Salkantay trek and Inca Trail
7 Days
Challenging
5250 msnm
Trekking
1150 USD
SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS Summary
Salkantay & Inca Trail in a 7 Days Program, the natural mountain scenery of the Salkantay coupled with the rich Inca culture makes 7 Days trekking in Peru one of the best combinations in the world, this trek is your chance to make dreams come true, challenge yourself, and discover both the majesty of the highlands in the Peruvian Andes and your own potential. We will be trekking uphill on the way to Salkantay, the trek is considered Peruvian flat, meaning there are many ups and downs consistently through the whole 7-Day Inca Trail. Hike through the cloud forests of Machu Picchu and outstanding Inca Archeological sites along the Inca Trail. Enjoy watching the sunset over Salkantay Mountain. Hike Inca Trail 7 Days while supporting the local community by hiring porters. Salkantay, Inca Trail 7 Days is a trek of massive accomplishment and unforgettable adventure
BEFORE YOU GO
IMPORTANT TO MENTION
The Peruvian Government is in charge of issuing the Inca Trail tickets, to all the travel agencies and travelers – Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD. An Inca Trail permit to Inca will be issued by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities, and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of Inca Trail ticket.
The Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), when the Inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for a determined date and no further reservations could be made; So, if you wish to travel note that reservation of the Inca Trail tickets must be done at least 4 months in advance.
The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking, this information is to be included in the official Inca Trail ticket
- Complete names and surnames
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Gender
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE INCA TRAIL
- Acclimate before starting the Inca Trail, Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before your Inca Trail
- June, July and August are the busiest season for the Inca Trail
- This 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Our Inca Trail prices are based on an occupancy of 2 people
- The Inca Trail closes February
- There is no access to a wheelchair to the Inca Trail
- If you do not show your Passport at the Inca Trail check-in point you will be denied access
- The Inca Trail permit is non-refundable, or transferable
INCA TRAIL WEATHER
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
PORTER
Inca Trail porters quite literally take the load off your back during the 4-day, 27-mile journey to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu Pack animals are not allowed on this iconic trail, so porters carry all the essential food and camping equipment your group needs. You can also hire a porter to help carry your personal belongings.
ACCOMMODATION DURING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
Our accommodation is based on 2 people per tent, in case there is a solo traveler, we accommodate the solo traveler to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex
INCA TRAIL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Adaptation to the high altitude
- No heart or ling issues
- Be in good shape
DIETARY NEEDS
We are able to cater any food restrictions, we work with different dietary requirement; Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more Options are Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.
DUFFLE BAG
A duffel bag is provided a day before during your briefing session briefing. The traveler can stuff this duffel with only 7kg, this is divided in 4 Kg of your stuff and 3kg for Sleeping bag and pad. Remember porters will carry only 7kg, this is a regulation by the Government if by any chance a traveler exceeds it, the travel operator will be fined.
INCA TRAIL BRIEFING
One day before we start the Inca Trail hike, you meet your tour guide and receive a detailed briefing of the Inca Trail, briefing last 30 -45 minutes.
INCA TRAIL GROUP SERVICE
Please take into account that during this trek you will meet different individuals, people with trekking skills and ages. Once the traveler books the Inca Trail in group service, agrees that some people may be slower or faster than you. Each of you will go at your own pace for the trek, always under the supervision of you tour guide.
DEMONSTRATION
Demonstration in Peru, can interfere with our Inca Trail groups. When this happens, people block the main roads for a period of 24 hrs. or more. If this happens during your trek. We will let you know in advance and do our best to change the Itinerary. This may entail extra expenses on the Traveler’s side, and modifying the original itinerary.
If a strike is confirmed on the first day of your 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. We will overnight in night before in Ollantaytambo to be as near possible to the starting point of the Inca Trail. If the strike happens during your Inca Trail 4-day hike. We drive to Hidrolectrica, this is the nearest spot we can get to Machu Picchu by car. Implies a hike of 2 hours to reach this point from Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu. We pick you up from Hidrolectrica and drive you back to Cusco city.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend to travel with an insurance, this can help you claim any refund from the insurance company in case you have to cancel your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu due to manifestations or any critical health issue.
SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS ITINERARY
DAY 1. CUSCO SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA
Our day begins at 5 am, pick you up at your hotel in our transportation and drive to the trailhead at Soraypampa. Along the way, you pass through two picturesque indigenous villages called Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Furthermore, you will have spectacular views of stunning valleys and the snow-capped, famous Salcantay Mountain. At Soraypampa, we power up with breakfast while admiring the breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers of Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet). The first hike is a 2.5 hours round-trip hike up to visit the turquoise Humantay Lake. We continue pushing for one and a half hours to ascend to Salkantaypampa, where we will overnight.
- Total distance: 13 km (8 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Camping facilities
DAY 2. SALKANTAYPAMPA – PAMPAJAPONESA
Wake up with our hot herbal tea or coffee, after enjoying breakfast, we continue walking uphill by the Salkantay route for about 3 hours at a moderate pace. On the way we make a pleasant stop to have lunch and recuperate energy too. After a comfortable rest, we hike for three hours to our campsite pampajaponesa, enjoying unmatchable views of all the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and amazing valleys. Our lovely staff will provide some snacks for you and dinner at your campsite.
