Salkantay + Inca Trail Expedition 6D/5N

Tour Highlights

Trip Details

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Depart from: Soraypampa (Salkantay section)
• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Season: March to December
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Hiking distance: ~70 km / 43 mi
• Type: Adventure • Camping • History

Why You’ll Love This Combo Trek

• 
  Book with Confidence and Flexibility
  – change travel dates with no extra fees and pay your balance online or in Cusco.
• Two Legendary Routes in One –
  Combine the Salkantay Trek
  and the Classic Inca Trail
  without having to choose between them.
• High-Andes & Sacred Trails –
  Visit Humantay Lake, cross Salkantay Pass, continue
  via Frozen Inca Pass (Inchiriasca), then walk the Inca Trail through
  Dead Woman’s Pass, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna.
• Arrive Through the Sun Gate –
  Reach Machu Picchu on foot via Intipunku for the iconic first view
  of the citadel from above.
• Small Groups & Fair Porters –
  Travel with a 100% Peruvian operator, small groups for personalized service, and fair
  treatment and wages for porters and muleteers.
• Give Back While You Trek –
  Support TreXperience social projects and help children’s education in Cusco by booking
  this tour.

This is the perfect trek if you want big mountains, legendary Inca stone paths, and the
classic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu—all in one itinerary.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata

Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (around 04:30) and 3-hour drive to
Soraypampa, where you’ll enjoy breakfast beneath the snowy peaks of
Humantay and Salkantay. After meeting your trekking team, begin a gentle uphill walk
toward Humantay Lake and the flanks of Salkantay.

Admire magnificent views of the Vilcabamba range, which separates the high Andes from
the cloud forest. The total hike to Ichupata (also known as Pampa
Japonesa) takes around 8 hours. Camp right below the great Salkantay Mountain and next
to a beautiful glacial lake.

• Total distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~8 hours
• Campsite altitude: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Considered: Moderate to challenging
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 2 | Ichupata – Inchiriasca Pass – Sisaypampa – Canal Inca

Wake in your tent to a hot cup of coffee or coca tea and prepare to conquer the highest
point of the expedition: the Inchiriasca Pass, also known as the
“Frozen Inca Pass” at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. The morning climb is
demanding but rewarded with incredible views of glaciers and high Andean scenery.

At the top, enjoy the scenery and a comforting cup of coca tea to help with altitude.
Then descend into the Pampaccahuana Valley, following a winding stream
through open grasslands toward your campsite near Canal Inca, next to
a small village.

• Total distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~8 hours
• Campsite altitude: 3,670 m / 12,040 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Considered: Challenging
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 3 | Canal Inca – Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

After breakfast, hike about 3 hours downhill to the rarely visited
Inca ruins of Paucarcancha (3,143 m / 10,410 ft), a beautiful
archaeological complex overlooking the valley. Lunch is served near the site.

This is where you meet your Inca Trail porter team and say goodbye to
the muleteers who supported you on the Salkantay section. Continue hiking about
30 minutes to Wayllabamba to visit another Inca site and check in at
the second official checkpoint of the Classic Inca Trail. From here, it’s a
~2-hour hike to camp at Ayapata.

• Total distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~7 hours
• Campsite altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Considered: Moderate
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 4 | Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runkurakay – Chaquicocha

Today is the most demanding day of the Classic Inca Trail section. After an early
breakfast, prepare to conquer two high passes. First is Warmiwañuska
(Dead Woman’s Pass) at about 4,200 m, the highest point of the Inca Trail. Then descend
into the valley before climbing again to the second pass,
Runkurakay (around 4,000 m).

Along the way, you’ll enter the cloud forest and visit smaller Inca sites. You’ll camp
at Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), surrounded by mountains and
mist.

