6 Days 5 Nights
Daily Tour
10 people
English, Espanol
The Salkantay trail hikes through diverse landscapes and has spectacular views of snow capped mountains, glaciers, Andean plateaus, waterfalls, and high jungle. The Inca Trail is the most popular trek to Machu Picchu and traverses original Inca steps ending at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the entrance to Machu Picchu city. You will trek past 7 archaeological sites along the way and a variety of flora and fauna. This combined trek is approximately 76 km/47.2 miles and goes up to 4,965 m/16,289 ft. It is classified as a moderate to strenuous trek.
This trail requires a permit and a limited number of people are allowed to trek per day. These spots fill quickly so booking well in advance (at least 6+ months recommended) is essential. Minimum passengers necessary for trek departure: 2 people (1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed maximum).
Don’t want to hike both? We have a 5 Day Salkantay Trek and the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail as well.
DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SORAYPAMPA – ICHUPATA Today we begin our trek! After an early pick up from your hotel we take private transport to the village of Mollepata (2.5 hours) where we will have breakfast and look around the village. You can also buy last minute supplies here. We continue driving for 45 minutes to Challacancha (3400m/11,154ft). Here we begin our trek with a short climb to a pretty channel of water. From here it is a 2 hour gradual climb to the stunning Lake Humantay where we have time to rest and take pictures, after which we have lunch in Soraypampa. After lunch we hike 3 hours up to Ichupata where we camp for the evening. Walking distance approximately: 12km/7.45 miles (5-7 hrs) Campsite elevation: 4200m/13,779ft Meals: box breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp Overnight: Mountain Hardwear Tent (double occupancy)
DAY 2: ICHUPATA – INCACHIRIASCA PASS – SISAY PAMPA Today we wake up early and start hiking for 3-4 hours past Pampa Japonesa towards the highest summit on the trek, the Incachiriasca Pass (4965m/16,289ft) where you will have stunning views of glacial Salkantay Mountain. After a rest at the pass we then descend about 20 minutes to our lunch spot. After lunch we hike for 2 hours down to Sisay pampa (4100m/13,451ft) where we will camp for the night. Sisay pampa is a lovely, flat area with views into the neighboring valleys. Walking distance approximately: 12km/7.45 miles (5-7 hrs) Campsite elevation: 4100m/13,451ft Highest Pass on the trek: 4965m/16,289ft Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp Overnight: Mountain Hardwear Tent (double occupancy)
DAY 3: SISAY PAMPA – WAYLLABAMBA (ENTRANCE TO INCA TRAIL) – AYAPATA This morning we continue 3.5 hours down towards the Pampacahuana community which is next to an original Inca water canal. From Pampachuana we have a 1-2 hour hike down through a narrow, steep valley to Inkarakay, an Inca fortress ruin (otherwise known as Paucarcancha). We will have time to explore this small Inca Ruin that most people never get to see. We then continue walking for approximately 1 more hour down to the small village of Wayllabamba which is where we join the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Since horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail due to the stone steps, we now say goodbye to our horsemen and horses and meet our amazing porters who will take over carrying all of our gear for the next few days. After eating lunch we start hiking up towards Warmihuañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass via a steep ascent that is 9km/5.6 miles in length. We do not hike this entire distance, however, as we stop part of the way up the pass at Ayapata where we will camp for the night. Walking distance approximately: 14km/8.7 miles (6-7 hrs) Campsite elevation: 3400m/11,154ft Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp Overnight: Mountain Hardwear Tent (double occupancy)
DAY 4: AYAPATA – CHAQUICOCHA Today we continue our climb to Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass, 4200m/13,776ft), about 2 hours uphill. This is the highest point on the Inca Trail (though not on this combined trek). After we summit the pass we then descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11,811ft) and then hike up to the second pass, Runkurakay (3970m), stopping halfway to visit the beautiful archeological ruin known as Runkurakay (3800m). Experts believe that this small oval structure was used as a watchtower. After summiting the Runkurakay pass, we then hike down towards Yanacocha (black lagoon) and into the cloud forest, finally arriving at an impressive semicircular ruin known as Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). After we explore Sayacmarca we hike a further 20 minutes to Chaquicocha (3600m/11,811ft) where we will camp for the night. Walking distance approximately: 17km/10.5 miles (7 hrs.) Campsite elevation: 3800m/12,467ft Inca Trail Trek high point: Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m/13,779ft) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp Overnight: Mountain Hardwear Tent (double occupancy)
