7 day Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail

7day Salkantay Trek + Traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

$950.00$1,300.00

This is an incredible adventure tour that combines breathtaking natural landscapes with ancient Inca sites. This trek is alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering a more challenging and diverse experience. The journey begins in Cusco, and from there, you’ll embark on a multi-day trek through the Salkantay Mountain, reaching altitudes of up to 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). Along the way, you’ll be mesmerized by stunning snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages, the highlight of the trek is the majestic Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco (3,350m) – Mollepata (2,909m) – Soraypampa (3,400m)

We drive from Cusco by bus for approximately 4 hours to Mollepata from where our trek begins. Mollepata is a small village situated in the Apurimac Valley which is well known for its citrus produce. Here we meet up with our wranglers and their mules and horses that will carry our equipment during the trek. The trail climbs for approximately 1 hour before reaching Cruzpata, from where we get our first view of the magnificent snow mountain of Humantay (5,917m).
We pass many rivers continuing on our trek for about another 3 hours before reaching the small community and picturesque spot of Checchicancha. We stop here to take a break and have our lunch. In the afternoon we continue walking for about 3-4 hours to reach Soraypampa, which is nestled in-between the Snow Mountains. We will begin our hike toward Humantay Lake, a marvelous lake in the mountains, (3 hours hike). We will have a panoramic view of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow We will camp here overnight. (L / D)

Day 2: Soraypampa (3,400m) – Pampa japonesa (4,300m)

We continue walking today on a flat plain for about 3 hours. We stop to take lunch along the way and continue our trek for 3-4 hours. We have magnificent vistas today of the snow mountains. We reach our campsite which is approximately 1km away from the snow mountain, Salkantay. Here at our campsite we find many streams and two glacial lakes. At night we can hear the crashing of the glaciers. (B / L / D)

Day 3: Pampa japonesa (4,300m) – Sisay pampa

Our day begins with a slow uphill climb of approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880m) which translates as ‘the place where the Inca cools down’. Around this area, in the rocky crags, lives the Andean Condor, the world’s largest bird. From here the trail levels off downhill and we reach our campsite for the night at Sisay pampa. (B / L / D)

Day 4: Sisay pampa – Huayllabamba (3,000m)

We continue to the end of the valley, which then enters a wider valley named Pampacahua, where we find an Inca canal that is still in full use by the local farming settlements. At the end of the pampa we find our first Inca archaeological site named Paucarcancha. We set up our campsite in the village of Huayllabamba where we leave our pack animals behind and relieve our porters for a new crew. We enjoy dinner and rest for the evening. (B / L / D)

Day 5: Huayllabamba (3,000m) – Pacaymayu (3,600m)

We take our breakfast and afterwards start our climb for about 2 hours to Yunkachimpa, where we take a short break. We then cross over to the Llullucha gorge and pass through a unique forest of Unca trees, a native species, which nowadays is hard to find except in isolated areas. We have now entered the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Once out of the forest we reach Llulluchapampa where we take lunch. We continue walking following an original Inca stone path and trek up to the Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,200m) where we have a magnificent view of our ascent and the trail ahead of us. We descend on a reconstructed Inca Trail down to the Pacaymayu River where we find our campsite for the night. (B / L / D)

Day 6: Pacaymayu (3,600m) – Wiñay Wayna (2,700m)

Today is one of the longest days on our trek and also one of the most beautiful. We start ascending until we come to Runkuraqay Inca archeological site from where we then continue ascending to Runkuraqay pass (4,000m). From here we walk down to the site at Sayacmarca (approx. 1 hour), a scenic location overlooking the Aobamba Valley on the original Inca Trail.
We stop here to take our lunch. We then continue along the trail through marvellous landscapes, viewing Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumacsillo. We arrive at Puyapatamarca ‘the village on the edge of the clouds’ which is our last viewpoint of the valleys and the tops of the Snow Mountains. From here we start descending down the Inca steps (approx. 3 hours) to our campsite at Wiñay Wayna. (B / L / D)

Day 7: Wiñay Wayna (2,700m) – Machu Picchu (2,500m) – Cusco (3,350m)

This is our last day on the Inca Trail. We rise early, have breakfast, and start walking. We navigate a ridge that affords us magnificent vistas of the surrounding cloud forest below.
Continuing along the original Inca Trail we arrive at the Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), with a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Our guide will help us understand the importance and functions of all the temples, and the history behind the Incas and the majestic Machu Picchu! After the tour you will have time to explore at your own pace, or to climb Huayna Picchu. You can wander down to Aguas Calientes for lunch where you will find an array of restaurants to choose from. In the afternoon you head back to Cusco by train. (B / L)

Included

Round trip transfer airpot hotel airport
Hotel transfer and private bus to start of Inca Trail
Return backpacker train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/Ollaytatambo (depending on availability). For Ollaytatambo we arrange a bus to transfer you back to Cusco.
Professional english speaking guide (two guides for groups of over 8)
All entrance fees to the trail and to Machu Picchu
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (we provide generous amounts of nutritious meals and beverages and we have vegetarian / sepcial diet options available)
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Duffles for personal luggage (waterproof)
Spacious tents
Sleeping mats
Dining tent, kitchen tent, latrine tent
Tables and chairs for the group
Cook and cooking equipment
Last lunch at Totos house: http://www.grupointi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=21
Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit
Horses (for Salkantay section) and Porters (for Inca Trail section) to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)

Not Included

Travel Insurance
Sleeping Bag (can be hired from us)
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Hot springs entrance
Considering an extra night in Aguas Calientes? We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotel and other costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase another ticket.

