About this experience
By most argued to be the best alternative route to the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu. This beautiful but strenuous hike brings you across one of the highest and most imposing mountains of the Peruvian Andes; the sacred mountain of Salkantay (6271 masl). According to some authors the name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from ‘Salqa’’= ‘huraño’ or ‘wild,’ and ‘Antay’ = to produce ‘celajes’ or ‘avalanches.’
The trek offers a wide variety of magical landscapes including Quechua communities, Inca ruins, jungles with a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and overwhelming snowy mountain peaks with breath-taking sights. The trek requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, age should not be a barrier for anyone! With the highest point of 4650 masl, the most important factor is to be well-acclimatized to the high altitude. With professional guides, we guarantee a life changing experience during this tour!
At a glance
- Duration: 96 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 96 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide
Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
What is included
- Camping equipment and kitchen equipment
- Transportation to Soraypampa (place where the hike starts)
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Chef
- First aid kit and oxygen kit
- Transportation back from Aguas Calientes to Cuzco
- Horses/muleteer to carry general items and up to 5kg of personal items
- Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Professional, English speaking guide
Not included
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (12 USD one way)
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Mule for carrying personal luggage more than 5kg (150 soles extra)
- Sleeping bag (15 dollars)
- Hot springs (25 soles)
- Ziplining (100 soles
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- All passengers are picked up at their ho(s)tel before the start of the tour. The exact time will be told some days before the start of your tour. Make sure to be ready!
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- PaRa Travels
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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