One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu Via Llactapata Inca Ruins 5 days
- Duration 5 Days
- Type Group or private
- Group Size Up to 8 people
- Languages English, Spanish
From $557.00 / Person
Experience an extraordinary alternative route to Machu Picchu that combines the raw alpine grandeur of Mount Salkantay with the rare historical vantage point of the Llactapata Inca Trail. Over five high-adventure days, you will hike to turquoise glacial tarns, cross high Andean passes, descend into lush subtropical cloud forests, and explore ancient Inca ruins overlooking Machu Picchu from across the valley.
This immersive journey begins with a climb to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) and a crossing of the rugged Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). As you descend into the Amazonian cloud forest, you will visit organic coffee plantations in Lucmabamba and soak in the natural thermal waters of Cocalmayo. On Day 4, follow an authentic section of original Inca Trail to the restored ruins of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft) for an exclusive, direct panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu before exploring the citadel itself on your final day.
The Ultimate Alpine-to-Jungle Trek
While the standard Salkantay route skips historical Inca sites along the trail, this specialized 5-day itinerary brings together remote mountain wilderness, authentic local culture, and deep historical context.
- Alpine Glacial Lakes & High Passes: Challenge yourself on rewarding ascents to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, taking in unmatched views of snow-capped peaks and high Andean valleys.
- Exclusive Llactapata Inca Ruins Vantage Point: Stand at the newly restored ruins of Llactapata to see Machu Picchu framed by the Aobamba Valley, a breathtaking angle seen by only a small fraction of trekkers.
- Organic Coffee & Thermal Hot Springs: Unwind in the warmth of the Santa Teresa Valley with a hands-on farm-to-cup coffee experience in Lucmabamba and a soothing soak in Cocalmayo’s natural hot springs.
- Small Groups & Private Quiet Campsites: Travel in small groups of no more than 8 guests, staying in peaceful, secluded campsites away from the main trekking crowds with top-quality camping gear and professional local crews.
Highlights
- Humantay Lake: Hike to the famous turquoise glacial lake beneath the towering peak of Mount Humantay.
- Salkantay Pass: Reach the highest point of the trek at 4,650 m (15,256 ft) surrounded by immense Andean glaciers.
- Cocalmayo Thermal Baths: Ease tired muscles in natural outdoor hot springs surrounded by subtropical hills.
- Lucmabamba Coffee Experience: Harvest, roast, and brew fresh Peruvian coffee on a local family farm.
- Llactapata Inca Trail & Ruins: Walk ancient Inca stone paths to a rare overlook directly facing the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Machu Picchu Citadel Tour: Enjoy a comprehensive 2-hour guided exploration of the New 7th Wonder of the World.
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake (4,200m)
Your journey begins early with a 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Travel by private van through the heart of the Andes, passing the remote villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, where daily life continues much as it has for generations. Along the way, deep valleys open up and Salkantay Mountain slowly dominates the horizon, a powerful introduction to the days ahead.
Here at Mollepata at a local restaurant, you will have breakfast. Then fulfilled with tasty food, we’ll continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. The guide will give you the final instructions for your trek, put your bag on and start walking!
From here we will walk for about three moderate hours to Soraypampa. You will pass by through Inca Channels and admire the mountain views. Once at the Soraypampa trailhead, have a delicious and hearty lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of the Humantay Mountain (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217m/ 20,396ft) glaciers. You will be installed in our Exclusive Panoramic domes, all of them with BEDS, private bathrooms and hot shower inside the DOME and have some free time after lunch to relax before our next hike!
By early afternoon, we take a 2.5 hour round-trip hike up to visit Humantay Lake, take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Lake. Be mesmerized by the beauty of such an incredible creation of nature, then hike back down to have a “happy hour” with hot drinks, popcorn and some cookies!
Followed by this hot drinks, enjoy a hearty dinner in our dining room, have a brief explanation for the following day and rest in our million-star campsite!
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Exclusive Panoramic Domes with BEDS, and private bathrooms
- Distance: 10kms / 8 miles
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
Wake to the quiet of the high Andes with a warm cup of coca tea or coffee delivered directly to your tent. As morning light touches the surrounding peaks, the day begins calmly, a welcome contrast to the challenge ahead.
