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The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail. It is considered by most to be the best alternative route. We think it’s the best route! Not only because of the rampant beauty you will encounter, but also because of the lack of people. Because it is more rugged and remote, the Salkantay Trek is significantly less populated than the Inca Trail. With formidable views and awe-inspiring vistas, this path less traveled has an unquantifiable value. It is truly, as deemed by the Inca, sacred.
Machu Picchu is consistently the #1 travel destination in the world. Why? The answer is simple: the experience is mesmerizing and unique. You aren’t merely driving up to the lookout, getting out of the car, and snapping a few photos; you are traveling to the depths of South America, into the heart of the Andes. Stumbling onto the Lost City of the Incas is just one part of the journey.
The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
Vinicunca — also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, or more simply Rainbow Mountain — was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. Formed by weathering, environmental conditions and sedimentary deposits over time, the mountain’s unique minerology created a marbling effect, with layered hues of gold, lavender, red and turquoise towering into the sky.
The former capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Peru’s city of Cusco is a fabulous base from which to explore fascinating archeological and historical sites, as well as enjoy time in nature. Although the city has much to be proud of, many of the area’s delights can be found beyond the city limits. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure to remember.
Machu Picchu Inca Trekking is one of Peru’s leading tour operators. We are trusted for our professional, efficient, and friendly services. With a focus on exploration, cultural immersion and personal achievement, our adventure travel packages will challenge and inspire you as you bond with other like-minded travelers who share a love for exploring new places and cultures.
Duration
1 Day
Price
from: $400
3650 m / 8694 ft
Up to 10 people
No Included
Moderate
Our One Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the best way to get to Machu Picchu for those without the time to hike the Classic Inca trail. The Inca Trail appeal is the stunning cultural show of Inca ruins, exotic mountain views, primitive lush vegetation, and extraordinary ecological varieties. The trail goes through the National Park and enters through the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu.
Pick up from hotel, train to KM104- the start of the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
We will start the trip by picking you up from your hotel very early (4 am) and takes you to the Ollantaytambo Train Station. We take the train for about 1 hour 45 minutes to the beginning of this Inca Trail Trek, at Km 104 of Chachabamba.
Passing through the Inca Trail checkpoint, we immediately see our first archaeological center, the magnificent ruins at Chachabamba. These ruins were one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu. The site features several fascinating buildings, and our expert guide will be delighted to share the history with you.
Our trek begins with a steady ascent for around 3 hours, climbing the original Inca stone steps. The ecosystems in this area are unique, and your guide will help you identify the different types of flora and fauna along the trail. After passing the most spectacular waterfall, we arrive at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.
Most hikers don't stop here to be amazed by its exquisite architecture. You'll discover a ritual water source, temples dedicated to nature's forces, and beautiful agricultural platforms. Wiñay Wayna is the perfect place to learn a little more about the impressive history of the Incas.
Again, take time to relax, be silent, and connect with Mother Earth through birdsong or the wind's refreshing touches. A little further, you'll see the camps where the people who do the classic Inca Trail spend the night. We will have time to eat our delicious box lunch provided for our company, fill your stomach, and recharge your energies.
Hike from Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
We'll continue our tour and walk to Inti Punku, better known as the Sun Gate. From where you will see, for the first time, the impressive architecture of Machu Picchu.
Intipunku provides our first views of the magnificent Machu Picchu. It is difficult to put into words the impact of seeing this ancient, sacred, and world-famous site for the first time. After taking some time to enjoy the views and take those all-important photos, we make a final short walk down to Machu Picchu. Here we will have a 1-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city and visit temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and the farming fields. After taking some time to enjoy the views and take those all-important photos, we make a final short walk down to the main entrance to Machu Picchu from where we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train at 6:10 pm hrs. (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Pick up from hotel, train to KM104- the start of the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
We will start the trip by picking you up from your hotel very early (4 am) and takes you to the Ollantaytambo Train Station. We take the train for about 1 hour 45 minutes to the beginning of this Inca Trail Trek, at Km 104 of Chachabamba.
