Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 6 Days

Inca Trail & Salknatay 6 Day Highlights

Trekking the Inca Trail and Salkantay in Peru over seven days offers an immersive journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of the Andes. The Inca Trail presents an ancient pathway where hikers follow the footsteps of the Incas, passing through verdant cloud forests and encountering iconic ruins like Winay Wayna and Intipata, culminating in the awe-inspiring sunrise at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. Meanwhile, the Salkantay Trek showcases the majestic Salkantay Mountain and its surrounding glaciers, leading adventurers through diverse landscapes from high-altitude passes to subtropical valleys, with highlights including the tranquil Humantay Lake and cultural interactions with indigenous Quechua communities, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life and spiritual beliefs.

Why should you hike the Inca trail 6 days with us?

• Honesty and Reliability: We pride ourselves on being transparent, practical, and reliable. You can trust us to deliver on our promises and ensure a seamless travel experience. Check our reviews on Trip Advisor.
• Excellent Campsites: Our carefully selected campsites offer tranquility and intimacy with nature, away from the crowds. You’ll have the chance to marvel at the beauty of the Salkantay glacier without the distraction of large groups.
• Safety First: We provide satellite phones for both emergencies and non-emergencies, ensuring you can stay connected with your loved ones throughout the trek for peace of mind.
• Unique Destinations: Our itinerary includes visits to two breathtaking lakes, Humanay Lake and Salkantay Lake, offering you the opportunity to explore these natural wonders away from the typical tourist routes.
• Exclusive Experiences: We prioritize giving you exclusive access to attractions like Humantay Lake, ensuring you can enjoy its beauty without the crowds.
• Scenic Views: Our campsites offer unparalleled views, including stunning sunsets over the Salkantay glacier on the first day and breathtaking dawns to start your day on a high note on the second day.
• Comfortable Amenities: We provide eco-friendly and clean portable toilets, ensuring your comfort throughout the journey.
• Convenient Services: Our hotel-to-hotel service ensures hassle-free transportation, with direct pick-ups and drop-offs from your accommodation in Cusco City.
• Respectful Treatment: We value and respect our porters and horsemen, providing them with fair compensation, proper equipment, and support for their well-being and that of their families.
• Professional Guides: Our highly trained guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the Inca Trail, ensuring you have an enriching and memorable experience.
• Comprehensive Logistics: We take care of all the details, including transportation, Machu Picchu tickets, Inca Trail permits, and more, so you can focus on enjoying the journey stress-free.
• Convenient Return: Our carefully planned itinerary ensures you return to Cusco early at 7 pm on day 6, allowing for ample rest before embarking on further adventures the next day.
• Exclusive Groups: We limit our group size to a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience for everyone.
• Local Expertise: As a 100% locally owned company, we have a deep understanding of the region and are committed to providing authentic experiences while supporting local communities.
• Peace of Mind: We do not share our group with other travel companies, ensuring a cohesive and enjoyable experience tailored specifically to our guests.

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 6 Days

Day 1: Cusco  – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata

We’ll come to get you at 5:00 am to begin your Inca Trail 6 Days adventure. Today serves as a gentle start to the trek. Our journey commences with a visit to the significant Inca site of Tarawasi, located approximately 2 hours away by car from Cusco. Once we’ve explored Tarawasi, we’ll make our way to Mollepata for a brief rest and a chance to stretch our legs. Following this, we’ll proceed to Soraypampa, where a delicious breakfast awaits before we embark on our 6-day Salkantay & Inca Trail expedition. Departing from Soraypampa, our trek to Humantay Lake will span roughly 2 hours. By around 1 pm, we anticipate reaching the lake, after the departure of most day-trippers, affording us a tranquil experience by the lake. After savoring the beauty of the lake, we’ll trek back to Soraypampa and then continue onward to our at Salkantaypampa. Here, we’ll have lunch and then continue our to our campsite IchuPata which take 2 more hours

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
• Hiking Hours: 6 to 7 hours.
• Starting Elevations: 3900 m / 12,795 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 4,680 m /15,354ft.
• Campsite Elevation: 4,680 m /15,354ft.
• Hiking Distance: 14km /5.59 mi.
• Accommodations: Tents.

