6 Day Salkantay & Classic Inca Trail Trek | Salkantay Inca Trail Frozen Inca Pass (Unforgettable)

Your journey begins with an early morning drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, departing from Cusco toward the village of Mollepata, and continuing up to Challacancha. From here, your trek officially begins as you ascend through stunning mountain scenery toward Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), a high-altitude valley where our first base is located.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of dramatic valleys, snow-draped peaks, and the raw beauty of the high Andes. Upon arrival, our team of experienced muleteers will assist with logistics and gear so you can focus entirely on the experience.

In the afternoon, we’ll hike to the mesmerizing Humantay Lake, known for its jewel-toned turquoise waters and the striking glacial backdrop of Mount Humantay. This serene and sacred site is a perfect prelude to the awe-inspiring landscapes to come.

As evening falls, enjoy a comforting tea time followed by a delicious, chef-prepared dinner. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in our exclusive Sky Lodge Dome at Soraypampa designed for warmth, comfort, and unobstructed stargazing beneath the Andean night sky.

• Trekking Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles
• Starting Elevation (Challacancha): 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Highest Point (Humantay Lake): 4,600 m / 15,091 ft
• Overnight Elevation (Soraypampa Campsite): 4,600 m / 15,091 ft
• Lodging: Sky Lodge Dome, Soraypampa
• Trek Difficulty: Challenging

Our trek begins with the support of a bilingual guide and a dedicated mountain crew. Mules will transport your luggage, allowing you to fully enjoy the day’s adventure with just your essentials. For added comfort or assistance, saddle horses are available upon request.

We gradually ascend along a scenic trail that winds along the right shoulder of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. As we gain altitude, the panoramic views grow ever more awe-inspiring—snow-capped peaks piercing the sky and vast, rugged valleys stretching below.

The highlight of the day is reaching the Inca Chirihasca Pass (Frozen Inca) at a breathtaking 5,000 meters, the highest point of the journey. Here, we’ll pause to take in the dramatic Andean landscape before beginning our descent into quieter terrain.

The trail leads us gently down to our serene campsite in Sisaypampa, a remote and peaceful spot cradled between the mountains. After an exhilarating day, we’ll unwind, share stories, and rest beneath the stars—recharging for the days of discovery ahead.

• Trekking Distance: 14 km is approximately 8.7 miles.
• Starting Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Maximum Elevation: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
• Overnight Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft (at Sisaypampa)
• Lodging: Campsite at Sisaypampa
• Trek Difficulty: Challenging

Following a nutritious breakfast, we commence our trek, passing through the quaint village of Huayllabamba as we enter the iconic Inca Trail. The trail soon leads us into a pristine Andean cloud forest, characterized by cool, humid air and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. This verdant environment provides a refreshing contrast to the more arid, high-altitude landscapes encountered earlier, enriching our trekking experience with its unique natural beauty.

As we progress through the cloud forest, the surrounding Andean mountain vistas unfold in spectacular fashion, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Our day concludes upon arrival at the campsite in Huayllabamba, a key junction where the Salkantay Trek converges with the Classic Inca Trail. Here, we will join fellow trekkers, rest in the serene embrace of the forest, and prepare for the next chapter of our adventure.

• Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Starting Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Maximum Elevation: 3,200 m / 10,499 ft
• Overnight Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Lodging: Standard tented campsite at Huayllabamba
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate

We start our day early, embarking on the ascent toward the Warmiwanusca Pass. Entering the impeccably preserved Inca Trail, the route reveals spectacular views of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay mountain ranges. This segment is widely regarded as a pinnacle of the trek, offering expansive panoramas of towering peaks, deep valleys, and the pristine natural environment that defines the region.

Though demanding, the climb is immensely rewarding as the scenery becomes progressively more awe-inspiring. Upon reaching the Warmiwanusca Pass— the trail’s highest elevation at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)—we pause to fully absorb the sweeping vistas that stretch out below us. Following this, we descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite, where we will spend the night. Here, surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes, we can reflect on the day’s remarkable landscapes and cultural significance, marking one of the most unforgettable experiences along the Inca Trail.

• Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Starting Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft (approximate elevation near Huayllabamba)
• Maximum Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft (Warmiwanusca Pass)
• Overnight Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft (Pacaymayo campsite)
• Lodging: Camping (tents provided)
• Trek Difficulty: Challenging

We begin with an early morning departure to embark on our hike toward the historic Incan site of Runkuracay. As we ascend to the second mountain pass at approximately 3,900 meters (12,795 feet), we are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks. Runkuracay, an ancient Incan watchtower, offers valuable insight into the architectural ingenuity and strategic prowess of the Inca civilization.

Continuing along the trail, we reach Sayacmarca, a remarkable archaeological site perched dramatically on a cliffside, providing sweeping panoramic views of the landscape. After exploring Sayacmarca, we pause at Chaskicocha for a well-earned lunch amid serene and picturesque surroundings.

Our trek then proceeds to Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town above the Clouds,” situated at around 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). Here, we establish our campsite for the evening, surrounded by stunning views of Machu Picchu Mountain and the distant Andean peaks. The combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage makes Phuyupatamarca an ideal setting to rest and contemplate the day’s remarkable journey.

• Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
• Starting Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Maximum Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Overnight Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Lodging: Camping at Phuyupatamarca
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Following an early breakfast at 3:00 a.m., we embark on the final leg of our trek. Anticipation builds as we begin the descent toward Wiñayhuayna, a remarkable Incan archaeological site nestled amidst the mountains. From there, we proceed to the Sungate (Inti Punku), the renowned gateway to Machu Picchu, where we will be rewarded with our first awe-inspiring views of the ancient citadel.

The hike from our last campsite to Machu Picchu takes approximately four to five hours, winding through lush, jungle-like terrain before reaching the iconic Sungate. Upon arrival, we pause to admire the breathtaking panorama of Machu Picchu bathed in the soft light of dawn. Following this, a knowledgeable guide will lead a two-hour tour through the ruins, offering rich insights into the historical and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

After the guided exploration, you will have free time to independently discover the majestic citadel at your own pace, soaking in its unparalleled beauty and atmosphere. Subsequently, we descend to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer to Cusco, where this unforgettable journey concludes.

• Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Starting Elevation: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft (Wiñayhuayna campsite)
• Maximum Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (Sungate – Inti Punku)
• Overnight Elevation: Not applicable (end of trek, stay in Aguas Calientes) or Back to Cusco
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate