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Bus, Airlines
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3 Stars Hotels
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5,416 metres
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Kathmandu
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Feb, Mar, Apr & May
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Eco-Tour, Hiking
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All meals during the trek
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese
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Easy to Moderate
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2-15
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12
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65
Overview
A 7-day Salkantay trek is an epic, multi-day hiking expedition in Peru’s Andes that ends at Machu Picchu. It’s longer than the standard 5-day trek, often including cultural tours or combining with the Classic Inca Trail for a deeper experience. Below is a comprehensive overview.The trek is a journey through dramatically changing landscapes. You’ll trek from high-Andean plains and glacial peaks like Mt. Salkantay (6,271 m), down through cloud forests filled with orchids and waterfalls, and finally into the lush, tropical jungle surrounding Machu Picchu
Highlights
- Beyond the magnificent Incan sites like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca on the Inca Trail portion, you'll also visit remote Andean communities
- Main Focus Adventure & archaeology combined Cultural immersion & scenery Culmination Entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate Entering Machu Picchu
- You'll spend the first few days hiking the less-crowded Salkantay Trek, then connect to the famous Inca Trail for its final, ruin-filled section.
- The trek's defining challenge and highlight is crossing the remote Incachiriaska Pass at 5,100 meters (16,732 ft). This is significantly higher than any point on the standard Inca Trail and offers breathtaking, close-up views of the snow-capped peaks .
Itinerary
Pick-up from Cusco at 4:00 a.m., drive to Mollepata for breakfast, after our bredfast we continue ridding the van to challacancha the starting point we will forn 3 to 4 hours to Soraypampa our campsite. in Afternoon we will hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake . ~3,800 masl / 12,464 ft .At the lagoon, we'll relax, take photos, and enjoy the view. Then we'll have a small ritual to Pachamama (Mother Earth) before returning to camp. In total, we'll walk approximately 3 to 4 hours round trip.
Altitude Gain: 753 m / 2470 ft.
Altitude Loose: 414 m / 1358 ft.
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Hiking Hours: 5 to 6 hours.
Starting Elevations: 3900 m / 12,795 ft.
Highest Elevation: 4,200 m /13,779 ft.
Campsite Elevation: 4,200 m /13,779 ft.
Accommodations: Tents.
We will wake you up with a warm cup of coca tea and a hearty breakfast to begin our second day. Our journey starts with a gradual uphill hike toward Salkantaypampa, passing through a picturesque valley surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes. As we ascend, we will get closer to the magnificent Salkantay Glacier, whose presence dominates the landscape.
Upon reaching Salkantaypampa, the trail divides into two paths. We will take the one on the right, which connects to the Inca Trail. From this point, the ascent continues steadily until we reach our campsite, known as Japonesa. Along the way, you will notice another trail on the left used by trekkers following the classic 5-day Salkantay route. As we climb higher, the terrain transforms—moraines shaped by ancient glaciers become visible, the vegetation gives way to highland grasses, and the air grows cooler.
At our campsite, our cook will have a delicious lunch ready. After enjoying the meal, you will have time to rest before we take a short, roughly 20-minute hike in the afternoon to visit the beautiful Incachiriasca Lake, located at the very base of the Salkantay Glacier. Following our visit to the lake, we will return to the campsite to watch the sunset over the mountains, have dinner, and later, step outside to admire the brilliance of the southern constellations.
Altitude Gain: 644 m / 2112 ft.
Altitude Loose: 32 m / 104 ft.
Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.72 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Hiking Hours: 6 to 7 hours.
Starting Elevations: 4,200 m /13,779 ft.
Highest Elevation: 4,734 m /15,531 ft.
Campsite Elevation: 4,734 m /15,531 ft.
Accommodations: Tents.
Today is a remarkable day, as we reach the highest point of our journey and come exceptionally close to the mountain itself. We will begin with a 30-minute uphill ascent to the Incachiriaska Pass—also known as the Frozen Inca Pass—rising to an impressive 4,928 meters (16,168 feet), the highest elevation of our trek. Upon arriving at the summit, we will be rewarded with sweeping views of two distinct valleys, and once again, the surrounding landscapes are truly breathtaking.