Day 2: Ichu Pata – Pampajaponesa – Inca Chiriasca Pass – Yana Ccaca – Inca Canal.

Today is a really special day. We’re going on a tough three-hour hike up to the Incachiriaska Pass (also known as the Frozen Inca Pass). It’s super high up there, at 5028 meters (16495 feet), the highest point of our trip. When we get to the top, we can either walk for about 30 minutes closer to the glacier or go down to where we’ll have lunch.

The views today are amazing again. Climbing up past Salkantay, we feel so small next to the big mountain. It’s easy to see why the Incas thought it was a god. Maybe we’ll see some cool animals like Viscachas (kind of like Chinchillas), White-Tailed Deer, and if we’re lucky, maybe even some Andean animals like Condors.

Once we reach the Pass, we’ll walk downhill for about three hours until we get to YanaCcaca, where our cook is waiting with a yummy meal. After eating, we’ll keep walking for about three more hours until we reach our campsite at Inca Canal, where we’ll sleep tonight.

• Difficulty: Difficult.
• Hiking Hours: 8 to 9 hours.
• Starting Elevations: 4,680 m /15,354ft.
• Highest Elevation: 5,100 m /16,732 ft.
• Campsite Elevation: 4,680 m /15,354ft.
• Hiking Distance: 13km /8.07 mi.
• Accommodations: Tents.

Day 3: Canal Inca – Paucar Cancha – Wayllabamba – Ayapata.

We will start our day by enjoying a nice breakfast, then we’ll take a relaxed trip down the valley towards Paucarcancha. It will take us about three hours to get to where we’ll have lunch. Before we eat, we’ll explore the ancient Inca ruins of Paucarcancha with our knowledgeable guide telling us about its importance in history. Here, we’ll switch from using horses to carry our stuff to using porters to protect the Inca Trail. After lunch, we’ll meet our hardworking porters who have traveled all the way from km 82, where the 4-day Inca Trail hike begins. At the same time, we’ll say bye bye to our horsemen. Then, we’ll make a quick stop at the checkpoint to show our passports and Inca Trail permits before starting a one-hour hike to Wayllabamba. From there, we’ll keep going until we reach the Ayapata Campsite, where we’ll spend the night.

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
• Hiking Hours: 6 to 7 hours.
• Starting Elevations: 3,853 m /12,641 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 3,853 m /12,641 ft.
• Campsite Elevation: 3,323 m /10,901 ft.
• Hiking Distance: 14km /8.69 mi.
• Accommodations: Tents.

Day 4: Ayapata – Dead Woman Pass – Pacaymayo – Runku Rakay Pass – Sayacmarca -Chaquicocha.

Today is a difficult day because we have two mountains to climb. After we eat breakfast, we will walk for about 4 hours until we reach Dead Woman Pass. Then, we’ll head to Inca Chiriasca Pass. This part of the hike will be easier, but the steps will still be tough. When we reach the top, we’ll see the landscape change and take pictures of both valleys before going down to Pacaymayo for a tasty lunch. After that, we’ll go up Runku Racay Pass, stopping on the way to see the Inca Site of Runku Raqay with our guide explaining everything in detail. As we keep going, we’ll notice a big change in the scenery from mountains to rainforest. Once we get to the Pass, we’ll go down for about an hour to the Sayacmarca Inca Site, where our guide will show us around. Finally, we’ll go to our campsite, Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft), which is known for its peaceful vibe and amazing views of the sunset over the faraway mountains.