Passing through the Inca Trail checkpoint, we immediately see our first archaeological center, the magnificent ruins at Chachabamba. These ruins were one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu. The site features several fascinating buildings, and our expert guide will be delighted to share the history with you.
Our trek begins with a steady ascent for around 3 hours, climbing the original Inca stone steps. The ecosystems in this area are unique, and your guide will help you identify the different types of flora and fauna along the trail. After passing the most spectacular waterfall, we arrive at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.
Most hikers don't stop here to be amazed by its exquisite architecture. You'll discover a ritual water source, temples dedicated to nature's forces, and beautiful agricultural platforms. Wiñay Wayna is the perfect place to learn a little more about the impressive history of the Incas.
Again, take time to relax, be silent, and connect with Mother Earth through birdsong or the wind's refreshing touches. A little further, you'll see the camps where the people who do the classic Inca Trail spend the night. We will have time to eat our delicious box lunch provided for our company, fill your stomach, and recharge your energies.
Hike from Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
We'll continue our tour and walk to Inti Punku, better known as the Sun Gate. From where you will see, for the first time, the impressive architecture of Machu Picchu.
Intipunku provides our first views of the magnificent Machu Picchu. It is difficult to put into words the impact of seeing this ancient, sacred, and world-famous site for the first time. After taking some time to enjoy the views and take those all-important photos, we make a final short walk down to Machu Picchu. Here we will have a 1-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city and visit temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and the farming fields. After taking some time to enjoy the views and take those all-important photos, we make a final short walk down to the main entrance to Machu Picchu from where we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train at 6:10 pm hrs. (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
You will meet your tour guide and group in our office for an orientation before your tour. The meeting will be at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins.
You will meet your tour guide and group in our office for an orientation before your tour. The meeting will be at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins.
All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Our guides are chosen for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and a desire to share in the experience. They’ll make sure you are safe and happy.
All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Our guides are chosen for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and a desire to share in the experience. They’ll make sure you are safe and happy.
All Machu Picchu Inca Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
All Machu Picchu Inca Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
Meals:
1 Box Lunch, 1 Dinner
Snack
Before starting your trekking, our guide will provide you a Cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Meals:
1 Box Lunch, 1 Dinner
Snack
Before starting your trekking, our guide will provide you a Cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Private Transport:
- You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo Train Station.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train tickets:
- From Ollantaytambo to KM 104(Starting point of the trek).
- From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Bus Ticket:
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Permits for the Inca Trail
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site.
Private Transport:
- You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo Train Station.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train tickets:
- From Ollantaytambo to KM 104(Starting point of the trek).
- From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Bus Ticket:
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Permits for the Inca Trail
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site.
Breakfast.
Breakfast.
Tips are usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do.
Tips are usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do.
Landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.
Landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about trekking Salkantay in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
Briefing or informative meeting
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 5:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the Salkantay Trekking offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Storing your luggage at our Office.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pickups:
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours:
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations:
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects:
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Total Price
US$400
per person
Pre Payment
US$200
(Required)
Balance
US$200
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal charges an 8% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only, so you will pay the remainder in cash (on the day of the briefing) with no fees.
Nro of Persons: |
Pax 1 = $200.00 USD Pax 2 = $400.00 USD Pax 3 = $600.00 USD Pax 4 = $800.00 USD Pax 5 = $1,000.00 USD Pax 6 = $1,200.00 USD Pax 7 = $1,400.00 USD Pax 8 = $1,600.00 USD Pax 9 = $1,800.00 USD Pax 10 = $2,000.00 USD |
Please, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to sales@machupicchuincatrekking.com; only after that, we’ll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Cusco by Machu Picchu Inca Trekking Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Cusco.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 984 071 742 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Queshua Street N° 129, Cusco, Cusco - Perú
Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
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