DAY 5: CHAQUICOCHA – WINAYWAYNA After an early morning breakfast we start an easy, gentle climb to the Phuyupatamarca pass (3700m/12136ft) where we will explore the Phuyupatamarca ruin site, one of the most complete and best preserved archeological complexes along the Inca Trail. Located on the highest point of the mountain, Phuyupatamarca means town over the clouds. From here there are beautiful views of the Urubamba River valley below. After exploring this ruin site we hike down the stone steps to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft) where we will camp for the night. The Wiñaywayna archaeological complex is an impressive ruin made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces as well as a religious sector and an urban sector. This is one of the most beautiful ruin sites along the Inca Trail and only 5 minutes away from the campsite! Get some sleep tonight as we have a very early wake up tomorrow in order to hike directly into Machu Picchu via the sungate! Walking distance approximately: 10km/6.2 miles (5 hrs) Campsite elevation: 2650m/8694ft Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch and camp Overnight: Mountain Hardwear Tent (double occupancy)
DAY 5: WINAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO After waking up at 4am we begin our early morning hike that takes us across a steep mountainside through lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. At the top we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the city’s highlights and some time for individual exploring among Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and crannies. If you wish you can book one of the extra hikes within Machu Picchu (Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain). These hikes are permitted, incur a fee, and spots are limited. These hikes must be booked well in advance, at the same time the permit is secured. If you choose one of these hikes you may miss out on part of the guided tour. After the guided tour, a shuttle bus takes us to the small town below Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to eat lunch in a restaurant of your choosing and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo where private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Walking distance approximately: 7km/4.3 miles (2 hrs) Meals: breakfast on the trail and snacks for the morning tour Machu Picchu entrance included for the first morning slot. Further slots can be purchased to extend your time in the ruin site. Overnight: Not included NOTE: The times cited in the itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend upon the group and lunch stops and campsites vary according to the progress of the group. Also, camping sites may be subject to change based on when permits are purchased and how the government assigns camp sites – your guide will inform you of any changes at the briefing
HIKES WITHIN MACHU PICCHU There are hikes within Machu Picchu that you can do on your own if you wish. The hikes that historically have not required an entrance ticket are: The Inka bridge and the Sun Gate (where the Inka Trail ends with a view of Machu Picchu city), although these may become subject to permits and charges in 2021. Further, all permitted hikes are subject to closure due to weather, erosion, pandemic/epidemic, etc., and is outside our control as this is regulated by the Peruvian Government. Wayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes both require a paid ticket and there are a limited number of spots (200 at 7am and 200 at 10am). If you want to hike one of these please let us know well in advance as these spots fill up very quickly. Please note we cannot guarantee you a spot for the mountains requiring tickets and that the Wayna Picchu trail is very steep and slippery and not for those afraid of heights or with vertigo). We recommend the 10am time slot as Machu Picchu tends to be cloudy in the morning. You are only allowed to hike one of these mountains on a given day so if you would like to do both you would need to return the next day to hike the other one. Extra hikes are affected by the time slots meaning you can: Stick with one entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (6am entrance time) that we include in the cost of our trips and go on the extra hike starting at 7am. This means you would miss the guided tour of Machu Picchu unless we customized your trip and added an extra time slot later. Book an extra entrance ticket (second time slot) along with the extra hike to enter Machu Picchu at 6am, have the guided tour first and some free time and then stay for the extra hike at 9 or 10am and depart after the hike. Inca Trail and Extra Hikes: Inca Trail has not been affected as much by the new rules. You will still enter Machu Picchu via the sungate as you arrive and will have a guided tour of the ruin site. You can only start your extra hike at 9 or 10am for the Inca Trail due to when you arrive to the ruin site. You would exit Machu Picchu after completing the extra hike. You can also opt for another entrance ticket if you wish to stay longer of course. General Info about the Extra Hikes and Machu Picchu: You can only hike one of the extra hikes per day – these are Peruvian Government rules. If you wish to hike both you would need to stay overnight and return to Machu Picchu the next day to hike the second one. We can help arrange this. The hikes are permitted and require a paid ticket that is linked to your passport info There are 200 slots at 7am for Machu Picchu Mountain and 200 slots at 7am for Wayna Picchu and 200 slots at 9am for Machu Picchu Mountain and 200 slots at 10am for Wayna Picchu Mountain. If you want to hike both you need to return the following day to complete the second one. A guide is required to enter Machu Picchu with you but would not go on the extra hike with you unless you specifically request that. In 2019 they are no longer allowing box lunches to be brought into Machu Picchu so please plan accordingly with plenty of snacks (beyond the ones we provide if you feel you’ll need them). In 2019 they are no longer allowing plastic water bottles so come prepared with reusable water bottle(s).