• Difficulty: Difficult.
• Hiking Hours: 8 to 9 hours.
• Starting Elevations: 3,323 m /10,901 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 4,200 m /13,779 ft.
• Campsite Elevation: 3,623 m /11,881 ft.
• Hiking Distance: 16km /9.94 mi.
• Accommodations: Tents.

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata -Winay Wayna.

After going over the two mountains yesterday, today we’ll have a relaxed day surrounded by some of the most beautiful views on the Inca Trail. We’ll start with a short walk on what they call Inca Flat (not too steep) until we get to Phuyupatamarca. On the road, we’ll enjoy the green trees of the cloud forest and see amazing sights of the faraway Andes mountains. At Phuyutamarca, the guide will tell us why this place is important. After that, we’ll walk for about three hours to Inti Pata Inca Site, where we’ll see an awesome view of the Urubamba river. After exploring there, we’ll walk to the Wiñaywayna Campsite, have lunch, rest a bit, shower, and then go see the Wiñaywayna Inca ruins. We’ll end the day with dinner and go to bed early to get ready for the big day tomorrow.”

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
• Hiking Hours: 4 to 5 hours.
• Starting Elevations: 3,623 m /11,881 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 3,623 m /11,881 ft.
• Campsite Elevation: 2,623 m /8,605 ft.
• Hiking Distance: 9km /5.54 mi.
• Accommodations: Tents.

 Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Today is a super important day because we’re going to Machu Picchu! First, we’ll have breakfast, and then we’ll start the last part of the Salkantay Inca Trail, which takes six days to reach the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Our first stop is Inti Punku, also known as the “Sun Gate,” which is a special spot on the Inca Trail offering a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After that, we’ll hike for about 45 minutes to get to the guard house, where we can take the classic Machu Picchu photo. Then, we’ll head to the exit to use the restroom before going back into the Citadel for a two-hour guided tour of the ancient city. Once we finish exploring Machu Picchu, we’ll catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some free time to explore the town. Later, we’ll take a train and then a bus back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm.

INCLUSIONS

Included

• Satellite Phone: You get a special phone that works via satellite.
• Personal Porter: Someone will carry up to 7 kilograms of your stuff.
• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: They’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
• Private Tourist Transport: A private ride from Cusco to Soraypampa, where the trek starts.
• English-Speaking Guide: A guide who speaks English and has a radio to stay in touch.
• Foam Mattresses: Comfy mattresses for sleeping.
• Professional Chef: A skilled chef will cook for you.
• Kitchen Equipment: All the tools needed for cooking.
• Dining Tent: A tent with tables and chairs for meals.
• Portable Biodegradable Toilet: A toilet that’s friendly to the environment.
• Meal Service: We  provide you (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 5 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance, and any food allergy.
• Tents: (we provide you  4 person tents shared by only 2 people – Eureka Timberland)
• Porter Service: Porters will carry camping gear and food, following safety guidelines.
• Inca Trail Permits: Permits to hike the Inca Trail.
• Machu Picchu Ticket: Entry to Machu Picchu.
• Humantay Lake Entrance: Admission to Humantay Lake.
• Private Land Entrance: Access to private land in the Salkantay area.
• Bus Ticket: A bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after the guided tour.
• Train Ticket: Train ride back to Ollantaytambo.
• Private Transportation: A ride from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Oxigen Tank: Oxygen and first aid kit for emergencies.
• Pre-Departure Briefing: Info session the day before departure.
• Wake-Up Tea: Tea delivered to your tent each morning.
• Duffle Bag: A bag for your personal items.
• Hot Water: Provided daily for cleaning and comfort.
• Rain Poncho: Protection from rain.
• Machu Picchu Tour: A guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Boiled Water: Provided for refilling water bottles.
• Day Pack Covers: Covers to keep your things dry.

Not Included

• Sleeping Bag
• The last lunch In Aguas Calientes. 
• Trekking poles. 
• Emergency Horse for Salkantay. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Important:

A maximum of 500 people are permitted to access the Inca Trail each day, including support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides. This limit is strictly enforced. Once the trail reaches its daily capacity of 500 individuals, it is closed for the day, and no further reservations can be made. Reservations are not held on the trail itself, and it is recommended that permits be purchased up to a year in advance, if possible.

