Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Day Trek

After waking up to a warming cup of coca tea and a hearty breakfast, prepare yourself for the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. Today’s journey takes you on a steady ascent to the Incachiriasca Pass, the highest point on the entire route at 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). Along the way, be captivated by stunning views of the towering glaciers of Apu Salkantay and the surrounding glacial moraines.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted with refreshing hot coca tea to help with altitude acclimatization while you take in the breathtaking panorama of crystal-clear lagoons, rugged valleys, and soaring Andean condors gracefully flying overhead. For those seeking a closer encounter with nature, there is an optional 30-minute hike to explore the nearby glaciers up close.

Following this majestic high point, you’ll begin a descent toward Yanacaca, a scenic spot where your chefs will be waiting with a delicious lunch to refuel your energy. After a well-deserved rest, continue descending through lush, picturesque Andean valleys dotted with winding streams.

Your day ends in the tranquil community of Pampacahuana (3,700 meters / 12,136 feet), a small village nestled beside an ancient Inca canal. This peaceful campsite is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, surrounded by the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Andes, as you prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

Today marks an exciting transition as you join the renowned Classic Inca Trail, immersing yourself in both nature and history. Your trek begins with a gentle descent from Pampacahuana to the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha (3,150 m / 11,318 ft), where your expert guide will share insights into the advanced engineering and rich history of this ancient settlement. Here, you’ll bid farewell to your horsemen and horses and meet your porters who will accompany you on the Classic Inca Trail section.

As you continue, notice the climate shift and thickening vegetation as you enter the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a short 25-minute downhill walk, you arrive at Wayllabamba (3,031 m / 9,944 ft), the last village along this trail. This peaceful spot serves as the gateway to the high mountain passes ahead.

The afternoon’s hike takes you on a steady two-hour ascent to the campsite at Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,826 ft). Along the way, capture breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and the rich cloud forest environment that surrounds you. This path, once traveled by traditional Peruvian farmers, offers a rare glimpse into an ancient way of life still connected to the land and Pachamama—Mother Earth.

Once at camp, relax and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your trekking chefs, and rest up for the challenging days ahead. Be sure your camera batteries are charged; the stunning mountain vistas and vibrant natural beauty provide countless photo opportunities.

Today is the longest and most rewarding day on your Inca Trail journey, filled with stunning mountain views, historic Inca sites, and a transition from alpine terrain into lush cloud forest.

You’ll start your morning with a warming cup of coca tea served by your porters before embarking on a challenging but unforgettable 4-hour ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point on the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, notice the changing landscape as the thick vegetation fades and gives way to the dry puna grasslands, dotted with Andean ichu, the staple food for local wildlife. At the pass, take time to rest and marvel at breathtaking glacial peaks and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The descent leads you down a cobblestone path toward your lunch spot, where you can refill your water and enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by wild orchids and exotic flowers. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds — in Andean culture, their presence is considered a sign of good luck, especially when trekking slowly and connecting with nature.

After lunch, the trail ascends again toward the intriguing Inca site of Runkuraqay, believed to have been a watchtower overlooking the Sacred Valley. Pause here to explore the ruins and imagine the ancient Inca guardians who once kept watch from this vantage point.

Continuing uphill, you’ll reach the Runkuraqay Pass (3,970 m / 13,024 ft), where your guide will offer insights about the site and surroundings. From here, you’ll descend for about 30 minutes to the serene lagoon of Yanacocha, a sacred site where the Incas performed rituals honoring the spirit of water.

As you enter the cloud forest, mist gently envelops the trail, leading you to the remarkable Sayacmarca archaeological site. Known as the “Inaccessible Town,” Sayacmarca features well-preserved Inca architecture including houses, fountains, and intricate water channels. The spectacular views and the craftsmanship of the ruins highlight the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Your day concludes with a 25-minute walk to the campsite at Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,808 ft), nestled beside a tranquil lake amid high jungle flora and fauna. Here, you’ll unwind with a hearty dinner and perhaps some stargazing under the clear Southern Hemisphere skies, reflecting on the day’s incredible landscapes and cultural discoveries.

Day 5 is a rewarding blend of breathtaking scenery, fascinating Inca history, and a relaxed pace to recharge before your final approach to Machu Picchu. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll begin your trek with an invigorating walk to Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds,” perched at 3,700 meters (12,439 ft). This ancient Inca site was a sacred center where nobles studied astronomy and communicated with the stars—your knowledgeable guide will reveal the secrets behind its remarkable architecture and cultural significance. From here, enjoy stunning views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu rising majestically in the distance.

Next, you’ll descend for about two and a half hours into the lush cloud forest, passing through the fascinating agricultural terraces of Intipata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). This area served as an experimental farming station where the Incas developed microclimates to boost crop production. Intipata also offers some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities along the entire trek, with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the winding Urubamba River below.

Your journey ends at the spectacular campsite of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), named “Forever Young” in Quechua. After a delicious lunch, take advantage of the afternoon free time to explore the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, one of the most beautiful and largest ruins on the Inca Trail. Wander among impressive terraces, intricate water channels, and ancient temples, all surrounded by the vibrant greenery of the cloud forest. Your guide will share insights into the religious ceremonies and daily life of the Incas who once inhabited this sacred place.

As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxing shower and then join your group for a final happy hour of snacks and hot drinks, followed by a memorable dinner. This evening, your dedicated porters and cooks will bid farewell, celebrating the incredible journey you’ve shared. Rest well tonight—tomorrow brings the grand finale of your adventure at Machu Picchu.

Today is the highlight of your journey—the much-anticipated visit to the awe-inspiring Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll rise early, usually around 3:00 a.m., with a light breakfast to prepare for the final stretch of the trek. By 4:00 a.m., you’ll begin the short walk to the park ranger checkpoint at Wiñay Wayna, waiting for the gates to open at 5:30 a.m. This early start also respects the porters’ schedule, ensuring they catch the morning train from Kilometer 107 back to Aguas Calientes.

From the checkpoint, you’ll embark on an approximately one-hour hike to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Along the way, marvel at the rich cloud forest flora, including orchids, and tackle the steep “monkey steps”—a set of about 50 vertical Inca steps. Upon arrival at Inti Punku, enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in the morning light, a scene that has inspired travelers for centuries.

After spending 15 to 30 minutes soaking in the vista, you’ll descend gently for about 45 minutes into the heart of the Machu Picchu complex. Your guide will lead a detailed, approximately 90-minute tour along Circuit 3, showcasing the citadel’s iconic temples, palaces, fountains, and religious structures. Discover the ingenious engineering that keeps fountains flowing centuries later and learn the rich cultural history behind every stone.

For those who have pre-booked a permit to hike Huayna Picchu, the challenging ascent begins around 10:00 a.m. on your own, offering stunning panoramic views of the entire sanctuary. If not, you’ll have additional time to explore Machu Picchu’s various sectors, including the Temple of the Condor, and capture memorable photographs at the classic lookout points.

After your visit, board a bus down to Aguas Calientes for 30 minutes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants (not included). In the afternoon, you’ll board the comfortable tourist train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying spectacular views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco, where you’re expected to arrive by early evening and be dropped off at your hotel.

This final day of extended Salkantay Inca Trail is not just the culmination of your trek but a deeply moving experience that will leave your heart beating to the rhythm of the Andes for years to come.