Apacheta / Salkantay Pass Crossing
After a hearty breakfast, begin a steady 3-hour ascent toward Apacheta Pass (Salkantay Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,650 m (15,256 ft). Reaching the summit is a true milestone. From here, take time to rest, celebrate, and enjoy expansive views of Mount Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay, with alpine lakes and winding rivers spread below.
Salkantay Lake Detour
From the pass, make a short 30-minute side trip to Salkantay Lake. Its clear turquoise waters sit quietly beneath towering peaks, offering a peaceful pause and excellent photos before beginning the long descent.
Descent to the Cloud Forest
The trail leads downhill toward Rayanniyoc, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. As you descend, the landscape gradually changes, high alpine terrain giving way to greener valleys and warmer air. After lunch, continue trekking for approximately 3 more hours until reaching Collpapampa, nestled deep in the cloud forest.
Sky Domes at Collpapampa with BEDS, Bathrooms and hot shower
Further along the route, the Sky Domes at Collpapampa offer a relaxing mountain atmosphere surrounded by lush vegetation and the Santa Teresa Valley.
Collpapampa Dome Features:
- Private rooms & Wi-Fi
- All meals in a cozy dining room
Day 2 Snapshot
- Highest Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,256 ft (Salkantay Pass)
- Lowest Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft (Colpapampa)
- Distance: ~22 km / 13.7 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging (steep ascent and long descent)
Day 3: Collpapampa – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Lucmabamba
Today you pass the midpoint of the trek and enter a completely different ecosystem. The air grows warmer, the trail softens, and the landscape turns lush and vibrant. As you descend the valley toward Lucmabamba, hike through fruit orchards, coffee plantations, and cacao fields surrounded by colorful birdlife and dense greenery.
Organic Coffee Farm Tour
At Lucmabamba, visit a local coffee farm for a hands-on look at Peruvian coffee production. Walk through the fields, learn about native crop varieties, and follow the traditional process from harvesting to roasting and grinding. You will also see small plots of avocados, passionfruit, and regional crops.
Cocalmayo Thermal Baths
In the afternoon, take a short drive to the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo. Soak in warm, mineral-rich pools surrounded by steep green hillsides, the ultimate way to ease tired legs and recharge for the final stretch. After your soak, return to camp for a freshly prepared dinner by our private chef.
Day 3 Snapshot
- Camp Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft (Lucmabamba)
- Lowest Point: 1,550 m / 5,085 ft (Cocalmayo Hot Springs)
- Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate (cultural focus, gradual terrain)
Day 4 Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca ruins – Aguas Calientes
Today blends authentic Inca history, high viewpoints, and your first direct view of Machu Picchu.
Ascent via the Original Inca Trail
Begin the morning on a quiet, preserved stretch of original Inca stone steps, ascending steadily for about three hours toward Puncuyoc Pass. Along the way, the scenery opens up into fertile valleys framed by dramatic mountain backdrops.
Llactapata Ruins: Rare Machu Picchu Overlook
Reach Llactapata (“High Town” in Quechua) at 2,700 m (8,858 ft), a recently restored Inca site sitting directly across the valley from Machu Picchu. From this vantage point, enjoy an exclusive panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Aobamba Valley, a angle very few trekkers ever see.
Descent to Hydroelectric & Subtropical Forest Walk
After exploring the ruins, begin a 2-hour descent toward the Hydroelectric Station, where a well-earned lunch awaits. The final leg of the day follows a flat, scenic railway trail through the subtropical forests of Machu Picchu National Park, arriving by late afternoon in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Check into your hotel, rest, and gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Snapshot
- Highest Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,810 ft (Puncuyoc Pass)
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,690 ft (Aguas Calientes)
- Distance: ~16 km / 10 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging (sustained ascents and descents)
Day 5 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today is the moment everything leads to.
Early Morning Bus & Sunrise Entry
Following an early breakfast at your hotel, board one of the first buses up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Arrive as morning light touches the ancient stone structures, experiencing the sanctuary in its quietest hours.
