SALKANTAY TREK & INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 6 DAYS – 5 NIGHTS

The second day of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days begins at approximately 5:30 AM, when our cooks wake you with a warm cup of coca tea. At around 6:00 AM, breakfast will be served, giving you the energy needed for what will be one of the most demanding and rewarding days of the entire trek.

After breakfast, you will have a short time to organize your personal belongings and prepare for the hike. At approximately 6:30 AM, we begin walking toward Incachiriaska Pass, located at around 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet, the highest point reached during the entire 6-day trekking adventure.

The first section of the hike involves a steady ascent through high-Andean terrain. After approximately 2 hours of climbing, we arrive at Salkantay Lake, located directly below the imposing Salkantay Mountain. This is one of the most impressive viewpoints of the day, where you will have time to rest, take photographs, and admire the dramatic combination of turquoise water, glaciers, and the massive snow-covered slopes of Salkantay.

From Salkantay Lake, we continue ascending for approximately 1.5 additional hours until reaching the spectacular Incachiriaska Pass at 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet. From this high mountain pass, you will enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain, surrounding glaciers, valleys, and the high-Andean landscape.

At the pass, your guide will also explain the spiritual significance of the mountains in Andean culture and lead a traditional symbolic offering to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits that have been respected by Andean communities for generations.

After spending time at the pass, we begin descending for approximately 1.5 hours toward Sisaypampa, where our cooking and muleteer team will be waiting with a freshly prepared lunch. This is an ideal place to rest and recover after completing the highest and most physically demanding section of the route.

Following lunch, we continue descending for approximately 3 hours through a remote Andean valley toward an impressive original Inca canal. Here, your guide will explain how the Incas engineered this water channel to control and redirect water coming from the Salkantay mountain area, demonstrating the advanced hydraulic knowledge and engineering skills of the Inca civilization.

After visiting the canal, we continue walking for approximately 30 more minutes until reaching Pampacahuana, located at around 3,900 meters / 12,795 feet above sea level, where we will spend the night.

Upon arrival at camp, you will have time to settle into your tent and rest. Later in the afternoon, the team will serve tea time, followed by dinner. Accommodation for the night is in comfortable trekking tents equipped with an inflatable air mattress, allowing you to recover after a long and demanding day in the high Andes.

After dinner, your guide will provide a short briefing about the following day, which will be a more relaxed stage of the trek as the route begins connecting with the historic Inca Trail system.

Trip Summary

• Wake-Up Time: Approximately 5:30 AM
• Breakfast: Around 6:00 AM
• Trekking Start: Approximately 6:30 AM
• Route: Quiswarniyoc → Salkantay Lake → Incachiriaska Pass → Sisaypampa → Inca Canal → Pampacahuana
• Highest Point: Incachiriaska Pass – 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
• Hike to Salkantay Lake: Approximately 2 hours uphill
• Salkantay Lake to Incachiriaska Pass: Approximately 1.5 hours uphill
• Descent to Sisaypampa: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Sisaypampa to Inca Canal: Approximately 3 hours downhill
• Inca Canal to Pampacahuana: Approximately 30 minutes
• Camp Altitude: Approximately 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tent with inflatable air mattress
• Main Highlights: Salkantay Lake, Incachiriaska Pass, Andean mountain views, traditional offering to the Apus, and original Inca canal
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Experience: High-altitude trekking, glaciers, sacred mountains, Andean culture, and Inca engineering

Day 3 of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days begins at approximately 6:00 AM with a warm wake-up tea served by our trekking team. Breakfast is served at around 7:00 AM, giving you time to enjoy a relaxed start before beginning the day’s hike at approximately 7:30 AM.

From the campsite at Pampacahuana, we start a gradual descent toward Paucarcancha, one of the important archaeological sites located along this section of the route. The walk takes approximately 3 hours and passes through beautiful high-Andean landscapes, remote valleys, and traditional rural areas.

During this section, you will have the opportunity to observe local Andean communities and see aspects of daily life in the mountains. Depending on the season and local activity, you may also see llamas and alpacas grazing in the surrounding valleys, adding another authentic element to the journey.