• Total distance: 16 km / 9.9 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~10 hours
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Considered: Moderate – challenging
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 5 | Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna

After tackling the Frozen Inca Pass, Dead Woman’s Pass, and Runkurakay, Day 5 is a more
relaxed and scenic day—a chance to rest your legs and enjoy the finest stretch of the
Inca Trail. Hike along beautifully engineered stone paths, visiting
Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”), the terraces of
Intipata, and finally Wiñay Wayna, one of the most
impressive sites on the Trail.

You’ll arrive at camp in the early afternoon with time to relax, take photos, and
mentally prepare for Machu Picchu on the final day.

• Total distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~5 hours
• Campsite altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Considered: Moderate
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 6 | Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

On the final morning, wake up very early, have a quick breakfast, and pass the last
Inca Trail checkpoint in time to start walking before dawn. Hike for about
1 hour to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and enjoy your
first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu below.

Descend to the citadel itself and begin your guided tour, exploring the temples,
plazas, terraces, and hidden corners of the Lost City of the Incas. After your tour and
free time to explore, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included),
then board the Expedition or panoramic train back toward Cusco. Transfer to the city
and make your own way to your hotel (hotel night not included).

• Total distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Hiking time: ~2 hours to Sun Gate & Machu Picchu entrance
• Sites: Sun Gate, Machu Picchu guided tour
• Meals: Breakfast only
• Train: Expedition (or panoramic upgrade if included)
• Note: Night in Cusco not included—you must book your hotel separately.

Everything That’s Covered

• All transportation during the 6 days (Cusco ↔ Soraypampa, trail transfers, train back to Cusco region)
• Duffle bag (up to 7 kg) for your personal belongings
• Mules and muleteers for the Salkantay section
• Personal porter for the Inca Trail section (to carry your duffel)
• Admission tickets for Salkantay, Inca Trail permits, and Machu Picchu
• All meals included except the last day’s lunch after the Machu Picchu tour
• Daily tea time, wake-up tea, and snacks
• 5 nights camping along the route
• Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers (roomy double occupancy)
• Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, hot water bottles, and extra blankets
• Drinkable water provided every day
• Portable toilets, hot showers, and warm water to wash
• Souvenir T-shirt
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• All taxes and booking fees included

Price & Payment Details

Trek Price

Price per person: USD $998
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To book the Salkantay + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour, you need
to make an initial payment of USD $200 per person. The remaining
balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card—no
booking fees.

Student Discount

• Travelers under 17 receive a USD $35 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under at the time of travel can also receive a
  USD $35 discount with a valid
  student ID.
  Please email us in advance so we can provide a discount code.

This tour can also be booked as a private service—contact us for a customized quote.

Deposit: $200 pp secures your spot •
Balance: pay online in installments or in Cusco •
Booking Fees: 0% – no credit card or hidden fees.

What to Pack for the Salkantay + Inca Trail Trek

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings in your duffel bag; this must
include your sleeping bag and air mattress. You’ll also carry a small daypack with
essentials. Pack light, layer your clothing, and prepare for cold high passes and warm
cloud forest.

Essentials for the Trek (Documents & Gear)

• Original passport (required for permits, trains, and Machu Picchu)
• Valid student ID (if you booked with a student discount)
• Good daypack (small, comfortable, ideally ≤ 25 L for Machu Picchu regulations)
• Water storage (Camelbak or bottles with capacity for at least 2 L)
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight, good grip, well broken-in)
• Trekking poles (strongly recommended)

What to Put in Your Duffle Bag (up to 7 kg including sleeping bag)

Your duffel is carried by mules (Salkantay section) and porters (Inca Trail section).
You won’t have access to it while hiking during the day.