As we ascend along the shoulder of Salkantay, the immense presence of the mountain offers a profound reminder of why it was venerated as a sacred deity by the Incas. With some luck, we may observe local wildlife, including Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas), White-Tailed Deer, and, on rare occasions, elusive Andean species such as Condors.
From the pass, we will continue with a three-hour descent through the valley until we arrive at our lunch spot, YanaCcaca, where our skilled cook will be waiting with a well-prepared and satisfying meal. After lunch, we will resume our descent for approximately three more hours until we reach our campsite at Canal Inca, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Altitude Gain: 271 m / 889 ft.
Altitude Loose: 1238 m / 4061 ft.
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Hiking Hours: 8 to 9 hours.
Starting Elevations: 4,734 m /15,531 ft.
Highest Elevation: 5,100 m /16,732 ft.
Campsite Elevation: 3,853 m /12,641 ft.
Accommodations: Tents.
We’ll kick off our day by indulging in a delightful breakfast, followed by a leisurely journey down the valley towards Paucarcancha. It will take us roughly three hours to reach our lunch spot. Before we sit down to eat, we’ll explore the ancient Inca ruins of Paucarcancha, with our knowledgeable guide enlightening us about its historical significance. Here we’ll switch from using horses to carry our gear to porters – this is to prevent damage to the Inca Trail. Following lunch, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting our dedicated porters, who have trekked all the way from km 82, the starting point for those embarking on the 4-day Inca Trail hike. At the same time, we will say bye-bye to our horsemen. After a brief stop at the checkpoint to present our passports and Inca Trail permits, we’ll embark on a one-hour hike to Wayllabamba. From there, we’ll continue our journey to the Ayapata Campsite, where we’ll settle in for the night.
Altitude Gain: 381 m / 1250 ft.
Altitude Loose: 892 m / 2926 ft.
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Hiking Hours: 6 to 7 hours.
Starting Elevations: 3,853 m /12,641 ft.
Highest Elevation: 3,853 m /12,641 ft.
Campsite Elevation: 3,323 m /10,901 ft.
Accommodations: Tents.
Today is a tough day because we have two passes to cross. After our breakfast, we hiked for about 4 hours until the dead woman passed. After being on the Inca Chiriasca pass. The hike to this pass will be easier but the steps make it harder. At the summit, we’ll witness the changing landscapes and capture photos of both valleys before descending to Pacaymayo for a delicious lunch. Next, we’ll ascend the Runku Racay Pass, stopping along the way to visit the Inca Site of Runku Raqay with detailed explanations from our guide. As we continue, we’ll observe a dramatic shift in landscape from the highlands to the rainforest. After reaching the Pass, we’ll descend for about an hour to the Sayacmarca Inca Site, where our guide will lead us in exploration. Finally, we’ll make our way to our campsite, Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft), known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views of the sunset over the distant mountains.
Altitude Gain: 1273 m / 4176 ft.
Altitude Loose: 1057 m / 3467 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Hiking Hours: 8 to 9 hours.
Starting Elevations: 3,323 m /10,901 ft.
Highest Elevation: 4,200 m /13,779 ft.
Campsite Elevation: 3,623 m /11,881 ft.
Hiking Distance: 16km /9.94 mi.
Accommodations: Tents.
After crossing the two passes yesterday, today we’ll enjoy a leisurely day amidst some of the most stunning landscapes along the Inca Trail. We’ll begin with a relatively short trek along what’s called Inca Flat (gentle inclines and declines) until we reach Phuyupatamarca. Along the way, we’ll soak in the lush greenery of the cloud forest surrounding us and admire the breathtaking vistas of the distant Andes. At Phuyutamarca, your guide will explain the significance of the site, after that, we’ll hike for about three hours to the Inti Pata Inca Site, where we’ll be treated to an incredible view of the Urubamba River. Following our exploration of this site, we’ll trek to the Wiñaywayna Campsite, enjoy lunch, take a siesta, shower, and then set out to explore the Wiñaywayna Inca ruins. We’ll conclude the day with dinner and an early bedtime, preparing ourselves for the most significant day ahead.
Altitude Gain: 157 m / 515 ft.
