On the second day of the combined Salkantay and Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll conquer the most challenging part of the journey by reaching the highest point of the Salkantay Trail at 5,100 meters above sea level. Your adventure starts bright and early at 5 am with a refreshing wake-up tea, served by our skilled cooks in their cozy dome. By 6 am, you’ll fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 3-hour uphill hike.

Your morning hike will lead you to the stunning Salkantay Lagoon, nestled at the base of Mount Salkantay. Here, you’ll have some free time to marvel at the breathtaking glacial landscape and listen to your knowledgeable guide’s explanation about this majestic site. Afterward, you’ll continue your ascent for an additional hour, making your way to the highest point of the trek, 5,100 meters above sea level.

This significant milestone on your journey is known as Paso Incaqchiriasca, which translates to “where the Inca died.” Standing at this impressive altitude, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the awe-inspiring beauty of the Peruvian Andes, with the majestic Salkantay as your backdrop. After soaking in the views for a while, you’ll begin a one-hour descent to Acopampa, where our team of cooks will welcome you with a nutritious and delicious lunch.

Post-lunch, you’ll continue descending for two more hours until you reach the Inca Canal (or Pampacahua) campsite, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This historical site boasts an original Inca canal, providing a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incas as they channeled massive rivers. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner and rest up for another exciting day ahead.

DAY 02 TREKKING DETAILS:

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
• Difficulty: Challenging day (conquering the highest point at 5100 meters above sea level)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,900 meters above sea level
• Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with cold nights

On day three of this exceptional tour, you’ll experience a more relaxed day compared to the previous one, as you enter the famed Inca Trail. Your day begins at 6 am when our cooks serve you a refreshing coca tea right in your tents. Afterward, you’ll have time to prepare for breakfast, which will be served around 7 am. Your journey resumes at around 8 am with a 2 to 3-hour descent to the fascinating archaeological site of Paucarcancha.

At Paucarcancha, you’ll have ample time to explore this captivating Inca site, accompanied by your guide who will provide insightful information about its history and significance. Following this exploration, you’ll enjoy lunch before continuing with a 1-hour descent towards the Inca Trail control point at Wayllabamba. After passing the control point, you’ll trek for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to reach your campsite at Wayllabamba.

Situated at 3,000 meters above sea level, Wayllabamba is the first campsite of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Here, you’ll encounter other trekkers who are exclusively embarking on the 4-day Inca Trail journey. All tents will be set up and ready for your rest and relaxation as you spend the night at this remarkable location.

DAY 03 TREKKING DETAILS:

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Note: During the Salkantay portion of the trek, pack horses carry your camping gear. For the Inca Trail section, porters will carry your equipment to protect the trail.

Day 04 on the the Inca Trail is the most challenging, with a steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,215 meters. The trail is quite steep and can be a bit of a challenge for some, but the views from the top are absolutely stunning.

After reaching the pass, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.

You’ll arrive at Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to rest and recover before continuing the trek the next day.

Today is considered challenging day of the trek, as you will climb up to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, which stands at 13,780 feet above sea level.

Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.

Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and set up camp for the night.

DAY 04 TREKKING DETAILS:

• Total hiking distance: 6.8 miles/12km (7-8 hours).
• Campsite altitude: 3700 meters (high) above sea level
• Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
• Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
• Accommodation: Camping in tents.
• Weather: Cold

Day five of the Inca Trail is a bit easier than previus days, with a mostly downhill trek to Wiñay Wayna. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, which is known as the “Town in the Clouds.”

You’ll also pass by some beautiful waterfalls and streams, providing plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. You’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Today’s hike is a mix of steep climbs and descents, passing through several Inca sites along the way, including Runkuracay and Sayacmarca.

Reach the second highest point of the trail at 12,630 feet above sea level before descending into the cloud forest and arriving at the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.

DAY 05 TREKKING DETAILS:

• Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
• Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level
• Considered: Moderate day, short uphill, then – all downhill!
• Area: High Cloud Forest
• Weather: Warm and very humid (chilly weather)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
• Accommodation: Camping in tents

The final day of the adventure Salkantay trek and Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you’ll finally reach Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early, with a short trek to the Sun Gate, which provides stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend to the ruins themselves, where you’ll have a guided tour.

Machu Picchu is truly awe-inspiring, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.

Wake up early to arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Descend into the citadel and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca city.

In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a train ride back to Cusco.

DAY 06 DETAILS:

• Considered: The most exciting and magical day
• Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, included
• Bus: Tickets for the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes included
• Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo included; train at 14:30 or 14:55
• Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco included 1.5-2 hour’s car ride
• Back in Cusco: You will be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm