SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TREK 6 DAYS

Short Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SORAYPAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA

Today our adventure begins! After an early pick-up from your hotel, we travel by private transport to the village of Mollepata (approximately 2.5 hours), where we enjoy breakfast and have some time to explore the village. This is also a good opportunity to purchase any last-minute supplies.

.Meals: box breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail.Walking Time: 12km/7.45 miles (7-8 hrs).Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy).Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

DAY 2: PAMPA JAPONESA – INCACHIRIASCA PASS – CANAL INCA Today we wake up early and start hiking for 1 hours to get the highest summit on the trek, the Incachiriasca Pass (4965m/16,289ft) where you will have stunning views of glacial Salkantay Mountain. After a rest at the pass we then descend about 2 hours to our lunch spot.

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail,.Walking Time: 12km/7.45 miles (5-6 hrs).Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy).Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: CANAL INCA – PAUCAR CANCHA – WAYLLABAMBA (ENTRANCE TO INCA TRAIL)

This morning, we continue hiking for about 3.5 hours down to Paucarcancha, an Inca fortress ruin. We will have time to explore this small Inca site, which most visitors never get to see. Afterward, we walk approximately 10 minutes down to a small village for lunch.

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail.Walking Time: 10 km/6.21 miles (5-6 hrs).Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy).Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA (Dead Woman’s Pass) – PACAYMAYO

The day begins very early at 5:00 a.m. with a cup of hot coca tea, followed by breakfast to recharge our energy. Afterward, we start our adventure on the Inca Trail, following paths surrounded by the lush vegetation of the high jungle.

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail.Walking Time: 10 km/6.21 miles (5-6 hrs).Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy).Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

. DAY 5: PACAYMAYO – RUNCURRACCAY PASS – CHAQUICCOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

Today will be the longest and most challenging day, so we’ll start with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the journey. We will continue our hike through lush jungle vegetation and visit several incredible Inca archaeological sites.

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail.Walking Time: 15 km/10 miles (5-6 hrs).Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy).Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

DAY 6: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today begins very early, with a wake-up call at 3:30 a.m. After a light breakfast, we’ll head to the checkpoint that leads to Machu Picchu, aiming to be among the first to enter when the gates open at 5:30 a.m.

.Meals included: Breakfast.Walking Time: 6kms/3.7mls (3 hours).Difficulty: Easy

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SORAYPAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA

We then continue by vehicle for about 1 hour to Soray Pampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), From here, we begin our ascent to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), which takes approximately two hours. The trail is surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks, including Humantay and Salkantay. Once we reach the lake, we will have time to take photos, admire the breathtaking scenery, and listen to our guide’s informative explanation.

Afterward, we continue our adventure toward our lunch spot at Salkantay Pampa (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), located about two and a half hours away. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious meal followed by a short rest.

Our adventure continues for another 3 hours until we reach our campsite at Pampa Japonesa (4,700 m / 15,419 ft). Along the way, we pass moraines and small waterfalls, with opportunities to spot local wildlife before arriving at the campsite, set in a magical location near the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

.Meals: box breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail

.Walking Time: 12km/7.45 miles (7-8 hrs)

.Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy)

.Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

DAY 2: PAMPA JAPONESA – INCACHIRIASCA PASS – CANAL INCA

Today we wake up early and start hiking for 1 hours to get the highest summit on the trek, the Incachiriasca Pass (4965m/16,289ft) where you will have stunning views of glacial Salkantay Mountain. After a rest at the pass we then descend about 2 hours to our lunch spot. After lunch we hike for two and a half hours down to Canal Inca (4100m/13,451ft) where we will camp for the night. Canal Inca is a lovely, flat area with beautiful village that still preserves some customs from the inca era, and you can also see the remains of Inca walls and how they engineered the river in this valley surrounded by mountains

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail,

.Walking Time: 12km/7.45 miles (5-6 hrs)

.Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy)

.Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: CANAL INCA – PAUCAR CANCHA – WAYLLABAMBA (ENTRANCE TO INCA TRAIL)

After enjoying a delicious meal in this charming riverside village, we say goodbye to our horsemen and horses and meet our amazing porters, who will carry all of our gear for the next few days. We then continue hiking for about an hour and a half until we reach Wayllabamba, where we join the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and set up camp for the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail

Walking Time: 10 km/6.21 miles (5-6 hrs)

.Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy)

.Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA (Dead Woman’s Pass) – PACAYMAYO

After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, we reach the highest point of the trail, Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass 4200 m/13.780 ft) . This section of the trek is quite challenging. After enjoying the breathtaking views and taking a short rest, we begin a gradual descent of about 2 hours toward our campsite at Pacaymayo (3650 m/11.975ft), passing hills, streams, and areas with stunning views of the Andean valleys.

