Salkantay Trek & Classic Inca Trail 6 Days to Machu Picchu

Your adventure begins bright and early with a 4:30 am pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel through quiet valleys and Andean villages during a scenic 3-hour drive to Soraypampa (3,900 m), where your trekking chef will prepare a nourishing mountain breakfast. After getting ready, adjusting your gear, and applying sunscreen, we start the journey with a gentle warm-up hike to one of the Andes’ crown jewels.

We ascend for about 2 hours to reach Humantay Lake, a dazzling turquoise lagoon tucked beneath a glacial wall. This sacred spot is perfect for catching your breath, taking stunning photos, and connecting with the powerful energy of the Apus (mountain spirits). After time to explore, we return to Soraypampa and continue our trek to Salkantaypampa, where our chef greets you with a well-deserved lunch amid open valleys and soaring peaks. In the afternoon, we hike uphill for another 2 hours to reach Ichupata (4,300 m), a remote and scenic campsite that feels like a hidden world. As the sun dips behind Salkantay Glacier, you'll settle into your cozy tent surrounded by snow-dusted cliffs, crisp mountain air, and the silence only nature can offer.

We begin the day with a warm wake-up tea at 5:00 am inside your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare for the toughest, and most breathtaking, day of the trek. The morning starts with a steady ascent for about 3 hours as we make our way to the legendary Salkantay Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft), the highest point of your entire journey. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with dramatic views of the towering Salkantay Glacier, steep valleys below, and possibly condors soaring above.

After celebrating your achievement at the pass, we begin our descent into quieter, less-traveled terrain that connects toward the Inca Trail region. The landscape transitions into rolling grasslands and high-altitude valleys rich in native flora and rock formations. We stop for lunch in Pampacahuana, a peaceful valley surrounded by ancient terraces and a flowing stream. In the afternoon, we follow an original Inca water canal, marveling at this example of pre-Columbian engineering, until we reach our quiet campsite near the canal. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm meal, a star-filled sky, and the satisfaction of completing one of the most spectacular trekking days in the Andes.

Wake up in the serene beauty of the high Andes and enjoy a warm breakfast surrounded by crisp mountain air and sweeping valley views. Today’s journey begins with a gentle descent from Inca Canal Camp, following the ancient Inca water channel, a brilliant piece of pre-Columbian engineering that still flows today. As we hike through the tranquil Pampacahuana Valley, we pass small farming settlements, herds of alpacas, and terraced hillsides carved centuries ago by the Incas.

After about 2 hours, we reach the stunning viewpoint over Patallacta, an expansive Inca archaeological site with agricultural terraces and ceremonial areas nestled beside the Urubamba River. Your guide will share the significance of this strategic location, once a checkpoint to Machu Picchu. From here, we continue for another 2 hours of moderate hiking to reach the village of Huayllabamba (2,950 m), our campsite for the night and the first main checkpoint of the Classic Inca Trail. Enjoy a relaxing evening, a nourishing dinner prepared by our chef, and rest well, tomorrow we begin the ascent toward Dead Woman’s Pass.

After an early breakfast at camp, we begin one of the most challenging sections of the Classic Inca Trail. The trail climbs steadily through dense Polylepis forests and high-altitude grasslands toward Llulluchapampa (3,850 m), a beautiful spot surrounded by panoramic views of the Andes. After about 3–4 hours of uphill hiking, we stop here for a well-earned lunch, rehydrate, and take time to acclimate before the final push.

From Llulluchapampa, the trail becomes steeper as we ascend to the highest point of the entire Inca Trail: the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. Reaching the summit is a true achievement, offering a powerful moment and dramatic 360° mountain views. After celebrating at the top, we begin a 2-hour descent into the Pacaymayu Valley, where our camp awaits near a rushing river. Enjoy a hot shower, a warm meal, and the peace of the mountains after an unforgettable day of effort and accomplishment.

After breakfast in the serene Pacaymayu Valley, we begin the most scenic and culturally rich day of the Classic Inca Trail. The morning starts with a moderate climb to the circular ruins of Runkurakay, once a strategic Inca lookout. From there, we continue ascending to the second major pass of the trek (3,950 m), with incredible views of misty peaks and deep valleys. The descent brings us to the beautiful ruins of Sayacmarca, perched on a ridge and accessed via an ancient stone staircase.

We then follow the Inca Trail through lush cloud forest, stone tunnels, and original paving as we hike toward Phuyupatamarca, “the town above the clouds”, where we stop for lunch with jaw-dropping views. Afterward, the trail winds gently downhill for several hours through orchids, moss-draped trees, and cascading steps until we reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca sites on the trail. This is our final campsite, just a short hike from Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner, take time to reflect, and rest up for your long-awaited sunrise entrance to the Lost City.

Today is the grand finale! We wake up at 3:45 am and have a light breakfast at 4:15 am, then head to the checkpoint to enter the final stretch of the Inca Trail. At 5:30 am, we begin a quiet 1-hour hike through misty jungle paths until we reach the iconic Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From here, you’ll witness the first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu as it emerges with the rising sun, a moment of pure magic after days of trekking.

We then hike another hour downhill to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where you'll enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour led by your expert guide. You’ll explore its most important temples, plazas, and hidden corners, learning the fascinating history of this ancient citadel. If you’ve booked the Huayna Picchu hike ($75 extra), you can climb its steep switchbacks for unmatched views, recommended only for those comfortable with heights. Afterward, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). Finally, we board the Vistadome train at 2:55 pm to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving by around 7:30 pm.

This trek is challenging because of the high altitude, long distances, and mountain trails. The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 5,200 m (17,060 ft). We suggest it for travelers who are fit and have some hiking experience.

We strongly recommend having experience with multi-day hikes. You do not need climbing skills, but the trek has steep climbs, high-altitude sections, and long days of walking in remote mountains.

We recommend booking at least 5 to 6 months ahead, especially if you want to go between May and September. Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out fast.

The best time for this trek is from May to October, when the weather is dry and the skies are clearer in the Andes near Cusco. We run this trek from April to December.

We do not run this trek in January, February, or March because heavy rain and snow near Salkantay Pass can make the trails unsafe. Your safety is our top priority.

You only need official permits for the Classic Inca Trail section. No permits are needed for the Salkantay part. We arrange all required Inca Trail permits for you once they are available.

Yes. Local horsemen carry camping gear and duffle bags during the Salkantay section. When you reach the Classic Inca Trail, our porters help carry your trekking gear.

You will camp in the mountains along the route. We provide good camping equipment, roomy tents, and fresh meals prepared by our trekking chef.

Yes. You can rent equipment like sleeping bags, trekking poles, air mattresses, and other gear for the trek.

Yes. A highlight of this trek is reaching Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which is one of the most memorable ways to enter the Lost City of the Incas.