suggested intinerary
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.
Accommodation3* hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast
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.
DAY 2: ACLIMATISATION DAY, TOUR OF CUSCO & THE SACRED VALLEY
We begin our day exploring Cusco's historic sites, including the impressive Qorikancha Temple and the Cusco Cathedral. Afterwards, journey into the Sacred Valley, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Visit the traditional Pisaq Market for unique souvenirs and explore the nearby Pisaq ruins to learn about Incan history. Enjoy a local lunch in Urubamba before continuing to the Ollantaytambo fortress to discover the remarkable Sun Temple. Return to Cusco in the evening for a trek briefing at the hotel, where you can ask final questions and receive your packing duffel bag.
Daily stats:- Local city guide
- Minibus transport
3* hotel, private rooms, breakfast, lunch & evening meal (DBL)
DAY 3: CUSCO - MARCCOCCASA / SORAYPAMPA
Your Inca Trail or Salkantay Tour begins with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel by your guide, chef, and porters. After a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Marccoccasa (3,300 meters), you'll meet your horseman and horses, prepare for the day, and enjoy breakfast. The hike offers stunning views of the Andes, valleys, and waterfalls. The morning involves a 3.5hr uphill climb, followed by a more relaxed walk after lunch. As you reach the snow-capped Humantay Mountain in the afternoon, temperatures drop, so keep warm clothing handy. At Soraypampa campsite (3,800 meters), you'll be welcomed with warm drinks and dinner.
Daily stats:- Distance: 11 km
- Height gain: +900m
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m
Tented camp, DBL
DAY 4: SORAPAMPA- HUMANTAY LAKE- ICHUPATA
Your day begins with hot drinks and breakfast, followed by a hike through alpine micro-climates with stunning views of glacier peaks. You'll climb for two hours to a beautiful blue lake at the base of Humantay Mountain, a sacred Incan site. After returning to the main trail, you'll reach Salkantay Pampa for lunch. The afternoon involves a two-hour steep climb to the Ichupata or Pampa Japonesa campsite (4,200 m). Expect a cold day, so keep warm gear handy. At camp we will enjoy hot drinks, dinner, and stargazing. This is the highest and coldest campsite, with temperatures near zero degrees Celsius.
Daily stats:- Distance: 13km
- Height gain: +800m
- Maximum altitude: 4,200m
Tented camp, DBL
Day 5: ICHUPATA- INCA CHIRIASCA PASS- INCA CANAL
After breakfast, tackle the challenging hike to the Inca Chiriasca Pass at 5,000 meters. Your guide will pace you steadily up, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and lakes, with the chance to spot condors and falcons. At the top, enjoy hot coca tea before descending or taking an optional 30-minute glacier hike. Continue to your lunch spot, where hot tea and a delicious meal await. The rest of the day is a downhill trek through lush valleys and streams to your campsite located in the small village of Inca Canal.
Daily stats:- Distance: 14km
- Height gain: +800m
- Descent: -1250m
- Maximum altitude: 5,000m
Tented camp, DBL
Day 6- INCA CANAL- PAUCCAR CANCHA- WAYLLABAMBA- AYAPTA
Today offers a rare glimpse into history as you walk ancient hillside paths used by traditional Peruvian farmers since Inca times. You'll visit famous Inca ruins, where your guide will share their history, and then explore new vegetation in the high jungle micro-climate. You'll then join the classic Inca Trail, where your porters will serve lunch. The afternoon hike is an uphill climb to your campsite. Be sure to have your camera ready for the stunning mountain views and captivating waterfalls in the cloud forest.
Daily stats:- Distance: 14km
- Height gain: +300m
- Descent: -750m
- Maximum altitude: 3,750m
Tented camp, DBL
Day 7: AYAPATA- WARMI WANUSCA- CHAQUICOCHA
Today is the longest and most breathtaking of the Salkantay Tour. After an early breakfast, climb for two hours in the Puna area to Dead Women’s Pass (4,200 meters) for stunning views. Descend to your lunch spot, spotting orchids and hummingbirds along the way. Post-lunch, climb for two hours to the second peak, visiting the Runcu Raccay Inca ruins. Continue across the peak and descend to Yanaccoha Lake, known for its water ceremonies. End the day at Sayacmarca ruins, and then walk 30 minutes to the Chaquicocha campsite, enjoying the high jungle's flora and fauna.
Daily stats:- Distance: 16km
- Height gain: +900m
- Descent: -400m
- Maximum altitude: 4,200m
Tented camp, DBL
DAY 8: CHAQUICOCHA- PHUYPATAMARCA- WINAY WAYNA
Today is the most relaxed day of the Salkantay tour. You'll enjoy views of the Andes and Pumassillo glacier peaks as you hike for about five hours, passing three Inca ruins on the way to the Wiñay Wayna campsite (2,600 meters). The first ruins, Phuyupatamarca, are two hours from camp and showcase a platform and houses used by Incan nobles for astronomy. The second ruins are set among terraces and may have been an agricultural station. You'll also see the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. After reaching Wiñay Wayna, drop your day packs and take a short walk to explore the beautiful ruins with water channels, terraces, and temples. After lunch, enjoy a hot shower and a free afternoon to explore Wiñay Wayna.
Daily stats:- Distance: 10km
- Height gain: +100m
- Descent: -1000m
- Maximum altitude: 3,600m
Tented camp, DBL
DAY 9: WINAY WAYNA- MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO
Today is the highlight of your Salkantay Tour. After an early breakfast, you'll hike for two hours to Machu Picchu, entering through the Sun Gate to enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys, and Incan ruins. Upon arrival, your guide will give a two-hour tour of Machu Picchu, after which you'll have free time to explore on your own. When you're ready, take a 30-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes. After exploring the town, you'll board a train back to Cusco.
Daily stats:- Distance: 5km
- Height gain: +100m
- Descent: -300m
- Maximum altitude: 2,720m
- Bus travel: 30mins
- Train travel: 3hrs
3* Hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast, lunch (DBL)
DAY 10: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND RED VALLEY
We will make an early start on private transport on the 2.5 hour drive to the hike start point. We set out on our hike, looking out for wildlife which may include guanacos and vicuna (wild Lamas and Alpacas) or the huge wingspan of the giant Condor and if we are extremely lucky, Pumas. All the while, we will be ascending slowly all the way up to an altitude of 5,200m where we will arrive at Vinincunca-Passo. From this vantage point, the views are spectacular; the rays of the sunrise will illuminate the colourful hills that exist only in this part of Peru. The vista extends to include the 6,000m peak of Ausangate, on the north side of the mountain the festival of Qoyllur Rit’l is celebrated by dancers from different areas of Peru.
Minibus travel back to our our hotel in Cusco.
Daily stats:- 2.5hr minibus transfer
- Distance: 10k
- Elevation gain: +500m
- Trek time: 4 hours
- 2.5hr minibus transfer
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.
Accommodation3* 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.
AccommodationBreakfast