Day 1: Cusco –Marccoccasa – Sorapampa

Your trekking guide, chef and porters will pick you up from your hotel (Must to be located in Cusco) at 4:30 a.m., and you will drive two and a half hours to the trail head, Marccoccasa (3,300 meters). You will meet your horse man and horses, and have some time to prepare yourself. You will experience the amazing views of the Andes, with the lushness of the valley, covered in green and some lovely waterfalls. Today, the hike will be of moderate difficulty, although it will be a long day of hiking. Until lunch, there will be a gradual uphill climb, lasting about three and a half hours. After lunch, the hike will be less inclined and easier to walk. The views along the way change drastically. The trail head is all green, lush valleys, but in the afternoon, you will be right at the foot of the Humantay snow-capped mountain. You will also experience a large temperature drop from warm to cold. Be sure you have your warm jacket and gloves in your day pack, for the cold afternoon. Upon your arrival at the campsite at Soyapamapa, (3,800 meters) you will be welcomed by your team and provided warm drinks and dinner.

• Elevation: From 2,900 to 3,800 m
• Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
• Considered: Moderate
• Weather: Warm to hot 

Day 2: Sorapampa – Humantay Lake – Ichupata

You will be woken up with hot drinks and breakfast. After you prepare for the day, we will introduce you to the alpines micro-climate and the amazing views of the high glacier peaks. They are considered to be the highest peaks around Cusco and the father of the other mountains by many Andean people (Apus means God). You will begin a two hour climb to the most beautiful blue lake, located at the bottom of Humantay Glacier Mountain. It’s believed that the Incas used to hold celebration ceremonies for the God of water and the Apus that surround this peaceful place. You will then begin you return to the main trail and continue towards your lunch spot, at Salcantay Pampa. It will be time to depart from the Humantay peak, and enjoy the views of a higher mountain, Salcantay Mountain (6,215 m). You will arrive here around 1 p.m.and enjoy lunch. After lunch, we will have a two hour, steep climb to our second campsite, at Ichupata or Pampa Japonesa (4,200 m). Today, will be a cold day of hiking, so be sure to have your jacket, warm hat, sun glasses and gloves in your day pack. At the campsite, you will be welcomed by your porters to enjoy hot drinks and dinner. Tonight is the perfect night to spot the constellations and the views of Salkantay peak. This site is the closest camp to Salkantay, so it may be possible to hear some avalanches. However, do not let this scare you, they are not in close proximity to us. This is the highest campsite, so it should be a cold night, close to zero degrees Celsius.

• Elevation: 3,500 - 4,300 meters
• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Considered: Moderate to difficult
• Weather: Cold

Day 3: Ichupata – Inca Chiriasca Pass – Inca Canal

After tea and breakfast, it will be time to embark on the most challenging, yet rewarding hike, to date. Your guide will lead you up the Inca Chiriasca pass (5,000 meters high), following a steady pace to witness the amazing views of the Glacier Mountains. Once you have reached the top, you will be treated to hot coca tea, and phenomenal views of the valleys, lakes and even some spectacular birds, such as condors and falcons. Following, you will start descending, or you may take an optional hike to a glacier, which only takes 30 minutes. Afterward, we will continue descending to your lunch spot, where your porters will be waiting with the traditional hot tea and a delicious lunch. For the rest of the day, you will walk down hill, through lush green valleys and winding streams, before reaching your campsite, in a little village of 10 families.

• Elevation: 4,300 - 5,000 meters, then to 37,500 meters
• Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
• Considered: Difficult
• Weather: Cold

Day 4: Inca Canal – Pauccar Cancha – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

This day will give you a rare glimpse into the past as you wander through hillside paths, used by traditional Peruvian farmers, living the same way since the time of the Incas. Then, you will arrive at the famous Inca ruins, where your tour guide will provide you with some background on the Incas. After the ruins, your tour guide will point out new and different vegetation, as you move into the high, jungle micro-climate. Finally, you will reach the classic Inca Trail where your porters will serve you lunch. The afternoon’s hike will be all uphill, until we reach our campsite. Be sure you have your camera ready, with fully charged batteries, as you never want to miss this opportunity to capture the magnificent views of the mountains and enchanting natural waterfalls in the cloud forest.

• Elevation: 3,750 - 3,000 meters, then to 3,300 meters
• Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
• Considered: Moderate to difficult
• Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon

Day 5: Ayapata – Warmi Wañusca- Chaquicocha

This is the longest, but most interesting day, due to the Inca ruins and the cloud forest. After an early breakfast, we will start with a two hour climb, uphill in the Puna area. It is a dry place, with little vegetation at the Andean ichu. Some llamas can be seen here. When we reach the peak of the Dead Women Pass (4,200 meters high), you will have some time to rest and enjoy some glacier peaks and spectacular mountains, nearby. Afterwards, we will start descending on the rock-paved trail, towards our lunch spot. Along the way, you will observe some flowers or orchids. Please try to walk slowly and be cautious of nature. This section is a perfect spot to watch hummingbirds. After lunch, we will begin climbing uphill for two hours, to reach the second peak. Half way through your journey, you will visit the Inca ruins, called Runcu Raccay.

This place has been said to function as a watchtower because of its oval shape, and it’s overtaking of the valley. After crossing over the second peak (4,000 meters high), we will start descending for one hour to the lake called Yanaccoha, where the Incas organized ceremonies for the Goodness of the water. Then, you will arrive at the famous cloud forest, and also one of the most beautiful Incan ruins, called Sayacmarca. Sayacmarca is where you can observe the original Inca houses, water fountains, water channels and the most spectacular views of the valley.

