7-day Inca Trail

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.