Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days

Highlight of the day: Witness the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake beneath its towering glacier.

Your adventure begins early with pickup at approximately 4:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. We travel in comfortable transportation equipped with blankets for the scenic two-hour drive. There will be a brief stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, where the trek officially starts.

After meeting our trekking team and completing a final equipment check, we begin a moderate three-hour hike to Soraypampa. The route follows a gentle valley, much of it alongside a restored Inca irrigation canal still used by local farmers. Upon arrival at our exclusive Sky Camp, you’ll settle into your glass-roofed igloo and enjoy lunch surrounded by mountain scenery.

In the afternoon, we ascend to Humantay Lake at 4,200 m. Although the round trip covers only 3 km, the altitude requires a steady pace. The striking contrast between the glacier and the vibrant lagoon creates one of the most impressive landscapes in the Andes.

Back at camp, enjoy dinner at sunset before retiring to your Sky Camp dome, where the Andean constellations illuminate the night sky.

Highlight of the day: Experience the majestic presence of Salkantay Mountain.

You’ll wake to a warm cup of coca tea before breakfast. Today’s hike gradually ascends toward Salkantaypampa, where views of the imposing Salkantay Mountain dominate the horizon. Revered as an Apu, or sacred mountain spirit, it holds deep spiritual significance in Andean culture.

After a steady climb, the trail levels out, revealing spectacular snow-capped peaks and high-altitude plains. We continue toward Ichupata for lunch before heading to Pampajaponesa for the night. From camp, panoramic views stretch across the Mollepata Valley and toward the Apurímac River. Dinner is served beneath a sky filled with brilliant stars.

Highlight of the day: Reach the highest point of the trek at Incachiriaska Pass.

After breakfast, we begin the most demanding day of the journey, ascending steadily to Incachiriaska Pass at 5,100 m. Surrounded by dramatic glaciers and alpine lagoons, this summit offers unforgettable panoramic views.

Following time at the top, we descend to Yanacaca for lunch. The afternoon continues through picturesque Andean valleys toward Pampacahuana and the Inca Canal, an ancient water system reflecting remarkable engineering skills. Our campsite at Paucarcancha provides a peaceful setting for dinner and rest.

Highlight of the day: Enter the Classic Inca Trail.

Today offers a cultural transition as we pass through local farming communities and visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha. As we descend toward the Sacred Valley, vegetation becomes denser and the climate warmer.

After lunch, we officially join the Classic Inca Trail and ascend gently toward our campsite at Ayapata. The surrounding cloud forest and mountain views mark the beginning of a new chapter in the expedition.

Highlight of the day: Conquer Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail.

This is the most demanding yet rewarding section of the Inca Trail. A four-hour ascent leads to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m, where sweeping glacier views stretch across the Andes.

After descending for lunch, we continue past Runkuraqay and its nearby pass at 3,950 m before reaching the remarkable archaeological site of Sayacmarca. The trail winds through cloud forest before arriving at Chaquicocha for dinner and overnight.

Highlight of the day: Discover impressive Inca ceremonial and agricultural sites.

Today’s route is gentler and rich in archaeological discoveries. We visit Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town Above the Clouds,” once used for astronomical observations.

A long descent leads to Intipata, an agricultural terrace system designed to create microclimates for crop production. Finally, we reach Wiñay Wayna at 2,650 m, where you can explore its impressive terraces and temples before enjoying your final evening with the trekking team.

Highlight of the day: First sunrise view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

Before dawn, we begin the final hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, you will see Machu Picchu emerge between the mountains as the morning light reveals its grandeur.

After descending to the citadel, your guide will lead a comprehensive tour of the upper terraces and principal sectors of the sanctuary. Following the visit, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch.

Later, board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation awaits for your return to Cusco.

Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be arranged in advance.