Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days

We begin our high-altitude expedition with a private pickup from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. We will enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the village of Mollepata (9,196 ft / 2,803 m), where we will make our final technical stop for last-minute supplies. Afterward, we continue for another 45 minutes to Marcoccasa, the official starting point of our journey.

In Marcoccasa, our professional chef will welcome you with a high-quality, high-energy breakfast specifically designed for the demands of the trail. Following the meal, you will meet your support crew: the chef, the porters, and the muleteers, who will be responsible for managing the logistics and safety of your journey.

We will begin a 4-hour hike across a dynamic terrain of gentle ascents and descents. This section offers spectacular panoramic views of Mount Salkantay, allowing for gradual acclimatization while you enjoy the majesty of the Vilcabamba Range. Upon arriving at our base camp in Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m), our chef will be waiting for you with a nutritious and rejuvenating lunch.

After a well-deserved 30-minute rest in your private tent, we will begin a one-hour ascent to the jewel of the Andes: Humantay Lake (13,780 ft / 4,200 m). This turquoise mirror of water sits at the foot of an imposing glacier, offering one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes.

At this sacred site, your expert guide will share in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Additionally, we will participate in an ancient ceremony of gratitude to the Apus (mountain spirits) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) a spiritual experience that connects the traveler with the very essence of the Andes.

We will begin a one-hour descent back to camp. Upon arrival, the team will welcome you with our «Tea Time» service (hot drinks and appetizers) served directly at your table, followed by a gourmet dinner.

To end the day, we will enjoy an Inca Astronomy session. Under the clear skies of Soraypampa, your guide will explain the significance of the Andean Constellations and how the Incas interpreted the cosmos for agriculture and spirituality, before you retire to rest in the absolute silence of the mountains.

•  Starting Altitude (Marcoccasa): 11,154 ft / 3,400 m
•  Campsite Altitude (Soraypampa): 12,795 ft / 3,900 m
•  Max Altitude (Humantay Lake): 13,780 ft / 4,200 m
•  Total Distance: Approx. 7.5 miles / 12 km
•  Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours (including lake exploration)
•  Elevation Gain: +2,626 ft / +800 m (cumulative)
•  Difficulty Level: Moderate (Active Acclimatization)
•  Day Highlights: First  breakfast by our chef, panoramic views of the Salkantay Apu, the turquoise Humantay Lake, and an ancestral Pachamama Ceremony.
•  Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner.

Your day begins in the most authentic and comforting way possible. At 5:00 a.m., our staff will wake you in your tent with a hot cup of coca tea, perfect for oxygenation and acclimatization. You will have 30 minutes to prepare while enjoying the first light hitting the glaciers before heading to the dining tent for a gourmet energy breakfast prepared by our chef.

We begin a two-hour hike with a gradual ascent toward Salkantaypampa. As we progress, the geography becomes more imposing as we approach the base of the mountain. You will be so close to Mount Salkantay that you can appreciate the intricate details of its ice walls and feel the energy of one of Cusco’s most sacred Apus (mountain spirits).

In this privileged setting, our culinary team will set up our dining area for a high-mountain lunch, allowing you to recharge your strength without losing sight of the snow-capped peaks.

After lunch, we continue our journey with two more hours of steady climbing to reach Ichupata (approx. 14,107 ft / 4,300 m). This is an exclusive campsite, significantly less crowded than standard routes, guaranteeing an experience of peace and seclusion.

Upon your arrival, the Ali Perú Treks team will already have your tents prepared and will welcome you with «Tea Time»a selection of hot drinks and appetizers to comfort your body after the day’s effort.

At 7:00 p.m., a three-course dinner will be served, specifically designed to provide the thermal comfort needed at this altitude. Following dinner, we will witness a unique natural spectacle: due to our proximity to the glacier, the moonlight and stars reflect off the Salkantay ice, causing it to glow with a majestic, ethereal light. The absolute silence of Ichupata is only interrupted by the distant echo of the glacier’s natural movement, reminding us that we are in the very heart of the Andes.

•  Starting Altitude: 12,795 ft / 3,900 m
•  Campsite Altitude (Ichupata): 14,107 ft / 4,300 m
•  Total Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles / 10 km
•  Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours of active trekking
•  Highlight: Personalized wake-up service and overnight stay at the foot of the Salkantay glacier.
  
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Following a high-performance breakfast, we begin the ascent to the most spectacular and highest point of our expedition: the Inca Chiriasca Pass. At a steady, expert-led pace, we will reach 16,404 ft (5,000 m)—an altitude achieved by only a select few travelers in the world.

At the summit, our crew will welcome you with hot coca tea to celebrate your achievement. From this privileged natural vantage point, you will witness a 360-degree view of hanging glaciers and deep valleys, with the unique possibility of spotting the Andean Condor and falcons soaring in their natural habitat.

As an Ali Perú Treks signature experience, we offer an optional 30-minute hike to the base of a pristine glacier. This «off-the-beaten-path» experience allows you to touch the eternal ice before we begin our descent into the valley.

We continue trekking down to our lunch spot, where our porters will greet you with our hallmark hospitality. The afternoon turns gentle as we walk downhill through lush green valleys and winding streams, following original trails used since the time of the Incas.

Finally, we arrive at our campsite located in a small, authentic village. This is a key moment for Responsible Tourism, where you can observe rural Andean life firsthand before enjoying our gourmet dinner.

•  Maximum Peak: 16,404 ft / 5,000 m (Inca Chiriasca Pass).
•  Total Distance: Approx. 8.7 miles / 14 km.
•  Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours of pure Andean immersion.
•  Highlights: Condor sightings, exclusive glacier access, and original Inca trails.
• Social Impact: Overnight stay in a local subsistence community, directly supporting the family economy.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Today, you step away from the modern world and into the timeless rhythm of the Andes. We navigate ancient pathways still used by local farmers whose lifestyle has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a privileged encounter with the living culture of my people. At Ali Perú Treks, we believe in showing you the soul of the mountains through the eyes of those who call them home.

We arrive at the secluded Paucarcancha ruins, a strategic Inca checkpoint where your guide reveals the secrets of Andean architecture and social organization. As we leave the high-altitude valleys, you will witness a breathtaking environmental shift. The landscape transforms into a lush cloud forest microclimate, bursting with exotic orchids, bromeliads, and vibrant birdlife.

Midday marks a milestone in our expedition: our arrival at the official Classic Inca Trail. Here, our expert culinary team serves a revitalizing lunch to prepare you for the afternoon’s steady ascent. We trek through an enchanting atmosphere of hanging moss and hidden waterfalls, feeling the transition from the high peaks to the heart of the cloud forest. We settle for the night at Ayapata, a quiet, high-altitude camp carefully selected to give you a head start on tomorrow’s challenge.

•  Route: Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – Ayapata.
•  Camp Altitude: 10,827 ft / 3,300 m (Ayapata Camp – Exclusive and serene).
•  Total Distance: 7.5 miles / 12 km.
•  Highlights: Private tour of Paucarcancha, high-jungle biodiversity, and official entrance to the world-famous Inca Trail.
•  Our Social Pledge: Your presence directly supports the traditional farming communities we visit, ensuring a sustainable future for their heritage and fair wages for our team.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Your day begins with a comforting cup of coca tea served directly to your tent, followed by a high-energy breakfast prepared by our chef. This is the most demanding day of the trek, but also the most rewarding. We depart from Ayapata early to begin a steady ascent through the Llullucha Valley.

The first major goal is to conquer the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point of the trail at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). Upon reaching the summit, you will feel an incredible sense of accomplishment while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. After a well-deserved break and a group photo, we will begin a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley to enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch.

After lunch, the journey continues with a second, shorter ascent toward the Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m). Along the way, we will explore the circular ruins of Runkuraqay and then descend toward the magnificent site of Sayacmarca, an architectural gem perched on the edge of a cliff. We will conclude the day at our scenic campsite in Chaquicocha, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.

As always, the Ali Perú Treks team will have your campsite ready upon your arrival. Enjoy our «Tea Time» with hot drinks and snacks before a well-earned gourmet dinner to replenish your energy. After dinner, under the pristine Andean sky, your expert guide will show you the Andean constellations, and you will learn about fascinating Inca cosmology beneath the stars.

