Overview
The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, operated by **QOSQO ADVENTURES**, merges two of the most legendary Andean paths into one epic 6-day odyssey. This journey begins in the rugged wilderness of the Salkantay route, featuring glacier-capped peaks, tranquil valleys, Humantay Lake, and secluded campsites. It then transitions into the world-renowned Classic Inca Trail, where you will walk upon ancient stone stairs and discover hidden Inca citadels on your way to the Lost City.
This expedition is designed for those who seek to push their limits. You will conquer the formidable Frozen Inca Pass (5,100 m), join the historic trail at Wayllabamba, and explore breathtaking archaeological sites like Paucarcancha, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna. The grand finale is the magnificent arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, providing the most iconic vantage point of the sanctuary.
With **QOSQO ADVENTURES**, you travel with an elite local crew that handles every logistics detail: restricted permits, high-altitude camps, gourmet mountain meals, and premium gear. We utilize cargo mules for the Salkantay stage and professional porters for the Inca Trail segment. Your journey concludes with a luxury return on the Vistadome panoramic train. As a locally-owned agency, we are committed to ethical porter treatment and sustainable exploration.
Day 1: Humantay Lake & Salkantaypampa
Depart from Cusco toward the mountains. Hike to the stunning Humantay Lake before heading into the Salkantay Valley. Spend your first night at our exclusive Salka Glamp under the stars.
Day 2: Frozen Inca Pass & Inca Canal
Encounter Salkantay Lake and conquer the 5,100 m summit at Frozen Inca Pass. Descend into the Pampacahuana Valley to camp near ancient Inca hydraulic systems.
Day 3: Paucarcancha & Ayapata
Explore the Paucarcancha ruins and join the Classic Inca Trail at Wayllabamba. Ascend to your first camp on the stone path at Ayapata.
Day 4: Dead Woman’s Pass & Chaquicocha
Tackle the famous Warmiwañuska pass (4,215 m) and continue over the Runkurakay summit before resting at the Chaquicocha lookout camp.
Day 5: Phuyupatamarca & Wiñay Wayna
Traverse the mystical cloud forest. Visit Phuyupatamarca and the terraces of Intipata before your final night near the citadel at Wiñay Wayna.
Day 6: Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
Reach the Sun Gate at dawn for a panoramic view of the ruins. Enjoy a private tour of the citadel and return to Cusco via the Vistadome train.
Full 6-Day Salkantay & Inca Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Humantay Lake & Salkantaypampa
Your QOSQO ADVENTURES experience starts with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel. We drive into the high Andes, passing through picturesque valleys until reaching Soraypampa for a fresh breakfast. The morning hike leads to the crystalline Humantay Lake, where turquoise waters are framed by dramatic glacier peaks. After a steady climb and time for photography, we descend for a lunch prepared by our trekking chef. In the afternoon, we trek deeper into the Salkantay Valley to Salkantaypampa, home to our exclusive Salka Glamp setup, where you will dine and sleep under a vast Andean sky.
- Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Duration: 8 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 2: Salkantay Lake & Frozen Inca Pass
Wake up at Salka Glamp to hot coffee and views of the glaciers. Today is the most rigorous stage of the Salkantay section. We visit the remote and peaceful Salkantay Lake, a glacial mirror beneath the mighty Salkantay Mountain. The trail then ascends to the expedition’s highest point: the Inca Chiriasca Pass (Frozen Inca Pass) at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. After reaching the summit and taking in the panoramic vistas, we descend into the hidden Pampacahuana Valley. We pause at Sisaypampa for a well-earned lunch before continuing to our campsite near a remarkably preserved ancient Inca canal.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Duration: 8 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,670 m / 12,040 ft
- Highest Altitude: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Paucarcancha & Ayapata
After breakfast, we enjoy a 3-hour downhill walk through the Pampacahuana Valley, watching the landscape transition from high alpine to warmer valley terrain. We reach the rarely visited ruins of Paucarcancha (3,143 m), where our Salkantay journey officially merges with the Classic Inca Trail. Here, we bid farewell to our muleteers and meet the QOSQO ADVENTURES porter team. After lunch and a tour of the site, a short walk brings us to the Wayllabamba checkpoint. The afternoon concludes with a 2-hour ascent to our campsite at Ayapata, our first night resting on the sacred stone path.
- Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Duration: 7 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Dead Woman’s Pass & Chaquicocha
Today is a defining moment of the Inca Trail. We start early with hot drinks delivered to your tent. The first challenge is a 4-hour steady climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañuska), the highest summit of the Inca Trail at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. At the top, your guide will lead a traditional ceremony to honor the mountain spirits. Following a 2-hour descent to Pacaymayo Alto for lunch, we tackle the second pass at Runkuraqay (4,000 m). Along the way, we explore the Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca ruins. We settle for the night at the Chaquicocha camp, known for its spectacular sunset views over the Vilcabamba range.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Duration: 10 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 5: Phuyupatamarca & Wiñay Wayna
With the major passes behind us, Day 5 is dedicated to the breathtaking beauty of the cloud forest. The path is scenic and relatively relaxed, leading us to Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds), which offers incredible views of the Urubamba Valley. We then descend through ancient stone stairs and lush vegetation to visit the sun terraces of Intipata. We arrive at the Wiñay Wayna camp around 1:00 p.m. for a celebratory lunch. The afternoon is yours to rest or take a refreshing shower before our final guided exploration of the Wiñay Wayna ruins. The evening features a special farewell dinner with the entire QOSQO ADVENTURES trekking crew.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Duration: 5 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6: Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
The final dawn leads us to the moment of arrival. We wake before sunrise to be among the first at the checkpoint. A 1-hour hike brings us to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where, weather permitting, you will see the first light of day illuminate Machu Picchu. We descend through Circuit 1 for the iconic panoramic photographs of the sanctuary. After a short break at the main entrance, we re-enter through Circuit 3 for an in-depth private tour of the central urban sector, including temples, royal palaces, and water mirrors. In the afternoon, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome panoramic train for a scenic return to Cusco.
- Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
- Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking plus guided visit
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Included
- Pre-departure briefing and logistics meeting
- Professional, bilingual specialized trekking guide
- Permits for Humantay Lake, Salkantay, and the Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu Entrance tickets (Circuits 1 and 3)
- Door-to-door transportation during the entire journey
- Vistadome panoramic train return tickets
- Premium camping gear (Dining tents, tables, chairs, private toilets)
- 5 nights in high-quality 4-season tents
- Muleteers and cargo mules (Salkantay section)
- Professional porters (Inca Trail section)
- All meals on the trail (except final lunch/dinner)
- Duffle bag for 7 kg / 15 lb of your personal items
- Safety equipment: Oxygen, satellite phones, and first-aid kit
Not Included
- Rental equipment: Sleeping bags, mattresses, trekking poles
- Final meals in Aguas Calientes on Day 6
- Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits
- Personal travel insurance
Machu Picchu Circuits
- Circuit 1: Access to the Sun Gate and upper panoramic viewpoints.
- Circuit 3: Exploration of the urban center, Sun Temple, and Royal Palace.
Expedition Packing Essentials
Smart packing is vital for a 6-day trek covering glaciers and cloud forests. **QOSQO ADVENTURES** provides a 7 kg duffle bag for your main gear, while you carry a daypack with daily essentials.
Essential Documentation
- Original Passport (Mandatory for all checkpoints)
- Peruvian Soles (small bills) for personal expenses
Clothing and Layering
Temperatures will range from freezing at the passes to humid in Machu Picchu. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece, a down jacket for camps, and a waterproof shell. Avoid cotton for hiking because it stays wet and cold.
Gear for the Daypack
- Water bottle or hydration bladder
- High-capacity Power Bank
- Sun protection (cream, hat, sunglasses)
- Headlamp and trekking poles
- Insect repellent for the final days
Provided by QOSQO ADVENTURES
- 7 kg capacity Duffle Bag
- Commemorative Trekking T-shirt
- Rain poncho and camp towels
What Not to Bring to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has strict entry rules. Do not carry large backpacks (bigger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm), tripods, drones, selfie sticks, or professional filming equipment without authorization. Trekking poles are generally prohibited inside the citadel unless allowed under special medical conditions.
Essential Travel Information
Prepare for the ultimate Andean challenge with these key details provided by **QOSQO ADVENTURES**.
Physical Preparation & Altitude
This is a challenging trek. We strongly suggest arriving in Cusco 48-72 hours before departure to acclimatize. Train with uphill walks and stairs to prepare for the 5,100 m Frozen Inca Pass and the stone steps of the Inca Trail.
Weather Expectations
Expect all four seasons. Salkantay is cold and exposed, while the Inca Trail becomes warmer as you descend into the cloud forest. The path is closed every February for maintenance.
Permits and Booking
Inca Trail permits are strictly limited by the government. To secure your departure, we require your passport details (full name, number, expiration, nationality) exactly as they appear on your document. A deposit is required to confirm your space, and discounts are available for students with a valid university ID and children under 17.
Machu Picchu Regulations
Visitors must strictly follow their assigned circuit. Drones, umbrellas, and large backpacks are prohibited. Your **QOSQO ADVENTURES** guide will ensure a smooth entry via the Sun Gate and lead you through the approved circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if this trek is the right choice for me?
Choose this trek if you want more than a standard route to Machu Picchu. This expedition is ideal for travelers who want a real mountain adventure, remote landscapes, Inca history, camping, and the powerful feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot.
Should I book a private tour or join a small group?
A small-group tour is a good choice if you enjoy meeting other travelers. A private tour is best if you want more flexibility, a more personal pace, and a more exclusive experience, which is especially recommended for couples, families, or groups of friends.
What if my preferred date is sold out?
If the Inca Trail permits are sold out for your preferred date, we will help you check the best available alternatives, such as shifting your start date or suggesting other strong options like the Lares Trek or the standard Salkantay Trek.
Can I change my passport or travel details after booking?
Inca Trail permits are issued with your passport information, so your details must be correct when booking. If you renew your passport, you must travel with both the old one used for the permit and the new valid passport.
What happens if I feel sick or cannot continue during the trek?
Your guide will monitor the group during the trek and will support you if you feel unwell. The safest decision depends on where you are and the conditions on the route; your guide will evaluate the situation and activate the best plan available.
Can I add hotels, transfers, gear rental, or extra tours?
Yes. **QOSQO ADVENTURES** can help you make the trip smoother by adding airport transfers, hotel nights in Cusco, gear rental, or acclimatization tours like the Sacred Valley tour.
Will I have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu?
Yes. The final day is designed so you can arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and still enjoy a guided visit inside the citadel covering the main sectors.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain after the tour?
Yes, but we recommend it only if you stay an extra day in Aguas Calientes. This 6-day trek already includes a full and early final day, plus the return train to Cusco.
Are mules and porters used on this trek?
Yes. We use cargo mules for the high-altitude Salkantay section to carry the heavy equipment, and we transition to professional human porters for the Classic Inca Trail section, in strict compliance with trail regulations.
Is there phone signal or internet on the trek?
Cell phone coverage is very limited and unreliable, especially in the high Salkantay area and remote valleys. Prepare to be disconnected and enjoy the natural surroundings; our guides carry satellite phones for emergencies.