A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group. Price for 6-10 trekkers: 1200 USD per person. Price for 3-5 trekkers: 1300 USD per person. Price for 2 trekkers: 1600 USD per person. Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome, Please email us to customize.
On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses/porters do not walk alongside you. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by horses/porters. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” tab. Yes we do offer luggage storage and most hotels/hostels in Cusco also offer this service.
Yes, we do cater to any dietary restriction. We have had many people join our trips who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and have various other intolerances and/or allergies. Just inform us well in advance of your specific needs!
Year-round, though the best weather is usually seen between March/April to November (or dry season). This tour is rated as easy to moderate as it involves gentle walking at each site. This is a great acclimatizing day tour as it is gentle walking at a lower altitude than Cusco. Please note if the weather is very poor the trail could be dangerous and we may have to cancel the trip and may be able to substitute another day hike or day tour instead, depending on the circumstances.
We take your health and that of our staff very seriously. We adhere to the recommended rules as outlined by the Peruvian Government, including border closures, trail closures, face-covering orders, quarantine orders, negative COVID19 test results, and the eventual need for proof of COVID19 vaccination. We have instituted a number of increased hygiene precautions for food preparation and treks/tours outlined below. Face coverings will be worn at all times by the guide/staff and are required of guests in towns and ruin sites and anywhere else it is mandated per Peruvian rules. Social distancing will be observed to the best of our ability, especially along the trail if you wish to remove face coverings while hiking. Increased hand hygiene will be practiced and temperatures checked daily. Anyone exhibiting COVID19 symptoms will need to self-quarantine. Machu Picchu has been declared a Safe Travels destination. In line with the good news that Peru is opening to a wider range of international visitors, we have updated our safety protocols to help keep you safe while you are travelling with us. Trips will take place in small groups (8 people per group, including guide), and according to the instructions we receive from the Ministry of Tourism. All of our transport will continue to be private services. Our guides, drivers, and representatives: Will wear masks and use antibacterial gel at all times Will be monitored continuously with temperature and symptom checks. If anyone has symptoms, they will be obliged to rest and recover, and substituted with other staff members We will ensure social distancing by: Keeping 1-meter distance between passengers when boarding vehicles. Restricting physical contact between our staff and customers. To add to your packing list: Cloth or medical face masks Face shields Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces Digital thermometer We recommend the following steps to protect yourself and others when you travel: Always maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others Avoid crowds Wear a face mask and a face shield Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Cover coughs and sneezes Do not travel if you are feeling sick Disinfect your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry With our updated protocol, we hope to offer you a safe stay without compromising on our excellent service. We will continue adapting our standards according to the recommendations of health experts. The Inca Trail 2D is open again as of Nov 2020 with a capacity of 150 people per day (down from 500). We do not have confirmation as yet for the Classic Inca Trail 4D but we will keep you posted. There are vulnerable communities along this trail and they are being closely monitored by the Peruvian Government. The minister has informed that only 675 people will be allowed inside Machu Picchu per day, which is 30% of its capacity pre-pandemic. Visitors will enter in groups of 8, with a tour guide, and will need to maintain a distance of 1.5-2 meters apart. Visitors will only be permitted entry when accompanied by a professional guide and have their tickets booked through a registered travel agent, such as Killa Expeditions. All of the above information is subject to change. Right now Peru has opened its borders to most countries but we recommend checking specifics for your country as these are updated regularly. Wishing you happy and safe travels! Blog Post: https://killaexpeditions.com/covid-19-travel-safety-protocols-with-killa-expeditions/
