The Salkantay (6264m/20551f) is the most representative mountain of the Inca, situated in the mountain range of Vilcabamba. The daylight in this region is particularly beautiful and offers a wonderful view of the diverse landscape and the tropical forest. During our journey we will also visit local farmers and get to know their Andean life, customs and traditions.
Therefore Salkantay trek perfectly combines cultural and natural beauty.
We begin our trek with an early hotel pickup in Cusco at 5:15 AM, driving for 2 hours to Mollepata, where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast (entrance fee of 20 soles not included).
From there, we head by vehicle to Soraypampa (3,900m), the trailhead for our hike. Here, horses will carry your gear while you set off on a two-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200m) — a shimmering turquoise lagoon surrounded by towering glaciers. After soaking in the views and learning about the lake’s spiritual significance from your guide, you’ll return to Quiswarniyoc, our exclusive private campsite.
Here you’ll enjoy lunch, then have free time to relax or hike to the Salkantay Mirador for panoramic views of the Salkantay Mountain. Spend the night in our cozy glass igloos or mountain sky huts, offering a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience at 4,100 meters above sea level.
Wake up at dawn with hot coca tea delivered to your tent, followed by a full breakfast to fuel your most challenging day yet.
Today’s journey leads you to the trek’s highest point — the Inca Chiriaska Pass (5,100m), aptly named “where the Inca died.” Along the way, visit the icy Salkantay Lake, nestled beneath the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271m). From the summit, soak in 360° views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba Range.
Descend for an hour to Acopampa, where lunch awaits. Then continue trekking for 2 more hours toward the Pampacahuana campsite, an archaeological site with an ancient Inca water canal still in use today.
After breakfast, begin your descent into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Today is more relaxed, with a gentle trek to Paucarcancha, an archaeological site rarely visited by tourists. Explore its terraces, temples, and aqueducts as your guide unveils its strategic role in Inca times.
Continue hiking to Wayllabamba, the official checkpoint where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Here, we’ll join other trekkers and set up camp near the village.
Today is the toughest day of the Inca Trail as we ascend to the iconic Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 meters — the highest point on the Inca Trail.
The climb is demanding, but rest breaks and the breathtaking mountain scenery will keep your spirits high. After conquering the pass, descend into the lush Pacaymayo Valley, surrounded by waterfalls and verdant peaks.
Camp near the Pacaymayo River and prepare for another day of archaeological wonders.
Start your day with a short climb to the Runkurakay ruins, followed by a visit to the circular Inca site of Sayacmarca, known for its strategic location and mystical charm.
Continue toward Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds,” offering sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley. The trail winds through cloud forest and jungle, bringing you to the majestic Wiñay Wayna ruins, considered a mini-Machu Picchu due to its tiered terraces and temples.
Camp here, just a few hours away from Machu Picchu itself.
Your grand finale begins before sunrise with a short hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the dramatic viewpoint that offers your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu bathed in golden morning light.
After descending to the ancient citadel, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s most significant temples, terraces, and ceremonial centers. Learn about the engineering marvels and cultural mysteries of this 15th-century Inca masterpiece.
You’ll have some free time to explore or hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, permits required). Then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a celebratory lunch, and board the train back to Cusco.
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All briefings are done at our office at 7:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.
Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.
They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.
Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.
Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.
| Entry time to Machupicchu (*) | Grace period during months of regular visitor demand (**) | Grace period during months of high visitor demand (from June 1 to October 15 and December 30 and 31) (**) |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 am | Until 06:30 am | Until 06:45 am |
| 07:00 am | Until 07:30 am | Until 07:45 am |
| 08:00 am | Until 08:30 am | Until 08:45 am |
| 09:00 am | Until 09:30 am | Until 09:45 am |
| 10:00 am | Until 10:30 am | Until 10:45 am |
| 11:00 am | Until 11:30 am | Until 11:45 am |
| 12:00 pm | Until 12:30 pm | Until 12:45 pm |
| 01:00 pm | Until 01:30 pm | Until 01:45 pm |
| 02:00 pm | Until 02:30 pm | Until 02:45 pm |
| 03:00 pm | Until 03:30 pm | Until 03:45 pm |
* Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.
** Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and
Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.
Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.
Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.
Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.
Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.
You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.
Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.
Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below.
For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.
Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.
Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.
No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.
Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.
Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.
If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic.
Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
What Do I Need To Bring?
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To begin, we’d like to suggest some accommodation options throughout Cusco. Although it’s a small city, more and more streets are becoming traffic-free pedestrian zones.
Therefore, we’ve selected comfortable and well-located hotels that also allow us easy access to pick you up. These are just ideas; you’re free to choose your accommodation.
This epic 6-day, 5-night adventure combines two of Peru’s most spectacular trekking routes. You’ll experience the pristine wilderness of the Salkantay Trek through diverse ecosystems and stunning mountain landscapes, followed by the historic Inca Trail leading directly to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. This unique combination offers both natural beauty and archaeological wonders in one unforgettable journey.
This trek is considered moderate to challenging, requiring good physical fitness and previous hiking experience. The route includes high-altitude hiking up to 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) at Salkantay Pass, steep ascents and descents, and daily walking distances of 8-15 kilometers. The combination demands endurance due to consecutive trekking days and varying terrain conditions.
This combined adventure offers the best of both worlds: the untouched natural beauty and fewer crowds of Salkantay Trek, plus the historical significance and classic route of the Inca Trail. You’ll experience diverse landscapes from snow-capped peaks to cloud forest, while following ancient Inca pathways that culminate at the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu.
Yes, you need permits for the Inca Trail portion of this combination trek. Inca Trail permits are limited to 500 people per day and must be booked months in advance. The Salkantay Trek portion doesn’t require special permits, but entrance fees to Machu Picchu are included in your package.
