inca trail 7 day

HIGHLIGHTS

Our local company AB Expeditions includes Professional highly trained, educated, and passionate head guides to lead the groups on the Inca trail 7 days and answer all questions, amazing porters who will help to carry all the needed camping gear and personal belongings; a professional chef who deliver hot restaurant-style meals at each camping site to guarantee delicious food and to ensure you have plenty of energy to appreciate the amazing landscapes that 7 day Inca Trail offers.

Why should you hike the Inca trail 7 days with us?

• We are honest, practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews Google reviews, We Travel, and Trip Advisor.
• Satellite phones:  For emergencies and non-emergencies. We want you to stay in touch with your loved ones during the 7-day trek.
• Portable toilets: We provide you with Eco-friendly, comfy & clean.
• Hotel to Hotel service: Direct pick-ups and drop-offs from your hotel in Cusco City. We will never leave you stranded before or after any of our tours!
• Our porters and horsemen are treated with respect: We provide them a fair salary, a decent tent with a pad, proper meals, and proper equipment. We care for their health, well-being, and the health of their families, and we are committed to social projects to improve their lives.
• We pay on time: At AB Expeditions, our porters, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their jobs.
• Small group.  2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other tour companies that take bigger groups.
• 100% Local company: AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
• Highly trained guides: Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Inca trail is.
• Ground logistics. transportation, Machu Picchu tickets, Inca Trail permits, train tickets, and bus tickets.  We book, secure, and deliver all minuscule details of your hike for you. Worry & stress-free.
• Your return train ticket on day 7 is at 02:55 p.m. from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive at Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
• We don't share our group of Inca trail 7 days with other travel companies.

SALKANTAY INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcocasa

Today is a fairly easy day to help us ease into the trek. Our tour begins by visiting the important Inca site of Tarawasi which lies about 2 hours drive from Cusco. After our tour of the site, we’ll carry on to Mollepata where we’ll begin our trek. Following a different path to most groups, we will see a variety of native plants, flowers, and birds along the way and have fantastic views of the valley spread out before us.

Our campsite for the night is at Marcocasa (3500m / 11482ft) from where we will have fantastic views of the snow-capped peak Rayuska (5350m / 17552 ft.). Hardly anyone camps here so we will be able to enjoy this beautiful spot in complete peace and tranquility.

Day 2: Marcocasa – Salkantaypampa

Leaving Marcocasa we’ll carry on along the trail heading for Soraypampa where we will join the main Salkantay trekking route. Once again today is fairly easy going without too much distance to cover. The views today are fantastic and we will see several high peaks looming above us. By the time we get to Soraypampa the 3 main peaks of the region, Humantay (5917m / 19412 ft.), Tucurway (5910m / 19389 ft.) and Salkantay (6217m / 20573ft.) will all be in view.

From Soraypampa it’s about another hour’s walk to Salkantaypampa (4100m / 13451 ft.) where we will camp for the night. Due to the high altitude, it can get cold at night here so you are recommended to put on your hat and gloves before going to sleep.

Day 3: Salkantaypampa – Pampacawana

Today we once again leave the main trekking route as we head for the Inca Trail. Continuing up the valley towards Salkantay we take a side path that leads us up and over the Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass, 5028m / 16495 ft.) which is the highest point on the trek. From the pass, we carry on down to the small community of Pampacawana (4000m / 13123 ft.) where we will camp for the night.

The views today are once again amazing. Climbing up over the shoulder of Salkantay you feel completely dwarfed by the sheer size of the mountain and can get a sense of why the Incas worshipped it as a god. The whole area is dotted with small mountain lakes of varying hues and colors and we will also hopefully see a variety of wildlife such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and White-Tailed Deer and possibly some of the rarer Andean animals like Condors, Guanacos and Vicunas.

Day 4: Pampacawana – Llulluchapampa

Setting off from Pampacawana we’ll make our way down the valley to join the Inca Trail at Wayllabamba, along the way we’ll pass by our first Inca site of the trek ‘Paucarcancha’. At Wayllabamba we’ll switch from using mules to carry our gear to porters – this is to prevent damage to the Inca Trail.

Our campsite for tonight is at Llulluchapampa (3800m / 12460ft.) which is the closest campsite to Dead Woman’s Pass. As we climb up to Llulluchapampa we’ll pass through various biozones including the low sierra, cloud forest, and the high puna. There are many opportunities to see a variety of plant and birdlife and if we are lucky we may spot White-Tailed Deer again.

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha

Today is fairly hard going as we have to make our way over 2 passes, luckily we’ve camped fairly close to the first so it’s not as hard as for most Inca Trailers who are camped in the valley far below.

The views today are fantastic, we see the high mountain ranges as we cross the 2 passes and will have the chance to visit 2 Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca). We will also see a variety of plants and wildlife as we are now arriving at the area known as the cloud forest. Our campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft) which is one of the quieter campsites and affords beautiful views of the sun setting over the mountains in the distance.

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Winay Wayna

Having made it over the 2 passes yesterday we’re now treated to a relaxing day through some of the most beautiful scenery the Inca Trail has to offer. With a relatively short distance to cover along what is known as Inca Flat (gentle ascents and descents), we get to enjoy the lush and verdant cloud forest around us and the spectacular views of the Andes in the distance.

With visits to 2 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna), this is by far one of the most impressive days of the trek. Our campsite for tonight is at Winay Wayna (2680m / 8792ft) which we will arrive to be early afternoon and get to have an extended guided tour of once we have settled in.

