Why choose between the raw alpine beauty of Salkantay and the historical prestige of the Inca Trail? This 6-day odyssey combines the best of both worlds. You will conquer the high glacial passes of the Vilcabamba range before joining the “Classic Inca Trail” to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate—the only way to see the citadel for the first time from above.
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.
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.
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.
Today features the most famous challenge of the Inca Trail: Warmiwañusqa, or Dead Woman’s Pass.
This is the “Reward Day.” The trail becomes remarkably beautiful, following a flat Inca “highway” along the mountain ridges.
The final fulfillment of the journey. After an early hotel breakfast, we return to the citadel for our official guided tour.
Transportation & Logistics
Access & Discoveries
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
Porterage & Support
This is a challenging 6-day trek that combines two of the most iconic routes to Machu Picchu.
You’ll cross the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 ft) and later hike sections of the Inca Trail, including stone paths and uneven terrain at altitude.
Good physical condition and prior hiking experience are strongly recommended. This itinerary is best suited for travelers looking for a demanding, immersive trekking experience.
You’ll be trekking across diverse environments, so packing efficiently is essential:
Your main duffel is carried by the support team, allowing you to hike with just your essentials.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.
This ensures a more controlled pace across both routes, better coordination on the Inca Trail, and a more personalized experience with your guide.
Proper acclimatization is essential for this itinerary.
We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. This will significantly improve your comfort and performance, especially during the high-altitude sections.
Hydration, light meals, and adequate rest before departure are strongly recommended.
Yes—you can hire a private porter for additional support.
While your main duffel is already included, a private porter can carry extra personal items or reduce the weight of your daypack.
This is especially helpful on the Inca Trail sections, where the terrain includes stone steps and sustained climbs.
Yes—SkyDome Camps operates fully legally and with all required permits, including authorization to operate on the Inca Trail.
As part of the Sam Travel Corporation, we comply with all official regulations required for both the Salkantay route and the Inca Trail. Our team brings extensive experience in managing multi-day expeditions with a strong focus on safety, logistics, and high-quality service.
This ensures a seamless experience across two of Peru’s most iconic trekking routes.
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky DomeWe did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay TrekI have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
