FAQ 1: What is the best way to get to Cusco?

Most people will get to Cusco by air. Please remember that the Cusco airport is for domestic travel only. If you come directly from overseas through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and re-check them for your flight to Cusco. Four airline carriers fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. They all offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or AVIANCA. They tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

FAQ 2: What do we need to bring along for this trip?

2-3 wicking t-shirts, 2-3 hiking pants, 4 sets of undergarments, 4 sets of hiking socks, 1 Fleece, 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night, 1 Rain jacket and pants, 1 sun hat, 1 wool hat, headlamp: essential, waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them), comfortable shoes for camp, walking boots, waterproof jacket/rain poncho, quick dry towel (we provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger), small bottle of soap (we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap), battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking!), large plastic bags (to help organize and keep clean from dirty), sleeping bag (recommend down bags for -10C at least).

FAQ 4: Is the hike to Huayna Picchu included in the price?

No, you will have to arrange for that separately. If you get in touch with us beforehand, we can certainly arrange the same for you, based on availability.

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Trekking

Salkantay plus Inca Trek to Machu Picchu

Q: FAQ 3: Are sleeping bags, sleeping pads and hiking poles available for rent?

Yes, you can rent them for: Sleeping Bag: $35, Inflatable Air Mattress: $30, Walking Sticks (Pair): $30.

Peru

7 days

Difficulty:Strenuous

Trip Type:Rustic

Group size:8

Highlights

The Salkantay trek is a tougher and more scenic alternative to the Inca Trail trek. However, on this amazing combo trek, you will get to experience the best of both worlds - the natural scenic beauty of the Salkantay route as well as the ruins along the Inca trail. This ultimate itinerary, including Humantay Blue Lagoon, and has been created particularly for those looking for a trek more challenging than just the Inca trail or the Salkantay trek.

Design exclusive experiences or have any questions?

Itinerary

Salkantay plus Inca Trek to Machu Picchu

DAY 1

Cusco - Marccoccasa - Sorapampa (Elevation gain of approximately 3,000 feet over 6.8 miles)

On Day 1, your guide, chef, and porters will pick you up from your hotel (must be located in Cusco) at 4:30 a.m., and drive you to the trailhead, Marccoccasa (2.5 hours away). You will go from 9,500 feet to about 12,500 feet elevation at your trailhead.

At the trailhead you will meet your horseman and horses, and have some time to prepare for the day and enjoy your breakfast. You will experience views of the Andes, lush green valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. Today will be a moderate in difficulty day, but one of the longer days of hiking. There will be a gradual uphill climb lasting about three and a half hours until lunch. After lunch, the hike will be less of an incline and more of a relaxed walk.

The views along the Salkantay vs Inca Trail change drastically as you go. The trailhead is all green, lush valleys, but in the afternoon, you will be right at the foot of the Humantay snow-capped mountain. You will also experience a temperature drop from warm to cold. Be sure to have your warm jacket, and gloves in your daypack for the cold afternoon. After arriving at the Soyapamapa campsite (12,500 feet), your team will welcome you and provide warm drinks and dinner.

DAY 2

Sorapampa - Humantay Lake - Ichupata (Elevation gain of 2,625 feet over 8 miles plus the 1,000 feet gain / loss for Humantay Lake)

DAY 3

Ichupata - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Inca Canal (Elevation gain of 3,100 feet followed by loss of 4,600 feet over 8.6 miles)

DAY 4

Inca Canal - Pauccar Cancha - Wayllabamba - Ayapata (Elevation loss of 2,600 feet followed by gain of about 1,000 feet over 8.6 miles)

DAY 5

Ayapata - Warmi Wañusca - Chaquicocha (Elevation of about 3,000 feet then loss of about 2,000 feet, followed by a gain of 1,400 feet and a loss of 1,300 feet over 9.9 miles)

DAY 6

Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna (Elevation gain of about 300 feet followed by elevation loss of about 3,300 feet)

DAY 7

Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

DAY 1

Cusco - Marccoccasa - Sorapampa (Elevation gain of approximately 3,000 feet over 6.8 miles)

DAY 2

Sorapampa - Humantay Lake - Ichupata (Elevation gain of 2,625 feet over 8 miles plus the 1,000 feet gain / loss for Humantay Lake)

DAY 3

Ichupata - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Inca Canal (Elevation gain of 3,100 feet followed by loss of 4,600 feet over 8.6 miles)

Trip Inclusions

All meals

All meals are provided as part of the tour package, which may include breakfast, lunch, or dinner on all days.

Transfers

Transportation between different destinations as part of the itinerary.

Accommodation

Lodging at various hotels, guesthouses, or other types of accommodation during the trip.

Admission fees

Entry fees for museums, parks, historical sites, and other attractions included in the trip.

Porter

Services of a porter to help carry luggage at various points during the trek, or on the mountain.

Guide fees

Fees for a Guide required for your adventure.

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages

Costs for any alcoholic drinks consumed during the trip.

Gratuities

All the guide gratuities throughout your adventure.

Flights

All the flight charges required for your adventure.

Visas

Required Visa fees for your travel.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance from a trusted provider for your adventure.

Personal gear

All the personal gear required for your adventure.

Luggage transfers

Cost for transferring your luggage.

Airport transfer

Transportation from and to Airport

International flights

Flights outside the country that are necessary to reach different destinations on the itinerary.

Domestic flights

Flights within the country that are necessary to reach different destinations on the itinerary.

Local guide

A knowledgeable guide to provide insights and information about the places visited.

Some meals

Selected meals provided as part of the tour package, which may include breakfast, lunch, or dinner on certain days, as specified in the itinerary.

Accommodation

Day 1 - 7

Camping

Cancellation Policy

Help

Departure Dates

from $1290 /person

Private groups

FAQs

What is the best way to get to Cusco?

What do we need to bring along for this trip?

Are sleeping bags, sleeping pads and hiking poles available for rent?

Is the hike to Huayna Picchu included in the price?

Why Book With Us?

All-Inclusive Packages

Enjoy hassle-free travel with end-to-end, pre planned trip packages that cover accommodations, meals, guides, permits, and more.

Trip Preparation

We offer essential resources like gear lists and training plans to ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure. Our goal is to equip you with everything you need to enjoy your trip with confidence.

Local Guides

Our experts carefully handpick local guiding companies who are put through a rigorous vetting process. Local guides enrich your journey with local insights and expertise.

Sustainable Travel

We are committed to preserving our planet, by encouraging our guiding partners and travellers to follow eco-friendly practices. All tours benefit local communities.

Departure Dates

from $1290 /person

Private groups

Talk to a Destination Expert

+1 (425) 458-3226

Meet your host

Raul C

Raul Ccolque, has lived in the Andes all of his life. Since he was 18-years-old he has worked on the Inca Trail on every trek to Macchu Picchu, as both a porter and a tour guide. Born and raised in a small village called Seque Raccay, Ccolque attended a Quechuan speaking elementary and high school. He then went on to Cusco University to further his studies in tourism. Growing up in a small Quechuan village ignited his passion for hiking the surrounding mountains and exploring his heritage.

Adventure together

Invite your friends and family on your adventure:

$1290

/ person