Trek from Salkantay to the Inca Trail

Wake up early and our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you from Cusco to Mollepata. During the drive, we will stop in Limatambo to visit the Tarawasi Inca site. Then, we will drive to Soraypampa (12,631 ft/3,850 m), the starting point of the Salkantay to Inca Trail, where we will enjoy breakfast.

When we arrive, our guide will introduce the trekking cook and muleteer who will accompany us on the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek. Then, we will begin our hike to Humantay Mountain to visit the beautiful Humantay Lake, which is known for its striking turquoise waters. The lake is fed by the Humantay glacier. After spending time appreciating the scenery and taking photos, we will return to Soraypampa for lunch.

After lunch, we will continue hiking to Salkantaypampa, our first campsite. Along the way, we will enjoy impressive views of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding peaks. Upon arrival at the campsite, our trekking cook and muleteer will have the tents ready. We will settle in and rest early, as the following day will be more challenging. Dinner is served in the evening.

Salkantay Information

Minimum Altitude: Soraypampa: 12,631 ft (3,850 m)
Maximum Altitude: Salkantaypampa – 13,287 ft (4,050 m)
Hiking Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Meals included: One lunch, one dinner, afternoon tea, and snacks
Route: Classic Salkantay Trail

After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin our hike early in the morning today. About 10 minutes in, we reach a flat section that leads to the Salkantay River. After crossing a small river, we begin ascending toward the Inca Chiriaska viewpoint. There, we stop to admire the breathtaking landscapes, including views of Salkantay Peak and our previous campsite at Salkantaypampa.

Then, we continue hiking uphill to our next stop, Uchupata, where we enjoy spectacular views of Salkantay Mountain and another high pass in the Salkantay mountain range. From there, we can also see the route used by trekkers on the Classic Salkantay Trek. As we hike, we observe the impressive mountain range, with some glacier-covered peaks and others standing bare and rugged.

After taking time to appreciate these beautiful panoramas, we hike to Pampajapone, where we may spot local wildlife, such as viscachas, taruca (Andean deer), and various Andean bird species. From this area, we also enjoy views of Salkantay Lake, which is located on the slopes of snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.

As we continue the hike along a narrow trail, we admire the snow-capped Salkantay peak on our right and the Incachiriska Pass on our left. Upon reaching the pass at 4,520 meters (14,500 feet), we begin our descent toward Yanacaca. During the descent, we pass small meltwater lakes formed by the Salkantay glacier and follow a stream fed by the mountain. Once in Yanacaca, our cook will have lunch ready for us.

After lunch, we continue hiking downhill to our next campsite at Pampacahuana. As we descend, we enjoy stunning high Andean landscapes and observe an ancient Inca water channel built to control and distribute water during Inca times. Upon arrival at the campsite, our trekking cook and muleteer will have the tents and equipment ready. After resting, we have dinner and our guide provides a briefing for the next day’s trek. The next day, we join a section of the Inca Trail from Huayllabamba.

Salkantay Information

Minimum Altitude: Salkantaypampa: 13,287 ft (4,050 m)
Maximum Altitude: Inca Chiriska – 14,500 ft (4,520 m)
Hiking Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Meals included: One breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, afternoon tea, and snacks
Route: New Salkantay Trail

After breakfast, we will begin our hike toward the river, where we will observe ancient Incan structures built to channel the water. Due to a lack of maintenance, some of these structures are deteriorating. Then, we continue descending into the subtropical zone of the trek. During the first few hours of the hike, we will enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and local flora, taking in the orchids and other native plants of the region.

Next, we arrive at the Paucarcancha archaeological site, where we take a guided tour. Afterwards, we join the Inca Trail from Huayllabamba. Along the way, we pass the Patawasi Inca site (9,751 ft/2,972 m). Lunch is served at the Huayllabamba campsite.

Afterwards, we hike downhill until we reach Patallacta. There, we will explore the impressive Inca terraces of Qorihuarachina and admire the nearby Inca site located at kilometer 88, the official starting point of the classic Inca Trail. Then, we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and spend the night in town. Our guide will choose a restaurant for dinner.

Inca Trail Information

Minimum Altitude: Corihuarachina (ft /2,521m)
Maximum Altitude: Pampacahuana (ft /3820 m)
Hiking Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Meals Included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and snacks
Route: Classic Inca Trail

On the last day of the Salkantay to Inca Trail tour, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before walking to the bus station. According to your scheduled entry time and Machu Picchu circuit, our guide will coordinate the exact time for you to board the shuttle bus.

During the bus ride, take in the lush flora surrounding Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Your documents will be inspected before you enter the citadel. Based on your assigned circuit, you will enjoy a guided tour of the site. After exiting the citadel, you may wish to enhance your experience by hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional and at an additional cost), which offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu from different viewpoints.

