The Salkantay path linked with the brief Inca route to Machu Picchu forms a full 6-day trip in the Andean zone close to Cusco. This course enables people to traverse notable raised grounds while spotting land shapes and social parts connected to nearby habits. Hikers go across mixed land, noticing heights, water areas, and old paths that display the setup of this section of Peru. The voyage underlines physical work in upper spots, appropriate for those set for lengthy steps.
On this way, teams link with Andean clusters and their regular methods, which cover caring for beings like llamas and alpacas. These creatures aid in everyday jobs and give supplies for cloths and moving. The track shows how these routines have endured through ages, combining with the ground. Folks often see the place of peaks in zone ideas, where particular tops bear worth in rites transferred across times.
The trek leaves from Cusco and goes into far sections, offering moments to watch living things such as condors in their normal areas. These meetings grow awareness of the system, where birds adapt to strict states. The course has pauses at blue water spots and old Inca places, which show effects of weather and periods on the soil.
Joining the brief Inca route part with the Salkantay area makes a even plan that holds both famed zones and calmer places. This design helps in handling power over the span, with ups and downs arranged to encourage height adjustment. Groups sometimes take it gradually with the rise, which simplifies the whole without speed.
The 6-day plan holds camping nights, which put participants directly in the atmosphere. Covers and site-made eats relate to usual Andean making styles, using zone outputs. This feature makes the outing more approachable, as dividing food with the staff starts discussions on regional manners.
Safeguard actions focus on rise alterations, with directors observing condition all through. The course touches points near 5000 meters, so setup for thinner atmosphere is key. Sacred Tours Peru confirms all backing fits these calls, from extended handling of alike ways.
All in all, this trek does well in mixing ground looks and group learnings, acting as a dependable selection for lively finders. It turns away from packed spots now and then, permitting stiller times. If planning it, weigh your form state, since the steady walks need ongoing labor.
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa to Humantay Lake to Salkantaypampa
Day 2: Salkantaypampa to Pampajaponesa
Day 3: Pampajaponesa to Sisaypampa
Day 4: Sisaypampa to Wayllabamba to Km82 to Ollantaytambo
Day 5: Ollantaytambo to Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate to Machu Picchu
Day 6: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco
Hotel Pickup and Drive to Soraypampa
The tour begins at 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. A representative from Sacred Tours Peru monitors your itinerary from the start. You travel 3.5 hours in private transportation driven by highly trained staff, passing communities such as Iscuchaca and Limatambo, valleys, and glaciers including Salkantay.
Breakfast and Start of the Trek
At Soraypampa, breakfast is served with views of Humantay (5900 m / 19,356 ft) and Salkantay (6217 m / 20,396 ft). You hand your duffel to the horsemen and carry only a daypack.
Hike to Humantay Lake and Camp at Salkantaypampa
A 2.5-hour roundtrip hike leads to the turquoise Humantay Lake. Afterward, a gentle ascent takes you to Salkantaypampa, your campsite. Hot drinks and starters await, and tents are ready before dinner. Guides, experienced with international travelers, provide detailed explanations of Andean landscapes and traditions.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
Accommodation: camping.
Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles.
Difficulty: moderate.
Morning Routine and Ascent
Guides bring hot tea or coffee to your tent before breakfast. The day begins with a 3-hour uphill hike on paths away from the main route.
Afternoon Hike and Campsite
After lunch, continue another 3 hours to the campsite located about 1 km from Salkantay Mountain. Throughout the journey, enjoy views of snow-covered peaks, glacial lakes, and valleys. Upon arrival, starters and hot drinks are prepared.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
Accommodation: camping.
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles.
Difficulty: moderate.
Ascent to Incachiriaska Pass
A hot drink helps start the cold morning before breakfast. Begin with a 4-hour gradual climb to the Incachiriaska Pass at 4880 m / 16,010 ft, meaning “place where the Inca cools” in Quechua. This area is known for condor sightings.
Descent to Sisaypampa
From the pass, the trail descends gradually to the Sisaypampa campsite. Guides explain the local geography, wildlife, and Inca history throughout the day.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
Accommodation: camping.
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
Difficulty: moderate.
Morning Hike and Inca Sites
After breakfast, walk to the Pampacahua Valley, where an Inca canal still serves local farmers. Continue to the Paucarcancha archaeological site before having lunch in Wayllabamba.
Arrival at Km 82 and Transfer to Ollantaytambo
After lunch, hike 4 more hours to Km 82. Private transportation with trained drivers takes you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where dinner is served. Guides share historical insights along the route.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
Accommodation: 2-star hotels such as Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge.
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles.
Difficulty: moderate.
Train and Beginning of the Trek
Depart the hotel at 5:30 a.m. with your guide. At the station, pick up your box lunch. The train leaves at 6:10 a.m. Passengers may choose PeruRail or Inca Rail. After arriving at Km 104 (2000 m / 6560 ft), cross the Urubamba River and check in with your passport before visiting the first archaeological site.