Guided Tour of the Citadel
Your professional guide leads a 2-hour tour through the main sectors of the complex:
- Agricultural Sector: Terraces and ancient irrigation channels.
- Residential Sector: Houses, workshops, and living quarters.
- Religious Sector: The Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and Sacred Plaza.
Return Train to Ollantaytambo & Cusco
After your tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) or shopping. In the afternoon, board the Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying scenic views of the Urubamba River canyon along the way. Your private driver will meet you at Ollantaytambo station for the final transfer back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM.
Day 5 Snapshot
- Highest Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,690 ft (Aguas Calientes)
- Distance: Minimal walking (exploration-focused)
- Difficulty: Easy
Inclusions
What We Include for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
- Pre-Trek Airport Transfer: Private pickup from Cusco Airport to your hotel.
- Hotel Pickups & Transfers: Full door-to-door transportation throughout the trip.
- Private Trekking Transport: Direct van transfer from Cusco to the Soraypampa trailhead.
- Machu Picchu Entry Permits: Official admission ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Expert Local Guide: Professional, fluent English-speaking licensed guide ( archaeologist/historian background).
- Bus Tickets: Two round-trip bus passes between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Expedition Train Ticket: Return train segment from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Full Porterage & Mules: Pack horses to carry camp gear and up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal items in provided duffel bags.
- Emergency Support: Dedicated emergency horses for riders feeling unwell, plus first-aid kits and emergency oxygen.
- All Trail Meals & Water: Freshly prepared high-energy meals by our professional camp chef, along with daily purified boiled water.
- Quality Camp Equipment: Four-season 4-person EUREKA Timberline tents (used for 2 people only), comfortable foam mattresses, dining tent with tables/chairs, and private biochemical toilet tent.
- Aguas Calientes Night: 3-star hotel accommodation with private bathroom, hot shower, and Wi-Fi, plus a restaurant dinner.
What We Do Not Include for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days?
- Trekking Pole Pairs: $15 USD per pair (Professional adjustable poles).
- Single Tent Supplement: $30 USD (For solo travelers desiring a private tent).
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Panoramic glass ceiling return train).
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Passes: $75 USD per person (Must be reserved at time of booking).
- Day 5 Lunch: Personal dining in Aguas Calientes after the Machu Picchu tour.
- Gratuities: Voluntary tipping for guide, chef, and horsemen.
Prices
Pricing & Service Options
This unique Salkantay Trek departure is available on any date of your choice with a minimum of 2 participants.
Service Rates
| Service Level | Group Size | Price per Person (USD) |
| Small Group Tour | Up to 8 Trekkers (Avg 2 to 6) | $557 USD |
| Private Tour | 2 to 3 Trekkers | $697 USD |
| Private Tour | 4 to 5 Trekkers | $657 USD |
| Private Tour | 6 to 8 Trekkers | $617 USD |
- Included Equipment Allowance: Every reservation includes a duffel bag and pack-horse support to transport up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings.
- Spacious Camping: We provide 4-season Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers, ensuring plenty of space for comfort and gear storage.
Optional Upgrades & Add-Ons
| Upgrade / Extra | Price (USD) | Details |
| Sleeping Bag Rental | $20 USD | Clean, warm, and rated for high-altitude temperatures |
| Air Mattress Rental | $20 USD | Therm-a-Rest insulated inflatable mattresses |
| Trekking Poles (Pair) | $15 USD | Professional aluminum extendable poles |
| Personal Tent Supplement | $30 USD | Private 4-person tent for solo trekkers |
| Single Hotel Supplement | $30 USD | Private room for solo travelers in Aguas Calientes |
| Vistadome Train Upgrade | $67 USD | Panoramic windows, leather seats, and live performance on return train |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | $75 USD | Optional unguided climb overlooking the citadel (Advance booking required) |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | $75 USD | Optional unguided climb to the highest summit (Advance booking required) |
- Note on Mountain Hikes: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain permits are optional unguided climbs within the citadel following your main tour. Extra guided support for these climbs is available upon request for an additional fee.
