Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail

DAY 01
Cusco | Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Sky Camp
Embark on an Early Adventure to Humantay Lake

Prepare for a captivating day as we kick off early, picking you up at 4:00 a.m. to begin our journey. Our comfortable transportation, equipped with blankets, ensures a restful drive. After a 2-hour ride, we make a brief stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast before heading to Challacancha, the starting point of our trek.

Meet the skilled cooks and horse riders and conduct a final equipment check before commencing our hike. The initial 3-hour moderate walk to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) unfolds through a glacier-filled valley. The trail, often paralleling a restored Inca water channel still used by local farmers, covers 7 km / 4.35 mi.

At Soraypampa, our exclusive Sky Camp awaits, providing a serene setting for our first night. After a rejuvenating lunch, we embark on a 3-hour hike to the enchanting Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), covering 3 km / 1.86 mi. Take your time at the turquoise waters against the Humantay glacier, an Andean marvel akin to a fairy tale.

Back at Sky Camp, relish a well-deserved dinner accompanied by a breathtaking sunset. The unique energy of the surroundings is palpable, offering a peaceful experience. Retire to your Sky Camp igloo with a glass roof, allowing you to sleep under the stars and wake up to the watchful gaze of Apu Salkantay.

DAY 02
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa
Encounter the Power of Salkantay Mountain

Rise with the first light and savor a cup of coca tea before a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for our trek to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). The challenging 7 km / 4.34 mi ascent, known as the ‘trail of the 7 Snakes,’ winds through stunning landscapes.

Upon reaching the pass, revel in the magnificent views of surrounding valleys, Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), and neighboring peaks. After a well-deserved rest, descend 7 km / 4.35 mi to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) for a picturesque lunch spot with panoramic views.

The rocky and gravelly trail continues for 8 km / 4.97 mi, leading us to the edge of the Amazon jungle, a transition known as the ‘cloud forest.’ Observe the rapid transformation of landscapes, vibrant flora, and diverse wildlife. After a rewarding day, our campsite at Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) offers a hearty meal and a well-deserved night’s rest.

DAY 03
Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba (Jungle Domes)
Explore the Lush Jungle and Indulge in a Coffee Experience

Start your day at 6:00 a.m. with tea, followed by breakfast, setting the stage for a leisurely walk through the Santa Teresa Valley. Descend through a valley, encountering waterfalls, hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna. Passing through La Playa, indulge in a delicious lunch before reaching Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), our camp for the night.

Explore the tropical surroundings, visit an organic coffee farm, and immerse yourself in the aromatic air. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or not, the jungle’s scents are delightful. Lucmabamba, a hub for coffee, avocado, and orange plantations, offers a unique experience. As night falls, settle into Jungle Domes, savoring the sounds of nature beneath the stars.

DAY 04
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Discover the Inca Archaeological Site of Llactapata

Eagerly don your hiking boots for the final trekking day. After breakfast, ascend for 2 hours to Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca site providing the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Marvel at the archaeological wonders and the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and surrounding mountains.

Descend for 1:30 hours, catching additional views of Machu Picchu, before reaching Aobamba for lunch. Continue for 30 minutes to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), witnessing the impressive 250-meter-tall artificial waterfall powering Cusco. Opt for a train to Aguas Calientes or enjoy a scenic 3-hour walk along the tracks. En route, observe Intihuatana, an ancient rock used as a sundial.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, relish dinner in a restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Note: During the rainy season, the Llactapata Trail hike may be altered for safety reasons.

DAY 05
Aguas Calientes – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Sun Gate / Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Witness the Beauty of Archaeological Sites and Machu Picchu

Commence your day at 5:00 a.m., embarking on a one-and-a-half-hour walk to KM 104, the Inca Trail’s starting point. Traverse the trail, exploring Chachabamba, an intriguing Inca site. After 3 hours, reach the Wiñay Wayna complex (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), a captivating archaeological site.

Explore the site’s temples, water sources, and agricultural platforms before enjoying a prepared lunch. Resume the hike to the Sun Gate, capturing your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Absorb the magic and mystery of the ancient site as the sun sets on its stone walls.

Descend to Aguas Calientes, board a bus, and spend the night in a hotel after dinner.

