Explore the World’s Most Famous Hikes: Salkantay Trek Connection to the Classic Inca Trail
This exclusive Tunqui Expeditions experience takes you along ancient Inca trails.
The Classic Inca Trail (one of the most famous and popular hikes in the world, following the original paths of the Incas to Machu Picchu by the second day. Along the way, you will encounter archaeological sites, abundant flora and fauna, and breathtaking landscapes) and the Salkantay Trek (a more adventurous and mountainous route to Machu Picchu, taking you to higher altitudes. This journey crosses incredible landscapes and several microclimates, each with its own exotic flora and fauna). The Salkantay route has become the number one alternative when permits for the Inca Trail are sold out. For this reason, at Tunqui Expeditions, we offer this combination of two popular hikes that you will absolutely love!
During this 7-day short hike on the Salkantay and Inca Trail, you will spend the first 3 days trekking along the Salkantay route before connecting to the Inca Trail for the final 4 days.
The diversity of flora, fauna, ecosystems, and landscapes you will witness is indescribable. We hope you join Tunqui Expeditions on this trek that showcases why these are two of the best hikes in the Peruvian Andes.
Our Salkantay and Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Trekking through sacred mountains, this journey offers the most impressive views of Peru. It is one of the most challenging alternative routes to Machu Picchu, simply due to the high altitude – but it’s worth it!
Unlike the classic 5-day Salkantay Trek, this route joins the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, offering the best of both worlds – the stunning landscapes of Salkantay and the Inca ruins along the Classic Inca Trail.
This is a rare opportunity to combine two of the most iconic and well-known hikes in Peru, blending the magnificent scenery of the Salkantay Trek with the Inca Trail’s archaeological wonders leading to Machu Picchu.
With Tunqui Expeditions, experience the gifts of Mother Nature perfectly combined with the magical archaeological sites of the Inca Trail. Of course, Machu Picchu remains the ultimate destination, as this unique itinerary leads directly to Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SORAYPAMPA
A fantastic, energy-filled day of hiking to Soraypampa, where we will enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will hike to the stunning Humantay Lake and spend the night camping in Soraypampa among the mountains.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA – ICHUPATA OR JAPANESE CAMP (PAMPA JAPONESA)
In the morning, the Tunqui Expeditions group will begin hiking towards Salkantay, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of the mountains. We will camp overnight at Ichupata.
DAY 3: ICHUPATA – INCA CHIRIASCA PASS – INCA CANAL – PAMPA CAHUANA
Climb to the highest point of the route, the Incachiriaska Pass, and take in the breathtaking views. We will then descend into the Andean valley for our campsite at Inca Canal.
DAY 4: INCA CANAL – PAUCAR CANCHA – WAYLLABAMBA
We will hike along an ancient trail and visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will join the Classic Inca Trail and head to the Wayllabamba or Ayapata campsite.
DAY 5: WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHA – WARMIWAÑUSCA PASS – PACAYMAYO
Today is the most challenging day, as we reach the highest point of the Inca Trail, the Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca). We will then continue along the original trail to Pacaymayo, where we will camp for the night.
DAY 6: PACAYMAYO – RUNKURAKAY PASS – SAYACMARCA – CHAQUI COCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – INTIPATA – WIÑAY WAYNA
This morning, we will reach the second highest point of the Inca Trail, Runkurakay Pass, visiting the sites of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. In the afternoon, we will continue along the original trail, passing three more Inca sites – Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna. Enjoy your final night with the porters and cooks.
DAY 7: WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE (INTI PUNKU) – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and witness this incredible place for the first time. Explore the Inca citadel and then head to Ollantaytambo by train. From there, our transport will take you back to Cusco.
Day 01 Cusco | Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa
Highlight of the Day: Witness the magnificent sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.
A day hard to believe – turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the snow-covered peaks of Humantay and Salkantay.
We will begin our journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 4:45 am. In our private transport from Tunqui Expeditions, we will travel to Challacancha for 3 hours, where we will enjoy our first breakfast prepared by our chef.
After a delicious breakfast, we will start a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa through an ancient Inca aqueduct that still carries water to the crop fields of the village of Mollepata. Once in Soraypampa, our trekking chef will be waiting with a well-deserved lunch. Later, we will begin a 2-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Along the way, you will observe a wide variety of flora and fauna, including Andean geese (Agapornis), deer, and vizcachas (which closely resemble rabbits). After visiting Humantay Lake, we will descend with a 2-hour hike back to our campsite in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
Upon arrival, we will settle into our tents, enjoy tea and dinner, and admire the clear night sky before sleeping.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest Altitude: 4.200 m / 13.779 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Highlight of the Day: Witness the magnificent sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay up close.
A day hard to believe – the majesty of Salkantay.
In the morning, we will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea to give you the boost you need to start the day. Then, we will savor a delicious breakfast and listen to a brief explanation from our guide about the significance of the mountains in Andean culture.
We will begin hiking towards Salkantaypampa. This section of the hike is challenging due to the altitude, so it is important to take it slow and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. Don’t worry – after the uphill hike, the trail flattens, and you will be rewarded with the best views of the snow-capped Andes. This is a perfect time to connect with nature and enjoy the surroundings.
We will continue to Ichupata for a delicious lunch while admiring the most breathtaking views of nature. As we walk along this trail, you will be surrounded by natural landscapes and the Salkantay glacier. After lunch, we will head to Japanese Camp (Pampa Japonesa) to spend the night.
