Salkantay Trek 6D/5N

Your adventure begins around 5:00 a.m., when your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. A private vehicle will take you on a scenic drive of approximately three and a half hours to Soraypampa, passing traditional villages such as Iscuchaca and Limatambo, as well as spectacular Andean valleys and snow-covered peaks.

After enjoying breakfast at the trailhead, you’ll admire magnificent views of Humantay Mountain (5,900 m / 19,356 ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217 m / 20,396 ft). Your duffel bag will be loaded onto the horses, allowing you to hike comfortably with only a daypack.

A round-trip hike of approximately 2.5 hours leads to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Afterwards, the trail continues with a gentle ascent toward Salkantaypampa, where camp will already be prepared. Upon arrival, enjoy hot drinks, light snacks, and a delicious dinner while surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 13 km (8.1 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Wake up with a hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast to prepare for another rewarding day on the trail. Today’s hike follows a quieter route away from the crowds, climbing gradually for approximately three hours through stunning alpine scenery.

After a nourishing lunch, continue hiking for another three hours toward the campsite located near the imposing Salkantay Mountain. Throughout the journey, enjoy incredible views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes, and wide Andean valleys.

Upon reaching camp, relax with warm drinks and appetizers while taking in the spectacular scenery before dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Start the morning with a warm beverage before breakfast to help prepare for the cool mountain temperatures. Today’s route begins with a gradual four-hour ascent toward Incachiriaska Pass (4,880 m / 16,010 ft).

The Quechua name Incachiriaska means “the place where the Inca cools down.” This high mountain pass is also one of the best places to spot the majestic Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world.

After reaching the summit, the trail gradually descends toward Sisaypampa, where camp will be set up for another peaceful night surrounded by the Andes.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate

After breakfast, we begin hiking toward the beautiful valley of Pampacahua, where you’ll see an ancient Inca irrigation canal that is still used today by local farming communities. As we continue, we visit our first archaeological site of the day, Paucarcancha, an important Inca settlement hidden within the valley.

Following the visit, we continue to Wayllabamba, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we hike for approximately four hours until reaching KM 82, the traditional entrance to the Classic Inca Trail. From there, our private transportation takes us to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner before resting for the next stage of the adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
• Accommodation: 2★ Hotel (Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge)
• Distance: 9 km (6 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Today’s adventure begins early at 5:30 a.m. as your guide escorts you to the Ollantaytambo train station. Before boarding, you’ll receive your packed lunch to carry during the hike. The train departs at 6:10 a.m., offering spectacular views of the Sacred Valley along the journey. If requested in advance, your hotel can prepare a boxed breakfast to enjoy onboard.

Upon arrival at KM 104 (2,000 m / 6,560 ft), the trekking portion begins. After crossing the Urubamba River and passing the checkpoint with your passport, you’ll visit the first Inca archaeological site of the day.

The first section follows a gentle uphill trail with impressive viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River. As the hike continues, you’ll pass through lush cloud forests before reaching a beautiful waterfall after a slightly steeper ascent.

Crossing the bridge beneath the waterfall brings you to the spectacular archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m / 8,500 ft). Here, your guide will explain the history of the site, its remarkable architecture, and the diverse flora and fauna surrounding the area before stopping for lunch nearby.

After lunch, continue hiking for about an hour along a scenic trail that includes the famous stone staircase known as the “Gringo Killers.” Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Take your time to admire the landscape and capture unforgettable photographs before descending toward the citadel. Along the way, your guide will continue sharing fascinating information about the Inca Trail and its historical significance.

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, you’ll stop at the famous Guard House viewpoint, one of the best locations for the classic postcard photograph of the sanctuary. Since you’ll arrive later in the afternoon, there are usually fewer visitors, allowing for a quieter experience and excellent photography opportunities.

Afterward, take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. You may also explore the town, visit the hot springs, or simply relax after an unforgettable day.

• Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: 3★ Hotel Ferre’ Machu Picchu
• Difficulty: Moderate

Note: Your duffel bag will be left at the Ollantaytambo train station and transported directly to Aguas Calientes by train.

Today is the highlight of your journey. After an early breakfast, you’ll board one of the first shuttle buses to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to witness the sunrise over the ancient Inca citadel.

Your guide will lead a comprehensive tour lasting approximately two hours, visiting the most important sectors of Machu Picchu while explaining its fascinating history, architecture, and cultural significance.

After the guided visit, those who have reserved the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain hike in advance may complete it independently, as this activity is not guided.

Once you’ve finished exploring, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch (not included), shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the local museum or hot springs, depending on your train schedule.

Later in the afternoon, board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying spectacular views along the Urubamba River. During the journey, keep an eye on the canyon walls where you may spot Wiñay Wayna from a unique perspective.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is expected at approximately 7:00 p.m.

• Meals: Breakfast