After approximately three hours of hiking, we arrive at the Paucarcancha Archaeological Site. Here, your guide will take time to explain the history and importance of the site, allowing you to better understand how this area was connected to the wider Inca road system and the surrounding valleys.

After exploring Paucarcancha, we stop nearby for lunch, which will be freshly prepared by our professional cooking and muleteer team. This is a good opportunity to rest before continuing with the final section of the day.

Following lunch, we continue walking for approximately 1.5 hours until reaching Wayllabamba, where we officially connect with the Classic Inca Trail. Wayllabamba is traditionally considered the first campsite area of the 4-day Classic Inca Trail and marks an important transition in this combined Salkantay and Inca Trail adventure.

Once at the campsite, you will have time to settle into your tent and relax. Later in the afternoon, the team will serve tea time, followed by dinner. You will spend the night in comfortable trekking tents equipped with inflatable air mattresses.

After dinner, your guide will provide a detailed briefing about Day 4, including the route, estimated hiking times, altitude, and recommendations for crossing the famous Warmiwañusca Pass, one of the most important sections of the Classic Inca Trail.

Trip Summary

• Wake-Up Time: Approximately 6:00 AM
• Breakfast: Around 7:00 AM
• Trekking Start: Approximately 7:30 AM
• Route: Pampacahuana → Paucarcancha → Wayllabamba
• Hike to Paucarcancha: Approximately 3 hours downhill
• Paucarcancha Visit: Guided archaeological exploration
• Lunch: Near Paucarcancha
• Paucarcancha to Wayllabamba: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Main Highlights: High-Andean landscapes, local communities, llamas and alpacas, Paucarcancha Archaeological Site, and connection with the Classic Inca Trail
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tent with inflatable air mattress
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Experience: Cultural landscapes, Inca archaeology, traditional Andean communities, and the beginning of the Classic Inca Trail section

Day 4 of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days is one of the most demanding sections of the entire journey, but also one of the most rewarding. Today you will cross Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail at approximately 4,215 meters / 13,829 feet above sea level.

The day begins very early. At around 5:00 AM, our cooking and porter team will bring a warm cup of tea directly to your tent to help you wake up and prepare for the day. You will then have approximately 30 minutes to organize your belongings before breakfast is served at around 5:30 AM.

Shortly afterward, between approximately 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM, we begin the hike from Wayllabamba, located at around 3,000 meters / 9,843 feet above sea level. From this point, the trail climbs steadily toward Warmiwañusca Pass.

The ascent from Wayllabamba to the pass covers approximately 9 kilometers and takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the group’s pace and altitude adaptation. Much of this section is uphill, so your guide will maintain a steady rhythm and make several stops along the way for rest, hydration, and acclimatization.

As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with wide Andean valleys, high mountain slopes, and changing vegetation. Reaching Warmiwañusca Pass is one of the most important achievements of the trek.

Once at the summit, you will have time to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding Andes. Your guide will also explain the significance of this famous mountain pass and its importance along the historic Inca Trail.

After enjoying the summit, we begin the descent toward Pacaymayo, located at approximately 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet above sea level. The descent takes around 2 hours and follows a section of the original Inca Trail, including ancient stone steps that descend through impressive mountain scenery.

We normally arrive at the Pacaymayo campsite between approximately 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where the trekking team will be waiting with a freshly prepared lunch.

There is no additional hiking scheduled for the rest of the day, so the afternoon is free to relax, recover, and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment. Dinner is served at around 6:30 PM, followed by a short briefing from your guide about the route and activities planned for the following day.

You will spend the night in your trekking tent at Pacaymayo, resting after completing one of the most challenging and memorable stages of the entire trek.