Deposit: The entire day hike cost will be charged to your card when you book the trip. 50% of this is non-refundable. Payment of Balance: The balance of the tour is due 60 days prior to departure and will be auto-debited via the booking software system on that date. If you wish to pay early, or use a different card to the one you have on file, you may do so by clicking on the reservation number in your confirmation email and entering the pin that was provided to you in the original confirmation email. If you wish to make other arrangements (e.g. pay cash in Cusco), please contact us. Please note if you book your trip within 60 days of departure, the balance of the trek will be auto-debited the next day. If you do not wish this to happen please contact us. Passport: For this trek we do NOT need a photo of your passport bio page. However, as this involves international travel, please note that each traveler is responsible for knowing the re-entry rules for their country of residence/citizenship. Some countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond the final date of travel. Please ensure that your passport is up to date and meets your country and residency requirements. Visa’s: Most countries are allowed to obtain a visa upon entry at immigration. Very few countries require a visa to be granted in advance. Please note that each traveler is responsible for finding out and obtaining a visa prior to entry if required. Please also note that tourist visas are for 90 days or less (typically) and you must show proof of return travel.
Please review our booking terms carefully. The minimum number of trekkers required for departure is 6 for the price quoted online. If the minimum is not met within 2 weeks of departure, Killa Expeditions reserves the right to offer the 1-2 paid trekkers the option of 1) paying the difference to take a private trek, 2) transferring their payment to another trek with more trekkers booked, or 3) cancel the trek and provide a full refund. Please contact us with questions. At the time of booking the entire day hike cost is charged. This is required to secure your spot on the tour and 50% is non-refundable. The balance of the trip (if any) is due within 60 days of departure Cancellations: Initial deposit is non-refundable. You may cancel your booking by notifying Killa Expeditions or Agent used and the applicable cancellation fees shall be determined based on when the request is received by Killa Expeditions or Agent. (a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of the first Product to depart in relevant booking: 60% of the Product total shall be refunded to you (Inca Trail excepted where 25% of the Inca Trail product total shall be refunded to you). (b) Cancellation received 59-30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: an amount equal to 25% of the total Product shall be refunded to you. (Inca Trail excepted where no refund is payable). (c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: no refund shall be payable to you. Travel Medical Insurance: is required to depart on any trek (including emergency evacuation coverage and high altitude hiking). We also suggest travel interruption insurance in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Killa Expeditions is not responsible for losses incurred due to any travel interruption (ex: weather/natural phenomena, missed/delayed/canceled flight, acts of war/terrorism, pandemics/epidemics, strikes, etc.), passport, visa, family emergency, or illness/medical issues. Please be advised that due to COVID19 pandemic and any subsequent variants – there may be border closures, quarantine measures, changes in entry requirements, etc. We will do our best to change your trek to a different date if issues arise that are outside of our control on our end. Please note you may also be required to show proof of a negative COVID19 test within 72 hours of departure and potentially a vaccination card once vaccines are widely available. As these terms change we will alert travelers to the new regulations. For Full Terms and Conditions please see the policy linked at the bottom of our website in the footer. It is also available to read during the checkout process. https://killaexpeditions.com/terms-conditions-peru/
Helping Local Children or Andean People (Optional) Along certain treks we may encounter some local children and Andean people. If you wish to lend a helping hand you may bring some clothes, toys, books and school equipment (used or new), toiletries and other essentials, and new/sealed medication for a variety of ailments. You will be rewarded with their gratitude and beautiful smiles. Please do not give candy or sweets as they do not have access to dental/medical care and tooth decay can lead to serious illness. For those who wish to help but take a trek that does not pass local people or villages you can leave your donated items with a Killa Expeditions representative and we will distribute them to one of the local communities that we support. You can also set up a day to visit a local community to donate your items personally! There are a variety of other ways in which to lend a helping hand to local communities (charity events, building schools, and much more). We support several local communities so if interested please get in touch!
ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY Our mission is to provide exceptional treks, tours, and adventure trips with a strong commitment to environmentally responsible, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious travel. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local people and natural environments we visit. We pay fair, livable wages, ensuring we hire and maintain the absolute best guides and support staff. We are committed to international sustainable tourism guidelines and have developed ongoing community projects and charity events supporting 4+ local Andean communities. EXCELLENCE We pride ourselves on providing 5 star service before, during, and after your trip. Killa Expeditions is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences. We have been awarded the 2017, 2018 & 2019 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence! QUALITY When trekking through rugged mountain terrain, at high altitudes, with unpredictable weather, it is essential to have the best equipment available. We provide Mountain Hardwear 4 season tents (3 season for Inca Trail due to warmer weather), extra thick mattress pads, dry bags for your overnight gear, and more, to ensure a safe and pleasant journey. NO HIDDEN COSTS Our treks and tours are truly 5 star and all inclusive. We do not charge extra to “upgrade” as we offer the best option included in the price already. There are no hidden meal costs, we are transparent about all inclusions, and best of all no booking fees! SMALL GROUPS Our groups average about 8 guests per departure, and are typically a mix of solo travellers, friends travelling together, and couples, all of varying ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Come prepared to make lots of new best friends. If you book a custom/private large group we provide 1 guide per 8 travelers, ensuring a small group feel and specialized attention. GOURMET Only the best, quality ingredients are selected from local farmers. Our chefs prepare a specially designed menu to maximize energy and facilitate acclimatization. And the dishes, a mix of traditional Peruvian cuisine and contemporary cuisines, are delicious too! And yes, we cater to any dietary need. PERSONALIZED We can customize any trek or tour to suit your travel, fitness, budget, and time preferences. Got a corporate or work shindig, charity group, or other major event you’d like to book a trek or tour for? Get in touch, we can arrange everything for you! LEAVE NO TRACE Our trips leave behind nothing but smiles and footprints, as it should be. REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE We love our planet, which is why we reduce, reuse and recycle. Our gear is reusable (no paper or plastic plates/cups/utensils), we buy local goods that do not come in paper/plastic wrapping, and we recycle everything we can. This is not the norm in Peru but we hope to help it become the norm one day soon! PASSIONATE All of our employees are passionate about what they do. Who wouldn’t be with majestic mountains and never-ending vistas as your office! We are proud to offer our guides and staff the highest wages. WE GIVE BACK We buy locally produced food, hire native tour guides, and book locally owned hotels and restaurants whenever possible. We hold numerous charity events throughout the year in various traditional Andean communities. Events often involve distributing food, drinks, daily essentials (such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and more), toys for the children, shoes and clothes donated by many of our wonderful guests, and we are currently raising funds to finish building a school in the Willoc Community. Ask us about how you can help! For further information about us please see the following links: Equipment: learn about why we provide the best! https://www.killaexpeditions.com/our-equipment/ Our Team: meet some of our amazing guides! https://www.killaexpeditions.com/our-team/ Reviews – find us on Trip Advisor! Killa Expeditions Trip Advisor Page (Awarded 2017, 2018 & 2019 Certificate of Excellence)
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3-5 trekkers | 3 | 5 | $300,00 |
| 2 | 6-10 trekkers | 6 | 10 | $320,00 |
Member Since 2022
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