DAY 06
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Enter the Enigmatic Machu Picchu

The highly anticipated day arrives as you explore the mystical streets of Machu Picchu. Rise before sunrise, catching a bus to the entrance and entering the citadel as the sun bathes it in golden hues.

Embark on a guided tour, uncovering the history of Machu Picchu and capturing the essence of its remarkable architecture. Optionally, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views. After exploration, return to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a leisurely meal, and take a train to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will transport you back to Cusco, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. Although the trip concludes, the memories of this extraordinary adventure will resonate for years to come.

**WHAT IS INCLUDED?**

*Permits & Entrance Tickets*

**Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary**
Permits and Tickets for the Inca Trail will be purchased upon receiving your complete information and deposit. These permits are issued for specific dates in your name and cannot be altered. Passport number changes are only allowed for renewal purposes, requiring both old and new passports.

**Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site**

*High-Quality Service & Safety*

**Pre-departure Briefing**
A comprehensive orientation is provided in our office the evening before your trek at 5:00 pm. During this meeting, you’ll receive duffle bags, carried by our horses during the trek.

**Experienced Tour Guide**
Your guide, fluent in English and Spanish, is a graduate of the Tourism program at the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Selected for their professionalism, experience, and passion for exploration, they ensure your safety and comfort throughout the trek.

**Private Camping Equipment**
Spacious dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment are provided in our private campsites. Each trekker is allowed a personal duffle bag (up to 7 kg) carried by our horses.

**Sleeping Bag**
Mummy-form sleeping bags effective in temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF) are supplied, including a sleeping liner. Cleaned after each use, they have a maximum usage of 30 trips.

**Trekking Poles with Rubber Tips**

**Medical Kit or First Aid Kit**
Guides, trained in first aid, carry a comprehensive first aid kit and oxygen. In emergencies, swift evacuation to a clinic is ensured.

**Extras Included in our Service**
A backpack cover and a rain poncho are provided. Attention to detail sets us apart.

**24/7 Customer Service**

**Satellite Phone**
Each guide carries a satellite phone for emergencies, offering a direct line to medical assistance, hospitals, or friends anywhere in the world.

*Accommodation*

**Accommodation in Private Campsites**
Campsites and lodges are designed to minimize environmental impact, aligning with our commitment to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

**Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Days 4 and 5)**
Comfortable lodging in Aguas Calientes for the final two nights, with luggage storage while visiting Machu Picchu. Double and triple rooms are standard.

*Meals*

**5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 5 Dinners**
Chef-prepared meals accommodate various dietary needs, respecting vegetarian, vegan, or special preferences at no extra cost. Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and three daily meals.

**Water on the Trail**
Boiled, filtered, and cooled water is provided from the first lunch to the last breakfast. Bring a camel bag or a 2-liter bottle.

**Wake up Tea**
Each morning, a hot cup of coca tea is delivered to your tent to kickstart your day.

**Tea Time or Happy Hour**
Before dinner, enjoy popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, and more to relax and rejuvenate.

**Snacks on the Trail Daily**
A cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, and caramels is provided daily for your enjoyment.

**One Cloth Snack Bag per Person**
To minimize plastic usage, a cloth bag is supplied for your snacks.

**Hygiene Products**
Small towels and soap are offered before each meal for hand cleaning.

*Transportation*

**Day 1: Transport from your hotel to Challacancha**
**Day 5: One-Way Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes**
**Day 6: Round Trip Bus Tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu**
**Day 6: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco**
**Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 6)**
Peru Rail Expedition Service

**Cargo Mules**
On days 1, 2, and 3, cargo mules carry all camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb), handed to you at each camp.

**WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?**

**Huayna Picchu Mountain**
Climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views. Requires a separate permit with an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.

**Machu Picchu Mountain**
Another mountain surrounding Machu Picchu with less steep trails, offering panoramic views. Requires a separate permit with an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.

**Day 1 Breakfast**
**Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 6)**
**Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear**
**Travel Insurance**
**Tips for our Staff**
Tipping is customary and appreciated for the hardworking team.

**Additional Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control**
Unexpected events like landslides, weather changes, itinerary modifications, or political instability may lead to additional costs or delays.