- Total distance: 14 km (8.9 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Camping facilities
DAY 3. PAMPAJAPONESA – SISAYPAMPA
After having a proper breakfast, we start our climb on a moderate pace to Incachiriaska pass (4,880m/16,010ft. This pass is home to the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird. Right after the lecture from your tour guide, we descend to our campsite Sisaypampa to overnight.
- Total distance: 10 km (6.5 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Camping facilities
DAY 4. SISAYPAMPA – WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Today we leave behind the Salkantay, to enter the Inca Trail. After having breakfast, we split ways with our horseman. From this spot, we will get our team of porters to help us carry all the equipment and supplies. We begin hiking toward the end of the valley, which gets us to a wider valley called Pampacahua. There, we find an Inca water canal that is still in full use by the local farming settlements. At the end of the Pampa, we find our first Inca archeological site named Paucarcancha that we pass by and we arrive at Wayllabamba for lunch. At this point, you are on the Classic Inca Trail, walking in the footsteps of the Inca! After another hearty and delicious lunch, we walk for 3 more hours through the Llullucha Valley to reach our campsite at Llulluchapampa, where we enjoy our afternoon tea surrounded by rolling mountain hills.
- Total distance: 11 km (6.5 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Camping facilities
DAY 5. LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PACAYMAYU – PHUYUPATAMARCA
Wake up early to have breakfast then start our climb for about 2 hours following an original Inca path and trek up to the Warmiwañusqa Pass, also called Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,217m/14,047ft. Here we have a magnificent view back down the valley we just ascended and also down the other side to the trail ahead of us. We descend the Inca Trail, where the stones have been reconstructed in some places, down to the Pacaymayu River and have lunch. Afterwards, we walk uphill for 2 more hours towards Runcurakay Pass (3,977m/13,127ft). From this vantage point, we enjoy the unbelievable views of all the surrounding mountains. Then we descend for 3 more hours to Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft), where we spend the night.
- Total distance: 16 km (6.5 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Camping facilities
DAY 6. PHUYUPATAMARCA – WINAY WAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today is the most beautiful day of our trek. After breakfast early in the morning enjoy the sunrise, the Urubamba Canyon, the Machu Picchu Mountain, and the Inca Citadel. We descend for 2 hours through the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna for lunch. We keep hiking for 1 hour to the Sun Gate, from the Intipunku you can enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Along with your tour guide make your way to the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu, get to Machu Picchu through the house of guardians where you can take the classical postcard picture of Machu Picchu. At Machu Picchu citadel you will have a guided tour of 2 hours. At the end of our visit to Machu Picchu you will board your bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will overnight.
- Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Hotel Aguas Calientes
DAY 7. MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
Board the first bus to Machu Picchu and explore the Inca citadel for a second time, behold the sunrise
Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You can climb Huyana Picchu Mountain if you have a permit. Return to Aguas Calientes at the end of your tour to have lunch or visit the hot springs.
In the afternoon board, your Expeditions train to Ollantaytambo. following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:30pm.
- Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Hotel Aguas Calientes
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED
- Small Group Inca Trail group: 2 people Min – 8 Max
- Pre-departure briefing
- A personal porter to carry 7 kg of your personal stuff
- Collection from your hotel and drop back to your hotel
- Transportation Cusco – Km 82 (the starting point of the walk)
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee
- English-speaking guide
- Foam mattresses.
- Professional chef
- Kitchen equipment.
- Dining tent with chairs and tables.
- Portable environmental biodegradable toilet.
- Meal service at the campsites (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance, and any food allergy.
- 4 season Tents for two people
- Porter service. As detailed in the table authorized by the Ministry of Culture. (To carry our camping equipment and food)
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and vice versa
- Expeditions train ticket
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, and sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
- We provide hot water bins each night
- Rain plastic Poncho
- Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Day pack covers to keep you dry your belongings.
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
EXCLUDED
- Tip
- Entrance to the hot springs
PACKING LIST FOR SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS
- A Backpack 20- 24 liter, with a change of clothes for the 4 Day Inca Trail
- Head lamp with enough batteries
- Rain gear
- Waterproof footwear, make sure to try this in advance before using then at the trail
- Sandals
- Water Reservoirs, not plastic type, metal ones are recommended or camelbacks type. Capacity of 1.5-2 liters
- Warm clothes including jacket, fleeces
- Sleeping bag, if you haven’t booked from us
- Hat or cap
- Sun block
- Hydrating cream for face
- Insect repellent – strong Deet
- Tissues or toilet paper
- Towel
- Snacks, energy snack bars, candies, dried fruit
- Cash Soles or USD$
- Original passport
- Student ID, in case you have a student discount
- Walking sticks rubber tip, if you haven’t booked from us
- Water proof backpack cover
- Inflatable Pillow
- Large plastic bag, to help you organize stuff and keep things clean from dirt
WHAT TO BRING IN THE DUFFEL BAG
Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel provides a duffel bag at your briefing session. Duffel bag extra is carried by the porter, Inca Trail porter carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. Each duffel bag is weighed before at the Inca Trail check point. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. 7 kilos, in a duffel bag should be divided in: 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, and only 4 kilos for your personal stuff.
