Overview
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Combine the Salkantay route with the Classic Inca Trail in a single 6-day trekking experience.
- Visit the spectacular Humantay Lake beneath the surrounding Andean mountains.
- Reach Inca Chiriasca Pass at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, the highest point of the expedition.
- Descend through the remote Pampacahuana Valley toward the Classic Inca Trail.
- Explore archaeological sites including Paucarcancha, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna.
- Cross Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft.
- Experience high-Andean landscapes, mountain valleys, cloud forest, and ancient stone pathways.
- Camp for five nights along the trekking route.
- Enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
- Return from Aguas Calientes by train to Ollantaytambo and continue by transportation to Cusco.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
01
Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa – IchupataTravel from Cusco to Soraypampa and begin the trek with Humantay Lake before continuing toward the first campsite at Ichupata, below Salkantay Mountain.
02
Ichupata – Inca Chiriasca Pass – Sisaypampa – Inca CanalCross the highest point of the expedition at Inca Chiriasca Pass, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft, before descending into the Pampacahuana Valley and continuing to the campsite near the Inca Canal.
03
Inca Canal – Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – AyapataDescend through Pampacahuana Valley, visit Paucarcancha, meet the Inca Trail porter team, pass through Wayllabamba, and continue to Ayapata.
04
Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – ChaquicochaCross Dead Woman’s Pass, continue toward Runkurakay Pass, visit archaeological sites along the route, and finish the day at Chaquicocha.
05
Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay WaynaFollow one of the most scenic sections of the Classic Inca Trail through cloud forest and archaeological sites before reaching the final campsite at Wiñay Wayna.
06
Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – CuscoComplete the final section of the Inca Trail through the Sun Gate and continue to Machu Picchu before returning through Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco.
Itinerary
Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata
Your adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m., followed by a three-hour drive to Soraypampa. Breakfast will be served beneath the impressive Humantay and Salkantay mountains before beginning the trek.
Start with a gradual ascent toward Humantay Lake and continue through the high-Andean landscape with views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. From this area, the journey continues toward Salkantaypampa and Ichupata, also known as Pampa Japonesa.
After approximately eight hours of hiking, arrive at the first campsite beneath Salkantay Mountain and settle in for the night.
- Hiking Distance15 km / 9.3 miles
- Duration8 hours
- Campsite Altitude4,280 m / 14,041 ft
- Highest Altitude4,280 m / 14,041 ft
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner
- AccommodationCamping
- DifficultyModerate to Challenging
Ichupata – Sisaypampa – Inca Canal
Day 2 is the most demanding section of the Salkantay portion of the journey. After breakfast, begin hiking deeper into the high-Andean landscape surrounding Salkantay Mountain.
Along the route, visit Salkantay Lake, a remote glacial lake located beneath the mountain. Continue ascending as the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and the route approaches the highest elevation of the entire expedition.
Reach Inca Chiriasca Pass, also known as the Frozen Inca Pass, at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. From the pass, enjoy expansive views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and the surrounding Andes before beginning the descent.
Continue into the Pampacahuana Valley and stop at Sisaypampa for lunch. The route then continues to the campsite near an ancient Inca canal, where you will spend the second night.
- Hiking Distance13 km / 8 miles
- Duration8 hours
- Campsite Altitude3,670 m / 12,040 ft
- Highest Altitude5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner
- AccommodationCamping
- DifficultyChallenging
Inca Canal – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
After breakfast, begin descending through the Pampacahuana Valley. As you leave the high Salkantay landscapes behind, the surroundings gradually transition toward warmer valleys and the historic routes leading to the Classic Inca Trail.
After approximately three hours, arrive at Paucarcancha, an Inca archaeological site located at 3,143 m / 10,410 ft. Enjoy lunch near the site and take time to explore the area with your guide.
Here, meet the Inca Trail porter team and say goodbye to the muleteers who supported the Salkantay section of the expedition. Continue hiking for approximately 30 minutes to Wayllabamba, where the route passes another Inca site and the checkpoint for the Classic Inca Trail.
