Salkantay and Inca Trail Peru Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

• DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

  Arrival in Cusco, taxi transfer to our hotel. Early evening welcome, trek briefing and meet the group. After the trek briefing we will have the opportunity to eat together at the hotel.

  Guide notes:

  You will be arriving at an altitude of 3,399 meters and this can impact your body. It's normal to experience mild symptoms like shortness of breath or a slight headache upon arrival. These should subside with time. To help your body adjust, it's advisable to take it slow & stay hydrated and if possible arrive a day earlier.

  Accommodation:

  3* hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast

• DAY 2: ACLIMATISATION DAY, TOUR OF CUSCO & THE SACRED VALLEY

  We begin the day by exploring some of Cusco's most iconic historic sites, including the awe-inspiring Qorikancha Temple and the grand Cusco Cathedral. From there, we venture into the breathtaking Sacred Valley, pausing at picturesque viewpoints to take in the scenery.

  Our next stop is the vibrant Pisaq Market, a great spot to find handcrafted souvenirs and immerse yourself in local culture. Just above, we’ll explore the fascinating Pisaq ruins, where you'll gain deeper insight into Incan engineering and history.

  Afterward, enjoy a delicious local lunch in Urubamba, then continue to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, home to the extraordinary Sun Temple and incredible stonework.

  We return to Cusco in the evening for your trek briefing at the hotel, where you'll have the chance to ask final questions and receive your duffel bag for the journey ahead.

  Daily stats:

  Local city guide, Minibus transport

  Accommodation:

  3* hotel, private rooms, breakfast, lunch & evening meal (DBL)

• DAY 3: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAKE - SORAYPAMPA

  Your Inca Trail or Salkantay Tour begins with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel by your guide. After a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to Soraypampa (3,869 meters), we will meet our chef, horseman and horses, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and prepare for the day’s adventure.

  From Soraypampa, we pass by our overnight camp at Lodge del Cielo and begin a steady four-hour ascent to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of the majestic Humantay Mountain—a sacred site in Incan tradition. This hike rewards you with panoramic views of the Andes, sweeping valleys, and cascading waterfalls.

  Upon returning to Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa, you'll be greeted with warm drinks and a delicious dinner, capping off a memorable first day.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 6 hrs | Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m

  Accommodation:

  Camping pods, DBL

• DAY 4: SORAPAMPA- PAMPA JAPONESA

  After an early breakfast, we begin our trek with a descent toward Choqueckilla, enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain as the morning light hits its peak.

  The trail gradually climbs again, leading us into the dramatic highland scenery of the Vilcabamba range. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in a landscape of towering peaks, glacial valleys, and highland wildlife, with your guide offering insight into the region’s geography and cultural significance.

  After approximately seven hours of trekking through this remote and beautiful terrain, we arrive at our campsite, located at around 4,000 meters beneath the shadow of Salkantay. A well-deserved, hearty lunch will be served en route, and you'll have time to rest and take in the mountain views before dinner.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 7 hrs | Maximum altitude: 4,200m

  Accommodation:

  Tented camp, DBL

• Day 5: PAMPA JAPONESA – INCA CHIRIASCA PASS - SISAYPAMPA

  We begin the day with a warm cup of coca tea, a welcome start to a brisk, high-altitude morning. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our third day of trekking, following a steep and steady ascent toward the Inca Chiriasca Pass at an elevation of 5,200 meters.

  The climb takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and follows a rugged, rocky path. Though challenging, the effort is rewarded with dramatic views of the Andean mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, and the rich natural beauty of the region, including unique flora and the occasional sighting of local wildlife.

  Crossing the Inca Chiriasca Pass marks a high point, both literally and figuratively, offering sweeping panoramic views across the remote highlands. From here, we begin a long descent of approximately 1,700 meters, gradually making our way to the campsite where a well-earned lunch and time to rest await.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 8 hrs | Maximum altitude: 5,200m

  Accommodation:

  Tented camp, DBL

• Day 6- SISAYPAMPA- PAUCARCANCHA - CUSICHACA VALLEY - HUAYLLABAMBA

  Today’s trek begins with a gentle four-hour descent along an ancient Inca water channel, leading us to the remote archaeological site of Paucarcancha. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, this lesser-visited ruin offers a fascinating glimpse into Incan engineering and daily life.

  After exploring the site, we continue into the Cusichaca Valley, where we’ll stop for a relaxing lunch and reconnect with our support team and porters.

  From here, we officially join the classic Inca Trail, following its time-worn path to our next campsite. This will be our final camp before continuing deeper into the heart of the Andes and toward the iconic Machu Picchu.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 8 hrs | Maximum altitude: 3,750m

  Accommodation:

  Tented camp, DBL

• Day 7: HUAYLLABAMBA- DEAD WOMANS PASS- PACAYMAYU

  We begin the day early, with breakfast served between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. in preparation for one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the trek. Today’s route includes a steep ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail: Abra Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass, sitting at 4,200 meters above sea level. The climb is steady and demanding, but the panoramic views from the top make every step worthwhile.