Free Included Extras
Every Apple Travel Peru booking includes these complimentary services at no extra cost:
- Airport Pickup: Complimentary private arrival transfer from Cusco Airport (CUZ) to your hotel.
- Duffel & Liner Bags: High-quality duffel bag provided during your pre-trek briefing.
- Personal Porterage Support: Pack horses and field staff carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your gear (sleeping bag, clothing, pad).
- Purified Boiled Water: Daily drinking water provided at every campsite and mealtime.
- Emergency Medical Oxygen: Tank and first aid kit carried on the trail at all times.
- Emergency Riding Horse: Available along demanding trail sections if you feel exhausted or unwell.
- Trail Comfort Kit: Small camping pillow and lightweight plastic rain poncho provided.
Why Us
Why Choose Apple Travel Peru?
We are 100% Cusqueñian, family-owned tour operator based directly in Cusco. Operating without corporate shareholders or third-party intermediaries, we deliver authentic, high-quality mountain adventures while directly reinvesting in our local Andean communities.
Intimate Small Groups (Max 10 Hikers)
We enforce a strict policy capping our trekking groups at a maximum of 8 participants (averaging just 2 to 6 hikers). Unlike commercial tour operators running massive groups, our small-group format guarantees personalized safety, flexible hiking dynamics, and individual guide attention.
Superior Trekking Route & Secluded Campsites
Our unique Salkantay itinerary avoids heavy trail crowds by utilizing secluded campsite locations far from other groups. We visit two pristine glacial tarns in peace and hike the authentic Llactapata Inca Trail for a rare, direct panoramic view of Machu Picchu across the valley before exploring the sanctuary itself.
Professional Expert Local Guides
Our guides are fully licensed, fluent in English, and deeply knowledgeable about Inca history, local flora, and Andean culture. Raised in the Cusco region, they bring ancient traditions to life with passion, enthusiasm, and high-altitude mountain expertise.
Ethical Porter & Horsemen Care
Our mountain crew is the backbone of our operation. We recruit horsemen and porters from isolated high-alpine villages, providing them with fair living wages, comprehensive medical insurance, warm high-altitude clothing, proper footwear, back-support belts, and quality sleeping gear.
Gourmet Trail Cuisine
Eating well is essential for high-altitude endurance. Our professional trail cooks prepare abundant, delicious, gourmet-style meals using fresh local produce and native Andean ingredients. We seamlessly accommodate all dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-restricted diets.
Sustainable Community Projects
We practice responsible, leave-no-trace tourism that directly empowers rural highland families. Through fair-wage local employment, education funding, and targeted community service projects, your journey directly supports the indigenous Quechua communities of the Andes.
Important Info
Important Pre-Trip Information
Please read the following details carefully to prepare for your journey and understand our operational policies.
Arrival to Cusco & Airport Pickups
Upon your arrival at Cusco Airport (CUZ), an Apple Travel Peru representative will meet you outside the arrivals terminal holding a sign with your name.
- Flight Details: Please send us your complete arrival flight details at least two weeks before departure.
- Meeting Point: Airport security regulations prevent representatives from entering the baggage claim area; simply step outside the main terminal doors to find your driver.
Pre-Trek Safety Briefing
Your mandatory safety orientation takes place the evening before departure at 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM at our main Cusco office:
- Office Address: Calle Garcilaso 201, Office 201 (Central Cusco).
- Purpose: You will meet your guide, review the itinerary, receive your trail duffel bag, and ask any last-minute questions.
Luggage Storage
You can store your main luggage and travel bags free of charge in our secure Cusco office vault or at your hotel storage room during the trek.
How to Book & Deposit
To reserve your spot on the Salkantay Trek, submit your details via our online booking form:
- Required Information: Full name (exactly as shown on your original physical passport), gender, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and a clear photo/scan of each passport.
- Deposit Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $211 USD per person is required at the time of booking to secure government entrance permits and train tickets. Payments can be processed via credit card or PayPal on our website.