Japanese Camp is an excellent place to rest and relax after a long day of hiking. Here, you will witness panoramic views of the Mollepata valley, making it a fantastic spot for photography. In the evening, you will enjoy a delightful meal prepared by our chefs while appreciating the constellations in the Andean night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
Campsite Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
Highlight of the Day: Experience the most stunning landscape imaginable near massive glaciers.
Adventure with Tunqui Expeditions through Andean Landscapes
In the morning, our porters will wake us with coca tea, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. After breakfast, we will begin the most challenging yet exciting part of the hike. Along with your guide, you will ascend to Inca Chiriasca Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft) at a gentle pace to take in the spectacular views of the glacial mountains. Once at the summit, enjoy hot coca tea, views of the valley and lakes, and possibly spot condors and hawks.
Next, we will descend or take an optional 30-minute hike to a nearby glacier. We will continue to our lunch spot, where porters will be waiting with hot tea and a delicious meal. The rest of the day involves a downhill hike through green valleys and streams until we reach Pampa Cahuana, a small village of 10 families where we will camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Highlight of the Day: Witness climate changes as you enter the Inca Trail.
Today marks the start of the Inca Trail adventure.
After breakfast, we will begin a peaceful hike through the valley towards Paucarcancha. The hike will take approximately 3 hours until we reach our lunch spot.
Before eating, we will explore the ancient Inca ruins of Paucarcancha, where our expert guide will explain their historical significance. From this point forward, we will no longer use horses to carry our equipment – porters will take over to avoid damaging the Inca Trail.
After lunch, we will meet our porter team, who will have hiked from km 82 (Piscacucho), the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. At the same time, we will say goodbye to our horsemen.
After a brief stop at the checkpoint to present passports and permits, we will begin a 1-hour hike to Wayllabamba, where we will camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,323 m / 10,901 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,323 m / 10,901 ft
Highlight of the Day: Exciting views from Dead Woman’s Pass.
Starting the ancient trails over the highest pass on the Inca Trail.
Today we will wake up early at 5:00 a.m. with a cup of coca tea for our fourth day. Breakfast will be served at 5:30 a.m., and we will begin hiking at 6:00 a.m.
We will start early to take advantage of the cool weather and the shade from the trees and mountains. As we begin walking, the path will become steeper as we head towards the Ayapata rest point. After resting in the Ayapata sector, we will continue hiking uphill to Llulluchapampa. This will be your last chance to buy items like water, Gatorade, cookies, or even beer from local vendors, as there will be no more vendors afterward.
Once rested and with a positive mindset at Llulluchapampa, we will continue our hike to Warmiwañusca Pass at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 ft).
The trail continues to climb steeply towards Dead Woman’s Pass, but don’t worry—our expert guide will ensure everyone is doing well. As we hike, the landscape will change from green vegetation to various colors, and you may see llamas and highland grasses (paja).
The hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) is the most challenging part of the Inca Trail, but the stunning view is worth it. We will pass through different ecological zones along the trail and witness the variety of microclimates in the area. When we reach the top, we will enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, Andean landscapes, and incredible peaks surrounding us. We will take photos at the summit with the sign (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) and the two valleys below. Afterward, we will descend for approximately two hours to the Pacaymayo campsite at 3,600 meters (11,800 ft).
Once we arrive, we will have lunch, and the rest of the afternoon will be free to relax before continuing the trek the next day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,217 m / 13,827 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft
Highlight of the Day: Visit impressive Inca archaeological sites and learn about their history and culture.
Explore Andean landscapes and archaeological sites.
Our sixth day on the Salkantay Trek connecting to the Classic Inca Trail is truly a day filled with history as we encounter the hidden archaeological gems in the sacred mountains, only accessible by hiking the Inca Trail. The day begins with a nutritious and delicious breakfast around the mountains of Pacaymayo, essential for the challenging hike ahead as we approach the Peruvian jungle.
Once ready, we will start our adventure from Pacaymayo through the Runcuracay archaeological site, continuing for approximately one hour to reach the Runcuracay Pass (3,850 m). This is the second-highest point of the 4-day Inca Trail.
Following the same ancient stone path, we will arrive at the Sayacmarca archaeological site. Here, we will rest and explore everything this unique site has to offer. We will continue along the original Inca Trail, passing through a carved tunnel and observing incredible pathways built along the mountainside, ten meters above the ground.
At midday, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at Phuyupatamarca before descending along an incredible zigzagging trail to Intipata and then to the Wiñay Wayna campsite, where we will spend the night (2,650 m / 8,694 ft).
In the afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., your guide will provide a brief orientation and take you to visit the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site for about 1.5 hours. Your guide will explain the significance of the site and summarize everything we have learned during the trek.
This marks the end of the Inca Trail, preparing you for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
At dinner, there will be a surprise from our porters—what could it be? You have to live the experience to find out!
After dinner, there is a tradition to hold a ceremony introducing the entire team to the trekkers once again, thanking them for their incredible work. This is also the appropriate time for tips.
We recommend going to bed early to rise before dawn and reach Machu Picchu at sunrise, hoping for good weather and a beautiful sunrise over the ruins.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 13 km / 8.07 miles
Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,952 m / 12,957 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Highlight of the Day: Walk through the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and uncover its hidden secrets.
Explore the incredible Inca fortress: Machu Picchu.
The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived! You will feel your heart race as you visit one of the most energetic places on the planet—Machu Picchu.
Today, we will wake up earlier than usual while it is still dark. You will have a quick breakfast before starting a two-hour hike to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
After the first hour, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Intipunku), witnessing Machu Picchu from afar for the first time.
After exploring, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and return to Cusco via train.
Meals: Box Lunch
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 5 km / 3.11 mi
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Highest Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
