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

Early morning beautiful scenic drive from Cusco to Mollepata and up to Soraypampa where we camp at the head of the trail. Our Mule wrangles and mules will be waiting. You will enjoy tea time and later dinner in our dining tent, with tables and stools and a good cook that will prepare excellent meals.

We begin our trek accompanied by a bilingual guide and a dedicated camp crew. Mules will carry our luggage, and saddle horses are available if needed for any assistance. The first part of the day consists of a gradual ascent towards the Inca Chirihasca Pass at an impressive altitude of 5,000 meters. As we climb, we’re treated to breathtaking views of the towering Salkantay Mountain, its snow-covered peaks standing proudly against the clear blue sky.

The path we follow hugs the right face of the massive Salkantay, offering magnificent vistas of the surrounding rugged landscape. Once we reach the pass, we take a moment to absorb the incredible scenery before beginning our descent. We’ll make our way down to our campsite at Sisaypampa, a peaceful location nestled in the mountains, where we’ll rest and reflect on the first day of our incredible journey. This day sets the tone for the adventure ahead, with stunning views and a sense of achievement as we push ourselves to new heights.

After a healthy breakfast, we begin our hike, passing through the small hamlet of Huayllabamba as we enter the main Inca Trail. The path soon takes us through a beautiful Andean cloud forest, where the air is cool and the landscape is rich with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. The forest provides a stark contrast to the more barren landscapes of the higher altitudes, offering a refreshing change in scenery as we continue our trek.

As we make our way through the cloud forest, we gain new perspectives of the stunning Andean mountains around us. Our day’s journey ends as we reach the campsite at Huayllabamba, where we will join other groups who are trekking the Inca Trail. This is a crucial point on the route, where the paths of the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail converge. We’ll rest here, surrounded by the beauty of the cloud forest, and prepare for the next exciting phase of our journey.

We rise early in the morning to begin our hike towards the Warmiwanusca Pass. As we enter the well-preserved Inca Trail, the path unfolds before us, offering stunning views of the surrounding Salkantay snow-capped mountain ranges. This day is considered one of the highlights of the trek, as we are treated to panoramic vistas of the towering peaks, valleys, and the natural beauty of the region.

The trail is challenging but rewarding, and as we continue our ascent, the views grow even more breathtaking. Upon reaching the Warmiwanusca Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), we pause to take in the sweeping landscape below. After descending from the pass, we make our way to Pacaymayo campsite, where we’ll rest for the night, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day. This is truly one of the most memorable days on the Inca Trail, combining both natural beauty and historical significance.

We start with an early morning wake-up to begin our hike, making our way towards the Runkuracay Incan site. As we ascend to the second pass at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet), we’re treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Runkuracay is an ancient Incan watchtower, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Continuing along the trail, we arrive at Sayacmarca, another impressive Incan site perched on a cliff with stunning panoramic views. After exploring Sayacmarca, we stop at Chaskicocha for a well-deserved lunch, enjoying the tranquil surroundings before heading onward.

Our day’s journey continues as we make our way to Phuyupatamarca, the “Town above the Clouds,” an archaeological site located at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). Here, we’ll set up camp for the night, with breathtaking views of the Machu Picchu Mountain range and several other peaks in the distance. The beauty of the surroundings and the historical significance of the site make Phuyupatamarca the perfect place to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures.

After an early breakfast at 3:00 am, we begin our final stretch of the trek. The excitement builds as we start descending toward Wiñayhuayna, a spectacular Incan archaeological site nestled in the mountains. From there, we continue our journey to the Sungate (Inti Punku), the iconic entrance to Machu Picchu, where we’ll be rewarded with our first breathtaking views of the lost city.

The walk from our last campsite to Machu Picchu takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, as we wind our way through the jungle-like terrain and up to the famous Sungate. Once at the gate, we’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the city below, bathed in early morning light. Afterward, we’ll explore the incredible ruins with a knowledgeable guide for around two hours, learning about the history and significance of this ancient site.

Once the guided tour concludes, you’ll have some free time to wander the awe-inspiring city of Machu Picchu on your own, soaking in the majestic surroundings at your own pace. After your exploration, we’ll head down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride back to Cusco, where your unforgettable journey will come to a close.