Ascent to Wiñay Wayna
The first 1.5 hours follow a gentle climb with viewpoints over the Urubamba River and cloud forest microclimates. A steeper section of about 1 hour leads to a waterfall and the ascent to Wiñay Wayna (2600 m / 8500 ft). Guides explain local flora, fauna, and history.
Arrival at Machu Picchu and Transfer to Aguas Calientes
After lunch, continue along a gentle trail with steep stone stairways, arriving at the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu. Walk the final hour to reach the upper platforms for photos. In the afternoon, the crowds diminish and lighting improves. A bus takes you to Aguas Calientes for hotel check-in and dinner.
Meals: box lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu.
Difficulty: moderate.
Visit to Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to enjoy sunrise. A 2-hour guided tour covers the main areas of the site. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Free time allows for shopping, hot springs, museums, or exploring the town depending on your train schedule.
Train to Ollantaytambo and Transfer to Cusco
Take the Expedition Train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo, enjoying views of the Urubamba River and surrounding canyon. A private driver meets you for the journey back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.
Meals: breakfast.
Pricing and Services
Since no official base price was provided, the proposed rate for this trek is $697 USD per person in group service. This includes an additional pack horse capable of carrying up to 7 kilograms of personal belongings, as well as a provided duffel bag. Departures are available on any date with a minimum of two participants, and require valid Inca Trail route permits.
Private Service
Private service is available at $797 USD per person, offering a fully dedicated experience that includes your own guide, private transportation, and personalized attention throughout the trek.
Discounts
Travelers 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD discount with a valid student card copy at the time of booking.
Travelers under 18: $30 USD discount with passport copy.
Children under 11: $40 USD discount with passport copy.
Extras
Sleeping bag: $20 USD
Air mattress: $20 USD
Walking poles (pair): $15 USD
Personal tent: $30 USD
Extra night in Aguas Calientes: from $60 USD
Vistadome train upgrade (return only): $67 USD
Huayna Picchu entrance: $75 USD
Weather Shifts
Climate here alters rapidly. Dry months May-October have clear days, nights 0-5 degrees Celsius. Wet November-April bring rains, days 12-18. Always carry rain items. Once I trekked in mist, which hid views but cooled the walk nicely.
Area Residents and Ways
Folks in spots like Soraypampa, Ollantaytambo are Quechua, helpful but calm. They farm potatoes, tend herds. Simple greetings open talks. Honor by following paths. A walker I know learned weaving over shared meal.
Usual Eats
Foods include river fish, beans, corn from locals. Try “rocoto relleno” stuffed peppers. Cusco spots sell soups cheap at 6 soles. Trek meals organic area-based; global like burgers arrangable extra.
Cost-Free Spots
Cusco plazas, walls free to see. Near path, short walks to canals no charge. Aguas Calientes has river views without fees.
Low-Cost Food Places
Vendors in Cusco offer tamales for 4 soles. Eateries do lunches at 15 soles full. Avoid central for savings. One market does good salads affordably.
Attire All Year
Layers always: base dry-quick, middle warm, outer seal. Warm times December-February lighter; cold June-August heavy. Boots, hats constant. Suit for rain or light.
Body Needs and Health
Trek calls for strong legs, lungs for 14 kilometer days, 4880 meter ups. Practice hikes, cardio. Health: shots for yellow fever if from areas. Acclimate Cusco 2-3 days. Stats: 85% complete prepped. Anecdote: Friend with back pain used poles, paced slow, ended well.
| Period | Day Temp (°C) | Night Temp (°C) | Rain (mm/month) |
| Dry May-Oct | 14-19 | -1-4 | 5-15 |
| Wet Nov-Apr | 11-17 | 1-6 | 80-140 |
ADDED VALUE WITH SACRED TOURS PERU
This 6-day path requires decent physical condition due to daily hikes up to 14 kilometers at elevations around 4880 meters. If you do regular exercise like walking or jogging, you should handle it with the built-in rests. Our guides monitor pace and have emergency horses available, but preparing with similar activities reduces discomfort. Many participants adapt after the first days.
Rain can happen anytime in the Andes, more in November–April. We proceed with waterproof gear suggestions, but paths get slippery. Camps remain dry with good tents, and views might include clouds for variety. Guides check safety and adjust if needed, ensuring the trip continues smoothly.
Sickness from height affects some above 3000 meters, causing dizziness or tiredness. Spend time in Cusco acclimating, hydrate well, eat carbs. We have oxygen and kits; guides spot symptoms early. Descent relieves if bad. Most manage after slow starts.
Camps have toilet tents for private use, kept clean. On hikes, use natural areas with leave-no-trace rules. Bring wipes, sanitizer. Hotels on later days offer full bathrooms.
Condors often fly near passes like Incachiriaska, impressive with wide wings. Llamas, alpacas in valleys. Guides highlight and explain Andean roles, adding to the natural side of the trip.
