Embark on an unforgettable adventure that blends the raw beauty of the Andes with the ancient mystery of the Inca civilization. The Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days trek offers the perfect combination of two world-renowned routes into one epic journey. This challenging yet rewarding hike takes you through dramatic mountain landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, cloud forests, and historic Inca ruins, culminating in the breathtaking arrival at the iconic Machu Picchu.
Designed for adventurers seeking more than the standard trails, this 7-day experience lets you conquer the towering Salkantay Pass while also walking sections of the legendary Classic Inca Trail. You will witness stunning contrasts—from snow-capped peaks and high-altitude passes to lush valleys and ancient stone pathways. With professional guides, comfortable camping, and full support, this trek provides an immersive way to explore Peru’s Sacred Valley and beyond.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a passionate traveler with good fitness, the Salkantay-Inca Trail combo delivers diverse scenery and cultural depth. The route covers approximately 70-75 km over varied terrain, reaching altitudes up to around 5,100 meters. Every step brings you closer to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, revealed dramatically at sunrise from the Sun Gate.
Prepare for an extraordinary expedition that challenges your body, inspires your spirit, and creates lifelong memories in one of the most spectacular destinations on Earth.
mapaOverview
This 7-day, 6-night trek masterfully merges the highlights of the Salkantay Trek and the Classic Inca Trail, creating a comprehensive adventure to Machu Picchu. It begins with a scenic drive from Cusco toward Mollepata, entering the rugged highland terrain dominated by the majestic Apu Salkantay mountain. Early days focus on the Salkantay section, featuring visits to the stunning Humantay Lake and the demanding ascent over high passes surrounded by glaciers and alpine meadows.
As the trek progresses, you transition seamlessly into the Inca Trail portion after connecting near Paucarcancha or Wayllabamba. Here, you walk on original Inca stone pathways, passing impressive archaeological sites such as Sayacmarca, Runkurakay, and Wiñay Wayna. The route includes exhilarating passes like the Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) and offers panoramic views of the Urubamba River valley and cloud forest ecosystems teeming with unique flora and fauna.
The grand finale arrives on the last day with an early hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you witness the legendary sunrise over Machu Picchu. After exploring the citadel with a knowledgeable guide, you descend to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing evening before returning to Cusco. The entire journey emphasizes sustainable tourism, with support from local porters and chefs who provide hearty meals and comfortable campsites along the way.
This combo trek stands out for its balance of adventure, history, and natural beauty. It appeals to those wanting a more immersive experience than the shorter Classic Inca Trail or the standard Salkantay route alone. With moderate to challenging daily hikes, proper acclimatization in Cusco beforehand is highly recommended for the best enjoyment.
Pickup 05:00 a.m. for Inca trail 7 days. Easy day ease in. Trip starts see Tarawasi Inca spot, about 2 hours drive Cusco. After look, to Mollepata break stretch legs. Then to Soraypampa, good breakfast start 7-day Salkantay & Inca trail. From Soraypampa, walk Humantay Lake, 2 hours. Arrive lake around 1 p.m., after day folks left, lake ours. Enjoy lake, back Soraypampa then to Salkantaypampa camp. Lunch there, afternoon free relax prep next.
Wake coca tea breakfast start day two. Trip flat 10 mins then hard up climb. Steep tough, go slow pace, dest 4 hours away. Hike, see Humantay glacier left, Salkantay front.
Reach camp Pampa Japonesa, lunch then afternoon check Salkantay Lake, 2-3 hours. Close Salkantay glacier. Back camp. Pampa Japonesa good spot see Soraypampa Valley, pics Salkantay glacier. Sunset nice. Night, starry sky, dinner sleep.
Big day. 2-hour up to Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass), 5028 m (16495 ft), trek high point. Top, option 30-min closer glacier or down lunch.
Views again great. Up over Salkantay shoulder, mountain big, see why Incas god it. Luck, see viscachas (rabbit chinchilla like), white tail deer, maybe Andean stuff like condors.
After Pass, 3-hour down to YanaCcaca lunch, cook waits good meal. After, 3 hours down to Canal Inca camp night.
Start breakfast, easy down valley Paucarcancha. 3 hours lunch spot. Before eat, check Paucarcancha old Inca ruins, guide tells history. Here switch horses to porters gear — prevent trail damage. After lunch, meet porters from km 82, start for 4-day Inca trail folks. Say bye horsemen. Short stop check passports Inca trail permits, 1-hour hike Wayllabamba. Then to Ayapata camp night.
Tough day two passes. Breakfast, hike 4 hours dead woman pass. After Inca Chiriasca pass. Hike easier but steps harder. Top, see landscape change, pics both valleys down Pacaymayo lunch. Next up Runku Racay Pass, stop visit Runku Raqay Inca spot guide explains. Continue, landscape shift high to rain forest. After Pass, hour down Sayacmarca Inca spot, guide leads explore. Then to Chaquicocha camp (3600m / 11800ft), quiet, good sunset views distant mountains.
