Salkantay Trek + the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 days

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa Skydomes

Your expedition begins with a 4:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through the lush Limatambo valley toward the trailhead at Challacancha. After a hearty breakfast, we begin a moderate 3-hour trek along an ancient Inca water channel toward our first basecamp.

• The Experience: After a chef-prepared lunch at Soraypampa, we ascend the steep ridge to Humantay Lake (4,200m). Here, the turquoise waters sit in the shadow of the massive Humantay Glacier. You will have time for meditation or photography before descending back to camp.
• The Night: Check into your Soraypampa Skydome. As night falls, watch the glaciers turn blue under the moonlight from the comfort of your bed.
• Stats: 12 km trekking | 6 hours | Max Altitude: 4,200m.

Day 2: The High Pass: Soraypampa – Inca Chiriasca Pass – Paucarcancha

We wake you with a hot coca tea served to your dome. Today is the most physically demanding day of the Salkantay phase. We tackle the “Path of the 7 Snakes,” a series of switchbacks leading to the highest point of the entire trek.

• The Experience: Reach the Inca Chiriasca Pass (4,650m). Standing right next to Apu Salkantay, you’ll participate in a traditional stone-stacking ceremony (Apacheta) to thank the mountains. From here, we leave the glaciers behind and descend into a dramatic valley, transitioning from rocky terrain to high-altitude meadows until we reach the remote village of Paucarcancha.
• The Night: A high-end wilderness camp set near the Paucarcancha Inca ruins.
• Stats: 18 km trekking | 8–9 hours | Max Altitude: 4,650m.

Day 3: Joining the Legend: Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa

Today, the scenery changes from “Wild Andes” to “Inca History.” After exploring the Paucarcancha ruins, we descend to Wayllabamba, where we officially enter the Inca Trail National Park.

• The Experience: We join the original stone path laid by the Incas. The trail begins to climb through a “Polylepis” forest (the unique high-altitude broccoli trees). This is a steady ascent that prepares your lungs for the challenge of the following day. We camp at Llulluchapampa, a high meadow with a spectacular view back down the valley.
• The Night: Premium mountain camping at 3,850m.
• Stats: 11 km trekking | 6 hours | Max Altitude: 3,850m.

Day 4: Dead Woman’s Pass – The Cloud Forest – Chaquicocha

Today features the most famous challenge of the Inca Trail: Warmiwañusqa, or Dead Woman’s Pass.

• The Experience: We reach the summit of the pass (4,215m) and take in the 360-degree views of the Vilcanota range. After the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley for lunch. In the afternoon, we cross a second, smaller pass (3,950m) and visit the Runkurakay and Sayacmarca ruins. You are now deep in the Cloud Forest, surrounded by mist, moss, and rare orchids.
• The Night: Camping at Chaquicocha, often called the “Campsite of the Stars.”
• Stats: 16 km trekking | 8–9 hours | Max Altitude: 4,215m.

Day 5: The Sun Gate Reveal: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu

This is the “Reward Day.” The trail becomes remarkably beautiful, following a flat Inca “highway” along the mountain ridges.

• The Experience: We visit Phuyupatamarca (The Town Above the Clouds) and the stunning agricultural terraces of Wiñay Wayna. Unlike standard treks, we continue walking toward the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in the late afternoon. This is the ultimate “First Look” at Machu Picchu—seeing the city empty of crowds and bathed in the low afternoon sun. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes.
• The Night: 3-star hotel stay in Aguas Calientes with a celebratory final dinner.
• Stats: 10 km trekking | 5 hours | Max Altitude: 3,680m.

Day 6: The Grand Citadel: Machu Picchu – Cusco

The final fulfillment of the journey. After an early hotel breakfast, we return to the citadel for our official guided tour.

• The Experience: Your expert guide will take you on a 2-hour exploration of the most vital sectors of Machu Picchu: the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Quarters, and the Main Plaza. After the tour, you have time for a final walk before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
• The Return: We board the Vistadome or Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
• Stats: 2-hour guided tour | Return to Cusco at approx. 7:00 PM.