Optional Extras:

Train Upgrades
Half porter (carry 7kg) – $70
Full porter 14kg (can be split between 2 persons)= $140
Horse to ride from Salkantay to Huayllabamba (start of Inca Trail)

Aguas Calientes Extra Day Upgrade Package (optional)

With hikes that trek the traditional Inca Trail, the standard package has clients returning to Cusco at the end of the trek, and they don’t spend a night in Aguas Calientes. This package provides clients the opportunity to stay in Aguas Calientes for an extra night, visit Machu Picchu for a second day and then return to Cusco by the comfortable Vistadome train.
Cost: $195 per person on twin share basis. This price doesn’t change depending on the number of people in the group.
Second day’s entry to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, valued at $70
Bus up and down to ruins on extra day, valued at $24
1 night in a 3 star hotel, like Killa Inn Plaza Andina. These are nice hotels, well decorated, and clean.
With limited eating choices at Machu Picchu hunger tends to send clients to Aguas Calientes; by including the buffet lunch we find that clients can visit Machu Picchu early, then go to the buffet to try lots of different
Peruvian (and Western) dishes, rest and go back for a second look at Machu Picchu.
Return in Vistadome train rather than Expedition train, which gives you the opportunity for a more varied timetable and to return in a nicer train, with big windows in the roof.

An original passport plus a photocopy of Passport
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Light colored long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Hiking shorts
Regular and long underwear (at over 13,000 ft/4,000 m. asl)
Medium weight parka with fiber fill or down.
Light cap and wool hat,
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Light gloves
Medium weight socks
Tennis or running shoes and hiking boots
Trekking poles (optional)
Sleeping bag (0o to –15oC) and small day pack
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Sun glasses
Sun block, lip balm and Insect repellent
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel
Swimsuit.
Water bottle.
Personal first aid kit. On each trip we carry a medical kit but we suggest a small personal first-aid kit for bruises and blisters. A knee and ankle brace are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.

When is the Briefing?

The briefing will take place the night before the trek departs at 6pm or 6:30pm in the lobby of your hotel so please let us know the name of your Hotel.

Where can I store my luggage?

During your trek or tour your primary luggage can be stored at our office or our deposit, you can also store it at your hotel for free.

How to Book a Tour?

To book a tour or trek re require a 50% deposit from the total tour price to be made online or a wire money transfer.

To purchase Inca Trail permits, entrances to Machu Picchu, or make hotel or train reservations (it is a government requirement) we need the following information:

Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender:
Passport number:
Birth Date (dd / mm / yyyy):
Nationality:
Hotel Name:
Food allergies, mansion if you are vegetarian:

What about the Price Balance?

If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash USD at our office or your hotel here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. Most banks in Cusco allow you to choose to withdraw either US dollars or Peruvian soles ($500.00 a day) Many only accept VISA cards, although our clients have found a couple banks which accept Mastercard and will distribute dollars. According to our clients, Banco de la Nación also accepts Mastercard but will only distribute Peruvian soles.

If I cancel, Can I get a refund?

NO, we won’t provide refund, please contact your Travel Insurance Company, we will be very happy to provide you a cancellation certificate.

How do I qualify for the student discount?

According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.

University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.

All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at tripstomachupicchu@gmail.com

Can I change the departure date after the tour is booked?

Unfortunately the answer is NO (this applies to the Inca Trail). Once the permits or entrance tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the permits or ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. You must ensure you are reserving the correct dates! Double check the date on your booking form because we buy your permits as soon as we have your booking form and deposit. Often there are limited spaces and we must purchase them immediately. They are paid for completely as soon as your complete your booking and deposit, which means that you must buy completely new permits if you change your dates. All of the permits and tickets sold by the Peruvian government are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

In regards to Alternative Treks, it may be possible to change your date for an additional fee. Please contact the office as soon as possible if this occurs so we can assist you in this matter.
*** If you cancel your tour or trek, the deposit is NOT refundable!

Do I Need to bring my original Passport for the Inca Trail and the Alternative Treks?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket or other entrances and reservations depending on your choice of trek.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.

YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM THE DAY YOU ENTER PERU! Most airlines will not let you board your flight if your passport has less than 6 months left from the date you enter Peru.

What is the Weather Like?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will have many different varieties of weather as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on the location. We highly recommend you dress in layers to adapt to the climate changes.

What about the Altitude Sickness?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley. You will acclimate normally!