Paying Your Final Balance
Your remaining tour balance is due prior to departure and can be paid using two convenient options:
- Cash (Recommended): Pay in cash (US Dollars or Peruvian Soles) at our Cusco office before the trek with zero additional transaction fees.
- Online (Credit Card / PayPal): Online balance payments via PayPal (appletravelperu@gmail.com) or credit card are subject to a standard 5.5% platform transaction fee.
Date Changes & Permit Rules
Once issued, government entrance permits to Machu Picchu and train operator tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable by authority regulation.
Original Passport Requirements
You must carry your original physical passport on the trek. Checkpoints, train conductors, and Machu Picchu rangers strictly verify your physical document against your permit.
- Updating Passport Details: If you renew your passport after booking, send us copies of both old and new documents immediately. We can update your official registration for a $25 USD administrative fee.
- Alternative Option: If you prefer not to pay the update fee, you must bring both your old physical passport and your new physical passport with you on the trail.
Weather Conditions
Weather along the Salkantay route can change rapidly, ranging from freezing high-mountain mornings at the pass to warm, humid afternoons in the cloud forest. Dressing in versatile, moisture-wicking layers is essential.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Salkantay Pass reaches an elevation of 4,650 m (15,256 ft).
- Preparation: We strongly advise spending 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley prior to the trek to acclimate properly.
- Prevention: Drink plenty of fluids, consume local coca tea, avoid heavy meals upon arrival, and consult your doctor regarding altitude medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox).
- Safety: Our guides carry emergency medical oxygen tanks on every departure.
Group Size & Trail Support Crew
- Maximum Group Size: 10 trekkers (average group size is 2 to 6 participants).
- Cooks & Pack Horses: Every group travels with 1 dedicated camp chef. Pack horse allocations scale with group size (2 trekkers = 4 horses; 4 trekkers = 6 horses; 6 trekkers = 9 horses; 8 trekkers = 12 horses).
Duffel Bags & Daypack Guidelines
At your pre-trek briefing, you will receive a duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal belongings, which will be transported by our pack horses between camps.
- Daypack Requirements: You carry a personal 30L to 40L daypack during the day containing water, extra layers, rain gear, sunscreen, camera, and personal medications.
- Access Note: You will not have access to your duffel bag during the day while walking, as the horsemen travel ahead of the group to set up camp.
Trail Difficulty & Physical Fitness
The Salkantay Trek is rated as challenging. It requires good cardiovascular endurance, steady balance, and physical preparation. We recommend engaging in regular aerobic exercise and multi-hour outdoor hikes in the months leading up to your trip.
Restroom Facilities
- Along the Trail: Local villagers operate rustic toilet stops along parts of the route for a small fee (typically 1 to 2 Peruvian Soles; carry small change).
- At Campsites: Apple Travel Peru sets up a private, clean, biochemical toilet tent at a comfortable distance from your sleeping area at every camp.
Emergency Protocols & Medical Support
In the event of illness or injury that prevents you from continuing:
- Trail Evacuation: Our guides will assist you to the nearest road or village for vehicle transport (typically to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes).
- Emergency Supplies: Oxygen tanks and first-aid equipment are carried on all treks. Helicopter evacuations can be arranged if necessary at the traveler’s expense (comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended).
- Refund Note: Unused portions of the trek are non-refundable once the journey has commenced.
Door-to-Door Hotel Transfers
Full door-to-door transportation is included. We pick you up from your hotel on Day 1 and drop you off directly at your hotel (in Cusco or the Sacred Valley) at the end of the trip.
Return Train Timetable
To ensure you have maximum time to explore Machu Picchu and enjoy scenic daylight views along the Urubamba River, return train tickets are typically reserved for 14:55 (2:55 PM) or 15:20 (3:20 PM) out of Aguas Calientes, subject to availability.
Vistadome Train Upgrade ($67 USD)
Enhance your return journey with the Vistadome train upgrade, featuring panoramic glass ceilings, leather seating, complimentary light snacks, and an onboard live traditional Andean music and dance performance. Transfers from Poroy station back to your Cusco hotel are included.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping your guide, camp chef, and horsemen is voluntary but deeply appreciated by our mountain staff. If you are satisfied with the service provided, tips can be given at the end of the trekking segment (Day 4 for horsemen/cooks; Day 5 for guides).
