Cusco Inca Trail Machupicchu 7 Days and 4 Nights
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure: The Salkantay and Inca Trail tour is a unique experience that combines the majesty of the Peruvian Andes with the rich history of the Inca civilization. This seven-day tour will take you through stunning landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush valleys, as you explore ancient Inca trails and ruins.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Marccoccasa - Soraypampa
The Salkantay and Inca Trail expedition begins at 4:30 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After a two-and-a-half-hour journey with your team (guide, chef, and porters), you'll arrive at Marccoccasa (3,300 m). Here, you'll meet the muleteers and horses, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for the day. The moderately difficult hike offers spectacular views of the Andes, valleys, and waterfalls. The first part is a gradual three-and-a-half-hour climb until lunch, followed by a more leisurely stretch. The landscape changes from green valleys to the imposing snow-capped Humantay Mountain, with a noticeable drop in temperature in the afternoon, so warm clothing and gloves are essential. Upon arrival at the Soraypampa camp (3,800 m), you'll be provided with hot drinks and a delicious dinner.
Included in the day:
- Professional Bilingual Guide.
- Transportation service Cusco – Mollepata.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (on the way), 1 dinner.
- Tents and courier services provided by Tierra Biru Expeditions.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Elevation: 2,900 to 3,800 m
- Walking distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Considered: Moderate
- Climate: Warm to cold
Day 2: Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Ichupata
Day 2 starts with hot drinks and breakfast, preparing you to explore the alpine microclimate and the stunning views of the glaciers, considered by many Andean peoples as the main Apus (Gods). A two-hour climb will take you to the beautiful blue lagoon at the foot of the Humantay glacier, a place where the Incas performed ceremonies to the Water God and the Apus. Afterwards, you will return to the main road and head to Salkantay Pampa for lunch, saying goodbye to Humantay and enjoying the views of the imposing Salkantay Mountain (6,215 m). In the afternoon, a two-hour climb will take you to the second camp at Ichupata or Japanese Pampa (4,200 m), where the temperature will be colder, so be sure to bring a jacket, hat, sunglasses, and gloves. At camp, your porters will welcome you with hot drinks and dinner. This evening is ideal for observing the constellations and Salkantay Mountain, and although it is possible to hear avalanches due to the proximity, there is no danger.
Included in the day:
- Professional Guide Bilingual.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (on the trail), 1 dinner.
- Tent and messenger services provided by Tierra Biru Expeditions.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Elevation: 3,500 – 4,300 meters
- Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Considered: Moderate to difficult
- Climate: Cold
Day 3: Ichupata - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Inca Canal
After a good tea and breakfast, it will be time to embark on the most challenging and rewarding hike of your adventure. Your guide will take you over the Inca Chiriasca Pass (5,000 meters high), at a steady pace to see the wonderful views of the glacial mountains. Once you have reached the summit, there will be hot coca tea, views of the valley and lakes, and even wildlife such as condors and falcons. You will then begin your descent, or you can take an optional hike to a glacier, which only takes 30 minutes. Then, we'll continue hiking to the lunch spot, where porters will be waiting for you with traditional hot tea and a delicious lunch. For the rest of the day, you'll hike downhill, through lush green valleys and winding streams, before arriving at the camp, in a small village with 10 families.
Included in the day:
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (on the trail), 1 dinner.
- Tent and messenger services provided by Tierra Biru Expeditions.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Elevation: 4,300 – 5,000 meters, then to 37,500 meters
- Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Considered: Difficult
- Climate: Cold
Day 4: Inca Canal - Cancha Pauccar - Wayllabamba - Ayapata
On this day of your Salkantay and Inca Trail tour, you'll explore the mountain slopes, observing the traditional way of life of Peruvian farmers, who have maintained their customs since the Inca era. Then, you'll reach the famous Inca ruins, where your guide will offer detailed information about this ancient civilization. After the ruins, your guide will show you the new vegetation and other elements as you delve deeper into the jungle microclimate. Finally, you'll reach the classic Inca Trail, where the Porters await you with a hearty lunch. The afternoon hike will be uphill until you reach the camp. Make sure you have your camera ready and fully charged, as you won't want to miss the magnificent mountain views and the enchanting natural waterfalls in the cloud forest.
Included in the day:
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (on the trail), 1 dinner.
- Tent and messenger services provided by Tierra Biru Expeditions.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Elevation: 3,750 – 3,000 meters, then to 3,300 meters
- Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Considered: Moderate to Difficult
- Climate: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon
Day 5: Ayapata - Warmi Wañusca - Chaquicocha
This will be the longest and most impressive day of your tour, with the opportunity to see Inca ruins and the cloud forest. You'll start with a nutritious breakfast, followed by a two-hour climb through the rustic area of the Andean Ichu, a dry place where you can spot llamas and alpacas. Upon reaching the summit of the Dead Women's Pass (4,200 meters), you'll have time to rest and enjoy the spectacular views of mountains and glaciers. Then, you'll begin the descent down the rocky mountain to your lunch spot, observing orchids and other flowers.