  From the pass, we begin our descent to Pacaymayo campsite (3,550 meters). Along the way, keep an eye out for hummingbirds and other high-altitude bird species. The trail passes through sections of cloud forest, where you’ll see native flora such as the Polylepis or Q'ueuña trees—unique to this region.

  Reaching Pacaymayo, you can take pride in having conquered the highest point on the trail. After a well-deserved rest, enjoy a nourishing evening meal at camp.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 8 hrs | Maximum altitude: 4,200m

  Accommodation:

  Tented camp, DBL

• DAY 8: PACAYMAYU- PHUYPATAMARCA- WINAY WAYNA

  In our opinion, this is one of the most breathtaking days on the trail. After breakfast around 6:00 a.m., we begin with a gentle ascent toward the stunning archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, “The Town in the Clouds, located near the trail’s third highest pass at 3,680 meters.

  From this vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, canyons, and cloud forest, a true highlight of the trek. After exploring the ruins, we continue our descent down a spectacular stone stairway of approximately 3,000 steps, winding through lush cloud forest and past more impressive examples of Inca agricultural terraces.

  We arrive at our final campsite, Wiñay Wayna (2,680 meters), by early afternoon. Today’s trek is relatively short, around 4 to 5 hours, giving you time to rest and explore the beautifully preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most remarkable sites along the Inca Trail.

  Even if you’re feeling tired, it’s well worth the effort to visit this final gem before reaching Machu Picchu.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 8 hrs 30 mins | Maximum altitude: 3,600m

  Accommodation:

  Tented camp, DBL

• DAY 9: WINAY WAYNA- MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO

  We begin our final day early, waking around 4:00 a.m. for breakfast before starting the last stretch of the Inca Trail. Our goal is to reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) by 6:00 a.m., just in time to witness the first light breaking over the Machu Picchu Citadel—a breathtaking and unforgettable sight.

  From the Sun Gate, we descend toward the citadel, arriving after approximately 40 minutes at the House of the Guardians, one of the most iconic viewpoints overlooking the ruins. From here, we continue to the checkpoint, where we register and leave our backpacks before entering Machu Picchu (2,400 meters).

  Your expert guide will lead you through the site, exploring the most important temples, plazas, and ceremonial areas while sharing the history and mystery behind this remarkable Incan sanctuary. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander and absorb the magic of the citadel at your own pace.

  Return to Cusco: In the afternoon, we descend by bus to Machu Picchu Town and board the Expedition train at 4:22 p.m. to Ollantaytambo. There, our private van will meet you for the final transfer back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8:30 p.m.

  Daily stats:

  Duration: 6 hrs | Maximum altitude: 2,720m

  Bus travel: 30mins | Train travel: 2hrs | Minibus travel: 2hrs

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast, lunch (DBL)

• DAY 10: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND RED VALLEY

  We begin the day early with a 2.5-hour drive in private transport to the starting point of our hike. As we set off, keep an eye out for wildlife, including guanacos and vicuñas (wild relatives of llamas and alpacas), and if we're lucky, a sighting of the Andean condor with its enormous wingspan. In rare cases, even pumas may be spotted in this remote and rugged landscape.

  The trail ascends gradually, taking us to an altitude of 5,200 meters at the iconic Vinicunca Pass, also known as Rainbow Mountain. Here, the views are truly spectacular. As the morning sun rises, it casts a golden glow over the vibrant, mineral-rich hills, revealing the full spectrum of colors unique to this region of Peru.

  From the pass, you'll also have views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,000 meters), a sacred peak in Andean cosmology. On its northern slopes, the traditional Qoyllur Rit’i festival is celebrated annually with music, dance, and pilgrims from across the country.

  After time to soak in the scenery and capture photos, we make our way back down to the trailhead for the return journey to Cusco.

  Minibus travel back to our our hotel in Cusco.

  Daily stats:

  Minibus transfer (each way) 2.5hr Distance: 10k Elevation gain: +500m Trek time: 4 hours

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast, lunch (DBL)

• Day 11: FREE DAY IN CUSCO

  Back in Cusco, enjoy a final chance to explore this historic city and shop for souvenirs. Cusco, the former heart of the Incan Empire, offers vibrant markets and boutiques where you can find unique keepsakes like alpaca textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts. Make the most of your last moments in this charming city before your journey ends.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private rooms & breakfast, lunch (B)

• DAY 12: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

  Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

  Accommodation:

  Breakfast