Salkantay & Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 6 Days

The adventure begins very early with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (5:45 a.m.) for the transfer by private transport to the Andean village of Mollepata. During the journey, you will enjoy rural landscapes and panoramic views of the Andes.

After a brief stop, we continue to Cruz Pata (3400 m), the starting point of our trek. Here you will meet the support team (cook, muleteers, and mules), who will accompany you throughout the expedition.

The trek begins gently through a wide Andean valley, surrounded by mountains and with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay, two of the most imposing in southern Peru.

Along the way, you will notice the gradual change in the landscape, transitioning from agricultural areas to the more rugged terrain of the high mountains.

Recommended optional excursion:

Hike to Humantay Lake (4220 m), one of the most spectacular lagoons in Peru, famous for its intense turquoise color. This additional hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (round trip).

Finally, we arrive at Salkantay Pampa (3900 m), where we will set up camp.

This is one of the most demanding and spectacular days of the Salkantay Trek in Peru.

After breakfast, we begin the gradual ascent to the highest point of the entire route: the Inca Pass Chiriasqa (5200 m). This section will test your endurance, but the reward will be one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trek.

From the summit, you will enjoy a privileged view of Nevado Salkantay, considered a sacred mountain in the Andean worldview.

After a rest at the summit, we begin the descent to the Pampacahuana Valley, where the landscape changes again, revealing greener and more fertile areas.

We continue until we reach Sisay Pampa (3700 m), where we will set up camp.

After breakfast, we begin a continuous descent following the course of the Pampacahuana River, surrounded by verdant landscapes and traditional agricultural areas.

During the trek, we will visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha (Incaraqay), a little-visited Inca complex that preserves original structures, agricultural terraces, and water channels.

This point marks the beginning of a unique transition: the gradual entry onto the classic Inca Trail, making this tour an exclusive experience.

We continue until we reach Wayllabamba (3,000 m), where we will spend the night.

This day represents the greatest challenge of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

We begin early with a steady ascent through Andean forests until we reach the famous Warmiwañusqa Pass (4200 m), known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass.”

During the ascent, the landscape changes dramatically, transitioning from lush green areas to the high Andean puna.

From the summit, you will have spectacular views of the mountain range, making it one of the most photographed spots on the Inca Trail.

After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent to the Pacaymayu Valley (3500 m), where we will set up camp.

Considered one of the most complete and fascinating days of the Inca Trail trek.

After breakfast, we ascend to the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3800 m), a circular structure that served as an Inca tambo (way station).

We then continue to the second pass (3950 m) and descend to Sayacmarca, an impressive Inca city built high in the mountains.

The trek continues through Inca tunnels and along stone paths until we reach Phuyupatamarka (“City Above the Clouds”), one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the trail.

Finally, we descend to Wiñay Wayna (2700 m), where we will spend our last night camping.

The most anticipated day of the 6-day Machu Picchu trek.

We begin early towards Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you will get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise, after a 1–2 hour hike.

We descend to the citadel, where we will take a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, visiting the most important areas.

After exploring the Machu Picchu citadel, you have the option to complement your experience with a hike to two impressive mountains: Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. These visits are optional and require the purchase of an additional entrance fee, which is subject to availability and should be booked in advance.

Finally, we descend to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (lunch not included).

At the pre-arranged time, we will board the return train.