After two passes yesterday, easy day nice landscapes Inca trail. Short trek Inca flat (gentle up down) to Phuyupatamarca. Way, green cloud forest around, views distant Andes. At Phuyutamarca, guide explains site mean. After, 3 hours Inti Pata Inca spot, Urubamba River view. Explore site, to Wiñaywayna camp, lunch, nap, shower, then out explore Wiñaywayna ruins. Dinner early bed, prep big day.
Most big day, see Machu Picchu!!!!!. Breakfast, final part Salkantay Inca trail 7 days to lost Machu Picchu. First hike Inti Punku Sun Gate, inspiring wide view Machu Picchu Inca City. Then 45 mins guard house classic pic Machu Picchu, to exit toilet, re visit Inca City 2-hour guide tour sanctuary. After tour Machupicchu, bus down Aguas Calientes lunch free time town, train back Ollantaytambo then bus Cusco. Back Cusco approx 7 p.m.
Standard Group Departure From USD 1,195 per person (based on shared group of 4-8 travelers). Includes all listed services with high-quality camping and full meal plan.
Private Trek Option From USD 1,450 per person (for 2 travelers). Enjoy exclusive service, flexible pacing, and personalized attention throughout the journey.
Upgrade Options
Prices vary slightly by season and group size. Contact us for exact quotes, 2026-2027 availability, and any current promotions.
Extra To Up Info
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, peak behind Machu Picchu, gives top views hike. Before climb, some details. Wayna Peru Trips handle tickets, spot time sure.
Hike starts 10-11 a.m., after Machu Picchu guide 9-10:30 a.m. Trail in 10:40 a.m. Hike no guide unless private $60. Summit 1 hour, suggest 25 mins top views back down 45 mins.
Total 2-2.5 hours, back Machu Picchu 1 p.m., time bus Aguas Calientes. Note: parts steep narrow, hands need. Fear heights? Maybe not.
Vistadome Train
Salkantay + Inca Trail 7 Days Machu Picchu, return Expedition Train in. But up comfort scenery, go Vistadome.
Premium big windows, wide tables, cushion seats, glass roof — good see Andes back Ollantaytambo. On, live fun, trad music dance, culture shows, free snack enjoy ride.
Vistadome Observatory Train
More immerse, Vistadome Observatory up level. Like Vistadome, wide windows no miss Sacred Valley. Service snacks native stuff, live Andes music, trad dance, alpaca fashion show.
Stand out? Observatory bar car, mingle dance drinks (drinks not in ticket). Balcony step out, fresh air, unique pics.
Note bar access time limit passenger manage.
Trek Poles
Inca trail old steps steep up down, suggest trek poles. Extra balance, less knee strain, stop injuries — tricky ground.
No own, rent us $40 whole trek. Only Black Diamond poles, trust brand top gear. Reserve with Inca trail permit or rent Cusco office day before.
Help knee issues or new hike, but even old timers use. Your comfort choice.
Sleep Bag
No carry own sleep bag? Rent us $40 7-day. Reserve with Inca trail permit or get Cusco office pre brief (day before trek).
We give Mountain Hardwear bags, cold expeditions, warm -20°C (-4°F). Useful second night trail, temps drop most.
Air Mattress
For comfort, include foam mattresses every trek. Measure approx 190 cm (75 in) long, 60 cm (24 in) wide, 6 cm (2.4 in) thick — most hikers comfy camp nights Inca Trail 7 Days.
Extra luxury, rent inflate air mattress $40 each. On top foam, double pad, better rest. Good sleep difference Andes trek!
Is the Salkantay and Inca Trail 7 Days suitable for beginners? This trek is best suited for hikers with previous multi-day trekking experience and good physical conditioning. Proper acclimatization and a determined mindset greatly contribute to success.
Why does the Inca Trail section require a permit? The government strictly limits daily entries to protect the trail. Our experienced team obtains the necessary permits as part of your booking, ensuring compliance and availability.
What weather conditions can I expect? During the dry season (April-October), days are generally sunny and pleasant while nights can drop below freezing at higher camps. Rain is less common but possible—pack accordingly.
Are dietary requirements accommodated? Yes. All meals are freshly prepared with options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special diets. Please inform us of any allergies or preferences at the time of booking.
How much weight will I carry? Porters handle the majority of the gear, food, and your main duffle bag. You only carry a lightweight daypack with essentials like water, layers, camera, and snacks.
What happens after visiting Machu Picchu on the final day? After the guided tour and free exploration, you take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or directly to Cusco, depending on your package details.
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Embark on an unforgettable adventure that blends the raw beauty of the Andes with the ancient mystery of the Inca civilization. The Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7
