Southern Peru Explorers
Adventure ? History ? Culture

Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek 7D/6N

7 Days / 6 Nights · Moderate to Challenging… ·
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Max Elevation
4,850 m / 15,912 ft
Activity Type
Adventure ? History ? Culture
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging (uphill treks and high-altitude sect
Distance
18 km / 11 miles

The experience

Experience an unforgettable 7-day trek combining the legendary Salkanta y Trek and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, considered among the best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. This unique expedition starts with the Salkantay Classic, passing glaciers, high mountain passes, and stunning landscapes before joining the historic Inca Trail 7-day trek to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will trek…

Read full the experienceShow less

7 Day Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Picchu Experience

Experience an unforgettable 7-day trek combining the legendary Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, considered among the best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. This unique expedition starts with the Salkantay Classic, passing glaciers, high mountain passes, and stunning landscapes before joining the historic Inca Trail 7-day trek to Machu Picchu.

Along the way, you will trek through remote valleys, lush cloud forest, and visit impressive Inca archaeological sites hidden in the Andes. Supported by an expert tour guide and a professional team of porters, the trek includes camping equipment, trekking poles, and a personal duffle bag for comfort and safety. Each day begins with a warm cup of coca tea, preparing you for a long day of hiking with challenging ascents and descents.

The highlight comes as you arrive at the Sun Gate and enjoy your first incredible view of the Machu Picchu Citadel. After a guided Machu Picchu tour, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Picchu Mountain. Then, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train via Ollantaytambo.

Organized by a certified local operator with an office in Cusco, this Salkantay and Inca Trail journey is truly a trip of a lifetime and one of the most rewarding ways to reach Machu Picchu.
Southern Peru Explorers, with over 12 years of experience and based in Cusco, is a certified local operator dedicated to delivering unforgettable trekking adventures that combine nature, culture, and authentic experiences.

Tour Overview

  • Tour Type: Adventure ? History ? Culture
  • Activities: Hiking along the Inca Trail ? Guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (uphill treks and high-altitude sections)
  • Permits: Required ? we secure all permits after your booking
  • Climate: Varied conditions ? warm days, tropical zones, and cold nights at high altitude
  • Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Meals: All-Inclusive (freshly prepared meals throughout the trek)

Why choose this tour

The 7-day trek Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most comprehensive and exclusive expedition in the Andes. You should choose this route because it combines the raw power of nature?glaciers, 4,500-meter passes, and absolute solitude with the…

Read full why choose this tourShow less

Why choose the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Salkantay Trek?

The 7-day trek Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most comprehensive and exclusive expedition in the Andes. You should choose this route because it combines the raw power of nature?glaciers, 4,500-meter passes, and absolute solitude with the mysticism and architectural perfection of the Classic Inca Trail. It is the only way to witness remote archaeological sites like Paucarcancha or Incaracay. This journey allows you to experience a unique ecological transition, from the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay to the lush cloud forests of Wi?ay Wayna, culminating in the triumphant entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

GET A QUOTE

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.

Itinerary to be confirmed

Please contact us for the itinerary and logistics of this tour.

What's Included & What's Not

Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.

Professional Tour Guides

Local pros with heaps of Andean culture, history, and high-altitude trekking knowledge are all our guides. Fluent in English, each one's equipped to tackle tough paths like the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail 2026, and other famed ways to Machu Picchu. You'll get a super immersive guided trip on your travels, making sure your safety, comfort, and a rich cultural feel is covered, from the mountains clear to Picchu.

Tickets Permits

As an officially approved tour outfit, all the needed permits and entrance tickets are part of the deal. This means the whole Salkantay Trek, entry to the Salkantay Pass, campsites, Rainbow Mountain, warm baths, and your proper ticket into Machu Picchu are all covered. Logistics worries? Forget em, we're on it.

Meals

Nutrient-packed, yummy meals, especially for high-altitude trekking, are made by our pro chefs. They mix international tastes with real Peruvian ones, and yep, dietary needs are always respected. Three meals each day in our dining tent give you the power and coziness you need for your Salkantay trek journey.