Altitude Loose: 1058 m / 3471 ft.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Hiking Hours: 4 to 5 hours.
Starting Elevations: 3,623 m /11,881 ft.
Highest Elevation: 3,623 m /11,881 ft.
Campsite Elevation: 2,623 m /8,605 ft.
Hiking Distance: 9km /5.54 mi.
Accommodations: Tents.
Today is the most important day, we will visit Machu Picchu!!!!!. After having our breakfast, we begin the final leg of the Salkantay Inca Trail 7 days to the lost city of Machu Picchu. First, we will hike to Inti Punku (“Sun Gate”), the Gate of the Inca Trail where we will take in an inspiring and panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. Then we will hike for about 45 minutes to the guard house where we will take the classic picture of Machu Picchu then we go to the exit to use the toilet and then reenter the Citadel to enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the sanctuary city. After the tour of Machupicchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy lunch and free time to enjoy the town before returning to Ollantaytambo by train and then bus back to Cusco. We will be back to Cusco around 7:00 pm.
Elevation Gain: 167 m / 1683 ft.
Elevation Loose: 393 m / 820 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Hiking Hours: 3 to 4 hours.
Starting Elevations: 2,623 m /8,605 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,720 m /8,923 ft.
Hiking Distance: 5km /3.14 mi.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Satellite Phone: Many areas along the route do not have cell phone reception. In case of emergencies, our guide will use a satellite phone to ensure communication at all times.
- 7 Kilograms of Personal Belongings: You only need to carry your essential items during the hike. The rest of your belongings (up to 7 kg / 14 lb) will be transported by our team.
- Duffle Bag: We provide a duffle bag for your 7 kg / 14 lb of personal items (including toiletries, sleeping bag, and other essentials).
- Hot Water: Hot water is provided each evening for washing and freshening up before bed.
- Rain Poncho: A complimentary rain poncho is included to protect you from unexpected rain showers.
- Guided Tour in Machu Picchu: A professional guide will lead a comprehensive two-hour tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Drinking Water: We boil, cool, and filter water daily to ensure safe drinking water is available for refilling your bottles several times a day.
- Day Pack Cover: To protect your belongings from rain and dust during the hike.
- Inca Trail T-Shirt: Upon completing the trek, you will receive a beautiful Inca Trail souvenir T-shirt as a memento of your adventure.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service: We provide convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at the beginning of your trek and drop you off at your hotel upon your return.
- Tourist Transportation: Private transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek.
- English-Speaking Guide: A professional, experienced, and knowledgeable guide will lead your hike throughout the 7 days of the expedition.
- Radio Communication: Used for coordination between the guide and the cook, ensuring smooth logistics and safety during the trek.
- Foam Mattresses: We provide comfortable foam mattresses that do not deflate, ensuring a good night’s rest.
- Professional Chef: Our highly skilled chef will prepare delicious and nutritious meals throughout the trek.
- Kitchen Tent: A dedicated tent where our team prepares all meals with care and hygiene.
- Dining Tent: Equipped with chairs and tables, offering a comfortable space to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Portable Biodegradable Toilet (The Pett): We set up a private and eco-friendly toilet at each campsite so you do not need to use public facilities at night.
- Meal Service at Campsites: Includes 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, and 6 snacks. Vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and allergy-friendly options are available upon request.
- Tent Accommodation: High-quality, 4-season tents for two people (Eureka Timberline, 3-person capacity used as double occupancy for extra comfort).
- Porter Service: Our dedicated porters will carry all camping equipment and food supplies.
- Inca Trail Permits: Official permits that allow you to hike the Classic Inca Trail.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets: Includes entry to Circuit 1 for the classic panoramic photo and Circuit 3 to explore the main citadel.
- Humantay Lake Entrance Fee: The visit to the stunning Humantay Lake is included.
- Entrance to Private Land (Salkantay Area): Some sections of the trail pass through private lands—these entrance fees are already included.
- Bus Ticket: One-way bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after your guided tour.
- Train Ticket: Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (departing at 14:55 or 15:20 hrs).
- Return Transportation: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Emergency Oxygen Bottle: Our guide will carry an emergency oxygen bottle at all times for safety.