Commitment to Sustainability
Apple Travel Peru is committed to eco-friendly, leave-no-trace trekking. We educate our crews in environmental preservation, eliminate single-use plastics where possible, support rural mountain economies, and ensure local Quechua communities benefit directly from sustainable tourism.
Packing Checklist
Packing List
Trail Essentials (Must Carry with You)
- Original Physical Passport: Must be the exact physical passport used for your booking.
- Valid Student ID: Required if you booked under a student discount rate.
- Headlamp: Essential for dark campsites and early morning departures (bring spare batteries).
- Reusable Water Bottles / Hydration Pack: 2L to 3L capacity total (disposable plastic bottles are banned on the trail and in Machu Picchu).
- Hiking Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support.
- Personal Toiletries: Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small plastic bag for waste.
Duffel Bag Rules & Weight Allowance
During your pre-trek briefing, you will receive an Apple Travel Peru duffel bag. Our pack horses will transport this bag between campsites.
- Strict Weight Limit: Maximum 7 kg (15 lbs) per person (weighed at the trailhead in compliance with local porter and animal welfare standards).
- Weight Breakdown Guidelines:
- Personal Clothes & Gear: ~4 kg (8.8 lbs)
- Excess Weight: Any gear exceeding the 7 kg limit must be carried in your personal daypack.
- Weatherproof Liners: Heavy-duty plastic bags are provided at our office to line the inside of your duffel and protect gear from rain.
Clothing for the Duffel Bag
- Thermal Base Layers: 2 pairs of thermal tops and bottoms for cold nights (campsite temperatures can drop to 3°C / 37°F).
- Trekking Tops & Pants: 2 lightweight hiking t-shirts and 2 pairs of durable hiking pants.
- Underwear & Socks: 4 sets of undergarments and 3 pairs of moisture-wicking hiking socks.
- Fleece & Insulation: 1 to 2 mid-layer fleece jackets and a warm down jacket.
- Waterproof Gloves: Insulated ski-style or thermal waterproof gloves.
- Camp Footwear: Lightweight, comfortable shoes or sandals for wearing around the campsites.
- Swimwear: Bathing suit for the Cocalmayo natural thermal hot springs.
Camping Gear & Toiletries in Duffel
- Quick-Dry Towel: A medium/large micro-fiber towel (small hand towels are provided).
- Biodegradable Soap: Small travel bottle (warm wash water is provided at camp daily).
- Portable Power Bank: High-capacity battery charger (there are no charging stations along the trail).
- Skincare & Hygiene: Moisturizer, wet wipes, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
- Personal Health: Personal prescription medications and a small blister kit (band-aids, moleskin).
Daypack Packing List (30L to 40L)
You will carry your daypack with you on the trail. Keep it as light as possible while keeping key daily essentials accessible. Big backpacks are not allowed inside the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Daily Water Supply: Water for the first morning until our first lunch stop (boiled water provided thereafter).
- Weather Protection: Rain jacket/pants, fleece sweater, and the complimentary plastic rain poncho.
- Headwear & Gloves: Wide-brim sun hat, UV sunglasses, beanie/wool hat, and lightweight gloves.
- Sun & Bug Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Trail Snacks: Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, or chocolates for extra hiking energy.
- Electronics & Cash: Camera/phone, extra cash in small Peruvian Soles denominations (for snacks, tips, and hot springs entrance), toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
What You'll Experience on the Trail
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
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Stop 01 / 03Wiñay Wayna
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
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Stop 02 / 03Inti Punku
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
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Stop 03 / 03Machu Picchu
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Lovely Words From Our Travelers
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Read all on Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Sam travels
I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.
Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.
Great experience at short Inca trail
We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.
The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!
Great experience because of the team!
Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.
Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel
We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!
SAM travel
Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers
Best trek ever!
It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍
Google Reviews
Read all on Google
We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…
I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…
We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…
We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…
We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…
We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…
We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…
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Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!
Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy
We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.