• 6 long- or short-sleeve wicking T-shirts
• 3–4 pairs of comfortable hiking pants
• 7 sets of underwear
• 7 pairs of hiking socks
• 1 warm down or insulated jacket (nights can be very cold)
• Comfortable camp shoes (sandals or sneakers)
• Camping towels (quick-dry) – small hand towels are provided
• Soap (in a sealed container or travel bottle)
• Battery/power bank with enough charge for 6 days
• Plastic bags or packing cubes to separate clean/dirty clothes
• Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (bring your own or rent from TreXperience)
• Earplugs for sleeping in camps
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Sunscreen and moisturizer
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper
• Personal medication
• Small first-aid kit (band-aids, moleskin, painkillers, etc.)

What to Carry in Your Daypack

Bring a small, comfortable daypack (≤ 25 L). You’ll carry it every day; it must fit
inside Machu Picchu rules for small bags.

• Water: Start Day 1 with 2 L; from the first lunch onward, we provide
  drinkable water daily.
• Rain gear: Rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof gloves, and poncho.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses.
• Warm accessories: Beanie, warm gloves for cold mornings/evenings.
• Camera & extras: Camera/phone, extra batteries, small power bank, some soles in cash.
• Hand sanitizer and small pack of wet wipes
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for trash
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Salkantay + Inca Trail trek?

This combo is moderate to challenging. You’ll trek for 6 consecutive
days at high altitude, with passes up to 5,100 m (Frozen Inca Pass) and 4,200 m (Dead
Woman’s Pass). Good general fitness and some prior hiking experience are strongly
recommended.

What’s the maximum altitude on this trek?

The highest point is the Inchiriasca (Frozen Inca) Pass at about
5,100 m / 16,732 ft on Day 2. The Inca Trail high point, Dead Woman’s Pass,
is around 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.

Do I need permits for the Inca Trail?

Yes. The Classic Inca Trail has limited permits that can sell out months in advance.
When you book this combo trek, TreXperience secures your Inca Trail permit
and Machu Picchu entrance as part of the package—booking early is
essential.

When is the best time to do this trek?

The trek runs from March to December, with the best conditions usually
from April to November (dry season). The Inca Trail is closed in February for
maintenance. April and November are good shoulder months with slightly fewer crowds.

How many people will be in the group?

Groups are kept small for a more personalized experience. If you’d like a
private tour just for your party, that can be arranged on request.

What Covid-19 safety measures are in place?

TreXperience follows current local regulations, including temperature checks when
required, mandatory masks in public areas, hand sanitizer available at all times,
regular sanitizing of high-touch surfaces and equipment, avoidance of printed
materials, 100% online payments, and flexible booking policies during the COVID-19
period.

Why book with TreXperience?

• 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco
• Personal porter included for up to 7 kg of your gear on the Inca Trail
• Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°) included on many departures
• Small group tours for a more personalized service
• Fair wages and proper equipment for porters (men and women)
• Support for social projects and children’s education in Cusco
• Portable toilets and hot showers available on all multi-day treks
• No booking or credit card fees

How to Book Your Salkantay + Inca Trail Trek

1. Check availability:
   Contact us with your preferred dates and group size, or check live availability for
   the 6-day Salkantay + Inca Trail on our website (Inca Trail permits are limited).
2. Confirm details & upgrades:
   Decide on group vs. private service, confirm if you want Huayna Picchu or Montaña
   Machu Picchu, and ask about panoramic train or hotel upgrades if desired.
3. Pay your deposit:
   Secure your spot and permits by paying a USD $200 deposit per person
   via our secure online payment system. The balance is due before your trek or can be
   paid in Cusco.
4. Send your information:
   Complete the passenger form with passport details, student ID information (if
   applicable), dietary needs, and emergency contact.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll send your full itinerary, permit confirmation, packing list, and briefing time
   so you know exactly what to expect.
6. Arrive, acclimatize & trek:
   Get to Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to acclimatize. Attend your pre-trek
   briefing, meet your guide and fellow hikers, and then set off to experience both
   Salkantay and the Classic Inca Trail—ending at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Reserve your Salkantay + Inca Trail trek today with a small deposit and let us handle
the logistics—so you can focus on the mountains, the history, and that first view of
Machu Picchu.