Highland Wonders: 6-Day Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Experience the best of the Andean trails with our “Salkantay & Inca Trail Odyssey,” a 6-day private tour blending rugged high-altitude treks with the rich history of the Inca civilization. This adventure starts in Cusco, leading you through diverse landscapes – from the snowy peaks of Salkantay Mountain to lush tropical forests. Witness the lifestyle remnants in highland hamlets and ancient farmsteads, connecting deeply with Peru’s past and present. The journey intensifies as you approach the Inca Trail, where history unfolds with each step. Trek past abandoned forts and through mystical cloud forests, culminating in the breath-taking Machu Picchu. Nights under the stars in the Andes, and days filled with unparalleled scenic beauty and cultural insights, make this the ultimate trekking experience.

Highlight

• Ascend Salkantay Mountain: Experience the majesty of the Salkantay Mountain, one of Peru’s highest peaks, offering stunning high-altitude landscapes and panoramic views.
• Historical Hamlets on the Trail: Walk through ancient highland hamlets, where traditional Andean lifestyles and Inca cultural heritage vividly come to life.
• Inca Trail Adventure: Embrace the historical journey along the Inca Trail, discovering abandoned forts and lush cloud forests leading to the iconic Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu Sunrise: Witness a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, an unforgettable highlight of this 6-day trekking adventure.
• Andean Nights Under the Stars: Camp in the heart of the Andes, with nights under the starlit sky, enhancing the outdoor adventure and connection with nature.

Brief Itinerary for Salkantay

Day 1: Journey to Soraypampa & Ascend to SalkantaypampaEmbark on your adventure with a transfer to Soraypampa. Start the trek towards Salkantaypampa, surrounded by the majestic Andean peaks, offering a perfect introduction to the high-altitude landscapes and rich Andean culture.

Day 2: Salkantaypampa to Sisaypampa Hike
Continue your ascent from Salkantaypampa to Sisaypampa, an immersive hike through diverse terrains. Witness breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain, and experience the serene beauty of the Andean wilderness.

Day 3: Sisaypampa to Ayapata Trek
Your journey leads you from Sisaypampa to Ayapata. This stretch of the trail takes you through more remote and tranquil paths, offering a chance to connect deeply with nature and the Incan heritage.

Day 4: Ayapata to Chaquiqocha via the Inca Trail
The adventure intensifies as you join the famed Inca Trail from Ayapata to Chaquiqocha. Trek past ancient Inca sites, unveiling the marvels of this legendary route, with panoramic views and rich historical context.

Day 5: Chaquiqocha to Wiñayhuayna Trek
Continue along the Inca Trail from Chaquiqocha to Wiñayhuayna. This leg of the journey offers lush cloud forest scenery and closer glimpses of Machu Picchu’s ancient architecture and mystical aura.

Day 6: Wiñayhuayna to Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Conclude your epic trek with a hike from Wiñayhuayna to the Sun Gate, where the first view of Machu Picchu awaits. Explore the sanctuary with a guided tour, uncovering the secrets of this iconic Inca citadel.

Prices for this trek

Includes and excludes

Included

• The clients will receive a briefing the night before the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek.
• Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Soraypampa (starting point of the trail).
• Entrance fee to Salkantay trek.
• Entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (but not Huayna Picchu Mountain).
• Personal tents accommodate two people for greater comfort and security. Our tents are 4-season and well-maintained for field performance.
• Each individual should bring an inflatable sleeping mat.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs. Kitchen tent.
• Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
• English-speaking tour leader plus an assistant guide for groups of over eight trekkers
• Chef and cooking equipment.
• Pack animals (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment) on the Salkantay trail – days 1 to 3.
• Pack animals to carry personal gear up to 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) on Salkantay trail – days 1 to 3.
• One emergency horse every six persons on Salkantay trail – days 1 to 3.
• Horsemen on Salkantay trail – days 1 to 3.
• Porters (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment) – days 3 to 6.
• Personal porter for personal equipment 7kg (15lbs) – days 3 to 6.
• Meals (5 breakfasts, 5-lunches, five dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except for last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no extra cost.
• Lunch on the last day after visiting Machu Picchu.
• A cloth bag for everyday snacks saves plastic bags and decreases waste.
• We will provide boiled water from lunchtime on the first day.
• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
• Our kitchen staff uses bio-degradable dishwashing detergents.
• Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in the water bottle every morning, night, and lunchtime.
• We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Expedition train or similar) according to availability – we can upgrade to Vistadome service upon request.
• Transfer from Poroy or Cusco train station to Cusco Hotel.
• 24-hour support by our local staff.

Not Included

• The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
• VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
• Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
• The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
• Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
• Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Breakfast on the first day.
• Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
• Sleeping bag.

Trip code: STTI6D01-PVT