In the afternoon, continue for approximately two hours toward Ayapata, your campsite for the night.
- Hiking Distance15 km / 9.3 miles
- Duration7 hours
- Campsite Altitude3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Highest Altitude3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner
- AccommodationCamping
- DifficultyModerate
Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Chaquicocha
After breakfast, begin the ascent toward Warmiwañuska, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail section.
The ascent takes approximately four hours and reaches 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. After reaching the pass and taking time to rest, descend toward the lunch stop before continuing into the next section of the trail.
In the afternoon, continue toward Runkurakay Pass and visit the nearby archaeological site. The journey then proceeds to Sayacmarca, another archaeological complex positioned above the surrounding valleys.
By late afternoon, arrive at Chaquicocha, the campsite for the fourth night.
- Hiking Distance16 km / 10 miles
- Duration10 hours
- Campsite Altitude3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest Altitude4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner
- AccommodationCamping
- DifficultyModerate to Challenging
Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Day 5 follows a more scenic section of the Classic Inca Trail through cloud forest, mountain landscapes, stone pathways, and archaeological sites.
Begin with a hike toward Phuyupatamarca, known as the City in the Clouds. From here, continue descending through lush vegetation and ancient stone steps.
Later, visit Intipata and its agricultural terraces overlooking the Urubamba Valley. Continue toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the major archaeological sites along the Inca Trail.
After lunch near Wiñay Wayna, take time to rest before exploring the site with your guide. Its terraces, structures, water channels, and mountain setting provide a memorable conclusion to the fifth day. Return to camp for the final night with the trekking team.
- Hiking Distance10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration5 hours
- Campsite Altitude2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Highest Altitude3,680 m / 12,073 ft
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner
- AccommodationCamping
- DifficultyModerate
Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Begin the final day early with breakfast before walking toward the last checkpoint of the Inca Trail. Once access opens, continue along the final section toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
From Inti Punku, continue toward Machu Picchu and the upper panoramic sector of the archaeological complex. The exact visit inside Machu Picchu will follow the official circuit and entrance ticket assigned to your reservation.
After completing the Machu Picchu visit, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where lunch will be on your own. In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Hiking Distance6 km / 3.7 miles
- Duration2 to 3 hours of hiking, plus guided tour
- Machu Picchu Altitude2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- MealsBreakfast
- DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Inclusions
We carefully organize every aspect of your experience from transportation and professional local guides to the services and activities included in your itinerary allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your adventure.
Because every tour is unique, included services may vary depending on the itinerary you choose. We encourage you to review each program carefully before booking to ensure you have all the information you need and can prepare for an unforgettable experience in Cusco and Peru.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Day 1: Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Trek.
- Day 3: Official permit and ticket for the Inca Trail. Permits are subject to availability and are issued for a specific date under the traveler’s name. Passport number changes are only permitted for passport renewal, in which case both the old and new passports must be provided.
- Day 6: Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu according to the circuit assigned to your Inca Trail reservation.
Additional Machu Picchu entrance tickets or circuits require a separate ticket, are subject to availability, and have an additional cost.
Quality Service & Safety
- Pre-departure briefing: Meet your guide before departure to receive final information about the trek, departure arrangements, group details, and your duffle bag. Alternative arrangements can be coordinated if you are unable to attend in person.
- Experienced Tour Guide: Professional guides providing guidance throughout the trekking route and archaeological visits.
- Private camping equipment carried by the trekking support team.
- Dining tents.
- Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment.
- Sleeping pads / foam mattresses.
- One duffle bag per traveler with a maximum personal baggage allowance of 5 kg / 11 lb.
- Medical or first aid kit and emergency oxygen carried by the guide.
Meals
- Meals provided according to the daily itinerary.
- Water on the trail.
- Wake-up tea.
- One cloth snack bag per person.
- Hygiene products.
Transportation
- Day 1: Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting area of the trek.
- Day 6: Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 6: Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, subject to service and schedule availability.
