Salkantay Exclusive Trek to Machu Picchu 7 days
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Difficulty
Easy
Price from
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Hotel
The Best Hotels
Embark on the ultimate trekking experience that combines two of the most famous and sought-after trails in Cusco: the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. During 7 transformative days, we will ascend to the imposing Humantay Lake, a turquoise mirror at the foot of the glacier. We will challenge the heights of the majestic Salkantay Mountain and crown the legendary Inca Chiriaska Pass, feeling the grandeur of the Andes. Our path winds through landscapes shifting from glacial plateaus to queñua forests and the cloud forest, where secret waterfalls and Inca ruins reveal their stories. Each night, we camp under a starry sky, supported by our expert team. The journey culminates in a triumphal entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, not as a mere visitor, but as a true explorer who has lived one of Peru’s most exclusive treks. This is not just a hike; it is a rite of passage, a story you will tell for the rest of your life. Do you have the spirit to undertake it?
OVERVIEW SALKANTAY EXCLUSIVE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
Salkantay Exclusive Trek – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay – Salkantaypampa
We depart at 05:00 am from Cusco! After a hearty breakfast in Mollepata, we head to Soraypampa (3,900 masl). The first challenge: a 1.5-hour hike to the imposing Humantay Lake, a hypnotic turquoise gem at the foot of the glacier. After capturing surreal photos, we descend for a comforting lunch in Soraypampa. With renewed energy, we begin a 2-3 hour trek with stunning views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, advancing to our campsite at Salkantaypampa (4,200 masl). A restorative dinner under a starry sky prepares us for the epic Salkantay Pass trek the next day. An intense and unforgettable journey!
– Campsite: Salkantaypampa 4200 m / 13780 ft
– Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi (total hiked)
– Highest point: Humantay Lake 4230 m / 13880 ft
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Pampa Japonesa
Day 2 brings us to the roof of the trek! After an energizing breakfast, we ascend steadily through a dramatic, high-Andean landscape of ancient glacial debris and turquoise streams, where the Salkantay Peak dominates the horizon. A nutritious lunch along the trail fuels our journey to the remote and stunning Pampa Japonesa (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), where we are rewarded with 360-degree views of towering snow-capped peaks—a truly humbling and exclusive wilderness experience far from the standard route. We conclude this epic day with a warm dinner at our high-altitude camp under an infinite sky of stars, a moment of pure connection with the raw power of the Andes.
– Overnight: Pampa Japonesa 4600 m / 15092 ft
– Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
– Highlight: Exclusive 360° views of Salkantay’s glacial cirque
Day 3: Pampa Japonesa – Pampa Ccahua
This day brings our most thrilling ascent: a dawn start propels our ascent to the legendary Inca Chiriaska Pass (4,929 m / 16,171 ft). Reaching this wind-swept summit is a monumental achievement, offering otherworldly views of glacial giants under the morning sun. After conquering the highest point of our trek, we begin a triumphant descent into a new world, where the air grows warmer and the first hardy vegetation appears—a fascinating transition between ecosystems. A well-earned lunch awaits in a secluded valley before we reach our peaceful camp at Pampa Ccahua. Here, under a blanket of stars, we celebrate our incredible feat, perfectly positioned between the icy peaks we conquered and the lush cloud forest awaiting us.
– Overnight: Pampa Ccahua 3800 m / 12467 ft
– Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
– Highlight: Conquering the legendary Inca Chiriaska Pass (4,929 m / 16,171 ft)
Day 4: Pampa Ccahua – Ayapata
Today the route reveals the magic of the cloud forest. After breakfast, we descend along an ancient trail winding through queñua trees and wild orchids, accompanied by the soundtrack of exotic birds. We enjoy lunch in a forest clearing, surrounded by the vibrant energy of this ecosystem. In the afternoon, the hike rewards us with a visit to a hidden waterfall with crystal-clear waters before reaching our camp at Ayapata. Here, dinner tastes like triumph as we prepare for the next stage, knowing that each step brings us closer to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
– Overnight: Ayapata 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
– Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi
– Highlight: Immersion in the cloud forest and secret waterfall
Day 5: Ayapata – Chaquicocha
Today we face the most challenging day of the Inca Trail trek, summiting two high Andean passes, including the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m), the highest point of the route. This 16 km journey will test your spirit, but with the support of our guides and team of porters, every step will be a triumph. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of towering mountain ranges and visits to two enigmatic Inca sites: Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca. The day culminates at the peaceful Chaquicocha camp (3,600 m), where the sunset over the mountains will provide an unforgettable spectacle of peace and beauty, preparing us for the arrival to Machu Picchu.
– Overnight: Chaquicocha 3600 m / 11800 ft
– Distance: 16 km / 9.94 mi
– Highlight: Summiting Dead Woman’s Pass (4200 m / 13779 ft)
Day 6: Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
After conquering the two high passes, today we enjoy a more relaxed but equally spectacular day. We’ll walk along what is known as “Inca flat” (gentle ascents and descents), surrounded by lush cloud forest and with views of the imposing Andean mountains. We will visit two archaeological jewels: Phuyupatamarca, the “Town above the Clouds,” and Wiñay Wayna, the “Forever Young,” a stunning terraced agricultural complex. We’ll arrive at our Wiñay Wayna camp in the afternoon, where we’ll have an extended guided tour to absorb the magic of this unique place, feeling the living presence of the Inca Empire as we prepare for the grand finale.
– Overnight: Wiñay Wayna 2680 m / 8792 ft
– Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
– Highlight: Visit to the archaeological sites of Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
Day 7: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu
The culminating day with Kaypi Peru Tours has arrived! We wake up before dawn to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu. We begin the final hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where the first thrilling panoramic view of the Citadel awaits—a magical moment that will be forever remembered. Inside the sanctuary, our expert guide will lead us on a 2-hour tour through the sacred temples, ingenious terraces, and ceremonial plazas that reveal the full grandeur of the Inca Empire. After this unforgettable experience, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we’ll board the return train, where a Kaypi Peru Tours representative will be waiting to transfer us to our hotel in Cusco, bringing this epic adventure to a perfect close.
– Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
– Highlight: The first view of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku
Our exclusive Salkantay trek includes:
- Bilingual professional tour guide
- Pick up from the hotel
- Transportation (bus to the start of the trail, tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco)
- Entrance fee to Salkantay and Inca Trail
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Return expedition train back to Cusco
- Professional Chef
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits, and popcorn) and 6 dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know
- 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping mattresses
- Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment)
- Oxygen bottle
- First-Aid kit.
- Toilet tent
- Hot portable shower
Not included but you can get it from us:
- Entrances to Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance)
- Entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance)
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Personal porter up to 7 kgs or 14 kgs
- Walking sticks (can be rented from us)
The Salkantay Exclusive Trek excludes:
- Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 7
- Water, (during the first 4 hours, after that, our team will provide you)
- Tips
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry
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- 888 503-8285
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