Inca Trail 7 Days

Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 7 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcocasa

Our journey begins gently, allowing us to ease into the trek. We commence with a visit to the significant Inca site of Tarawasi, a two-hour drive from Cusco. After exploring this historical site, we proceed to Mollepata, where our trek officially starts. Our route differs from most, providing an opportunity to encounter native plants, flowers, and birds, all while enjoying splendid vistas of the valley below.

We spend the night at Marcocasa (elevation: 3500m / 11482ft), where we are treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rayuska peak (elevation: 5350m / 17552 ft). The tranquility of this location, rarely frequented by other campers, allows us to fully appreciate its beauty.

Day 2: Marcocasa – Salkantaypampa

Departing from Marcocasa, we continue along the trail toward Soraypampa, where we merge with the main Salkantay trek route. Today’s trek is relatively manageable in terms of distance covered, offering spectacular views of towering peaks. Upon reaching Soraypampa, we’ll be greeted by the region’s three primary peaks: Humantay (elevation: 5917m / 19412 ft.), Tucurway (elevation: 5910m / 19389 ft.), and Salkantay (elevation: 6217m / 20573ft.).

Our campsite for the night is Salkantaypampa (elevation: 4100m / 13451 ft.), where the high altitude may lead to chilly nights, so it’s advisable to don your hat and gloves before settling in.

Day 3: Salkantaypampa – Pampacawana

Today, we venture off the main trekking route, heading towards the Inca Trail. We proceed up the valley towards Salkantay, taking a side path that leads us over the Incachiriaska Pass (Frozen Inca Pass, elevation: 5028m / 16495 ft.), the highest point of our trek. From the pass, we descend to the small community of Pampacawana (elevation: 4000m / 13123 ft.), where we camp for the night.

The day offers stunning views, especially as we ascend over Salkantay’s shoulder, where the mountain’s immense size becomes apparent, offering a glimpse into why the Incas revered it as a deity. The area is dotted with colorful mountain lakes and wildlife, potentially including Viscachas, White-Tailed Deer, and even rare Andean creatures like Condors, Guanacos, and Vicunas.

Day 4: Pampacawana – Llulluchapampa

Starting from Pampacawana, we descend the valley to meet the Inca Trail at Wayllabamba. Along the way, we pass by our first Inca site of the trek, ‘Paucarcancha.’ At Wayllabamba, we transition from mules carrying our gear to human porters to preserve the Inca Trail.

Our campsite for tonight is Llulluchapampa (elevation: 3800m / 12460ft.), the closest site to Dead Woman’s Pass. As we ascend to Llulluchapampa, we traverse various biozones, including the low sierra, cloud forest, and high puna. There are ample opportunities to observe diverse plant and birdlife, and if fortunate, spot White-Tailed Deer once more.

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha

Today presents a challenging journey as we cross two passes, although our proximity to the first pass makes it more manageable compared to most Inca Trail trekkers who camp much lower in the valley.

The day rewards us with breathtaking views as we traverse the two passes and visit two Inca sites, Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca. As we enter the cloud forest region, there are opportunities to encounter diverse plant and wildlife. Our campsite for the night, Chaquicocha (elevation: 3600m / 11800ft), offers peaceful surroundings and a magnificent sunset view over distant mountains.

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Winay Wayna

Having successfully crossed two passes the previous day, we now enjoy a more leisurely journey through some of the Inca Trail’s most picturesque scenery. Along the gently undulating terrain known as Inca Flat, we relish the lush, green cloud forest surroundings and captivating vistas of the Andes.

This day includes visits to two Inca sites, Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna, making it one of the most impressive stages of the trek. Our campsite for the night is Winay Wayna (elevation: 2680m / 8792ft), where we arrive early afternoon and have the opportunity for an extended guided tour of the site.

Day 7: Winay Wayna – Machu Picchu

After breakfast, we embark on the final leg of our 7-day Salkantay Inca Trail journey, culminating in the discovery of the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Our route takes us to Inti Punku, also known as the “Sun Gate,” offering an inspiring panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. We then descend to Machu Picchu, register, and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of this remarkable sanctuary-city.

Following the tour, we return to Aguas Calientes either by bus or by walking part of the Inca Trail. In Aguas Calientes, we savor lunch and free time to explore the town before taking the train to Ollantaytambo and a bus back to Cusco.

Inclusions

Included

• Proficient English-Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups with 9 or more participants.
• Skilled Chef.
• Mules for transporting cooking and camping equipment.
• Mules or Personal Porter to carry up to 10kg of your personal belongings.
• Hotel pick-up service.
• Bus transportation to Mollepata.
• Return transportation via train and bus to Cusco.
• Water (except for the initial 4 hours of the trek, where you should bring your own).
• 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Afternoon Snacks, and 6 Dinners. If you have specific dietary requests such as vegetarian preferences, please inform us in advance.
• Dining tent equipped with tables and chairs.
• One 3-person tent for every 2 trekkers.
• Sleeping mattress.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance fees to Salkantay Mountain, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Not Included

• Sleeping Bag (Available for rental).
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 6.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance (Highly recommended for the duration of your trip).

Additional Things to Upgrade (Optional):

• Sleeping Bag: $40 USD.
• Pair of Walking Poles: $25 USD.
• Personal Tent: $40 USD.
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $50 USD.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $70 USD.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD.

