Salkantay plus Inca Trek to Machu Picchu

Max 8 people Strenuous difficulty Beginner experience

Overview

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.

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Trip 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.

Itinerary

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

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Accommodations

On day 1, for 7 days

Camping

Pricing

Included:

All meals

Transfers

Accommodation

Admission fees

Porter

Guide fees

Excluded:

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Flights

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal gear

Luggage transfers

Airport transfer

International flights

Domestic flights

Local guide

Some meals

Do not forget to arrange for the requisite passport, visa and travel insurance, if you are booking an international trip.

We try our best to ensure accurate and up-to-date guide information, but in some cases this may change due to emergencies or other unforeseen guide scheduling challenges. In any case, another highly-rated, certified guide with similar experience would lead your trip and you will be kept informed of any such case.