Salkantay Peru Inka Trail Private 7 Days Tour

You will start your day early, with a pick-up from your hotel around 5 a.m. Relax in our comfortable transport as we head toward the trailhead. After approximately 2 hours, we’ll make a brief stop in Mollepata to pay the Salkantay trek entrance fee and enjoy an optional breakfast (not included).

Next, we continue for about an hour to Challacancha, where the adventure truly begins. Here, you’ll meet the cooks and horsemen, and we’ll do a final equipment check before hitting the trail.

Our hike starts with a moderate 3-hour trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we’ll spend the first night. The trail begins relatively flat with a gentle incline through a stunning glacial valley, following an ancient Inca water channel still used by local farmers. This section covers around 7 km.

Upon arrival at Soraypampa, you’ll settle into your campsite and enjoy your first mountain lunch. After some rest, we’ll set off on a rewarding 3 km round-trip hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Though short, this hike requires a steady pace due to the altitude.

At the lagoon, take time to soak in the surreal turquoise waters framed by towering glaciers one of the most spectacular sights in the Andes.

Overnight: Homestay
Meals: L- D

Wake up early and start your day with a warm, energizing cup of traditional coca tea. After a hearty breakfast, prepare for the most challenging yet rewarding part of the trek the ascent to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the route at 4,630 m (15,190 feet).

You’ll hike approximately 7 km over about four hours along the famous “Trail of the Seven Serpents,” named for its winding switchbacks. The climb is steep but steady, and your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic, snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of the sacred Apus revered by the Incas.

­
From the pass, you’ll also see stunning peaks like Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After taking in the scenery and enjoying a well-deserved rest, we’ll set up camp for lunch, relaxation, and dinner.

­

You’ll spend the night camping at the Salkantay Pass, where the cook will work with the guide and horsemen to select the perfect campsite for comfort and safety.

­ ­

Overnight: Camping
Meals: B- L- D

We’ll wake up early and start the day with a revitalizing breakfast before setting off on the trail. This section features a rocky, downhill hike lasting about 3 hours, leading us to our lunch spot at Huayracmachay (3,850 meters / 12,631 feet), where spectacular valley views await.

From here, you’ll stand at the edge of the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest, also known as the “Cloud Forest.” The next stretch covers 8 km and takes roughly 4 hours to complete.

As you hike through this enchanting jungle, you’ll witness a dramatic and rapid transition from the high Andes to the warm, lush Amazon basin. Expect vibrant scenery, unique wildlife, and native plants as the climate becomes noticeably warmer.

After a full day of trekking, we’ll arrive at our camp in Chaullay (2,950 meters / 9,678 feet), where a hearty lunch will be waiting. Settle into camp for a well-earned rest in this peaceful village.

We’ll enjoy dinner together and spend our third night under the stars.

­ ­

Overnight:Homestay
Meals: B- L- D

We’ll wake you at 6:00 a.m. with tea and breakfast before breaking camp and starting our day’s hike through the stunning Santa Teresa Valley. Today’s trek is more relaxed, featuring mostly downhill sections that give you plenty of time to absorb the lush landscape filled with rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of banana, coffee, and avocado.

Our first stop is La Playa (2,060 m / 6,759 ft), where you’ll enjoy an immersive Coffee Experience with a local family. Discover the entire coffee production process, from planting and harvesting to roasting, and even prepare and savor your own freshly brewed cup of this renowned regional coffee.

After a delicious lunch at camp, we offer an optional visit to the nearby Cocalmayo hot springs (additional cost approx. USD 17 per person, including transportation and entrance fee). Just a 50-minute drive away, the hot springs provide the perfect spot to relax in natural thermal waters for a couple of hours.

If you prefer, you can choose to stay at camp to rest and unwind. Later, we’ll regroup for tea time and a warm dinner to end the day.

Overnight: Homestay
Meals: B- L- D

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure ahead. This morning, you’ll trek along a section of the world-famous original Inca Trail, hiking uphill for three to four hours through stunning landscapes overlooking the Santa Teresa Valley.

Your destination is Llactapata (2,700 meters / 8,858 feet), an impressive Inca archaeological site located directly across from Machu Picchu. Llactapata is the first ancient site you’ll explore on this trek, where you’ll uncover the mysteries of the Inca civilization and learn about the significance of this remarkable place.

From this vantage point, you’ll catch your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu and the iconic Huayna Picchu mountain. Your guide will enrich the experience with fascinating stories and historical insights, giving you a deeper connection to the ancient culture.

After enjoying lunch and some well-deserved relaxation, you’ll settle in for the night in your tent, resting up for the next stage of the journey.

Overnight: Camping
Meals: B- L- D

After a nourishing breakfast, you’ll begin a gentle two-hour descent, enjoying several more stunning views of the iconic Machu Picchu—building excitement for the big day ahead.

­

We’ll stop for lunch in Hidroelectrica (1,800 meters / 5,905 feet) before continuing our walk along the train tracks, surrounded by lush vegetation and the soothing flow of the Urubamba River.

­

If you’re feeling tired, you have the option to take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes (approximately US$34, not included). Along the way, you’ll pass plantations of avocado, banana, and coffee, and with some luck, spot Peru’s national bird—the vibrant Cock-of-the-Rock.

­

After about two hours on foot, we’ll arrive in the charming town of Aguas Calientes. We’ll head straight to our comfortable lodge, where your room includes a private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and secure luggage storage for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

­

You’ll have time to relax before dinner or explore this peaceful pedestrian-only town, reminiscent of a California Gold Rush village. At 7:00 p.m., we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the final adventure: Machu Picchu!

­

*** Note: If you miss the train, you will have to walk 3 hours from the

hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes. Hotel in Aguas Calientes ***

­

IF YOU PREFER TO HIKE INSTEAD PLEASE LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE

BEFORE BOOKING

­ ­
Overnight: Machupicchu Boutique *** or similar (ASK FOR UPGRADE IF NEEDED)
Meals: B- L- D

Today begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. The ride takes about 30 minutes, bringing you to the gates of the legendary Inca citadel.

Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the most important and iconic areas of Machu Picchu, learning about its fascinating history, architecture, and cultural significance. After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore the site at your own pace, take photos, or simply soak in the incredible atmosphere.

At the designated time, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will bring you back to Cusco, with an expected arrival around 6:30 p.m.

END OF SERVICES

Meals: B