We recommend booking at least 4-6 months in advance, especially for peak season (May to September). Inca Trail permits sell out quickly, and this popular combination tour has limited availability due to permit restrictions and high demand from adventure travelers.
The Inca Trail officially closes during February for maintenance. However, the best time for this combination trek is during the dry season from May to September, when weather conditions are most favorable for high-altitude hiking and mountain views are clearest.
You should be in excellent physical condition with regular cardio and strength training experience. We recommend hiking with a weighted backpack for several months before your trip. The trek involves long days of hiking at high altitude, so cardiovascular fitness and leg strength are essential for enjoying this challenging adventure.
Arrive in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek to acclimatize to 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, eat light meals, and consider consulting your doctor about altitude sickness medication. The trek reaches 4,630 meters at Salkantay Pass, making proper acclimatization crucial for your safety and enjoyment.
Most tour operators accept participants aged 12-70 years, provided they’re in good health and physical condition. Minors must be accompanied by adults, and seniors should consult with their doctor before undertaking this challenging high-altitude adventure.
Most packages include professional English-speaking guides, camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mattresses), all meals during the trek, porters for group equipment, transportation to and from trailheads, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, and return train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Essential items include waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing for varying climates, rain gear, warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, sun protection, personal medications, and a day pack. Pack light but include items for both cold mountain conditions and warm jungle environments you’ll encounter.
Porters typically carry group camping equipment and meals, but you’ll need to carry your personal day pack with water, snacks, camera, and daily essentials. Some operators offer additional porter services for personal gear at extra cost, but weight limits apply.
Accommodation includes camping in provided tents at designated campsites along both trails. You’ll sleep in mountain camps with basic facilities, some with bathroom blocks and others requiring more primitive conditions. The final night is typically spent in Aguas Calientes town before visiting Machu Picchu.
Professional trek cooks prepare nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner using fresh local ingredients. Meals typically feature Peruvian and international cuisine adapted for trekking, with options for vegetarians and special dietary requirements when arranged in advance.
Guides provide boiled or treated water at meal times and camps. However, bring water purification tablets or a quality water filter for refilling your bottles from natural sources along the trail. Staying properly hydrated is crucial for high-altitude trekking success.
Key highlights include crossing the spectacular Salkantay Pass with views of snow-capped peaks, trekking through diverse ecosystems from high Andes to cloud forest, exploring authentic Inca ruins along the Classic Inca Trail, and arriving at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate for sunrise views.
Daily distances vary from 8-15 kilometers depending on the specific itinerary and trail conditions. The longest day typically involves crossing Salkantay Pass, while other days feature moderate distances through varying terrain including stone Inca pathways and mountain trails.
Machu Picchu visit typically occurs on the final morning after staying overnight in Aguas Calientes. You’ll enter the citadel early morning for guided tours and optimal lighting for photography, with options to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for additional adventure.
Weather varies dramatically by altitude and season. Expect cold temperatures and possible snow at high passes, mild temperatures in mountain valleys, and warm humid conditions in cloud forest sections. Pack layers for temperature variations throughout each day.
The optimal time is during Peru’s dry season from May through September, offering clearest mountain views, minimal rainfall, and best trail conditions. June through August are peak months with perfect weather but higher crowds and prices.
April and October offer good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. However, expect occasional rain showers and less predictable weather conditions. Always check current weather forecasts and trail conditions before departure.
Professional guides carry first aid equipment and communication devices for emergencies. Groups include experienced local guides familiar with route conditions, weather patterns, and altitude sickness symptoms. Evacuation procedures are established for serious medical emergencies.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and often required by tour operators. Ensure your policy covers activities up to 5,000 meters elevation and includes medical evacuation coverage.
Tour operators monitor weather conditions and may modify routes for safety. Alternative transportation or shortened itineraries may be arranged, though refunds for weather-related changes are typically not provided. Flexibility and positive attitude are essential for mountain adventures.
Transportation from Cusco to the Salkantay Trek starting point is typically included in tour packages. The journey involves several hours of travel by van or bus through scenic Andean landscapes to reach the trailhead at Mollepata or Soraypampa.
Return transportation includes train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by bus transfer back to Cusco. This scenic railway journey through the Sacred Valley provides comfortable transportation and beautiful mountain scenery after your trekking adventure.
Limited supplies are available in small villages along the route, but essential items should be purchased in Cusco before departure. Basic snacks and drinks may be available at some stops, but don’t rely on purchasing important gear or medications
The combination trek offers rich cultural immersion including visits to traditional Andean communities, interaction with local porters and guides, exploration of authentic Inca archaeological sites, and learning about indigenous customs and history from knowledgeable local guides.
Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by hardworking guides and porters who make your trek possible. Recommended amounts vary, but budget approximately $20-30 per day for the guide and $15-20 per day for porters, distributed among the team based on group size.
Show respect for sacred sites, local communities, and natural environments. Follow Leave No Trace principles, ask permission before photographing people, learn basic Spanish phrases, and approach cultural differences with openness and curiosity rather than judgment.
Pricing varies based on group size, season, included services, accommodation quality, and operator reputation. Factors include permit fees, guide qualifications, meal quality, equipment standards, and additional services like extra porters or upgraded transportation options.
Additional costs may include tips for guides and porters, alcoholic beverages, personal gear rental, travel insurance, entrance fees to optional sites, and souvenirs. Clarify what’s included in your package to avoid unexpected expenses during your adventure.
This combination trek offers exceptional value for adventure travelers seeking comprehensive Peruvian mountain experiences. While more expensive than standard tours, you’ll experience two world-class trekking routes, diverse landscapes, cultural immersion, and the ultimate Machu Picchu arrival through the Sun Gate.