Trip Summary

• Wake-Up Time: Approximately 5:00 AM
• Breakfast: Around 5:30 AM
• Trekking Start: Approximately 6:00–6:15 AM
• Route: Wayllabamba → Warmiwañusca Pass → Pacaymayo
• Starting Altitude: Wayllabamba – approximately 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Highest Point: Warmiwañusca Pass – 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
• Ascent Distance: Approximately 9 km
• Ascent Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
• Descent to Pacaymayo: Approximately 2 hours
• Camp Altitude: Pacaymayo – approximately 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
• Estimated Camp Arrival: Around 2:00–3:00 PM
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tent with inflatable air mattress
• Main Highlight: Crossing Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Experience: High-altitude trekking, original Inca stone trail, panoramic Andean views, and one of the most iconic sections of the Inca Trail

Day 5 of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days is one of the most scenic and archaeologically rich stages of the entire journey. Although it is generally less physically demanding than the previous day, it is the longest hiking day, covering approximately 16 kilometers from Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna and passing through several of the most impressive archaeological sites of the Classic Inca Trail.

The day begins early. At around 5:00 AM, our cooking and porter team will bring a warm cup of tea directly to your tent to help you wake up. Breakfast is served at approximately 5:30 AM, and between 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM we begin the hike from Pacaymayo, located at around 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet above sea level.

The first section is a steady uphill climb lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours toward Runkurakay Pass, one of the highest points of the Classic Inca Trail at approximately 3,850 meters / 12,631 feet. Along the way, we stop at the Runkurakay archaeological site, a distinctive circular Inca structure located in a strategic position along the ancient trail. Your guide will explain the importance and possible functions of this site before continuing toward the pass.

After reaching Runkurakay Pass and enjoying the surrounding mountain views, we begin descending for approximately 1 hour toward Sayacmarca, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes on the route. Built on a steep mountainside, Sayacmarca offers remarkable views of the surrounding valleys and demonstrates the Incas’ ability to adapt their architecture to difficult terrain.

After exploring Sayacmarca, we continue hiking for approximately 45 minutes toward the Chaquicocha sector, where our trekking team will be waiting with lunch. You will have around 1 hour to eat, rest, and recover before beginning the afternoon section of the trek.

From Chaquicocha, the trail becomes gentler and follows a more gradual route for approximately 1.5 hours toward Phuyupatamarca. This section is especially beautiful, with changing vegetation, mountain scenery, and sections of original Inca stonework.

At Phuyupatamarca, often considered one of the most spectacular archaeological sites along the Inca Trail, your guide will explain the history and significance of the site while you enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and cloud forest.

From Phuyupatamarca, we begin the final major descent of the day. The route follows an impressive series of original Inca stone stairways for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, gradually descending into greener and more humid terrain until reaching Wiñay Wayna, located at approximately 2,700 meters / 8,858 feet above sea level.

Wiñay Wayna is the final campsite before reaching Machu Picchu and one of the most important archaeological sites on the entire route. Upon arrival, your tent will already be prepared and equipped with an inflatable sleeping mat, giving you time to rest after the longest trekking day of the journey.

Dinner is served at around 7:00 PM. After dinner, the group will participate in a farewell ceremony with the cooks, porters, guides, and fellow travelers, celebrating the journey completed together. This special moment takes place on the final evening because the next day begins extremely early.

Your guide will also provide the final briefing for Day 6, when the group will wake at approximately 3:00 AM to prepare for the final walk toward the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. From that point onward, the guide will continue with the hikers, while the cooks and porters follow a separate route toward Aguas Calientes.

Trip Summary

• Wake-Up Time: Approximately 5:00 AM
• Breakfast: Around 5:30 AM
• Trekking Start: Approximately 6:00–6:15 AM
• Route: Pacaymayo → Runkurakay → Sayacmarca → Chaquicocha → Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay Wayna
• Total Hiking Distance: Approximately 16 km
• Highest Point: Runkurakay Pass – approximately 3,850 m / 12,631 ft
• Hike to Runkurakay Pass: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Descent to Sayacmarca: Approximately 1 hour
• Sayacmarca to Chaquicocha: Approximately 45 minutes
• Chaquicocha to Phuyupatamarca: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Phuyupatamarca to Wiñay Wayna: Approximately 2–2.5 hours downhill
• Camp Altitude: Wiñay Wayna – approximately 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping tent with inflatable sleeping mat
• Main Highlights: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, original Inca stone stairways, Wiñay Wayna, and the farewell ceremony
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Experience: Inca archaeology, cloud-forest scenery, historic stone pathways, and the final night before reaching Machu Picchu

The final day of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days is the most anticipated moment of the entire journey: your arrival at Machu Picchu through the original Inca Trail. After several days crossing high mountain passes, archaeological sites, cloud forest, and ancient stone paths, this final stage rewards you with your first panoramic view of the citadel from Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.

