, the world's largest flying bird. After conquering the pass, the trail levels off as we descend into the serene valley of Sisay Pampa.
Day 4: Joining the Classic Inca Trail
Route: Sisay Pampa – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba (3,000m)
Today marks a transition in your journey. We descend through the Pampacahua valley, passing ancient Inca canals still used by local farmers. We explore the Paucarcancha archaeological site before arriving at Huayllabamba.
- Note: In Huayllabamba, we bid farewell to our horsemen and meet our team of Inca Trail porters, as pack animals are not permitted on the classic trail ahead.
Day 5: Conquering Dead Woman’s Pass
Route: Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusqa – Pacaymayu (3,600m)
Today, you officially enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After hiking through a rare Unca tree forest, you begin the legendary ascent of the Inca Trail. The challenge culminates at Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the classic trail at 4,200 meters. The descent follows a beautifully preserved original Inca stone path leading to the Pacaymayu campsite.
Day 6: The Cloud Forest & Ancient Ruins
Route: Pacaymayu – Sayacmarca – Wiñay Wayna (2,700m)
Often called the most beautiful day of the trek, Day 6 is rich in archaeology. You will visit the Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca ruins, perched high above the Aobamba Valley. As you enter the lush cloud forest, you’ll reach Phuyupatamarca ("The Village in the Clouds"). A final descent down thousands of ancient Inca steps brings you to Wiñay Wayna, the most impressive site before reaching Machu Picchu.
Day 7: The Sun Gate & Machu Picchu Discovery
Route: Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The grand finale! An early start leads you to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) for your first, breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu citadel at sunrise.
- Guided Tour: Your expert guide will lead a comprehensive tour of the temples, terraces, and residential quarters.
- Optional Hike: For those with energy left, climb Huayna Picchu for a bird's-eye view of the ruins.
The journey concludes with a scenic train ride back to Cusco, marking the end of your epic 7-day Peruvian odyssey.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