Horses & Wranglers

Horses and experienced wranglers (porter support) are included to carry your duffel bag during the trek. This allows you to hike comfortably with only a daypack. Duffel bag weight is limited to 7 kg / 14 lbs (including your sleeping bag) to ensure the well-being of our animals. Access to duffel bags is available at each campsite.

Camping Equipment

For maximum comfort, we provide high-quality tents that are manufactured for difficult mountain conditions. This way, you get to sleep in a spacious tent that is large enough to accommodate four people, with just one other person sharing. If you require more privacy, you may request a premium private tent service.

Drinking Water

We ensure that pure, uncontaminated drinking water is provided throughout the course of the trip for you to drink and fill your own water bottle with. Using water from pure mountain streams, we urge all travelers to carry their own water container or Camelback in order to conserve the environment around Salkantay and Machu Picchu.

Transportation

Complete transportation services are included from the start to the finish of your tour. We will pick you up at your Cusco accommodation, and take you to where your hiking trail starts. After your hike and exploration of Machu Picchu, you will be transported back to Ollantaytambo by train, with your final destination being Cusco in a private vehicle.

First Aid & Safety

Our number one priority is your safety. Each guide holds a first aid certificate and comes fully equipped with a medical kit along with additional oxygen supplies. In emergency cases, satellite phones can be used to quickly evacuate the place.

Pre-Trek Briefing

Prior to your journey's commencement, you'll participate in a thorough exposition session held at our establishment or at your hotel. This here session, the guide will be going over the travel plan, all the safety rules, and what you can look forward to on the way to Picchu. You gonna also get your duffel bag that the porters will carry.

Packing List (What to Bring)

Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.

7-Day trek; Salkantay & Inca Trail Expedition

Climbing both the Salkantay glaciers and then the ancient Inca Trail stone paths that is a world-class test. Your equipment needs to be adaptable for the -10?C (14?F) winds on the high points and the 25?C (77?F) moisture in the cloud forest. Use this list made by experts to make sure you is comfortable and safe on this 7-day journey.

Mandatory Documents and Logistics
  • Your Original Passport: This is your most important document. You will be crossing many checkpoints throughout the journey (on Day 1, Day 4, and Day 7). The document should correspond to all the information provided in your permits.
  • Permits and Tickets: You should make sure that your operator has checked your permits for the Inca Trail and entry tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Cash (Soles): Take cash in smaller denominations because you may need it in remote Andean villages and also for hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Travel Insurance: Have a physical or online copy of your insurance policy, which should cover any high-altitude treks.
Technical Clothing (The Layering System)
  • "The Heavy Hitter" Jacket: A good quality jacket made of down or synthetic insulation. The nights at Soraypampa and Ichupata (Days 1-3) are extremely cold.
  • Rain Gear Needed: Professional waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex is recommended) and rain pants are a must. Salkantay weather is very unpredictable, as we know.
  • Base Layers Required: 5 to 6 moisture-wicking t-shirts (both synthetic and merino wool) are required. Do not take any cotton t-shirts, because they become wet and cause chills.
  • Thermal Layer is: A set of thermal top and bottom clothes (the best material for this would be merino wool).
  • Pro Tip: Keep at least one dry layer for sleeping.
  • Trekking Pants: 2 pieces of lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants.
  • Accessories: Warm wool beanie, waterproof gloves, and wide-brimmed hat for UV-protection.
Footwear Trekking Hardware
  • Camp Shoes (Lightweight Sandals or Sneakers) Allow your feet to recover after 9 hour-long hiking day.
  • Trekking Poles (Are Essential): They decrease stress on joints up to 25%, which is essential for the 4 500m descents from Incachiriasca and Dead Woman's Pass.
  • High-Intensity Headlamp (Is Mandatory): It allows you to find your way around campsites and makes early morning hike to the Sun Gate possible.
Health High-Altitude Requirements
  • Hydration Setup A hydration bladder CamelBak and a Nalgene bottle Hydration is the best method to ward off altitude sickness.
  • Sun Protection Insect Repellent High SPF sunscreen and lip balm the radiation exposure at 4 500m is intense and a powerful DEET-based repellent for the cloud forest segments.
Trail Gear & Accessories
  • Power Bank with a High Capacity: Seven days without power source is the situation. Bring along a powerful portable charger for your gear.
  • Waterproof Dry Bags: Housed in your backpack, these bags will provide protection to your delicate electronic gear and spare clothing from moisture.
  • Personal Sanitation Kit: Carry biodegradable soap, cleansing wipes (your "wilderness bath" products), and a microfiber quick dry towel.
Expedition Information:
  • Equipment Swap-Out (Day 4): With the sunrise of the fourth day, your equipment switches from horses to porters, thus marking your departure to the Classic Inca Trail. The limit on luggage weight in your duffle bag is 5kg.
  • Baggage Allowance: Stash away those suitcases safely at your Cusco accommodation. You will carry just your daypack during your daily explorations measuring 25-30 liters.