After the ruins, it will take you about 30 more minutes to reach our campsite, called Chaquicocha Once again, you will have an opportunity to see different types of flora and fauna, since you will be in the high jungle.

• Elevation: 3,300 - 4,200 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the lunch) and again, 4,000 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the camp)
• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Considered: Difficult
• Weather: You will experience the four seasons, all in just one day

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Today is the easiest day of the tour. In the morning, you will have views of the surrounding mountains, the Andes Mountain and the Pumassillo glacier peaks. There will only be about five hours hike, including the three Inca ruins to our campsite. The first ruin called Phuyupatamarca (cloud level-town), is two hours from the campsite. It is impressive to observe the lovely platform and houses where Incan nobles studied astronomy. The second ruin is nestled in the hillside of many terraces. It was perhaps, an Incan agricultural experiment station. You will also have views of the sacred valley, and the river of Urubamba. Finally, you will reach the last campsite, called Wiñay Wayna (2,600 meters), where you will leave your day packs and walk for five minutes to reach the most beautiful Incan ruins, along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This place is close to a village, where you can enjoy the beauty of the water channels, terraces, and temples. Religious ceremonies used to occur here.

After lunch, you will have an opportunity to take a hot shower, followed by a free afternoon to explore the most beautiful Inca site, Wiñay Wayna. Later in the afternoon will be your last happy hour and dinner, topped with a small presentation from your porters to say a final good bye. They will head back to Cusco the next day, while you continue your journey to Machu Picchu.

• Elevation: 3,600- 2,600 meters
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Considered: Warm and humid

Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the most important, so you will wake up earlier than usual. After breakfast, you will walk two more hours to Machu Picchu, where you will pass through the Sun Gate to experience some spectacular views of the stunning mountains, valleys, rivers and the Incan ruins. Upon your arrival, your tour guide will inform you about Machu Piccu for two hours. Following, you will have time to explore, by yourself. Be sure that you visit all the sacred places, temples, palaces and the famous Inca bride. When you are ready to make your way back to Aguas Calientes, there will be buses that depart on a regular basis, with a journey of approximately 30 minutes. After spending time in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will need to be at the train station 30 minutes before our train departs back to Cusco.

• Walking Distance: 5 km /3 miles

Note: Before the government enforced the new legislation about protecting the Inca Trail, horses were the main transport to carry equipment from the trail head to Wayllabamba. Since they banned the horses, we have replaced them without porters (on the Classic Inca Trail). You will have the same tour guide and cook throughout your tour. All meals are prepared on site, so that you will always have fresh food.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office, for an orientation before your trek and provide you the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. meeting at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins.
• Transport: Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Marcoccassa (starting point of the trek).
• Experienced Guide: English speaking professional and official tour guide.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail.
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field. Kailas, Pro aconcagua and Wolf Mountain 4 Outfitter tents are employed when double accommodation is requested.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs.
• Foam mats or sleeping pads: to put under your sleeping bag (carried by horses)
• Accommodation: 6 nights in tent
• 1 Duffle Bag: Where you can put your personal belongings (7 kilograms = 15 lbs) which includes your sleeping bag.
• Porters: We include your personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel with your personal items. There is no additional fee for this. We will give you your duffel bag at your briefing the night before and this should be filled with the things you need for night and the next day. You will not have access to your duffel until your evening campsite.
• Trekking Cook: In charge to prepared all the meals along the journey, over 6 people cook assistant
• Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 dinners and Snacks (Vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost)
• Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite we will wake you up with a cup of coca tea our support staff will bring the coca tea to your tent in order to wake you up.
• Tea time = Happy Hour: Every afternoon 1 hour before dinner the cooks will let on the dining table pop-corn, biscuits, coffee, chocolate, different type of teas, hot water, etc. this is because after a day of hiking many are hungry and it is a bit annoying to wait till dinner that why we provide tea time.
• Daily snacks – Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6: Our Snacks consist of local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, Caramels we will give this snack at the beginning of each day trek in a cloth bag to avoid environmental contamination.
• One textile snack bag per person: to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment
• Water grooming: Each morning warm water with towel
• Medical kit: Our crew bring the First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition service at 18:20 hrs)
• Transport: Transfer from Ollantaytambo Train Station to hotel in Cusco(Day 7)
• 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
• Entrance fee to Salkantay Trail

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$30
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain $80
• Tips.
• Extra Personal porter, US$160 for carrying for personal items for 5 kg.
• Meals where are not stated
• Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Torch with spare batteries

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2-3 wicking t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside Machupicchu city.

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. While this hike is done on your own, your guide will direct you to where this hike begins. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with an advance notice.

The ticket is $80 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu, but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

This ticket is $80 per person.

360° panoramic Train

All our tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 19:00 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The 360° panoramic train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows and even some entertainment. Normally the 360° train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

This train is $75 per person.

Extra Day at Machu Picchu

You will have a full day at Machu Picchu, arriving to the citadel around 6AM and leaving no later than 2PM to catch your 4:22 train. But if you would like to visit Machu Picchu again the next day, this time on your own, we can arrange this for you as well.

1. The entrance ticket into Machu Picchu is $55 per person.
2. The roundtrip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is $25 per person
3. This ticket is $75 per person.

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

07 Day Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Tour 07 Day Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for those who seek to explore lesser-traveled routes and combine outstanding trails with even more impressive scenery. The joint Salkantay and Inca Trail experience will leave you astounding at each step as you explore the majestic natural landscapes and the ancient essence of this region, not only through the various microclimates you will pass, but also through your visits to the ancient temples and roadways of the Inca legacy.

Our principle objective is to arrive to Machu Picchu – the best reward after making a long journey through the rough terrain of one of the richest areas of South America.