On this section, try to walk slowly and carefully, as it's an ideal place to observe hummingbirds. After lunch, you'll begin another two-hour climb to the second peak. Halfway through this journey, you'll visit the Inca ruins of Runcu Raccay, which is believed to have functioned as a watchtower due to its oval shape and strategic position overlooking the valley.
After crossing the second peak (4,000 meters), you will descend for an hour to Lake Yanaccha, where the Incas performed ceremonies in honor of water. Then, you will reach the famous cloud forest and one of the most beautiful Inca ruins, Sayacmarca, where you can observe original Inca houses, water fountains, canals, and the most spectacular views of the valley. Finally, in about 30 more minutes, you will arrive at our camp in Chaquicocha, where you will again have the opportunity to see different types of flora and fauna due to being in the high jungle.
Included in the day:
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (on the trail), 1 dinner.
- Tent and messenger services provided by Tierra Biru Expeditions.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Elevation: 3,300 – 4,200 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (lunch), and again, 4,000 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the camp)
- Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Considered: Difficult
- Climate: You'll experience all four seasons, all in one day
Day 6: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna
Today, the most relaxing day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail tour, you will enjoy the views of the Andes and the glacial peaks of Pumassillo Mountain. The approximately five-hour hike will allow you to visit three Inca ruins along the way. The first is Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level city), two hours from the camp, impressive for its platforms and the houses where Inca nobles studied astronomy. The second ruin is located on the hillside between terraces, possibly an agricultural experiment station, overlooking the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. Finally, you will reach the last camp, Wiñay Wayna (2,600 meters). After dropping off your things, a five-minute hike will take you to the most beautiful Inca ruins on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a site close to a village where you will appreciate water channels, terraces, and temples, and learn about religious ceremonies. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a hot shower and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Wiñay Wayna. The afternoon will conclude with your last happy hour and Dinner, followed by a short farewell presentation from your porters, preparing you for your return to Cusco the next day, as your journey to Machu Picchu continues.
Included in the day:
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (on the trail), 1 dinner.
- Tents and messenger services provided by Tierra Biru Expeditions.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Elevation: 3,600-2,600 meters
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Considered: Hot and Humid
Day 7: Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
This is the most important day of the tour, as it is the time to get to know Machu Picchu. You will wake up early and, after breakfast, you will walk for two hours to reach Machu Picchu. You will cross the Sun Gate, enjoying spectacular views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and Inca ruins.
Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will give you a two-hour explanation, after which you will have free time to explore on your own. Be sure to visit all the sacred sites such as the temples, palaces, and the famous Inca bridge. When you are ready to return to Aguas Calientes, you can take one of the regular buses, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.
After spending some time in Aguas Calientes, you must be at the train station 30 minutes before departure to return to Cusco.
Included in the day:
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Admission to the Inca Trail.
- Meals: 1 breakfast.
- Expeditions return train ticket.
- Consetur bus ticket, descent only, Mapi – Aguas Calientes.
- First aid kit.
- Water provided by the supplier.
Statistics of the day:
- Walking distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Places to Visit
Not included
Admission to Huayna Picchu extra cost 75.00 USD
Tips
Costs not mentioned in the program.
Recommendations
Passport
Valid STUDENT ID (if booking as a student)
Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru)
Backpack with essentials (the smaller the better)
Water storage: A water container such as Camelbags with a capacity of 2 or 3 liters is recommended.
Comfortable trekking boots (lightweight with good soles)
1 absorbent t-shirt, 1 t-shirt for Machu Picchu (for the best photos)
1 pair of trekking pants, 1 pair of shorts or pants for Machu Picchu
2 sets of underwear
Trekking socks, regular socks
1 thick, soft scarf
1 warm jacket: it gets very cold at night
1 rain jacket and pants
1 sun hat
Headlamp: essential
Waterproof gloves (even if they're ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable camping shoes
Quickdry towel. We provide small towels, you might want to upgrade to something a little larger.
Small bottle of soap: We provide warm water every day for cleaning; it might keep you feeling refreshed if you use a little soap.
Large plastic bags: To help organize and keep the site clean.
Sleeping bag: Down bags rated for at least -10°C are recommended.
Sunscreen
Facial Moisturizer
Insect Repellent
Hand Sanitizer
Wet Wipes
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Toilet Paper
Personal Medication
First Aid Kit: Band-Aids, Moleskin, etc.
Water: We provide clean water at every meal. You are responsible for the water for the first morning, as we won't have time to filter the water until your first lunch break.
Sun Hat
Rain Gear
Wool Hat
Camera
Music
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Earplugs