Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 6 days / 5 nights “Confort Service”

The second day of the Salkantay Pass and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at dawn with an energizing cup of coca tea, ideal for acclimatizing and preparing for a challenging journey. After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin the ascent to the highest point of the route: the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This hike of approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) takes about 3 hours and traverses the famous “Path of the 7 Serpents,” named for its sharp switchbacks.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay (6,271 m), the second highest peak in Cusco and one of the sacred mountains most revered by the Incas. From this point, you can also appreciate other majestic apus such as Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After a well-deserved rest and unforgettable photographs, we will begin the 7-kilometer descent to Huayracmachay (3,850 m), where you will enjoy lunch surrounded by spectacular views.

After the rest, the trail will take you to the beginning of the high jungle or cloud forest, a magical transition where the landscape changes drastically from the cold Andes to the warm Amazonian environment. This 8-kilometer (approx. 3 hours) stretch will allow you to admire lush tropical vegetation, colorful birds, and the remarkable biodiversity of the ecosystem.

At the end of the day, you will arrive at the cozy town of Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where a delicious dinner and comfortable accommodation at the Mountain Sky View Camp will await you. Here you can relax and rest deeply after a day full of challenges, spectacular landscapes and unique experiences on the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The third day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with a peaceful awakening at 6:00 a.m., accompanied by a cup of hot tea and a delicious breakfast. After getting ready, we’ll begin a relaxing hike through the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley, enjoying a change of scenery to a more tropical environment, full of life and color.

During this day, the trail has more descents than ascents, allowing you to calmly appreciate the natural surroundings: crystalline rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and banana, coffee, and avocado plantations that decorate the path. We’ll pass through Collpapampa, a small Andean town, and then enter the valley to admire exotic birds, fruit trees, hot springs, and abundant flora and fauna. With a bit of luck, you might spot the famous Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird.

After a delicious lunch at La Playa, we’ll continue for another hour to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where our charming campsite is located. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the surroundings and visit an organic coffee plantation, where you can learn about the growing and roasting process, and even taste a cup of authentic Peruvian coffee. We’ll also visit local avocado and orange farms.

At nightfall, you’ll enjoy a dinner prepared with fresh regional produce and rest in our Jungle Domes, a unique accommodation designed to blend in with nature. From your bed, you can gaze at the stars through the transparent dome and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest, completing another unforgettable day on the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The fourth day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with a delicious breakfast to recharge your batteries before continuing the adventure. Today you will live a special experience by walking an authentic section of the original Inca Trail, an ancient section full of history, mysticism, and nature.

After a 2-hour climb, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Santa Teresa Valley until you reach the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca point strategically located in front of Machu Picchu. From this sacred site, you’ll be able to admire the majestic silhouettes of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu for the first time, while your guide shares fascinating stories about Inca culture and worldview.

After exploring Llactapata and taking unforgettable photographs, we’ll descend for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Acobamba, where we’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by the nature of the cloud forest. Afterwards, we will continue by vehicle to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), where you will witness an impressive 250-meter-high waterfall that supplies electricity to the city of Cusco.

From Hidroeléctrica, you will have two options to get to Aguas Calientes:
1️⃣ Take the train (additional cost).
2️⃣ Take a relaxing hike about 3 hours along the train tracks, enjoying the tropical landscape and observing the Intihuatana, an ancient ceremonial rock used as a sundial by the Incas, astronomically connected to Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the Inca citadel, you can dine in a local restaurant and rest in a comfortable hotel. This day will allow you to experience the ancestral energy of the Inca Trail up close and prepare for the grand finale of your experience on the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Note: During the rainy season, the ascent to Llactapata may be suspended for safety reasons, as the terrain becomes slippery.

The fifth day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts very early, with pickup from your accommodation around 5:00 a.m. From there, you will embark on a one and a half hour hike to KM 104, the starting point of the famous Short Inca Trail. As the sun illuminates the Andes and the Urubamba River winds at your feet, you’ll feel the special energy of this sacred route.

The trail follows the same path as the Classic Inca Trail, surrounded by lush vegetation, majestic mountains, and an air of mysticism. The first stop will be Chachabamba, an ancient Inca archaeological site where your guide will explain its spiritual and strategic importance.

After about three hours of hiking, you will arrive at Wiñay Wayna (“forever young” in Quechua), one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Here you will admire its temples, ritual fountains, and perfectly designed agricultural terraces. This is an ideal place to rest, enjoy your lunch, and connect with Andean nature to the rhythm of the wind and the songs of the birds.

After recharging your batteries, you will continue the final ascent to the mythical Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. This moment is truly magical: you’ll see the golden rays of the sun illuminate the Inca citadel, revealing its architectural beauty and the mystery that surrounds it.

Stop to contemplate the grandeur of the place and reflect on how the Incas managed to raise these constructions high in the mountains, in perfect harmony with nature. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out to board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner and a restful night at your hotel await you.

Get ready, because tomorrow is the day to experience the big moment: exploring every corner of Machu Picchu, the final jewel of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Visit the wonderful Inca city of Machu Picchu, the final jewel of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
After a well-deserved night’s rest, today you will experience the most anticipated moment of your adventure: exploring the mysterious paths of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, the dream destination of those who travel the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Early in the morning, before sunrise, you will walk a short distance from your hotel to board the bus that will take you for 25 minutes to the entrance of the sanctuary. You’ll arrive just in time to admire the first rays of sunlight illuminating the fortress, creating a magical spectacle over the Andean mountains.

After enjoying the sunrise and capturing your first photographs, your guide will lead you on a hour and a half tour of the archaeological complex. You’ll discover temples, agricultural terraces, and the most iconic corners of Machu Picchu, learning about its history and the architectural ingenuity of the Incas.

After your visit, you can optionally ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be reserved in advance). Both offer unparalleled panoramic views and a deeper connection to the energy of the Andes.

When you’re ready, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private transfer will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. Upon arrival, you can rest and reflect on this unforgettable experience on the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a journey that will remain etched in your heart forever.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

If you wish to take this tour, please follow these recommendations:
For this type of trip, it is recommended to wear light clothing, long pants, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as temperatures can range from 8 to 22 degrees Celsius (46 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on the altitude in this hot and humid subtropical region, with heat during the day and coolness at night. It can rain during the day, so bring a rain poncho. During the winter months, it is essential to wear a jacket and thick clothing as it can be extremely cold, especially at night. If you are bringing a camera or video camera, remember to bring a plastic bag to protect it from the rain.
Note: You can book these services, even if you are just one person, because they are shared and all costs are in US dollars. If you have any questions, please email us.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND OPTIONALLY CLIMB THE FOLLOWING MOUNTAINS:

Huayna Picchu Mountain
Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)
You can climb the famous mountain that appears in the images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute climb, and the descent may be frightening if you are afraid of heights. You can take this tour after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Due to high demand, permits must be requested at least one month in advance. Please note that there may be adjustments to ensure your safety, mainly due to weather conditions.
The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain costs an additional US$75.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3 – 4 hours)
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the mountains surrounding the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The paths are less steep, wider, and visually less intimidating than those to Huayna Picchu, with a 1.5-hour climb to the summit. This hike requires an entrance ticket, which we can obtain for you if we have enough time in advance.
The ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain costs an additional US$75.00 per person.