
6-Day Salkantay Trek & Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Best Combined Route
Machu Picchu (twice!) ✓ Salkantay Trek ✓ Inca Trail ✓
This 6-day Salkantay Trek and Classic Inca Trail combination is widely regarded as one of the best treks in Peru to Machu Picchu. Unlike standard routes, this multi-day trekking tour delivers the complete Andean experience— from the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,271m) to the ancient stone pathways of the Classic Inca Trail. It's the ultimate Salkantay Inca Trail expedition for adventurers who refuse to choose between natural beauty and historical significance.
"The only 6-day Salkantay + Classic Inca Trail combination that includes Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Dead Woman's Pass, AND Sun Gate entry—with ethical porter treatment and women empowerment initiatives."
"As a 100% local Cusco tour operator, Inca Land Adventures is committed to ethical tourism in Peru. We are the only company offering women porters on the Inca Trail and provide fair wages 20% above industry standard. Our Salkantay Trekking experiences include glamping-style camping with Glass Cabana accommodations at Soraypampa—similar to Alpaca Expeditions' luxury approach, but at competitive prices."
Ethical Trekking: Our Porter-First Commitment
Day 1: Cusco –Soraypampa –Humantay lake –Salkantaypampa
Day 3 : Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Llulluchapampa
Wake up to the first light over Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m).
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day as you ascend toward the Salkantay Pass, enjoying panoramic views of Andean peaks, wildlife, and dramatic valleys. Then descend gradually to Ichupata and continue to your campsite near Pampacahuana, an isolated valley touched by ancient Andean traditions.
A delicious dinner awaits at camp—perfect after a full day on the remote Salkantay Trail..
Your adventure begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive to Soraypampa, the gateway to the Salkantay region. Hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, surrounded by glacier peaks.
After lunch, continue to the Salkantay Base Camp where you’ll enjoy a warm dinner under an incredible star-filled sky.
This first day sets the tone for your Salkantay trekking – Inca Trail combination adventure..
Early in the morning we will leave our campsite at Pampacawana and make our way down the valley to join the Inca Trail at Wayllabamba. Along the way, we will visit many Incas sites that correspond to the greater Inca trail system, such as ‘Paucarcancha, and Wayllabamba, Our guides will make sure you explore these ancient sites and give you the proper historical and archaeological information about them. Our goal for the day is to check in with the Machu Picchu park rangers and enter officially into the NAtional Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Our Campiste for the day is Ayapata.. Our Campiste for the day is llulluchapampa.This is where your trip becomes the perfect fusion of the Salkantay Trek and Classic Inca Trail.
Day 4 : Llulluchapampa- Phuyupatamarca
This is a challenging day for us. We will keep climbing the mountain towards the Abra de Huarmihuañusca/’Dead Woman’s Pass’ 4200m/13779ft. The views from here are simply amazing. Once we get to the the highest point and we take the mandatory pictures, we will proceed to go downhill for about 2.5 hours, toward Pacayamayo, our lunch spot. After we reach this place and we have a good day resting we will continue the hike in the afgternoon.
In the second part of this day, we will climb the second mountain pass of the inca trail. Along the way, we will visit the unique incan sites of Runcuracay’ and ‘Sayacmarca’ and gaze at the magnificient scenery as you pass through the lovely cloud forest. Our campsite will be located right outside the Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’).This is a highlight day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey.
Day 5 : Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
Begin with a gentle hike through Inca stone paths carved into the mountainside.
Visit Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds,” then descend through lush forest toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca sites of the entire trail. In the afternoon, follow the trail toward the sacred Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. Continue to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel before your final day.. Once Machu Picchu is closed we will take a 30 minute bus ride toward Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night.
Day 6 :Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco.
Your final day begins early with a bus ride back up to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a complete guided exploration of the temples, terraces, plazas, and hidden corners of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable Salkantay Inca Trail Machu Picchu adventure.. In the afternoon, we will catch our train back to Cusco.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Incachiriaska – Pampacahuana
Highlights: Why Choose the Classic Inca Trail Hike?
The Ultimate Andean Adventure: Salkantay + Inca Trail Combined
This isn't just a trek—it's the most complete Machu Picchu experience available. By combining the rugged Salkantay Trek with the legendary Classic Inca Trail, you'll traverse two distinct worlds: the raw, glacier-crowned wilderness of Mount Salkantay (6,271m) and the ancient stone pathways walked by Inca royalty.
What Makes This Journey Unforgettable:
Two Iconic Routes, One Epic Journey – Experience the best of both worlds: the remote, off-the-beaten-path Salkantay wilderness AND the archaeological grandeur of the Classic Inca Trail. Most travelers choose one—you'll conquer both.
