Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days

We leave Cusco in the early hours of the day. After approximately 3 hours of travel, we arrive in Mollepata. After a light breakfast, we continue the journey in our vehicle to Challacancha, where we meet our muleteer and the horses that will accompany us on the trek. We begin the journey to Soraypampa and, after lunch, we ascend to visit the picturesque Humantay Lagoon. After the visit, we return to Soraypampa, our first campsite, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the first night.

About our base, Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa: Located just 10 minutes walk from the village of Soraypampa, our camp offers a unique advantage by giving us a 360° panoramic view of the Humantay Lagoon. It is also an ideal place to appreciate the beauty of the Andean valley landscape and share moments with our lovely alpacas.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: moderate to Defiant.
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,200 m /13,780 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Laguna Humantay.

We will start the second day with a hike in the direction of Salkantaypampa, where we will contemplate the imposing mountains of Salkantay and Humantay. We will continue ascending to our lunch spot and camp in the Japanese pampa, located on the slopes of the Salkantay Mountain. After lunch, we will continue exploring the beautiful Salkantay Lake for about 20 minutes, recognized as one of the most beautiful glaciers in its splendor. Afterwards, we will return to our campsite, where tea and dinner will be waiting for us.

Our base camp is located in the lower part, known as Salkantaypampa, of the majestic Salkantay mountain range, at an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 feet). Although this day presents challenges, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the snow-capped peaks and observe native wildlife throughout the trek, with explanations from your tour guide. While a local could complete this trail in only 3 hours, we will spend approximately 9 hours, including time for lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Defiant .
Overnight: Camping in Pampa Japonesa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft.
Walking distance: 9 km / 5,5 miles.
Walking Time: 5-6 hours approx.
Climate: Quite cold and wintry or rainy.

We will begin our third day of trekking by waking up with a comforting cup of mate de coca, as we anticipate a cold morning. As soon as breakfast is ready, we will enjoy a delicious meal to warm up before embarking on our trek. The journey will take us through a steep and narrow trail, characterized by constant ascents and rock formations, until we reach the Inka Chiriasca pass, located at 5,200 meters above sea level. The hike will take approximately 3 to 4 hours, at a steady pace.

Along the way, we will contemplate the majestic Andean topography, with impressive views of mountains, glaciers, valley ranges, lakes and a variety of native flora and fauna. After crossing the Inca Chiriasca pass, we will be rewarded with the marvelous beauty of the regional landscape.

We will continue descending along the route, descending about 1,700 meters or 5,577 feet. Once we reach our campsite, we will allow ourselves a well-deserved rest and enjoy a satisfying lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Desafiant.
Overnight: Camping in Pampacahua
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft.
Maximum elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060.
Lodging Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft.
Walking distance: 13 km / 8,07.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
Climate: Quite cold and wintry or rainy.

After our first lunch of the day, we will head down along the Inca canal for four hours, through the picturesque cloud forest, until we reach the archaeological center of Paucarcancha. We will continue our journey appreciating the richness of the natural environment, and then explore the archaeological site of Paucarcancha.Afterwards, we will enter the Cusichaca valley, where we will enjoy lunch and meet with the support staff, the porters.

We will continue our hike to Wayllabamba for 30 minutes, and then head towards our campsite in Ayapata, walking for approximately two hours. Once there, we will set up our camp and enjoy tea time followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Overnight: Camping in Paucarcancha
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft.
Maximum elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Lodging Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft.
Walking distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
Walking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Climate: Fairly cold or rainy.

Around 5:00 - 5:30 am, breakfast will be served. Today, we will start our hike ascending to the highest point known as Abra Warmi Huañusca or Paso de la mujer muerta, located at 4200 meters above sea level. From this point, we will begin our descent to Pacaymayo camp, located at an altitude of 3550 meters.

As we descend from the pass, we will have the opportunity to observe various hummingbirds and other birds. We will also have time to admire the amazing variety of native plants, such as Polylepis or Queñua trees, which .thrive in the fascinating cloud forest at an altitude of 3650 meters.

Finally, we will arrive at Pacaymayo camp, where we will rest and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Difficult.
Overnight: Camping.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,215 m /13,829 ft.
Lodging Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft.
Walking distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles.
Climate: Fairly cold or rainy.

After enjoying breakfast around 6 a.m., we will start the day with a gentle ascent to explore the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means "Village in the Clouds". Later, we will reach the third highest point of the trek, located at 3680 meters above sea level. From this point, we offer impressive views of the mountains and canyons, creating a spectacular setting.

The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca is located a few minutes walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we will continue our trek through the cloud forest until we reach our third campsite, Wiñaywayna, located at 2680 meters altitude. On this day, we will walk for approximately 4 to 5 hours, arriving at the camp just in time for lunch.

Wiñaywayna, the camp, shares its name with the archaeological center of the same name, which we will explore in the afternoon. Here, we will enjoy tea time and dinner. Despite the fatigue that may arise after the hike, it is recommended not to miss the opportunity to visit the most impressive sites along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Difficult.
Overnight: Camping.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft.
Maximum elevation: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft.
Lodging Altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft.
Walking distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles
Walking Time: 4 to 6 hours.
Climate: Fairly cold or rainy

Around 3:00 a.m., marks the beginning of the seventh day on the Inca Trail, with the awakening, breakfast and the start of the final trek to Machu Picchu. This culminating leg of the journey begins at 5:30 a.m. with the departure to Inti Punku or Sun Gate. From this point, the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu appears before us, dazzling us with its grandiose beauty, an impressive sight for all participants. We can appreciate the reality of what the ancient Incas experienced on their exhausting journey to this imposing temple.

We descend downhill to the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m / 7872ft). After a 40 minute hike, we enter the citadel from the top through the "House of the Guardians". Afterwards, we head to the checkpoint for registration and deposit of belongings. A guide will take us to explore the fascinating ruins and the main streets of the city, allowing us to walk through the squares and climb the stairs finely carved in stone. Machu Picchu is recognized as the spiritual center of the world according to esoteric wisdom. At the conclusion of the guided tour, we head by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the return train

• Additional options include climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain to admire the beauty of the site from an elevated perspective. Also, at Machu Picchu, optional activities such as visiting the new local museum or relaxing in the hot springs can be considered.
• The return to Cusco involves descending to the town of Machu Picchu and taking the Expedition train before 4:22 pm to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, we will meet the private transportation that will take us back to the hotel in Cusco, estimating to arrive around 8:30 pm.

Meals: Breakfast.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting elevation: 2650 m / 6562 ft.
Elevation at Machu Picchu: 2950 m / 7872 ft.
Walking distance: 5 km / 3.11 miles.
Walking Time: 3 hours.
Climate: It can be hot and rainy.