INFORMATION ABOUT SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS
For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archeological site on the continent. The Ina city remained forgotten for almost four centuries after the Spaniards arrived in Cusco in the 16th century. Machu Picchu is also a niche of astounding biodiversity with hundreds of birds, exotic flowers, and dense tropical nature.
When to go?
The best months to visit Cuzco are from March to December, although Machu Picchu is available all year long. Just make sure to reserve the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets in advance
Getting here.
All the international flights get to Lima Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez, and from Lima airport, you have to catch another plane all the way to Cusco. Get to Machu Picchu there are only three ways, by train, by bus, and by train through Santa Teresa or by the Inca Trail.
Departure Dates.
Daily departures are available through the year, although this activity is subject to the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets, the sooner you book the better is for your travel agency in Cusco to book all the tickets required.
Price information.
The price of this tour is based on two people, if you are a solo traveler you will need to contact our sales department so they can quote a price for a solo traveler.
Group size.
Group size is decided by the client, to reserve this tour we require at least 2 travelers. If you on a small group of 2 people, you will be able to hear the guide better, explanations can be geared toward your particular interest, you can decide which sites you want to see, and you can stay as long as it’s permitted rather than being herded back on to the bus before you are ready.
Huayna Picchu.
Limited to 400 visitors daily, to climb this mountain a permit is required and this is subject to availability, there are only 2 entrance times 7 am to 8 am, and 9 to 11 am, the hike takes around 2 to 3 hours back and forth. At the top of the Huayna Picchu,you will find the temple of the moon. The craggy 8,924-foot mountain of Huayna Picchu that looms behind the citadel is a recognizable and stunning backdrop to Machu Picchu. However, only two kilometers long, the trail to the summit is a challenging climb. The steep and exposed route ascends a stone paved trail that has stair steps and steel cables in sections.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, the hike is longer than the Huayna Picchu but less steep. The last time to enter Machu Picchu Mountain is 9 am.
SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS PRICING
Group service USD $1150 per person, you can book your spot with a pre-payment of USD $200, and pay the remaining balance one day before your hike starts
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS TO INCLUDE
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: USD $35, per person
- Huayna Picchu: USD $70, per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70, per person
- Sleeping Bag – Additional $20 USD per person
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS
DO WE NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, to get the Inca Trail you must show your passport at the checkpoint of the Inca trail Passport information must match your Inca Trail ticket.
CAN WE BOOK THE INCA TRAIL WITH AN EXPIRED PASSPORT
Yes, the Inca Trail can be booked with your current passport and update the information in your ticket when you get your new passport.
HOW MANY KINDS OF INCA TRAIL THERE ARE?
There are only two types of Inca Trail treks. The 2 Days Inca Trail, that includes a hotel night or camping or camping option, and the 4-Day Inca Trail or the so-called Classic Inca Trail.
CAN WE CANCEL THE INCA TRAIL TICKET?
Not, the Inca Trail permit is not subject to a cancellation of the ticket, if you decide not to show up to the Inca Trail, your spot remains valid and no one is able to claim your spot.
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL?
Highest point of the Inca Trail is at 4,200 m, campsites are located at 3.600 m.
HOW MANY KILOS CAN A PERSON TAKE TO THE INCA TRAIL?
There is no weight limit per person; you can carry a big backpack or only a 25 liters Backpack. The weight limitation works for the staff and porters – Each porter carries 20 kilograms.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE DEPARTURE OF THE INCA TRAIL TICKTES?
No, once the Inca Trail is issued under the name of a traveler, we cannot modify the Inca Trail departure date.
WHEN AND AT WHAT TIME DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU?
You get to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail on Day 4th, at around 08:00 am.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL
No, there is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 4-day hike.
WHO WILL CARRY ALL THE LOGISTIC AND SUPLLIES DURING THE HIKE?
The traveler carries only their personal backpack; all the logistic and our team of porters will carry all supplies such as food, tents, etc.
WHERE DO WE OVERNIGHT?
During the Inca Trail hike, we will overnight at campsites in tents; the Government for the Inca Trail hikers facilitates campgrounds
IS WATER INCLUDED DURING THE INCA TRAIL HIKE?
Our staff will provide boiled water to the travelers during the 4-Day trek
IS THERE ANY DISCOUNT IF WE ARE STUDENTS?
Yes, the discount is USD $30, and you need to present a valid student card, that show the participant picture photo, full name and surname, name of university, and a date of expiration. If the date of expiration is not the same year that you are hiking the Inca Trail, the discount will not proceed.
CAN WE SHOWER DURING THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes, it’s possible to take a shower along the way, although the water is at freezing temperature, you can shower on the third day at extra cost using the facilities of the local people, coordinate this with your tour guide.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY AT THE INCA TRAIL?
No, there is no electricity along the Inca Trail.
WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR SUITCASES
You can store your luggage in our storage and we will return it when to you when we meet you after the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu video
Here is a complete video of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with unpublished images!
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