Expert-Led Birdwatching Throughout – All our groups enjoy dedicated birdwatching sessions during the hike. Spot majestic Andean Condors soaring above the Salkantay Pass, vibrant hummingbirds in the cloud forests, Cock-of-the-Rock, and rare high-altitude species like the White-tailed Deer and Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas) in their natural habitat. Our guides carry field guides and know the best observation points.
Sunrise at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Enter Machu Picchu the way the Incas intended—through the sacred Sun Gate at dawn, watching the mist lift from the citadel as the first light hits the terraces.
Double Machu Picchu Access – See the citadel twice: first from the iconic Sun Gate perspective, then explore every temple and terrace during your comprehensive guided tour on Day 6.
Exclusive Campsites – Camp at Salkantaypampa, an "off-the-beaten-path" location where few others stay, surrounded by uninterrupted views of the snow-capped peak. Sleep at Phuyupatamarca ("Town in the Clouds") with panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Conquer the Highest Pass – Cross Incachiriaska Pass (5,158m / 16,495 ft)—the "Frozen Inca Pass"—the highest point on the entire trek, where you'll feel dwarfed by the sheer immensity of Salkantay Mountain, once worshipped as a god by the Incas.
Diverse Ecosystems in One Trek – Journey through four distinct climate zones: high-altitude alpine tundra, glacial valleys, subtropical cloud forests, and the high jungle, each with unique flora and fauna.
Authentic Archaeological Immersion – Visit Paucarcancha, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and other lesser-known Inca sites that most Salkantay trekkers miss entirely.
Stargazing at 4,200m – Experience the Andean night sky in its full glory from Salkantaypampa, far from any light pollution.
Inca Trail Tour Details:
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging (intermediate to experienced hikers)
Maximum Altitude: 5,158m (Incachiriaska Pass)
Group Size: Small groups (2-8 participants)
Style: Expedition trekking with cultural immersion and birdwatching focus
Professional English-speaking guide with birdwatching expertise
All Inca Trail and Machu Picchu permits
5 nights camping (3 on Salkantay, 2 on Inca Trail) + 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with dietary accommodations
Personal porter (carries up to 5kg of your gear)
Pack horses for Salkantay portion, porters for Inca Trail portion
Quality camping equipment (4-person tents for 2 people, foam mattress, pillow)
Bus tickets Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu (3 rides)
Expedition train return (upgrade to Vistadome available)
Hotel-to-hotel service with private transfers
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Birdwatching field guide and binoculars available
Not Included:
What's Included:
Lunch on Day 6, tips for staff, Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain permits ($80
Vistadome – $80
each), sleeping bag rental (available), personal travel insurance.
Extra information
I Will Never Go Hiking Or So I Thought
Top Treks to Machu Picchu with Few People on the Trail
Difference Between the 2, 4, 5-Day Inca Trail & the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Ultimate Safety Guide for High-Altitude Treks in Peru
How to Book the Inca Trail Hike 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
Luxury Treks to Machu Picchu Exclusively Operated by Inca Land Adventures
Inca Trail Packing List 2026
Empowering Women in Peru:
How to Deal With Altitude Before Hiking the Inca Trail
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu: The Classic Route Why It's Famous
Discounts Available:
Students (18-25 with valid ISIC card): $30 off
Under 18 years: $30 off
Under 11 years: $40 off
Groups of 5+: $30 off per person
Optional Extras:
Comfort Package ($120): Sleeping bag (20°F/-7°C), inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress, walking poles, camping pillow
Extra Porter ($130): Carries up to 8kg of personal gear
Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)
Vistadome Train Upgrade ($80 return)
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb ($80 — request at booking)
Pricing Per Person:2026
1 people US$1950 per person
2 people US$1350 per person
3 people US$1300 per person
4 people US$1250 per person
5 people US$1200 per person
6 people US$1150 per person
7+ people US$1100 per person.
Helps us to be great team
No Plastic Bottles on the Inca Trail
Help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Inca Trail by avoiding single-use plastic bottles. Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system. Refill stations and boiled water are available during the trek, reducing plastic waste in this sacred Andean landscape.
Preserve the Inca Sites
The archaeological sites along the Inca Trail are priceless cultural treasures of the Inca Civilization. Please respect these ancient structures—do not touch delicate stonework, climb on ruins, or remove artifacts. Protecting these sites ensures future generations can experience their history.
Keep the Inca Trail Clean
Follow the principle: “Leave No Trace.” Carry out everything you bring in, including wrappers and small waste. Keeping the trail clean helps preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Andes.
Be Green on the Trail
Travel responsibly. Stay on designated paths, respect wildlife, reduce waste, and support sustainable tourism. By trekking responsibly, you help protect the mountains, forests, and communities that make the journey to Machu Picchu so extraordinary.
Contact
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