Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail

We will pick you up early from your hotel and take you for a scenic three-hour drive to Mollepata, where we will eat breakfast (not included) in a local house.

We will meet our support staff at Soraypampa, the Salkantay trek's trailhead, at this point, where they will load the equipment onto the horses and pack everything for the trek. We will begin by walking to the stunning Humantay lagoon. We'll walk back to Soraypampa after taking in the scenery and taking photographs.

Today's hike is uphill from Soraypampa to Ichupata in the upper valley, 4,500 meters (14,673 feet). This is a 5- to 6-hour hike. Our lunch spot, Salkantay Pampa, will be visible to us as we travel.

Our overnight camp is Ichupata. We'll settle in and have dinner when we arrive.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Coverage: 12 km / 7 1/2 miles

Walking time: approximately 5 – 6 hours

Lowest Altitude: 3,800 meters, or 12,467 feet

Highest Altitude: 4,500 meters, or 14,673 feet

Difficulty: Challenging

After a power breakfast, we will begin the three to four-hour climb to the Incachiriasca pass, the highest point on the entire route, at 4950 meters (16240 feet). During this portion, we will have breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay and the glacial moraines. We will make a stop at the summit of the pass to take pictures and admire the breathtaking view.

Then, we'll descend to our lunch spot in Sisaypampa, a flat area with views of the Salkantay valleys nearby. We might get a chance to see Andean condors in this area, hopefully.

After lunch, we continue on to the Pampacahuana community, which is 3,700 meters, or 12,136 feet, above an old Inca canal. This is our overnight camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Coverage: 14 kilometers, or 8 and a half miles,

Walking time: 7 – 8 hours.

Lowest Altitude: 12,136 ft

Highest point: 4,950 meters, or 16,240 feet

Difficulty level: Challenging

Today, we join the Classic Inca Trail to slow down. From Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha, we begin by walking downhill for two hours (3,133 m/10,276 ft). After the tour, we will visit the same-named Inca site. Then, we will walk downhill for five hours on the Original Inca Trail until we reach Km 82, the beginning of the Classic Inca Trail. We will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata in this section of the classic Inca Trail. Near Kilometer 82, our chef will prepare a delicious lunch for us.

After lunch, we'll travel to Ollantaytambo, which is 2,792 meters, or 9,158 feet, from Kilometer 82. Here, we'll say our goodbyes to the people who helped us through those exciting days, and we'll have dinner in a restaurant.

Accommodation: Ollantaytambo Hotel

Meals at the Ollantaytambo Hotel: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Highest point: 3,700 meters, or 12,136 feet

Lowest Point: 2,792 meters, or 9,158 feet

Estimated walking time: 16 km/10 miles 8 hours.

Level of difficulty: Medium

At 2100 meters above sea level, this is where the famous Inca Trail begins. You will visit the Inca site of Chachabamba after crossing the Willkamayu river via a bridge. After learning about the Incas, you'll start walking, which will take about six hours.

You will arrive at the Wiaywayna archaeological site (2650 m) after three hours of walking. After Machu Picchu, Winaywayna (also known as Box Lunch) is considered to be the most impressive archaeological site. An excellent illustration of Inca terraced agriculture can be found here. We will continue our trek through the tropical jungle on a narrow path until we reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) after exploring this beautiful location. You will have a fantastic view of Machu Picchu from this vantage point. After a break, we will continue our journey to the enigmatic Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca citadel known as Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 2360 meters, which is significantly lower than Cusco. Your tour guide will take you around two hours to show you the citadel. We will travel to Aguas Calientes by bus (included in the price) after you have finished exploring Machu Picchu. The Ministry of Culture has implemented fixed circuits as of November 2021; we will visit the one that is available on the reservation dates based on availability. The ticket can only be used once to enter.

After four amazing days, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco in the afternoon, where we will take you to your hotel. You will arrive late at night.

Altitude: 2196 - 2758 m. / 7204 – 9048 ft.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate (Medium)

Food: breakfast and lunch (Box Lunch)

Walking distance: 11 Km + visit Machu picchu