This trek offers an incredible combination of mountains, forests, and Inca ruins on the road to Machu Picchu. Experience breathtaking beauty and immense variety, from icy glaciers to steaming tropical forests. Beyond the vestiges of ancient Inca culture, you’ll witness daily life in the mountains, on traditional farmsteads, and in tiny hamlets. The first two days of this exhilarating hike are the most challenging, as you trek around the skirts of the majestic ice-capped Mount Salkantay (6271m/20568ft). We’ll cross a high pass to continue on a backcountry trail, rocky in places, until we join the famed Inca Trail for the final days of our adventure.
Cusco to Salkantaypampa Trek
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Your adventure begins with an early 5:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a 4-hour private transfer to Cruzpata. Along the way, we’ll pass through the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft) and drive along the right bank of the Apurimac River, reaching Mollepata (2800m/9184ft), before continuing to Cruzpata (3100m/10168ft). Here, you’ll meet our horsemen and their horses, marking the starting point of our trek. We begin our ascent on foot towards Soraypampa, following a climbing trail with varied terrain. We’ll encounter small groups of houses, diverse flora, and wild birds. Our day concludes at our campsite in Salkantaypampa (3895m/12776ft), offering magnificent views of the majestic snow-capped Mount Salkantay (6271m/20569ft).
Summiting Incachiriasca Pass
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After breakfast, we embark on a challenging four-hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca Pass (4850m/15908ft), the highest point of our entire trek. This pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the imposing Salkantay snow peak. We then descend to our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can often observe condors soaring overhead and enjoy views of Salkantay‘s neighboring valleys. Following lunch, we continue our trek to the Pampacahuana community, situated beside an original Inca canal, where we’ll set up our second camp for the night.
Wayllabamba and Inca Trail Connection
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Today, we enjoy a downhill walk along the banks of the Pampacahuana River, following its course towards Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft). En route, we’ll visit the fascinating Incaracay archaeological complex. After approximately 4 hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, our lunch stop. This significant point marks where our trek officially joins the renowned Inca Trail. Since pack animals are not permitted on the Inca Trail, we bid farewell to our horsemen and are introduced to our dedicated group of porters. We then depart Wayllabamba, continuing our ascent to Llulluchapampa (3850m/12628ft), where we’ll establish our camp for the night. During the climb, observe the dramatic landscape transformation from the sierra (highlands) to the puna (Andean grasslands), with opportunities to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu grass.
Warmihuañusca Pass and Sayacmarca
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Following breakfast, we begin our two-hour ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail, the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200m/13776ft), famously known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass.’ Immediately after the pass, we descend into the picturesque Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then climb to the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we pause to explore the archaeological complex of Runkurakay itself, located at 3800m/12464ft, an oval structure believed to have served as a watchtower. After crossing the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha and enter the enchanting cloud forest, finally arriving at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This impressive complex features a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios, and irrigation canals. Just 20 minutes further, we reach Chaquicocha, where we’ll set our camp.
Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna
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After breakfast, we continue with an easy climb to reach the third pass, Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this ascent, you’ll marvel at the ingenuity of ancient Inca engineering, walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain and observing perfectly ordered stones filling ravines, preserving the trail despite the multi-layered Andean geography. We’ll pass through an Inca tunnel before reaching the aforementioned pass and descending to the complex of the same name. Phuyupatamarca, meaning ‘town over the clouds,’ offers sophisticated sacred water fountains with solid foundations and impressive vistas of the Urubamba River Valley. We’ll follow the long descending stone steps to reach Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), where we’ll spend our final night camping.
Machu Picchu Sunrise and Guided Tour
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Today is the culmination of our trek! We wake up very early, at 4:00 AM, and an hour later begin our climb to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2,400 m / 7,872 ft). From this spectacular vantage point, we may witness a breathtaking sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. We then descend into Machu Picchu, entering the citadel from its highest point through the “House of the Guardians” about 40 minutes later. After descending to the control point to register and leave our backpacks, we immediately begin a comprehensive guided tour of the Inca citadel, which will last approximately two hours. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore on your own, perhaps climbing Wayna Picchu Mountain (permits permitting) for spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys, or visiting the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we’ll meet in the town of Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Poroy Train Station, where a transfer will be waiting to take you back to your Cusco hotel.
Inca Trail permits are strictly regulated, personalized, and must be secured months in advance. A valid passport is essential for this trek and must match the passport used for booking and permit acquisition.
For the Salkantay portion of the trek (Days 1-2), horses will carry your main luggage. Once you join the Inca Trail (Days 3-5), porters will carry your belongings. Typically, there is a weight limit of 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs) per person for porters, which usually includes your sleeping bag and personal items that you won’t need during the day. You will carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, camera, and rain gear.
Yes, if you don’t have your own, you can typically rent high-quality sleeping bags (rated for appropriate temperatures) and hiking poles directly from the tour operator. It’s highly recommended to arrange these rentals in advance when booking your trek to ensure availability.
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it’s strongly recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400m / 11,155ft) before starting the trek to acclimatize. During the trek, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and walk at a slow, steady pace. Your guide is trained in first aid and carries an oxygen bottle for emergencies.
During the camping nights, basic but private toilet tents will be set up by the trekking crew at each campsite. These are kept as clean as possible. While running water for showers is generally not available on the trail, some campsites may offer cold bucket showers for a small fee. It’s advisable to bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
The weather in the Andes can be highly unpredictable, with significant variations between day and night, and across different altitudes. Expect cold temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations, and warm, sunny days. Rain is possible at any time of year. The best time to undertake this trek is during the dry season, from May to October, when the skies are generally clearer and there’s less rainfall, though conditions can still vary.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
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