Before you travel

Guide languages
English
Pickup

A great 7 day trek, to Machu Picchu, begins quite early the morning with a pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a m.

Return

Our tour continues on with a train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and onward to Cusco with private transportation.

Pre-tour briefing

Prior to your journey's commencement, you'll participate in a thorough exposition session held at our establishment or at your hotel. This here session, the guide will be going over the travel plan, all the safety rules, and what you can look forward to on the way to Picchu. You gonna also get your duffel bag that the porters will carry.

Accommodation

For maximum comfort, we provide high-quality tents that are manufactured for difficult mountain conditions. This way, you get to sleep in a spacious tent that is large enough to accommodate four people, with just one other person sharing. If you require more privacy, you may request a premium private tent service.

Food & dietary requests

We really care about your comfort and well being. If you got any dietary limits or food allergies, like if you dont eat meat, or cant have gluten, or specific allergies, just tell us early so we can sort things.

Weather & best time to travel

April to October can be considered the best time to visit the place where weather is more predictable with occasional rainfall. This season witnesses maximum crowd so reservation becomes necessary.

Booking Process & Policies

Booking information for this tour.

Reservations Information ? Book Your Tour

Thank you for selecting our company for your trip to Machu Picchu. It would be our pleasure to organize your amazing tour in Peru, arranging everything for your enjoyment with no worries on your part.

How to Confirm Your Reservation?

Booking your tour is quick, easy, and completely secure. To proceed with your reservation, we kindly ask you to provide the information listed below. Please ensure that all details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport, as this information is required by Peruvian authorities to issue official entrance tickets, train reservations, and transportation services.

Passenger Information
Full Name:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Copy of passport:
Date of Birth:

Travel Details

So that logistics run smooth and transfers are a breeze, we ask for your accommodation specifics in Cusco. Tell us the hotel for before and after the hike please. This info helps us get pick ups drop offs and schedules right.

Food Requirement

We really care about your comfort and well being. If you got any dietary limits or food allergies, like if you dont eat meat, or cant have gluten, or specific allergies, just tell us early so we can sort things.

Secure Payment

Our payment is safe encrypted and simple. To finish your booking, go to the secure payment link below and fill out the form with your card Visa or Mastercard. Once your payment is confirmed, well book everything essential for your journey right away, like your Machu Picchu tickets, train rides, buses, and all stuff in your chosen package. Important thing to know: Machu Picchu entry and train times are tight and depend on how many slots are left. So we suggest paying fast to lock in your spot and avoid any trouble.

Confirmation of Reservations

After complete verification of your reservation, a final message of confirmation will be sent to you including all details of your trip along with schedule and other travel tips. In case you have any queries or assistance during any stage, you can easily contact our staff who will be ready to assist you anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.

What exactly is the Inca Trail?

Inca trails, built by the Inca, were once used as routes for reaching the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu from Cusco. This trail is famous throughout the world because of its scenic beauty, rich culture, and history; it is among the best places for trekking in the world. Trekking on the trail or combining it with alternatives like the Salkantay Trek is an amazing opportunity to experience the legacy of the Incas while traveling in the Andes and natural environment.