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness

How many people are there in the group?

The maximum group size for all treks is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 4-6 persons. Trips to Machu Picchu specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized services.

Where are we dropped in Cusco after the tour?

In all our tours we will pick you up and dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! Also, if you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before your trek (if you are doing the Inca Trail), we will pick you up there.

At what time does the train departs from Aguas Calientes?

It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20. With this train schedule, you will have plenty of time to enjoy Machu Picchu

Vistadome Train upgrade, how much is it?

The upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and windows in the ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is $75 USD per person which includes the transfer from Poroy (Cusco) train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, the trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco), takes 3.5 hours, and then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at their hotel by 8pm

Are you Sustainable?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator that incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect local places and its people.

What is the best Period to travel to Machu Picchu?

Usually, May to October is considered the best period to visit Machu Picchu, as it is the dry season. However, it can get pretty crowded, especially during July and August, somewhat ruining the spiritual dimension of the experience. Besides, nights can get quite cold during these months.

The rainy season, from November to April, brings heavy rains, with most precipitations coming down in January and February. It’s usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. During this period, some roads might be closed by landslides or flooding, in particular those leading to villages off the beaten track. And still, some people will take more pleasure in travelling during this period, as there are much less tourists around and a can a more mystic atmosphere can be experienced. Just consider the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is usually closed during February for maintenance.

Inca Trail - When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The dry season, which runs from April to October is the best time (and most popular) to hike because of the milder daytime weather. You will need to make your reservations 3-6 months in advance if you want to be assured of space during this time. During the rainy season, the Trail is less crowded and less advance time is required for reservations. The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February each year.

Are the guides bilingual and licensed?

All guides for tours are bilingual (Spanish and English) and have received course work and graduated from a certified guide program. They are licensed by the INC. If they are doing any tours at Machu Picchu, they must have additional courses and certification to do so.

Note that most of your guides will also be fluent in Quechua, the language of the native people in rural areas. They may also speak German, French, or other languages.

I have heard about a "local" train, can I take it?

Yes, there is a “local” train between Cuzco and Aguas Calientes but the government has decided that it is only for Peruvian and local residents and they have to show a Peruvian ID. Tourists cannot take it.

What to do with my luggage during the tour?

If you choose the 1-day tour, your luggage will theoretically stay in Cusco. However, if you choose the 2-day tour, you will maybe need to leave your luggage in Cusco. Most of the places where you might stay (hotel, hostel, guest house) offer to guard your luggage for free during the tour. But we can also gladly do it; just bring your luggage to our Agency the day before the tour.

What equipment is required to be supplied by the individuals taking the trip?

All camping equipment will be provided by the tour operator, including tents, sleeping bags, cookware etc. please check our inclusion link.

What standard of accommodation do you use?

This entirely depends on your preferences and budget. In our example itineraries all accommodation is chosen primarily for its character, location and quality of service, and rooms will normally have private bathrooms. We offer 2-3 star hotels.

If you have more questions please feel free to email us at tripstomachupicchu@gmail.com.com

Tents

Domes

Hotel at Aguas Calientes

For tour requests please email us to tripstomachupicchu@gmail.com, with your tour request indicate what kind of tour you would like to book with us, travel date, number of people and leave us you telephone number if you would like us to contact you.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

We have had our customers report that our email replies to their questions regarding tours are going directly to SPAM or JUNK folders for some email providers. For this reason we recommend that you check your SPAM or JUNK folders for our reply if you do not receive a reply within 24 hours of sending us your questions. If this occurs please add our email, tripstomachupicchu@gmail.com, to your contact list or address book to ensure the remainder of our email communications goes directly to your INBOX.

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An amazing trip that takes you from the top of the mountain straight into the heart of the jungle. And then to Machu Picchu! The Salkantay Trek is the best way to see Machu Picchu.

Teagan Grouge

USA

Monday, August 21, 2023

Excellent guide, food, I had a good experience! Machu Picchu is amazing.

Desiree & Jennifer

Australia

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Gracias por el tour inolvidable y la excelente organización, la comida y por todo el personal. Mi familia y yo pudimos tener una excelente aventura en nuestro viaje a Machu Picchu a través del Camino del Inca.

Gunhiel

Alemania

Sunday, july 29, 2023

I am a 53 year old woman who went by myself to Trips to Machu Picchu tour .It was a great experience .I felt well taken care of staff were friend ,helpful at all times.

Vita

USA

Monday, July 3, 2023

01. best Hotels

We guarantee the best hotels and very comfortable rooms, which will be appreciated by every traveller. You will be absolutely happy with the hotel and will have a wonderful vacation with Us

02. Tourist Guide

We provide our clients with such a service as Tourist Guide. Its main goal is to ensure people with all necessary information any time he needs. Tour tour guides are local and English speaking.

Best Train Services

We operate our tours with the “Expedition” Train type however, if you wish to upgrade your train service, you can do it for $70.00 that will include train and transportation back to Cusco.

7 Day Inca Trail