07 Day Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Private Service

The Inca Trail is a well-preserved stretch of the great road network of the Qhapac Ñan. This ancient network, spanning more than 30,000 km/18,641 miles in South America, used to connect the major cities or places of the Tahuantinsuyo.

Marvel at its elaborate architecture, which includes several impressive stone structures, bridges, and tunnels, harmoniously integrating with the majestic Andean landscape and crossing Inca sites of great historical importance.

The Inca Salkantay Trail offers an unforgettable experience that combines trekking adventure with breathtaking scenery and the richness of the Inca culture. During this journey, you can expect moderate challenges in the terrain, such as steep ascents and descents. The highlight is the spectacular Salkantay Pass, which rises to an altitude of 5,200 meters. You will also explore Inca archaeological sites, immersing yourself in the history and majesty of the region. The route will also take you through varied ecosystems, from high Andean areas to tropical forests.

The maximum altitude reached on the Salkantay Inca Trail is at the Incachiriaska Open, which stands at 5,200 m/17,060 feet.

During the hike, you will be surrounded by imposing glaciers, and you'll enjoy an impressive view of valleys and crystal-clear water lagoons.

The first day is difficult level as the walking time is 6 hours including steep climbs and uneven terrain.

The second day has a challenging level with a significant climb and a 7-hour walk.

The third day is characterized by its formidable difficulty, as it involves climbing to the highest point of the trek, the abra Incachiriaska, with an estimated duration of 6 hours.

The fourth day lowers the intensity to a moderate level, with a descent through uneven terrain and stone steps, lasting approximately 7 hours.

The fifth day presents a formidable level, being one of the most demanding days with an ascent to the abra Warmiwañusca and a 9-hour walk.

The sixth day facilitates the route with a mild difficulty level since the journey is downhill until you reach the last camp in Wiñay Wayna.

The seventh day is easy level involves a walk of approximately 2 hours to reach the world wonder, Machu Picchu.

Yes, optimal physical condition, endurance, and strength are required to face daily walks with steep ascents and descents. Take previous training, such as regular walks, cardiovascular exercises, and muscle strengthening. Also, it's important to consult a doctor before starting the walk to check your fitness.

The Salkantay Inca Trail begins in Challacancha and culminates at Machu Picchu, a world wonder. However, by booking with Inkayni Peru Tours, your adventure will start and end directly at your hotel in Cusco.

To know the availability of the Inca Salkantay Trail, you must book a permit through an authorized agency such as Inkayni Peru Tours. Contact our sales agents to check available dates and alternatives.

To secure the permits, process them through an authorized agency such as Inkayni Peru Tours. Contact our agents to check availability and proceed with the booking.

It is recommended to book 6 to 7 months in advance, especially because the Inca Trail has limited spaces (500 daily). The opening of reservations for the following year is usually in early October, and the spaces are quickly sold out.

Before making a deposit, it is crucial to contact our sales agents to check the availability of the Inca Trail on the ideal date for your trip.

Once the availability for the requested date is confirmed, it is essential to deposit 40% of the total amount of the trekking to secure your trip. You can make these deposits by credit or debit card, bank transfer, Western Union, and PayPal.

After completing the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation via email at the address provided during the booking process.

Settlement of the remaining balance: The balance shall be paid upon arrival in Cusco, either in US dollars or in Peruvian soles, preferably in cash. Once your reservation for the Inca Trail is confirmed, we will provide you with the necessary details to make the corresponding deposit for your trip. It is important to remember that this deposit is not refundable or transferable, as it is used to acquire the entry permit to the Inca Trail and secure the reserved space. Once purchased, no changes are allowed in the booking (dates, names, data, etc.).

Unfortunately not, changing the dates once the permits have been purchased won't be possible. These are not transferable or refundable, so you should select them carefully when booking.

Once the Inca Salkantay Trail deposit is made, it is not refundable or transferable, as it is used to acquire the permit and secure the space.

Acclimatizing in Cusco is crucial. We recommend tours such as the City Tour, Sacred Valley + Chinchero Tour, and South Valley Tour to adapt to the altitude of the Andes.

Our agents will offer alternative treks or dates if the date is sold out. You can opt for treks like:

• Salkantay Trek 5 days
• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
• Inca Jungle 4 days

The best season is from April to October, during the dry season. June to August is the high season, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Reservations are accepted for people from 15 to 55 years old, with parents taking responsibility for minors. Over 55 must have optimal physical condition and follow medical recommendations.

It's advisable to arrive at least 2 or 3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek.

It is possible to experience altitude sickness upon arrival in Cusco if you are not accustomed to altitudes above 3,000 m/9,842 feet. This discomfort usually manifests itself with symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, and nausea. While not a cause for great concern, it is essential to be alert to these signs to ensure they do not affect your experience on the Inca Trail.

To counteract this discomfort, we offer you some practical tips:

• Maintain proper hydration levels.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before and after you arrive; wait until you adapt.
• Limit the consumption of red meat in the first few days.
• Opt for light fruits and soups in your initial diet.
• Drinking coca mate is beneficial to counteract altitude sickness, but avoid taking it at night.