What to Bring for Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days:

• Original Passport and student cards for students.
• Hiking/trekking Backpack (with a capacity of 21 liters).
• Hiking Poles with rubber tips (available for rent if needed).
• Trekking Clothing: Hiking shoes, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, two shirts, a light sweater, a rain jacket, and comfortable clothes for resting at the hotel. Light and waterproof materials are recommended for comfort, quick drying, and protection from sweat and rain.
• Night in Aguas Calientes: Bring a clean set of clothes to wear after trekking, swimwear, and towels if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal Hygiene items: Toothpaste, toothbrush, and wet wipes.
• Medications: If you take any prescribed medications, please bring them with you. It’s also advisable to carry over-the-counter medications for altitude sickness (such as Coramina, Aspirina, Diamox, Sorojchi, Acetazolamide) and Anti-Blister Gel to prevent foot blisters during the trek.
• Digital Camera with external memory (Optional).
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Sun Block SPF 60 (UVA-UVB), waterproof and suitable for sports.
• Waterproof Insect Repellent lotion (not spray).
• Swiss Army Knife.
• Flexible plastic water bottle (easy to carry and eco-friendly).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Absolutely! While embarking on the 7-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, you can conveniently store your luggage either at our office or your hotel. Please only keep what you’ll need during your 7-day hike to Machu Picchu.

How can I book the Inca Trail 7-day trek with Sap Adventures?

Prior to booking the Inca Trail 7-day trek, please ensure that your preferred date is available. To secure your spot with us, follow these steps:

Click the “BOOK NOW” button.
Select your departure date.
Fill in all the required information.
Make a deposit payment using your credit card.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trek along with a booking form to complete. The booking form will require the following details:

Full name (as on your passport)
Nationality
Gender
Passport number
Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)

***We need copies of the passport for each participant, as they are necessary when purchasing Inca Trail permits. Once we have your Inca Trail permits secured, we will confirm that everything is in order. All confirmed start dates are guaranteed.

How do I pay the outstanding balance?

The outstanding balance can be paid in cash (in USD or soles) one day before your trek begins. Alternatively, you can choose to pay through PayPal at least one week before your trip (a 5% service fee applies). We also accept Visa credit card payments (a 5% service fee applies). Cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip.

Do you offer a student discount?

Per Peruvian law, individuals must be under 18 years old at the time of their 7-day Inca Trail hike to be eligible for a student discount. For students aged 11 to 17 years, there is a discount of $30 USD, and for children aged 2 to 11 years, the discount is $40 USD. To claim the student discount, all students must provide a copy of their passport and student card at the time of booking. Please send these documents to info@sapadventures.org

Can I change my departure date after the permits have been purchased?

Unfortunately, changes to departure dates are not possible. The Peruvian government does not allow changes once the Inca Trail 7-day permits have been acquired. Inca Trail permits are neither transferable nor refundable. The only information the government allows us to modify is passport numbers.

Do I need to bring my original passport on the Inca Trail 7-day trek to Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is essential to bring your original passport, and it must match the passport you provided during the reservation of your Inca Trail 7-day permit. Your passport will be verified at three Inca Trail checkpoints, at Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

What if I need to update passport numbers?

If you are renewing your passport, please email us a copy of your old passport for booking your Inca Trail 7-day permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID with the same name will suffice. After receiving your new passport, promptly email us a copy to update your permit information.

What is the schedule for my train ticket?

The train ticket schedule depends on availability. Typically, we book return train tickets for 02:55 pm on day 7. This ensures you arrive in Cusco at 06:30 pm, allowing ample time for rest and the possibility of embarking on tours the following day, such as a visit to Rainbow Mountains.

Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Inca Trail 7 days?

Yes, you have the option to stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. By choosing to stay in the Sacred Valley, your pickup time will be one hour after the Cusco pickup, allowing you to enjoy more sleep.

Additional Info

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Inca Trail permits have a strict daily limit of 500 people, including support staff like authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides. Once this limit is reached, the trail is closed for the day, and no further reservations can be made. It is advisable to book permits well in advance, up to a year if possible.

THINGS TO NOTE:

This 7-day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
You will have a guide throughout your Inca Trail hike and during the Machu Picchu tour.
Daily departures are available for groups of 2 or more.
No departures take place in February due to trail maintenance.
The trail is not accessible for wheelchairs.
Don’t forget to bring essential items: your original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.
This trek accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This hike is challenging and requires a good physical condition. The elevation changes and three passes during the trek make it physically demanding.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

Solo travelers will be paired with another traveler of the same sex to share a tent, while couples will have a tent to themselves.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING:

A mandatory pre-departure briefing is scheduled at our Cusco Office one day before your departure for the Inca Trail 7 Days at 6 pm. During this briefing, you will meet your guide, receive detailed information about your hike, a packing list, information about rental equipment, and an opportunity to ask questions. Our office is located at Meloc Street 256, Cuzco, Peru.

TYPICAL MEALS ON THE TREK:

Our cooks undergo training every year during the low season to ensure the best-tasting meals on the mountain. We use specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients. Here’s an idea of what you will be eating during your hike:

Breakfasts:

Options include hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelets, pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, thick oatmeal with large chunks of sweet apples, and hot beverages such as coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk.

Lunch & Dinner:

First Course: Soup options like quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom, or vegetable soup. Also, stuffed avocado or potatoes.
Second Course: Various options including chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, and traditional Peruvian dishes like aji de gallina, escabeche de Pollo, or ajiaco de ulluco.

Desserts:

Choices like fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, and peaches.

Snacks:

Candies, cookies, juice, crackers, and a variety of

Peruvian fruits such as banana, chirimoya, granadilla, apple, orange, and mandarin.

*Special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options are available upon request at the time of booking.