Advance Reservation Required?

Yes, entry in the Inca Trail is controlled and regulated by the Peruvian government where quota per day is fixed. We would seriously advise you to make your reservation at least one month prior to your travel, especially when it is the time of rush. Even though permit is not required in the Salkantay Trek, advance reservation is always better.

Best Time for the Inca Trail?

April to October can be considered the best time to visit the place where weather is more predictable with occasional rainfall. This season witnesses maximum crowd so reservation becomes necessary.

Is the Inca Trail a tough hike?

This sevenday Inca Trail is generally thought of as somewhat tough. Whilst you dont need any special skills, a decent level of fitness is a good idea. Being well prepared will let you really appreciate the journey, regardless of whether you hike the standard Inca Trail or the tougher Salkantay one.

Is it safe to hike the Inca Trail?

Sure, the Inca Trail is safe if you go with an authorized tour firm. All hikers need to stick to park rules and what the guide says. Safety plans, how campsites are set up, and secure tent spots mean your hike will be comfortable and secure.

Can I hike the Inca Trail if I haven't hiked before?

Totally. Lots of people manage the Inca Trail without any prior hiking. But, it is a hard hike, so getting ready matters. Regular walks, light exercises, and getting used to the altitude will make your trip on both the Inca Trail and Salkantay trek much better.

What kind of meals do you get on the Inca Trail?

Food is made with care to give you energy and goodness during the hike. You get a good mix of carbs, protein, fruit, and veg each day. If you have special food needs, they can sort them out if you tell them early. In a dining tent, meals are enjoyed, it making a warm and social atmosphere after each hiking day.

Can I climb Machu Picchu after doing the Inca Trail?

Yes. Entrance to Machu Picchu is included in the tour. The highlight of the trek is arriving at the citadel, where the Inca Trail officially ends. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu may be available with an additional permit.

Is there any kind of training that I need to make before going on Inca Trail?

We suggest taking walks of at least one hour daily, practicing stair or hill training, leg strengthening and cardio training. Also, acclimatization to the altitude before trek is highly advisable, especially if you are thinking about hiking high altitude treks like Salkantay trek.

What will happen if I want to change the visiting date?

If permits are not yet booked, changing date is possible. Once the permits are acquired, it becomes non-transferable and non-refundable. The availability of permit changes depends on remaining spots.

Is their a age restriction for the Inca Trail?

No rigid age limit exists. Adventurers beyond sixty are advised to consult their physician and be physically fit. Children younger than seven are not advised for the trek given its rigor however private tour might provide adaptable plans.

How can I avoid big groups?

For a more secluded journey we provide personal trekking choices. Private tours let you hike at your speed get bespoke guiding and rest soundly in your own tent making your travels more personal and pleasant.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek 7D/6N

From: USD $1450 / person
Request a quote directly on WhatsApp
Salkantay Trek

You may also like

View all tours
The last days of Salkantay Trek 5 Days tour, Salkantay Trek F.A.Q
Salkantay Trek

SALKANTAY 5D/4N

CUSCO SALKANTAY PAMPA, SALKANTAY PAMPA QOLLPAPAMPA, QOLLPAPAMPA TO LUCMABAMBA, LUCMABAMBA TO AGUAS CALIENTES

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu with epic Andean views, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, jungle trails and guided tour

5 Days · 14 max pax
4,650 m / 15,256 ft
From $420.00
View Itinerary
Inca Jungle Pricing Booking, Travelers on mountain bikes during the Essential Inca Jungle Trek in Cusco, Peru, Inca Jungle Trek,Our Tours in Peru
Inca Jungle

INCA JUNGLE

CUSCO TO SANTA TERESA-INCA JUNGLE, MACHU PICCHU

Experience the best of Peru with this quick and unforgettable Essential Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu in just 3D/2N.

3 Days · 16 max pax
4,300 m / 14,108 ft
From $300.00
View Itinerary