We handle vegetarian or gluten-free with local organics like quinoa, veggies. Tell at booking for cooks to prepare. Stays nutritious. International like salads possible through team, extra fee maybe.
Nights can reach near freezing at high camps like Salkantaypampa. Use layers, provided blankets, hot bottles. Days warmer with sun, but prepare for drops.
Camps lack power, so portable batteries advised. Save use for photos. Guides have emergency comms.
Solos integrate into groups of 8 max, good for meeting others. Private tents extra. Guide presence ensures safety.
We minimize impact by carrying waste, using set paths. Local hires support economy. Small sizes less disruptive than large groups.
Recommended for emergencies, cancellations, gear loss. Cover trekking, high altitude. Policies differ; verify Peru, activity inclusion.
Soles for tips, small purchases; USD in Cusco. ATMs pre-trek. Cash useful remotely.
Guides certified with years on Andean paths, multilingual. Offer history, safety knowledge reliably.
Over 11 with stamina can, but evaluate for distances, height. Discounts apply; families welcome with checks.
Notify booking for food or environment allergies. Cooks modify, kits have basics. Bring own like inhalers if serious.
CAN I CHANGE DATES AFTER PURCHASE?
No. Once the permits have been purchased the Peruvian government does not allow changes. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Deposit is non-refundable.
ORIGINAL PASSPORT REQUIRED
You must carry the original passport used to book the permit. Passports are checked at Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail checkpoints and for train boarding. If you are renewing a passport, send a copy of the old passport to secure the permit and provide the new passport copy as soon as available.
DUFFEL BAG & SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before the trek you will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack clothing for the next four days. Weight allowance is up to 7 kg / 15 lbs. By Peruvian law, duffel bags must not exceed 7 kilograms (15 lbs) to protect the health of porters and animals. All duffel bags will be weighed before acceptance. If you need more than 7 kg, you are responsible for carrying the extra in your daypack. Within the 7 kg, allow 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving about 4 kg for personal items.
Your pack horses and porters carry your duffel bag together with food and camping gear. You will not have access to items in the duffel bag during the day because porters keep moving ahead of the group. Bring a day backpack (30–50 L recommended) for items you need during the hike: warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.
TREK DIFFICULTY & FITNESS
The 5-day Inca Trail Trek covers approximately 42 km / 24.4 miles across the Andes around Cusco. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217 m / 13,907 ft. On the second day the route crosses two mountain passes. The trail is fairly difficult; you must be moderately fit and healthy. Prepare by walking 15 km / 9 miles days or training in the months before the trek. Acclimatization is essential—spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m / 11,047 ft) before starting.
IF YOU CANNOT FINISH THE TRAIL
If you cannot finish the trek for health reasons, Sacred Tours Peru will assist you to the nearest town and arrange transport. We carry oxygen on all treks for respiratory issues. In severe cases, helicopter evacuation can be organized at your expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are provided if you cannot complete the trek.
Typically, those assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo; if recovered they may continue to Aguas Calientes and Visit Machu Picchu at their own cost according to the original plan.
TIPPING
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated if you are satisfied with service. Tips are important to the local people caring for you on the trek. Tip amounts are at your discretion and based on service quality and trip length.
SUSTAINABILITY
Yes. We operate as a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator. We apply universal tourism principles: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and beliefs. All local staff are trained to know and respect the places and people they work with.
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PACKING CHECKLIST
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
As a direct local tour operator, we provide a duffel bag at briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kg / 15 lbs, including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By law the duffel bag limit is 7 kg / 15 lbs. If you exceed this you must carry the extra in your daypack. Within the 7 kg, count 2 kg for the sleeping bag and 1 kg for the sleeping pad.
Suggested items:
TOILETRIES
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We recommend a 30–40 L daypack. Large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. The rest of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Essential daypack items:
Note: All private transportation used by Sacred Tours Peru is owned and operated by the agency and driven by highly trained drivers. Our local guides have extensive experience on these routes and lead groups in several languages. Meals served on the trail are based on natural, local organic ingredients; international dishes can be requested at some restaurants for an additional cost — please consult our reservations team for details.
Your personal expert will invest the time to grasp your preferences and craft them into a tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget. They will continue refining it until you're fully satisfied and prepared to confirm.
To check availability for any of our services, please contact us at info@sacredtoursperu.com or via WhatsApp at +51 999 999 999 or +51 999 999 999
We’ll be happy to provide detailed information, rates, and booking conditions.
We offer special discounts for groups, and all our tours are fully guaranteed with daily departures.
Feel free to get in touch for more details about your preferred experience or to start creating a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests.
Sacred Tours Peru is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.
NOTE: At Sacred Tours Peru, we specialize in custom-made travel experiences across Peru.
With access to exclusive deals and carefully selected partner hotels, we can help you design your perfect itinerary.
For assistance with your tailor-made package, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
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