After completing your visits to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, you will take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. This concludes your Salkantay to Inca Trail trek.

• Pre-trek briefing (our guide will visit your hotel one day before the trek for the briefing).
• Private transfer to the starting point at Soraypampa.
• Accommodation: camping (2 nights) and hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
• Salkantay Ticket and Inca Trail permits
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 2 afternoon hot beverages (Vegetarian meals are available at no extra cost—please inform us in advance).
• Experienced bilingual tour guide (1 guide for groups of up to 8 participants; 2 guides for groups over 8 participants).
• Professional trekking cook.
• Muleteer for the hike.
• Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment, and up to 7 kg of personal belongings per passenger.
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain personal double tents (4-person tents for greater comfort and backpack storage).
• Inflatable mattress (Therm-a-Rest) with cover.
• Sleeping bag (rated to -5°C) and sleeping bag liner.
• Comfortable pillow with a clean cover.
• Pair of trekking poles.
• Daily drinking water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek, when you must bring your own).
• Dining equipment: tables and chairs, cooking tent with full equipment, dining tent, toilet tent, and bottled gas.
• Rain ponchos.
• Duffel bag for personal belongings.
• Machu Picchu T-shirt.
• Round-trip tourist train to Machu Picchu.
• Shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• First-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
•  

Sustainable Travel Commitment:

When you book the Salkantay to Inca Trail – 4 Days with Inca Trail Machu, In partnership with the Responsible People Foundation, you will support social projects for porter families and reforestation initiatives in Andean communities. Travel with us and join Responsible People.

• First breakfast and last lunch.
• Travel insurance.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80).
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory).
• Other extras not mentioned.

For the four-day Salkantay to Inca Trail Trek, our services include a professional tour guide, trekking cook, muleteer, horses, and a dedicated Inca Trail Machu representative.

Our representatives are highly professional, university-trained, and fluent in at least one foreign language. They ensure that all services are confirmed before the trek begins. During the hike to Machu Picchu, the representative oversees the operation, coordinating with the tour guide, drivers, and support staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. They are also available before, during, and after the trek to assist you.

To ensure effective communication, please have WhatsApp, as it is our main channel of contact with you and our representative.

Our tour guides are professional, university-educated specialists with extensive knowledge of Inca history, culture, nature, and local traditions along the route. They are well prepared to deliver the best possible trekking experience. Our goal is to ensure you enjoy a smooth, well-organized journey with accurate, helpful information at every stage. Additionally, our guides provide valuable tips about the best restaurants, places to visit, local markets, and currency exchange locations, helping you explore Cusco with ease and confidence.

Each year, our trekking cooks receive specialized training in food management and preparation at high altitudes. Using fresh, natural products sourced from the Andean region, they prepare nutritious and delicious meals throughout the trek.

Our muleteers handle the horses, which carry all the trekking equipment and your personal belongings. Together with the trekking cook, they assist in setting up your tent at each campsite. Upon arrival, you can relax and enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

Here is everything you need to know about Deep Salkantay Trek Expedition, one of our most impressive routes.

Where is located the Salkantay?

The "Salkantay" snowy is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located 60 km at the northwest of Cusco city. It is the 38th highest peak of the Andes and the 12th highest peak in Peru.

Altitudes in Deep Salkantay Trek Expedition

During the Deep Salkantay Trek Expedition, we will find the following altitudes:

• “Soraypampa” at 3,250 m.a.s.l.
• "Chiriaska pass" at 4,825 m.a.s.l.
• "Salkantay" at 6,247 m.a.s.l.
• "Cruz Qasa pass" at 4,715 m.a.s.l.
• "Chuqeñan pass" at 4,302 m.a.s.l.
• "Aqoqasa" at 4,234 m.a.s.l.
• "Final pass" at 4,446 m.a.s.l.

What does "Salkantay" mean?

The name "Salkantay" comes from "Salka", a Quechua word meaning "wild", uncivilized. So, the name is often translated as "wild mountain".

How difficult is the Deep Salkantay Trek Expedition?

This path has a moderate to strong difficulty, it is recommended to have good physical preparation, and arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before starting the tour for acclimatization.

• Inca Trail to MP citadel
• Golden Cradle amazing Tour
• Lares Trail
• Inca Quarry Tour

Inca Trail Machu Tour operator will provide the double tent. Our tents are of the brand  EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary.

Inca Trail Machu will provide the clean Sleeping bag, Inflatable pillow and blanket. Our porters will leave inside your tent. Once arrived to the camping, you will find inside your all camping equipment.