- Day 6: Transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Cargo mules during the Salkantay section for camping equipment and the established personal baggage allowance.
- Porter team during the Inca Trail section for camping equipment, supplies, and the established personal baggage allowance.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles.
- Optional horse or mule assistance from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake on Day 1.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 6.
- Dinner in Cusco on Day 6.
- Personal hiking clothing and gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff.
- Additional costs or delays resulting from circumstances beyond our control, including landslides, adverse weather, itinerary modifications required for safety, illness, changes in government regulations, political instability, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Before you go
The information below will help you plan your trip, understand how our tours operate, and enjoy a smooth travel experience from the moment you arrive in Cusco until the end of your journey.
Preparing for Your Adventure
A little preparation can make a big difference. We recommend reviewing your itinerary, packing according to the season, and making sure you have all the required travel documents before your tour begins.
If you have any questions before your arrival, our team will be happy to assist you.
Acclimatization in Cusco
Many destinations in the Peruvian Andes are located above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), making altitude an important factor for travelers.
To help your body adjust, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before beginning any trekking adventure. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and avoiding intense physical activity during your first day are simple ways to improve acclimatization.
Briefing or Informative Meeting
One day before your departure, our operations team will contact you to confirm your pick-up time, meeting point, and any final details related to your tour.
Please make sure your contact information is available and active during your stay in Cusco.
Trek Balance Payment
If your reservation has an outstanding balance, the remaining payment must be completed before your tour departure according to the terms of your booking confirmation.
For your convenience, we accept payments in Peruvian soles (PEN) or US dollars (USD). You may also pay by credit or debit card or through other available online payment methods. Please note that electronic payments may be subject to a processing fee, depending on the payment platform used.
If you prefer to pay in cash, our team will provide the meeting location and payment instructions before your tour begins.
If you have any questions regarding your balance or payment options, our reservations team will be happy to assist you prior to your arrival.
Hotel Pick-Up
We provide hotel pick-up for most tours within the city of Cusco.
Because the historic center has narrow streets and some areas with limited vehicle access, certain accommodations may require a short walk to the nearest meeting point.
Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed before your tour.
During Your Experience
Our professional guides are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and informative experience throughout your journey.
Whether you are joining a cultural excursion or a multi-day trek, we encourage you to travel at your own pace and communicate with your guide if you need assistance at any time.
Group Tours
Group tours bring together travelers from different countries, ages, and fitness levels.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace while respecting the group’s schedule and the guide’s instructions. Any operational decisions during the tour will always prioritize safety and the overall experience of all participants.
Weather Conditions
Mountain weather in Peru can change quickly, even during the same day. We recommend wearing layered clothing and carrying rain protection regardless of the season.
Being prepared for changing conditions will help you enjoy every destination comfortably.
Sustainable Travel
We believe that responsible tourism helps preserve Peru’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage.
We encourage our travelers to reduce plastic waste, respect local communities, stay on designated trails, and help protect the natural environment for future generations.
Every small action contributes to a more sustainable travel experience.
Personal Belongings
Please keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
Before leaving transportation, restaurants, campsites, or attractions, check that you have collected all your items.
Experience Colibri Peru cannot be held responsible for personal belongings that are lost, forgotten, or damaged during the tour.
Unexpected Situations
Occasionally, weather conditions, transportation delays, road closures, or circumstances beyond our control may require adjustments to an itinerary.
If this happens, our operations team will always work to provide the best possible alternative while prioritizing your safety and ensuring you continue to enjoy your experience.
We’re Here to Help
Your satisfaction is our priority. From your first inquiry until the end of your journey, the Experience Colibri Peru team is available to answer your questions and provide support whenever you need it.
We look forward to sharing the beauty, history, and culture of Peru with you.
Packing list
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
Clothing
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Rain poncho
Sun hat
Gloves
Equipment
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Sleeping bag
Headlamp
Recommended
Camera and charger
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Pricing
Salkantay & Short Inca Trail 6 Days
Request a personalized quote for your group.
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