Pacaymayo will be both our lunch stop and our campsite for the night.

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail

.Walking Time: 10 km/6.21 miles (5-6 hrs)

.Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy)

.Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

DAY 5: PACAYMAYO – RUNCURRACCAY PASS – CHAQUICCOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

The first archaeological site we will visit is Runcuracay (3,760 m / 12,300 ft). Unlike other Inca structures, Runcuracay features circular enclosures, a rare design element in Inca architecture. After a short break, we will hike for approximately 1.5 hours to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca. Perched on a rocky cliff at 3,600 m, Sayacmarca resembles a labyrinth of houses, plazas with fountains, and narrow streets.

We will then reach our lunch spot at Chaquicocha, where we will have some time to rest and relax. After a 2 hour hike, we will arrive at the next archaeological site, Puyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,810 ft), also known as the “City Above the Clouds.” Here, you will find Inca ruins featuring five small stone baths that maintain a constant flow of fresh water during the rainy season. From there, we will begin our 3-hour descent to our campsite at Wiñayhuayna, where we will enjoy tea and dinner. This meal will be special, as it will be our final dinner with the team and our farewell to the porters.

Please note that the campsite may vary depending on the Ministry’s regulations, and could be either Puyupatamarca or Wiñayhuayna.

.Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail

.Walking Time: 15 km/10 miles (5-6 hrs)

.Accommodation: Camping Tent (double occupancy)

.Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

DAY 6: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the final and most anticipated stretch of your journey. After approximately an hour of hiking, you’ll reach the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at around 6:30 a.m. From here, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Watching the sunlight slowly illuminate the ancient citadel is an unforgettable and deeply moving momento one of the true highlights of the Inca Trail.

From the Sun Gate, we’ll descend gradually toward the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400 m / 7,872 ft), taking in spectacular views along the way.

After about 40 minutes, we’ll enter the citadel through the “House of the Guardians”, where you’ll have the opportunity to take the iconic postcard photos of Machu Picchu from its most famous viewpoint.

We’ll then proceed to the main entrance, where you’ll register and store large backpacks or trekking poles, as only small bags (such as camera bags or daypacks) are permitted inside the site.

Your guide will then lead a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the citadel, explaining the rich history, architecture, and cultural significance of this wonder of the world. You’ll visit the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana stone.

Once you’ve fully taken in the beauty of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at your leisure (not included).

In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition Train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., which follows the scenic Urubamba River, passing through dramatic canyons and lush landscapes dotted with whitewater rapids.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting at the train station exit to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle.

You can expect to arrive around 7:00 p.m., bringing your unforgettable Inca Trail journey to a close.

.Meals included: Breakfast

.Walking Time: 6kms/3.7mls (3 hours)

.Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TREK ?
Briefing in your hotel andanswer any questions
Hotel pick up the first morning of the trek
Private bus transport to the starting point of the trek
Personal horse/porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8kg/17.6lbs
Drybag to carry your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty
4 season Eureka Timberline Tents, (large and comfortable)
One-inch-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
English speaking professional guide
Full meals on the trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
Porters (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment) – Inca Trail portion
Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment) – Salkantay portion
Dining tent with tables and stools
Cook, kitchen tent and cooking equipment
Toilet, Toilet tent and toilet paper – Salkantay portion
Campsite with toilets – Inca Trail portion
Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes
Boiled and purified water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon
Inca Trail Permit
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex (first time slot)
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Guided tour of Machu Picchu

NOT INCLUDED ON THE TRAIL?
Flights
Hotel before/after the trek
Lunch and dinner on the last day
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know
Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therma-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (These are professional poles that can be extended)
Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your trek)
Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
Tip for your guide(s) and support staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek

Prices

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available to depart any day of the week, from March through January.
Please note that we do not operate this trek in February due to the rainy season and scheduled trail maintenance.
This unforgettable adventure can be booked for any date that suits you, as long as we have a minimum of two hikers.