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit is carried by the guide to handle any unforeseen medical situations.
- Pre-Departure Briefing: A detailed Inca Trail expedition briefing is held at our office in Cusco at 6:00 p.m., one day before the trek.
- Wake-Up Tea: Enjoy a comforting cup of hot tea delivered to your tent each morning before breakfast.
The Cost Excludes
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
- The last lunch in Calientes town.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
- Additional Things To Upgrade Prices
- Sleeping Bag: $40 USD.
- A pair of Walking Poles: $40 USD.
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $50 USD.
- Vistadome Observatory Train: $70 USD.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD.
- Air Mattress: $40
- Additional Things To Upgrade Description
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak rising just behind Machu Picchu, rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the top. Before starting the climb, here are a few key details to know. At AB Expeditions, we take care of the tickets for you, so your spot and schedule are guaranteed.
- Your hike usually starts between 10:00 and 11:00 am, right after your guided tour of Machu Picchu from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Entry to the trail begins at 10:40 am. The hike itself is unguided, unless you decide to book a private guide for $60. Reaching the summit takes around 1 hour, and we suggest spending about 25 minutes at the top to soak in the views before heading back down, which takes roughly 45 minutes.
- In total, plan for 2 to 2.5 hours before returning to Machu Picchu around 1:00 pm, just in time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes. Keep in mind: parts of the trail are steep and narrow, with some sections where you’ll need to use your hands. If you have a fear of heights, this hike may not be for you.
- Vistadome Train
- On our Salkantay + Inca Trail 7 Days to Machu Picchu, your return trip is included on the Expedition Train. But if you’d like to add a little more comfort and scenery to your journey, you can upgrade to the Vistadome Train.
- This premium train offers larger windows, wider tables, cushioned seats, and even a glass roof—perfect for admiring the stunning Andean landscapes on the way back to Ollantaytambo. Onboard, you’ll also enjoy live entertainment, including traditional music and dance, cultural fashion shows, and a complimentary snack to make your ride even more enjoyable.
- Vistadome Observatory Train
- For an even more immersive experience, the Vistadome Observatory train takes things to another level. Like the Vistadome, it comes with panoramic windows so you won’t miss a single view of the Sacred Valley. But this service also includes snacks made from native ingredients, live Andean music, traditional dance shows, and an alpaca-inspired fashion presentation.
- What makes it stand out? The Observatory train has a panoramic bar car, where you can mingle, dance, and enjoy drinks (though beverages are not included in the ticket). There’s also a balcony area where you can step outside, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and capture photos from a unique perspective.
- Do note that access to the bar car is limited by time to manage passenger capacity.
- Trekking Poles
- Because the Inca Trail includes everything from ancient stone steps to steep uphills and downhills, we strongly recommend using trekking poles. They give you extra balance, reduce strain on your knees, and help prevent injuries—especially on tricky terrain.
- If you don’t own trekking poles, you can rent a set from us for $40 for the entire trek. We only provide poles from Black Diamond, a trusted outdoor brand known for top-quality gear. You can reserve them when booking your Inca Trail permit or rent them in our Cusco office the day before departure.
- They’re especially helpful if you have knee issues or are new to hiking, but even seasoned trekkers find them useful. Ultimately, it’s all about your comfort and preference.
- Sleeping Bag
- Don’t feel like carrying your own sleeping bag? No problem—you can rent one from us for $40 for the 7-day trek. Reserve it when booking your Inca Trail permit or pick it up at our Cusco office during the pre-departure briefing (held the day before your trek).
- We provide Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags, designed for cold-weather expeditions and tested to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). This is especially useful during the second night of the trail, when temperatures tend to drop the most.
- Air Mattress
- For added comfort, we already include foam mattresses with every trek. They measure about 190 cm (75 in) long, 60 cm (24 in) wide, and 6 cm (2.4 in) thick—and most of our hikers find them surprisingly comfortable for camping nights on the Inca Trail 7 Days.
