Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail Tour (Combined)

Description

The Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail combined tour is one of the most comprehensive experiences for reaching Machu Picchu on foot, as it combines the power of high-altitude landscapes with the historical depth of the Inca Trail. Along the route, travelers traverse imposing snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, verdant valleys, and areas of high jungle, experiencing a natural transition between ecosystems that few routes in Cusco can offer. It is a journey designed for those seeking more than just a final destination: they seek the journey itself, the silence of the mountains, and a connection with Andean nature.

In the final stage, entering the Inca Trail provides the cultural and spiritual component that completes the experience. Walking along ancestral paths, surrounded by Inca constructions and agricultural terraces, allows one to understand the importance of Machu Picchu as a ceremonial center. Reaching the citadel after several days of trekking transforms the visit into a profoundly meaningful moment, where physical effort, history, and landscape come together in one place.

Itinerary

📍Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Camp

Very early, we depart from the city of Cusco towards Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek. During the journey, the landscapes gradually change until we reach the foothills of the Salkantay mountain.

From Soraypampa, we begin an acclimatization hike towards Humantay Lagoon, one of the most impressive in Peru for its intense turquoise color and glacial setting. After free time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs, we descend to the campsite.

Night camping under the stars, surrounded by mountains and Andean silence.

🔹 Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
🔹 Approximate Distance: 12 km

📍Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

This is one of the most challenging and spectacular days of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We hike a steady climb until we reach Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek.

From here, the views of the Salkantay mountain and the nearby glaciers are simply breathtaking. After the descent, the landscape gradually changes to greener areas as we enter the valley.

We arrive at the Chaullay campsite, surrounded by rivers and lush vegetation.

🔹 Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m
🔹 Approximate Distance: 18 km

📍Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa

The third day of the Salkantay Trek combined with the Inca Trail offers a more relaxed hike. We trek through coffee plantations, tropical fruit orchards, and rivers, enjoying a milder climate.

We arrive in the Santa Teresa area, where you can optionally visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, ideal for relaxing your muscles after days of trekking.

Overnight in a lodge or basic accommodation.

🔹 Altitude: 1,800 m
🔹 Approximate Distance: 15 km

📍Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we head towards Hidroeléctrica, where we begin a gentle hike following the railway tracks, surrounded by lush rainforest and Amazonian landscapes.

This section marks the transition from the Salkantay Trek to the Inca Trail, bringing us ever closer to Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Overnight in a hotel.

🔹 Approximate distance: 10 km

📍Day 5: Aguas Calientes – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna

Very early, we take the train to KM 104, the official starting point for the short Inca Trail. From here begins the most intense archaeological part of the trip.

We visit the Inca sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful complexes on the Inca Trail, surrounded by terraces and lush vegetation.

We continue hiking to the official Inca Trail campsite.

🔹 Approximate distance: 12 km
🔹 Official start of the Inca Trail

📍Day 6: Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Before dawn, we begin the final hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this point, you’ll have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, just as the ancient Incas did.

Then we descend to the citadel for a full guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring temples, plazas, and sacred sites.

In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes for the night.

🔹 Highlight of the tour

📍Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Breakfast and free time in Aguas Calientes. At the scheduled time, we board the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then take ground transportation to the city of Cusco, concluding this unforgettable Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu.

✅What does the tour include?

✔️Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco

Our team will pick you up promptly so you don’t have to worry about prior transfers or additional arrangements.

✔️Complete tourist transportation as per the program

This includes ground transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the Salkantay Trek, as well as all necessary transportation along the route and the final return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

✔️Certified professional guide (Spanish and English)

Constant accompaniment by a guide specializing in trekking and Andean culture, with extensive knowledge of the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail, and the history of Machu Picchu.

✔️Support and Logistics Team During the Trek

Includes support staff, cooks, and porters, depending on the route, who are responsible for camp setup, meals, and transporting group equipment.

✔️Full Board During the Trek

Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners prepared en route with fresh ingredients, designed for high-altitude trekking and the traveler’s energy needs.

✔️Camping and Accommodation as per the Program

Nights spent in equipped campsites during the Salkantay Trek and accommodation in a hostel or tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes, according to the chosen package.

✔️Entrance to Humantay Lagoon

Entrance included to one of the most impressive natural attractions in Cusco, located at the foot of the Humantay mountain.

✔️Official Permit for the Inca Trail (KM 104)

Includes the permit authorized by the Ministry of Culture to hike the official short section of the Inca Trail, subject to availability.

✔️Entrance to Machu Picchu

Entrance ticket to the Inca citadel for the guided tour, according to the circuit available at the time of booking.

✔️Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Guided tour of the main archaeological sites, with historical, cultural, and symbolic explanations.

✔️First Aid Kit and Oxygen

During the trek, we carry a basic first aid kit and an oxygen tank for immediate assistance if needed.

❌ What’s not included?

✖️Breakfast on the first day and lunch/dinner on the last day

Some meals outside the program are not included, especially before the start of the trek and after the final return to Cusco.

✖️Sleeping bag

You can rent one from the agency if you don’t have your own (recommended for low temperatures).

✖️Trekking poles

Optional and available for rent. They must have rubber tips for the Inca Trail.

✖️Entrance fees to additional mountains at Machu Picchu

Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are not included and must be requested in advance.

✖️Cocalmayo hot springs (optional)

Entrance fee not included; payment is made directly at the destination.

✖️Personal Expenses

Additional drinks, snacks, tips, and personal purchases during the trip.

✖️Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing insurance that covers trekking and adventure activities.

🌟 Recommendations

✔️Acclimatization in Cusco

Spending at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley helps reduce the effects of altitude sickness.

✔️Good physical condition

Although this is not a technical tour, prior experience in long hikes or mountain trekking is recommended.

✔️Appropriate layered clothing

The weather varies greatly: cold mornings, mild days, and sub-zero nights in high-altitude areas.

✔️Waterproof trekking shoes

Shoes or boots with good soles and support for uneven terrain.

✔️Sun and rain protection

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof poncho are essential.

✔️Constant hydration

Bring a reusable water bottle and drink water frequently during the hike.

✔️Respect for the route and culture

The Inca Trail is a protected site; always follow the guide’s instructions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour more difficult than the classic Salkantay Trek?

Yes, the combined Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail tour is more demanding due to its duration and elevation changes, but it’s ideal for active travelers seeking a complete experience.

Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail?

Yes. The official permit for the Inca Trail (KM 104) is included in the tour and is subject to availability, so we recommend booking in advance.

What is the best time to do this trek?

The best season is from May to September, when there is less rain. From November to March, there is more rainfall, but fewer hikers.

What happens if I don’t acclimatize to the altitude?

The guide carries a first-aid kit and oxygen. If necessary, a descent or immediate assistance will be assessed.

Can I do this tour without prior experience?

Expert experience is not required, but good physical condition and prior preparation are recommended.

Does this tour include a hike to Machu Picchu?

Yes. The final entrance is through Inti Punku (Sun Gate), one of the most exciting ways to reach Machu Picchu.