Option	Price (USD per person)
Group Service (2+ hikers)	US$ 1095.00

Reservation price: US$ 400.00 per person
Balance ( cusco): US$ 695.00 (commonly paid in cusco after the briefing).

*All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD.
*Private treks, single trekker, custom treks and packages, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize.

Packing List

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones).
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented from Nomad In Peru)
Headlamp: essential
Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

The weather varies a lot in Peru, having 28 climates and 84 of the worlds 104 ecosystems. Cusco is set high up (3,380 mts, 11,089 ft) near the Andean Mountain Range and the dry season (winter) is from April/May to October/November with the wettest part of the year (summer) being January through March. Temperatures don’t vary too much between these seasons but the amount of precipitation does. If the sun is out it can be quite warm, but in the shade it gets cool fast. Temperatures change quickly and you will need layers as you hike during the day. At night it is quite cold in the mountains (usually near or below freezing)

2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
2 Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.

TOILETRIES

Face moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band aids, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day.

Water: Bring your own water bottles.
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp: essential
Wool hat
Rain gear
Fleece
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Rain plastic poncho
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Important Info

Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Salkantay and inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

THE BRIEFING

We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.

HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY AND INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

STEP ONE, to book Salkantay and Machu Piccchu 6 days, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.

STEP TWO, we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the 4-days Inca trail permits have been bought. Classic Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers. If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TOUR?

Yes, you have to get your original passport and it is very important and it have to be the same passport number that you sent to us at book time, and also train ticket, other entrances and reservations Will have the same document. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before to board you’re the train.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

To prepare for the altitude and avoid sickness, arrive in Cusco at least two days early. Spend the first day exploring at a relaxed pace and eat light meals. On the second day, try a short hike or join a Sacred Valley tour to help your body acclimate.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum number of people in the group is 8. Nomad in Peru specializes in small groups to provide personalized service. If the group exceeds this number, a second guide will be provided to assist.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK

The evening before your trek, you’ll receive a small duffel bag with a 7 kg (15 lb) weight limit, which includes your sleeping bag (approx. 2 kg). Porters will carry this bag along with camping gear and food. Peruvian law limits porter loads to protect their health, so all duffels will be weighed. If you exceed the limit, you’ll need to carry the extra weight in your daypack.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Classic Inca Trail is a demanding 43 km (26.7 mile) trek through the Andes, reaching 4,217 m (13.907 ft) in elevation. It includes steep climbs, especially on day two with two mountain passes. Good physical condition and prior training are necessary. To prevent altitude sickness, spend 2–3 days in Cusco (3,350 m) before starting the hike for proper acclimatization.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

If you are unable to complete the trek due to health reasons, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for transportation. We always carry oxygen for respiratory issues. Travel insurance is required and highly recommended. Please note that no refunds are given in such cases.
In most situations, trekkers are taken to Ollantaytambo. If recovery is quick, they may continue to Aguas Calientes (at their own expense) and visit Machu Picchu as originally planned.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SALKANTAY AND INCA TRAIL?

Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability 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 while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 2:55 or 3:20pm, depending on availability.

WHY ON DAY 5 DOES EVERYBODY WAKES UP AT 3:30 AM?

All Inca Trail hikers must wake up very early around 3:30 a.m. due to logistical limitations. There is only one train per day available for porters, which stops at Km 107 at 5:45 a.m. If they miss this train, they must wait until the next day, which is not a viable option. For this reason, everyone in the group must rise early and walk about 5 minutes to the checkpoint. There, you’ll wait approximately 1.5 hours until the gate opens at 5:30 a.m. to begin the final stretch toward Machu Picchu.

IS THERE ANY LOCATION WHERE I CAN PLUG AND CHARGE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON THE HIKE?

There is no electricity facilities at any campsite, so we recommend taking extra portable battery packs / power banks.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

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