Salkantay to Machu Picchu Holiday

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the 3 to 4-hour climb to the Incachiriasca Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft), the highest point of the entire route. During this section, we will be treated to stunning views of Apu Salkantay and the surrounding glacial moraines. We’ll stop at the top of the pass to take photos and fully appreciate the magnificent scenery.

Next, we will descend towards Sisaypampa, our lunch spot. This flat area offers breathtaking views of the neighboring Salkantay valleys and is also a good spot to observe Andean condors.

After lunch, we will continue our trek to the Pampacahuana community (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), located beside an ancient Inca canal. This will be our campsite for the night.

• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Distance covered: 14 km / 8 ½ miles
• Approximate walking time: 7 – 8 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136
• Highest elevation: 4,950 m / 16,240 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging

Today, we change the hike by joining the Classic Inca Trail. We begin with a 2-hour downhill walk from Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha (3,133 m / 10,276 ft), where we’ll visit the Inca site of the same name.

After the tour, we continue our descent on the Original Inca Trail for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, the starting point of the classic Inca Trail. Along this section, we’ll pass the Inca site of Llactapata. Our chef will prepare a delicious lunch for us near Kilometer 82.

After lunch, we head from Km 82 to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 ft), where we will say goodbye to our support staff who accompanied us during these days of adventure. You will have the chance to explore this beautiful Inca town at your own leisure. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

• Accommodation: Hotel Ollantaytambo
• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Highest elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
• Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft
• Walking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Estimated walking time: 8 hours
• Difficulty level: Medium

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll walk to the nearby Ollantaytambo station to board the train, which will take you to Km 104 after approximately 1.5 hours of travel. Your guide will be waiting for you at Km 104.

From this point, you’ll begin your hike along the famous Inca Trail. Starting at an altitude of 2,100 m above sea level, you’ll cross the Willkamayu River via a bridge, before visiting the Inca site of Chachabamba. After an introduction to Inca history, you’ll begin your 6-hour walk.

After about 3 hours, you’ll reach the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2,650 m), also known as the second most impressive Inca site after Machu Picchu. This stunning site is a prime example of Inca terraced agriculture. After exploring this beautiful place, we will continue our trek through the tropical jungle on a narrow path, until we reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you’ll have an incredible view of Machu Picchu. After a short rest, we’ll continue the visit to the mysterious Machu Picchu.

The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu sits at an altitude of 2,360 m, much lower than Cusco. Your guide will give you a 2-hour tour of the citadel. After exploring, we’ll take the bus (included in the price) down to Aguas Calientes.

Please note that since November 2021, the Ministry of Culture has implemented fixed circuits for visitors. Depending on availability, we will visit the circuit assigned to us based on the reservation dates. The ticket allows entry to Machu Picchu only once.

In the afternoon, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco, where we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You will arrive late in the evening, completing an unforgettable 4-day adventure.

• Altitude: 2196 - 2758 m. / 7204 – 9048 ft
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (Medium)
• High season: March – January
• Route: Closed the whole month of February
• Food: breakfast / lunch (Box Lunch)
• Walking distance: 11 Km + visit Machu picchu