Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Our adventure begins at 5:00 a.m. with hotel pickup and transfer to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek. Along the way, you will enjoy the picturesque villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, surrounded by majestic valleys and the impressive Salkantay snow-capped mountain. Upon arrival in Soraypampa, you will enjoy an energizing breakfast before starting a 2.5-hour hike to Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise landscape surrounded by glaciers. Afterwards, we will continue ascending to Salkantaypampa, where you will settle into your campsite and enjoy hot snacks while admiring the Salkantay glacier.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance: 13 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Pampajaponesa
After breakfast, we continue our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu along less-traveled trails for about 3 hours, mostly uphill. The landscape offers incredible views of glaciers, lakes, and the impressive snow-capped peaks of the region. After a lunch stop, we continue to Pampajaponesa, a campsite located near the Salkantay mountain. In the afternoon, you will enjoy hot snacks and tea while admiring the spectacular Andean geography surrounding us.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance: 14 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Pampajaponesa – Sisaypampa
After an early breakfast, we begin an ascent of approximately 4 hours to the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880 m), known as “the place where the Inca cools off.” This area is home to the majestic Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. The trail then levels out as we reach the Sisaypampa campsite, where we will spend the night surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Sisaypampa – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
After breakfast, we begin the Classic Inca Trail section, crossing Pampacahua and visiting an Inca water canal still used by local communities today. We will explore the archaeological site of Paucarcancha before reaching Wayllabamba, where we will enjoy a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, we continue hiking through the Llulluchapampa Valley to our campsite, enjoying panoramic views and afternoon tea. In this section, camping equipment is carried by porters, as horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance: 11 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayu – Runkuraqay – Yanacocha – Sayacmarca – Chaquicocha
Early in the morning, around 5:00–5:30 a.m., we will enjoy an energizing breakfast before starting the most challenging hike of the Salkantay Machu Picchu Trek. We begin ascending to the highest pass, Warmiwañuska, also known as the Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,200 meters above sea level. From here, the trail descends toward the Pacaymayu campsite (3,550 m), offering impressive views of snow-capped mountains and surrounding valleys.
During the descent, we may observe hummingbirds and various Andean birds, as well as a wide variety of native flora, including the majestic Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees that dominate the cloud forest at 3,650 meters. After arriving at Pacaymayu, we will relax and enjoy a nutritious lunch before continuing to the archaeological sites of Runkuraqay, Yanacocha, Sayacmarca, and Chaquicocha.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Distance: 16 km
- Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
After an early breakfast around 6:00 a.m., we begin the day’s hike with a gentle ascent to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means “Town in the Clouds.” This section is part of the Classic Inca Trail and offers stunning views of surrounding canyons and mountains as we approach the third highest point of the trail at 3,680 meters above sea level.
The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca is located just a few minutes from the pass and offers a unique experience within the cloud forest. After exploring this archaeological gem, we continue descending gently to our third campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m), where we will enjoy lunch and have time to visit the archaeological site that gives the camp its name, meaning “Forever Young.” Here you can relax, enjoy tea time, and a delicious dinner while admiring the beauty of this iconic Salkantay and Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Wiñay Wayna campsite
- Distance: 12 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will wake up very early, around 3:00 a.m., to have breakfast and prepare for the final stage of this incredible Classic Inca Trail adventure. We will depart around 5:30 a.m. to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel reveals itself in all its glory. This panoramic view allows us to imagine the greatness of the Incas and their impressive architectural legacy. From the Sun Gate, we will descend to the citadel following Circuit 1.
We will enter the Machu Picchu citadel through the Guardian’s House, where the guided tour begins with explanations about Inca history, culture, and architecture. During the visit, we will explore the main streets, plazas, carved stairways, and temples, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Royal Tomb. After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photos and explore the citadel on your own before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and then transportation to your hotel in Cusco, concluding this unforgettable experience of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
- Transportation included: Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes and bus Aguas Calientes – Cusco
- Optional: Huayna Picchu hike with guide (advance reservation and additional cost required)