The day begins very early. At approximately 3:00 AM, our cooks and porters will wake you so you can organize your belongings and prepare for the final hike. Breakfast is served at around 3:30 AM, and at approximately 4:00 AM the group walks about 10 minutes from the Wiñay Wayna campsite to the final Inca Trail checkpoint.

At the checkpoint, the group waits for the official opening at approximately 5:00 AM. Once access is permitted, we begin the final section of the trail toward Inti Punku. This stretch covers approximately 6 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the group’s pace and trail conditions.

Our goal is to reach Inti Punku – the Sun Gate at around 6:00 AM. Weather permitting, this is an unforgettable place to experience the early morning light over the mountains and receive your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After approximately 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and listen to your guide’s explanation, we continue along the ancient Inca path toward the citadel.

From the Sun Gate, the final descent takes approximately 45 minutes. The trail gradually approaches Machu Picchu from above, allowing you to appreciate the citadel from different perspectives before reaching its upper sector, generally between approximately 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.

One of the most special advantages of completing this combined Salkantay and Inca Trail 6-day trek is the experience of approaching Machu Picchu on foot through the historic Inca route rather than arriving directly by bus or train. Upon reaching the upper area, you will have time to enjoy the classic panoramic views and take memorable photographs while your guide provides an initial introduction to Machu Picchu.

After this first experience, the group proceeds toward the main entrance area, where you can use the restroom facilities and organize your belongings according to the current Machu Picchu entrance procedures.

You will then continue with your main guided visit of Machu Picchu, following the route or circuit assigned with your official entrance ticket. The guided tour generally lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, during which your guide will explain the history, architecture, engineering, religious significance, and most important sectors included in your authorized route.

After completing the guided tour, you will take the official shuttle bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, with arrival generally around midday or early afternoon depending on your entrance time and the duration of the visit.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, collect any belongings or duffel bags previously coordinated by the trekking team, and relax before the return journey to Cusco.

At approximately 2:30 PM, you will make your way to the train station. The return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo generally departs between approximately 2:55 PM and 3:20 PM, depending on availability and the confirmed train schedule. The train journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a Machu Picchu Team driver or representative will be waiting to continue the final journey by vehicle to Cusco. The road transfer takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The adventure concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Cusco, bringing the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days to an unforgettable end after six days of high-Andean landscapes, archaeological sites, original Inca trails, and one of the most iconic arrivals to Machu Picchu.

Trip Summary

• Wake-Up Time: Approximately 3:00 AM
• Breakfast: Around 3:30 AM
• Departure from Wiñay Wayna: Approximately 4:00 AM
• Checkpoint Opening: Approximately 5:00 AM
• Route: Wiñay Wayna → Inti Punku → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
• Final Inca Trail Section: Approximately 6 km
• Hike to Inti Punku: Approximately 1–1.5 hours
• Estimated Arrival at Sun Gate: Around 6:00 AM
• Time at Inti Punku: Approximately 30–45 minutes
• Descent to Machu Picchu: Approximately 45 minutes
• Estimated Arrival at Machu Picchu: Around 7:30–8:00 AM
• Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Bus to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 30 minutes
• Return Train: Approximately 2:55–3:20 PM, subject to availability
• Train Journey: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Transfer Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Main Highlights: Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku / Sun Gate, first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, guided Machu Picchu visit
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Experience: Final section of the original Inca Trail, sunrise scenery, Machu Picchu exploration, scenic train return, and hotel drop-off in Cusco