 Things To Know

•       This 6-day trek to Machu Picchu is not advisable for travelers with back issues.
•       The trek departs daily for groups of two or more participants.
•       There are no departures in February due to trail maintenance.
•       The maximum group size for this trek is limited to 8 travelers.

Physical Requirements:

This 6-day hike to Machu Picchu is difficult, so it’s strongly advised to be in good physical shape. The combination of the Inca Trail and Salkantay trek involves significant elevation changes, with four passes along the route, making the hike particularly strenuous.

Solo Traveller

If you are a solo traveler, we would be delighted to accommodate you on the trek. However, please do not book the trek directly through the website. Instead, reach out to us first to check if we already have a group scheduled for your preferred date so that you can join them. We require a minimum of two participants to commence the trek. Regarding accommodation during the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex, while couples will have a tent exclusively for themselves.

 Pre-Departure Briefing

A mandatory pre-departure briefing will be held at our Cusco Office one day prior to your departure for the 6-day Inca Trail, at 6:00 PM. During this session, you will meet your guide, who will provide detailed information about your hike, including a list of necessary items, rental equipment, and answer any general questions you may have. Our office is located at Marquez Street 250, Second Floor, Office 03, Cusco, Peru.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Store My Luggage At Your Office?

Absolutely! For the 6-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, you have the option to store your luggage either at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please ensure you only bring the essentials needed for the 6-day hike to Machu Picchu.”

How To Book The Inca Trail 6 Day Trek With AB Expeditons?

To reserve your Inca Trail 6-day experience with us, simply click the “BOOK NOW” button and choose your desired departure date. Next, you will need to provide the personal details for each participant and proceed with a deposit payment of $200 per person using your credit card.

After we secure your Inca Trail permits, we will send you a confirmation, ensuring that everything is fully arranged. Once confirmed, all start dates are guaranteed.

What About The Outstanding Balance?

The remaining balance can be paid in cash two days before your trek, either in USD or soles. Alternatively, you may complete the payment online through our We Travel platform, though a 2.9% transaction fee will apply. You also have the option to pay by credit card at our office, which will incur a 5% service fee. Please inform us of your preferred payment method. If you choose to pay in cash, it must be done at least two days before your trip.

How About The Student Discount?

In accordance with Peruvian Law, you must be under 17 years of age at the time of your hike on the 6-day Inca Trail. Those who are 18 or older must possess a valid student card.

Students aged 8 to 17 years are eligible for a $40 USD discount. Students aged 18 to 25 must submit a copy of their passport and a valid student ID when booking to qualify for the discount. Please send the necessary documents to info@abexpeditions.com.

May I Change Departure Date After The Permits Have Been Bought?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government does not permit any changes once the Inca Trail 6-day permits have been purchased. These permits are neither transferable nor refundable. The only information the government allows us to update is passport numbers.

Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport On The Inca Trail 6 Days To Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is essential to bring your original passport, which must be the same one used to secure your 6-day Inca Trail permit. Your passport will be inspected at three checkpoints along the Inca Trail, at Machu Picchu, and when you board the train

What Is The Schedule Of My Train Ticket?

We typically book return train tickets for 2:55 PM on the sixth day, ensuring that you arrive in Cusco by 7:30 PM. This allows you ample time to rest and be ready for any tours the following day, such as a visit to the Rainbow Mountains.

Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My Inca Trail 6 Days?

Yes, but it is not advisable. One reason is that the Sacred Valley has a lower altitude, which may not help with acclimatization. It is suggested to stay there for the first day, but on the second day, you should travel to Cusco. Additionally, there will be an extra cost of $30 for transportation from the Sacred Valley to the Inca Trail 6 day trailhead.