If you have luggage you will not need during your trip on the Inca Trail, you have the option of leaving it stored at your hotel in Cusco (Most hotels offer this service at no extra cost).

If your hotel does not provide this option, we will take care of your luggage safely at our facilities.

Yes, it is recommended to use trekking poles during the short Inca Trail. These poles offer additional support when walking on varied and steep terrain, reducing joint strain and improving balance.

If you do not have hiking poles for the Inca Trail, we offer the option of renting them for an additional cost of USD 15.00.

The briefing (briefing) is important because at this meeting you will have the opportunity to meet your guide, who will provide you with crucial details about the trek to the 4-day Inca Trail, including the necessary clothing and weather conditions you will face.

During the meeting, you will receive a duffle bag and you can pack all the essentials for the 4 days of this adventure, with a weight limit of 5 kilograms.

In addition, if you have not yet canceled the remaining balance of the trek, you can do so during this meeting.

During the crossing of the Inca Salkantay Trail, you will have a highly trained team of muleteers during the first days and porters in the following days. These professionals will be responsible for efficiently transporting the camp equipment and essential supplies throughout the 7 days of the tour.

First day: Soraypampa (3,900 meters/12,795 feet) lacks shower and toilet facilities, therefore a portable bath will be provided for your convenience.

Day 2: Pampajaponesa (4,750 meters/15,584 feet) does not have showers or toilets, however you will be provided with a portable toilet for your convenience.

Third day: Pucarcancha (3,120 meters/10,236 feet) will offer portable toilets, as there are no bathroom or shower facilities available at the camp itself.

Day 4: Ayapata (3,300 meters/10,827 feet) does not have a bath or shower facility, so portable toilets will be installed for use.

Day 5: Chaquicocha (3,600 meters/11,811 feet) also has no toilets and showers, but portable toilets will be available for your convenience.

Day 6: Wiñay Wayna (2,650 meters/8,924 feet) offers basic showers and toilets, plus a portable toilet will be provided to ensure your convenience.

Along the crossing of the Inca Trail Salkantay, you are likely to experience a limited or no connection of telephone and internet signal, due to the mountainous and forested geography. It is crucial to keep in mind that the main purpose of this journey on the Inca Trail is to appreciate the natural environment, get away from the bustle of the city, and return with renewed energies.

If you want to enhance your train travel experience upon returning from the Inca Trail, you have the option Vistadome train from Peru Rail, with an additional cost of USD 45.00. We recommend you contact our sales agents, for detailed information on this option.

Note: The main distinction between the Vistadome and the Expedition trains is service and comfort. Vistadome offers a complete service, including greater comfort, complimentary snacks, a live dance show, and a fashion show with baby alpaca clothes.

You must adapt to the altitude of Cusco City at least 2 or 3 days before starting the Inca Trail Salkantay. In this sense, we suggest you consider the following tour options:

• Cusco City Tour: Explore the city of Cusco through an afternoon guided tour.
• Sacred Valley + Chinchero Tour: Discover impressive archaeological sites and ancestral techniques on a tour of the Sacred Valley next to Chinchero.
• South Valley Tour: Explore the route to the south of Cusco as you acclimate to the heights of the Andes.

Each of these additional walks provides a unique perspective on Machu Picchu. In Huayna Picchu, you can admire the Inca structures, while in Machu Picchu mountain, located at a higher altitude, you enjoy a rich biodiversity of flora and wildlife.

It is important to note that both tours have a limited number of permits, with Huayna Picchu being the one that usually runs out faster compared to Machu Picchu mountain. For them, it's advisable to make the booking in advance, ideally 6 months. The cost for either of these two additional routes is USD 85.00.

At Inkayni Peru Tours we care about your food preferences and offer a variety of dining options on the Inca Trail. If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have other preferences, let us know to ensure a personalized culinary experience.

Breakfast is complete with coffee, coca mate, hot chocolate, teas, eggs, fruits, quinoa, juices and more.

Lunch is diverse and includes meat, chicken, fish, salads, soups, chaufa, vegetables, and desserts.

The dinner presents options, from salads and pizza to chicken, pasta, pork, soups, and delicious desserts.

You can stay in the city of Cusco, but it is essential to arrive early, at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek, to allow a proper acclimatization process.

a) GOOD WAGES: As a responsible tourism agency, we pay our porters a salary of 210 Soles for the Inca trail tour. And their transportation costs (almost 20% above the legal minimum wage, making Inkayni one of the best trekking agencies in Cusco). inca trail tour

Certainly, all agencies in Cusco must pay this amount. But, to this day many agencies do not even pay the legal minimum wage.

b) APPROPRIATE WEIGHT LIMIT: Among the basic policies of Inkayni Peru Tours is respect for all staff of the Inca route, which means not exceeding the weight limits.

This factor is important when choosing a travel agency to take the Salkantay trekking and the classic Inca trail.

However, there are many irresponsible companies (even big-name companies that have grown due to the exploitation of their staff. Those who carry over 25 kilograms more).

c) INSURANCE:  Inkayni Peru Tours is one of the few companies that offers insurance for our trekking peru carriers

d) UNIFORMS FOR WALKING: Inkayni Peru Tours offers the right uniform for all our staff on the Inca Trail.