Day 7: Winay Wayna – Machu Picchu

After having our breakfast, we begin the final leg of the Salkantay Inca Trail 7 days to the lost city of Machu Picchu. First, we will hike to Inti Punku (“Sun Gate”), Gate of the Inca Trail where we will take in an inspiring and panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. After a short hike down to Machu Picchu, we will register and then enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the sanctuary-city. After the tour of Machupicchu, we will take the bus down or walk Part of the Inca Trail to Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy lunch and free time to enjoy the town before returning to Ollantaytambo by train and then bus back to Cusco.

INCLUSIONS

Included

• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Chef.
• Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment.
• Mules / Personal porter to carry 10kg of your personal effects.
• Pick-up from your hotel.
• Transportation by bus to Mollepata.
• Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Afternoon Snacks, and 6 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• 3 man tent for every 2 trekkers.
• Sleeping mattress.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance fee to Salkantay mountain, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Not Included

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 6.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO UPGRADE

• Sleeping Bag: $40 USD.
• A pair of Walking Poles: $25 USD.
• Personal tent: $40 USD.
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $50 USD.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $70 USD.
• Machu Picchu  Mountain : $70 USD.

WHAT TO BRING FOR SANKANTAY INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS

• Original Passport and student cards if you are students.
• A Hiking/trekking Backpack (21 liters capacity).
• Hiking Poles with rubber tips. You can bring your own or rent it from AB Expeditions.
• Trekking Clothing: Hiking shoes, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, two shirts, a light sweater, jacket for rain, and clothes to rest in at the hotel. On the other hand, it is quite comfortable and relaxing for the body to wear light clothes for the walk; for this, waterproof materials are very good, because they enable quick drying from sweat and rain.
• Night in Aguas Calientes: Please bring with you a clean set of clothes to wear after the trekking. Also, you can bring along swimwear and towels if you decide to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal Hygiene items: toothpaste. toothbrush, and wet wipes.
• Medicine: If you are taking any medications, please bring them with you. It is also recommended to bring some over the counter medicine for the altitude sickness (Coramina, Aspirina, Diamox, Sorojchi, Acetazolamide). It is also suggested to bring Anti Blister Gel to avoid getting blisters on your feet and being unable to continue on your trek.
• Digital Camera with external memory (2-4 Gb) (Optional).
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Sun Block SPF 60 (UVA-UVB) waterproof and sport.
• Waterproof Insect Repellent lotion, not spray.
• Swiss Army Knife.
• Water bottle made of flexible plastic. This type of bottle is very easy to carry and does not take up a lot of space. At the same time, they help in our effort to protect the environment.

FREQUENT ASK QUESTION

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the Inca Trail 7 day trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Machu Picchu 7 day hike.

HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL 7 DAY TREK WITH AB EXPEDITONS?

Important: before booking your Inca trail 7 days, make sure that there is availability for your desired date.

In order to book your Inca Trail 7 days with us, you just click BOOK NOW buttom then select your departure date, fill out all the information required, then pay us the deposit with your credit card.

Once we get your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trek and the booking form to fill out. Here is all the detail that you need to send us.

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Nationality
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of Birthday (dd / mm / yyyy)
•  

***We need copies of Passport of each participants because they are required when buying inca trail permits.

Once your inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trek in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(5% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with Credit card only Visa(5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to Inca trail 7 days (if you are 18 or over, you need to have valid student cards). Below is the sample of valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old have a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy to info@abexpeditions.com

MAY I CHANGE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Sadly it is not possible. Peruvian government doesn t allow us to change once the Inca Trail 7 days permits have been purchased. Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. . The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be same passport you sent us to reserve your  Inca Trail 7 days permit. Your passport will be checked at 3 Inca trail checkpoints, Machu Picchu and when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your inca trail 7 days permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information of your permit.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

It will depend on the train availability. We usually book return train ticket at 02:55 pm on day 7 so you arrive to Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time sleep and do any tour next day, like Rainbow Mountains.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS?

Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.  by staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour after the cusco pick up so you will sleep more.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR INCA TRAIL 7  DAYS

IMPORTANT:

A máximum of 500 people per day are allowed to access the Inca Trail; This number includes all support staff such as: authorized porters, cooks and tour guides and is most tightly controlled; when the inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits  must be purchased a year in advance, if possible.

THINGS TO KNOW

• This 7 day trek to Machu Picchu is no recommended for travelers with back problems
• You will have a guide during your inca trail hike and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• No departures in February due to the trail maintenance.
• There is not access for wheelchair.
• DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, personal medications.
• This trek will have a maximum of 8 travelers

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This hike is difficult, it’s highly recomeded to be in a good physical condition; The classic Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike tough as there are three passes during your trek.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to Inca trail 7 days at 6pm. You will meet your guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment or questions in general. Our office is located at: Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

TYPICAL MEALS ON THE TREK

We train our cooks every year on the low season to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available on all of our Treks to Machu Picchu. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your hike.

*Vegetarian, vegan, gluten fee and more Options Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking).

Breakfasts:

Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, Thick oatmeal with large fresh chunks of sweet apples, and boiled water for hot teas, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk.

Lunch & dinner:

First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado, or potatoes.

Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de Pollo (marinated chicken), or ajiaco de ulluco (spicy ulluco stew).

Desserts:

Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, peach.

Snacks:

candies, cookies, juice, crackers and a variaty of peruvian fruits such as: Banana, Chirimoya, Granadilla, Apple, orange, Mandarine.