- If you’d like an extra layer of luxury, you can rent an inflatable air mattress for $40 per person. It’s placed right on top of the standard foam mattress, giving you double padding and a much better night’s rest. Trust us, a good sleep makes a huge difference when trekking the Andes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
salkantay -inka trail or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 6 hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs to 9 hrs
The highest altitude reached is 5100m. This is the elevation of inka chiriaska is the highest we will climb in this trek.
not, you cannot charge batteries en route. you have to bring your powerbank. There are cold shower facilities as well in every campsite and lunch places.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash incusco . There are a number of ATMs in aguas calientes town the last day. Everything is paid in soles oeruvian currency. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash two days before your trek in USD, euros, or soles. If you prefer to pay with a credit card in advance, you can do so through our We Travel account, though a 2.9% transaction fee will apply. All major credit cards are accepted. Additionally, you can pay by credit card at our office, subject to a 5% service fee. Please inform us of your preferred payment method. If paying in cash, the payment must be made two days before your trip.
As per Peruvian law, to qualify for the student discount on the 7-day Inca Trail hike, you must be under 18 years old at the time of the hike. If you are 18 or older, a valid student card is required. Our student discount is $40 USD.
Students aged 18 to 25 must submit a copy of their passport and student card when booking to receive the discount. Please send these documents to our email
Is There A Waiting List Available For Trekking Dates That Are Already Fully Booked?
Unfortunatly, there is no waiting list available for the 7-day Inca Trail hike. If a reservation is canceled, the permits will not be reissued for new purchase.
If our country closes its borders, we’ll refund your entire deposit. However, if you can’t come for any other reason (like getting sick, missing your flight, a strike, or a natural disaster), you will lose USD $200 automatically. Once we purchase the Inca Trail permit, it cannot be refunded or transferred to another person. The Inca Trail permits are issued by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, and they do not offer refunds. We know that things can change unexpectedly, so we’ll try to be fair and only charge you for expenses we’ve already incurred and cannot recover.
Our groups will arrive at the Sun Gate at 7:00 am. It will take about 45 minutes to walk from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, so you’ll get to Machu Picchu by 8:00 am
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it is strongly advised to arrive in Cusco at least two days prior to your planned activities. On your first day, you may explore the city by visiting museums and local markets, or opt for a guided tour of Cusco. On the following day, consider hiking to Cristo Blanco, which is located 3 km from Cusco and involves a challenging uphill trek, serving as a useful acclimatization test. Alternatively, you might take a Sacred Valley tour to explore various Inca sites outside the city.
Additionally, on your first day, it is advisable to consume soft foods. Eating heavy meals may divert oxygen to your stomach rather than your brain, potentially leading to nausea.
During our 7-day hike on the Inca Trail, our itinerary includes Circuit 1 – Ruta Terraza Superior and Circuit 3 – Ruta Realeza Diseñada. Upon reaching the Sungate, you will proceed directly to the upper terrace, where you can capture the iconic photograph of Machu Picchu. Following this, you will explore the stunning terraces on Circuit 1 before temporarily exiting the site. After a short break, you will reenter to embark on Circuit 3, which takes you through the most important temples and structures of this ancient Incan city. This carefully curated route ensures that you fully experience the grandeur and historical significance of Machu Picchu from various vantage points.
Everyone who hikes the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu needs to get up very early, around 3:30 am. This is because there is only one train for the porters each day. The train arrives at 5:45 am at Km 107, and the porters need to catch it. If they miss it, they will have to wait until the next day, which is not ideal for them. Therefore, everyone needs to wake up early and then hike for about 5 minutes to the checkpoint. You’ll have to wait for 2 hours until the gate opens at 5:30 am.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to switch to the 2-day Inca Trail hike after canceling the 7-day hike. If you want to do the 2-day hike, you need to buy a separate permit for it, so you’ll have to pay again. Also, keep in mind that even if you switch to the 2-day hike, you won’t be able to join the main group. You’ll arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, while those who took the 7-day option will get there in the morning.
You don’t have to reserve walking sticks and sleeping bags ahead of time. We have plenty available, so you can rent them at our office one day before your trip, right after the briefing session.
We can switch your first campsite to Soraypampa instead of Salkantaypampa. We understand that some of you might not be fully acclimated, so we will help with that. The only change to the original plan is that on the second day, you will hike for one more hour. Note: Please let us know at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.