•  Starting Altitude (Ayapata): 10,827 ft / 3,300 m
•  Campsite Altitude (Chaquicocha): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m
•  Highest Point (Dead Woman’s Pass): 13,829 ft / 4,215 m
•  Total Distance: Approx. 10 miles / 16 km
•  Hiking Time: 9–10 hours
•  Difficulty Level: Challenging (The most intense day)
•  Highlights: Dead Woman’s Pass, Sayacmarca exploration, and Inca astronomy.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After the most intense day of trekking, the third day begins with a nutritious breakfast to recharge your energy. This section welcomes us with spectacular landscapes and a more relaxed pace, designed to deeply connect with nature. We begin our hike from Chaquicocha, entering the fascinating cloud forest. For many travelers, this is the most beautiful sector of the entire Inca Trail, where we will cross original stone tunnels and observe a vibrant biodiversity unique in the world.

Our first stop is Phuyupatamarca («Town Above the Clouds»), located at 12,073 ft (3,680 m). From this strategic point, we will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay and the majestic Urubamba Valley. After exploring its ritual fountains, we will begin the descent via perfectly preserved Inca stairways toward the site of Intipata, an impressive agricultural terrace offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the river and mountains.

Finally, we will arrive at our campsite at Wiñaywayna. Here, you will have plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing and revitalizing shower. In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour of the stunning Inca site of Wiñaywayna («Forever Young»), considered the most spectacular and mystical archaeological complex before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu.

As night falls at our camp, the Ali Perú Treks team will have everything ready for our final Andean gourmet dinner. This evening is truly special: we celebrate the success of the expedition and say goodbye to our incredible team of porters and chefs with an emotional thank-you ceremony. It is the perfect moment to share experiences and reflections before the grand final reward the following day.

• Starting Altitude (Chaquicocha): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m
•  Campsite Altitude (Wiñaywayna): 8,792 ft / 2,680 m
•  Total Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles / 10 km
•  Hiking Time: 5–6 hours of scenic trekking.
•  Comfort: Free time for a shower and relaxation at the camp.
•  Highlights: Phuyupatamarca, authentic Inca tunnels, Intipata terraces, and detailed exploration of Wiñaywayna.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Today marks the culmination of your epic Classic Inca Trail adventure. We will wake up before dawn to be among the first at the final checkpoint, which opens promptly at 5:30 AM. After crossing, we begin the final one-hour hike toward the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

From this ancient vantage point, you will witness a sublime moment: the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in the first rays of the rising sun. It is a truly unforgettable experience and the ultimate reward for every step taken along the trail.

From the Sun Gate, we will descend for approximately 1 hour to reach the main platform of Circuit 1, the perfect location to capture the classic postcard photographs of the citadel. After immortalizing this moment, we will take a brief technical break and exit the Inca site to use the restrooms located outside the archaeological area.

Following the break, we will re-enter through Circuit 3 to begin your private, two-hour guided tour. Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you through the most iconic areas, revealing the deep history and mysteries surrounding this World Wonder.

Optional Challenge: Huayna Picchu

For adrenaline seekers who booked the Huayna Picchu permit in advance, you will embark on a challenging one-hour ascent to the summit, followed by a one-hour descent. From the top, you will enjoy a unique and dizzying aerial perspective of the entire citadel (please note: this requires booking months in advance due to high demand).

Once the exploration is complete, we will take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will have time to enjoy a revitalizing lunch (optional) before your guide accompanies you to the train station. We will travel by train to Ollantaytambo, where our dedicated staff will be waiting to transfer you in our private transportation directly to your hotel door in Cusco, concluding an incomparable life experience.

 Starting Altitude (Wiñaywayna): 8,792 ft / 2,680 m

•  Machu Picchu Altitude: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m
•  Total Distance: Approx. 3.1 miles / 5 km
•  Hiking Time: 2 hours to the photo platform.
•  Highlights: Sunrise at Inti Punku, Classic postcard photos (Circuit 1), Specialized tour (Circuit 3), and private return to Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.