Salkantay Trek Pass & Classic Inca Trail 6 Days

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 AM, starting with a 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata, where we’ll stop to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

From there, we continue driving to Challacancha, the official starting point of our trek. While our cook and horseman get the camping gear and kitchen equipment ready, we’ll begin hiking.

The first 25 minutes of the hike are slightly uphill until we reach the ancient Inca water channel, from where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped peaks Humantay (4,120 m / 13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,575 ft) — an incredible beginning to the journey.

We’ll then continue our trek toward Soraypampa (3,800 m / 11,750 ft), our first campsite on the Salkantay Trail. This is not only the highest and coldest campsite of the route, but it also sits close to the awe-inspiring Salkantay Mountain, the second highest peak in the Cusco region.

After lunch at camp, we’ll hike up to the turquoise Humantay Lake, explore its surroundings, and then return downhill to Soraypampa to spend the night under the stars.

• Day 1 Snapshot:
• Distance: ~15 km
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Highest Altitude: 3,800 m
• Campsite: Soraypampa (3,800 m)
• Highlights: Water Channel Viewpoint, Humantay Lake, views of Salkantay and Humantay Peaks

After enjoying our Salkantay Trek breakfast, we’ll hit the trail around 6:30 AM, as we have a challenging yet rewarding day ahead. The hike begins with a 4-hour uphill climb toward the highest point of the Salkantay route, sitting at an altitude of 4,650 meters (15,200 ft). This mountain pass lies impressively between two towering peaks: Salkantay to the right and Tucarhuay to the left.

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andean giants, and if conditions allow, we might even see fresh snow along the pass. After taking a well-deserved break and snapping a group photo, we’ll retrace our steps back down to Soraypampa, where a warm lunch and time to relax await.

Later, we’ll board our bus back to Cusco, ending our high-altitude adventure.

• Day 2 Quick Facts:
• Distance: ~11 km
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Highest Altitude: 4,650 m (15,200 ft)
• Highlights: Salkantay Pass, panoramic views of Salkantay & Tucarhuay, Soraypampa lunch spot

Your unforgettable 4-day Inca Trail expedition to Machu Picchu kicks off with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll head toward Ollantaytambo, a charming town nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll have a chance to pick up any last-minute essentials before the trek begins.

From there, we drive to Km 82 (Piscacucho), the official starting point of the Inca Trail—named for its distance along the railway from Cusco. At the trailhead, park rangers will verify your passport and Inca Trail permit before we set off.

The hike begins with a gentle ascent to Miskay, surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery. Along the way, we’ll explore lesser-known Inca ruins and soak in the historical atmosphere of the trail.

At Miskay, you’ll enjoy your first trail meal—an authentic Andean lunch freshly prepared by our local chef. Energized, we continue for another two hours to our first campsite at Huayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), passing scenic viewpoints and archaeological sites.

We’ll arrive at the campsite around 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, our team will greet you with warm appetizers and freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. After a colorful Andean sunset, a hearty dinner will be served before you rest in your cozy tent.

• Quick Facts – Day 3:
• Distance: ~10 km
• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
• Max Altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
• Campsite: Huayllabamba (3,000 m)
• Highlights: Ollantaytambo, Km 82, Kanabamba, Llactapata, Tarayoc, Hatunchaka, Huayllabamba

Your Fourth day on the Classic Inca Trail begins with an early wake-up and a comforting cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea, followed by a nutritious, protein-rich breakfast to fuel your ascent. This is the most physically demanding day of the trek, but also one of the most rewarding.

We’ll set off on a five-hour uphill hike toward the trail’s highest point: the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), sitting at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. The pass gets its name from the mountain’s silhouette, which resembles a woman lying on her back. Along the way, we’ll traverse changing ecosystems, from dense cloud forest to high-altitude grasslands.

Once at the summit, you’ll have time to catch your breath, take in the spectacular views, and connect with the sacred energy of the Andes. Your guide will share stories from Andean mythology and local traditions, deepening your understanding of this ancient landscape.

From the pass, we descend for about two hours to Pacaymayu (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a beautiful river valley where our team will have a hot lunch waiting. This will also be our campsite for the night, so you’ll have time to relax, take a siesta, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll serve tea or coffee, followed by a well-earned dinner under the stars.

• Quick Facts – Day 4:
• Distance: ~12 km
• Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
• Highest Point: Dead Woman’s Pass – 4,200 m (13,779 ft)
• Campsite: Pacaymayu – 3,650 m (11,975 ft)
• Highlights: Huayllabamba, Yunkachimpa, Tres Piedras, Llulluchapampa, Warmiwañusca, Pacaymayu

The Fifth day of the Classic Inca Trail begins at 6:00 AM with a hearty Andean breakfast. By 7:00 AM, we’ll set off on a spectacular journey through some of the most iconic archaeological sites of the route, making this day one of the most culturally enriching experiences of the trek.

Our first ascent leads us to Runkuraqay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), a circular Inca structure that once served as a strategic lookout and resting place for messengers. Here, your guide will offer a deep dive into its historical significance.

Continuing uphill, we’ll reach Runkuraqay Pass (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we’ll pause to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys before descending for about 45 minutes to Sayacmarca (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), an impressive cliffside site built with precision stonework. After a guided exploration, we’ll journey through a lush cloud forest toward Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), our lunch spot.

In the afternoon, we continue toward Phuyupatamarca, known as “The Town Above the Clouds,” where ancient ruins and misty ridges capture the trail’s mystical essence. As we descend, we pass Intipata, another striking site with agricultural terraces and mountain views.

We’ll arrive by evening at our final campsite: Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), whose name means “Forever Young” in Quechua. Perched on a slope, its cascading terraces and ceremonial fountains make it one of the most beautiful sites on the trail. After a guided tour and a breathtaking sunset, we’ll return to camp for a well-deserved dinner.

• Quick Facts – Day 5:
• Distance: ~16 km
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Max Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
• Camping: Wiñay Wayna – 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
• Highlights: Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna

Your final day on the Inca Trail begins bright and early at 3:30 AM. After a light breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our amazing support team. If you wish, this is a great moment to thank them and offer a tip for their hard work and care during the journey.

We’ll then begin a 1-hour hike to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu as the sun rises, casting golden light across the ancient stone city. As the morning mist slowly lifts, the majestic citadel reveals itself in all its splendor. It’s a moment of wonder and deep reward after days of effort.

After soaking in the views, we’ll continue descending toward the main entrance of Machu Picchu, where we’ll pass a checkpoint before starting our guided tour of the citadel. Your expert guide will share the history of the Inca civilization, explaining the purpose of key areas like the Temple of the Sun, main plaza, agricultural terraces, and more.

If you’ve reserved permits to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will assist you to the entrance.

Once the visit is complete, we’ll take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch, exploring the town, or relaxing in the natural hot springs—the perfect way to reward your body after the trek.

At 6:20 PM, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 10:00 PM.

• Quick Facts – Day 6:
• Distance: ~7 km
• Walking Time: 2–3 hours
• Max Altitude: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
• Highlights: Inti Punku (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu citadel, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional), Aguas Calientes