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Cusco
Machu Picchu by Vistadome: Cusco, Sacred Valley & The Citadel (3 Days)
Description: del Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
Embark on the ultimate 7-day Andean trek, uniquely combining the challenging Salkantay route with the Classic Inca Trail. The journey begins with an acclimatization hike to Soraypampa, set beneath the majestic Humantay glacier, and an ascend to the sacred, turquoise Humantay Lagoon. Day three is the most demanding: conquer the Inca Chiriasca Pass ($5,000\ m$), where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Apus (mountain deities). This initial phase tests your endurance and connects you deeply with the high Andean environment before joining the ancient royal road.
The expedition transitions by joining the Classic Inca Trail near Wayllabamba, walking through ancient paths and cloud forest. You will tackle the demanding Warmi Wañusca Pass, exploring key archaeological sites like Runcuracay and Sayacmarca en route to Chaquicocha. The final two days unfold with gentler treks through lush high jungle: visit the stunning terraces and complexes of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna. The trek culminates before dawn on day seven as you hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to witness the magical sunrise over Machu Picchu, completing this comprehensive and unforgettable journey to the sacred city.
Sacred mountains, ancient trails, and the spirit of the Apus await you.
Tour Overview
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Location: Vilcabamba Mountain Range – Salkantay Route + Official Inca Trail section
Experience Type: Adventure trekking, living history, and deep connection with nature
Difficulty Level: High – ideal for experienced trekkers
Maximum Altitude: 5,000 m (Inca Chiriasca Pass)
Total Distance: Approximately 75 km
Style: Trekking with private campsites and fully personalized service
Why travel with Terres des Incas?
Because we don’t just walk with you — we connect every step to the soul of the Andes.
Sleep in comfortable, scenic camps surrounded by pristine nature, enjoy mountain cuisine prepared by our expert chefs, and walk beside passionate guides who share the ancestral wisdom of their land.
On this journey, you’re not a tourist — you’re part of a sacred rite.
Itinerary Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
Day 1: Cusco – Marccoccasa – Soraypampa
Early departure to Marccoccasa (3,300 m), where our muleteers will greet you. Begin your acclimatization hike through lush valleys and waterfalls until reaching Soraypampa (3,800 m), set beneath the majestic Humantay glacier.
Distance: 11 km Elevation Gain: +900 m Weather: Mild to cold
Included:
Professional guide
Private transport
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Snacks
Camping gear
Muleteers and pack animals
Day 2: Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Ichupata
Ascend to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, a sacred mirror of the glaciers. Continue to Ichupata (4,200 m), close to the Salkantay Mountain. Tonight, rest under a star-filled sky.
Distance: 13 km Elevation Gain: +400 m Weather: Cold
Included:
Professional guide
All meals
Snacks
Camping gear
Muleteers and pack animals
Day 3: Ichupata – Inca Chiriasca Pass – Inca Canal
The most demanding day: cross the Inca Chiriasca Pass (5,000 m) with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Apus. Optional hike to a nearby glacier. Descend to a small Andean community for an overnight stay.
Distance: 14 km Elevation Gain/Loss: +800 m / -1,500 m Weather: Very cold in the morning
Included:
Professional guide
Official Inca Trail permit
All meals
Snacks
Camping gear
Porters
Muleteers and pack animals
Day 4: Inca Canal – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
We officially join the Classic Inca Trail, walking through ancient paths and visiting remote archaeological sites. Our route continues through the cloud forest to our camp in Ayapata.
Distance: 14 km Elevation Gain/Loss: -750 m / +300 m Weather: Variable
Included:
Professional guide
All meals
Snacks
Camping gear
Porters
Day 5: Ayapata – Warmi Wañusca Pass – Chaquicocha
A long but unforgettable day. Cross two high Andean passes and visit ancient sites like Runcuracay and Sayacmarca. Camp at Chaquicocha, surrounded by the lush high jungle.
Distance: 16 km Elevation Gain/Loss: +900 m / -600 m Weather: Changing throughout the day
Included:
Professional guide
All meals
Snacks
Camping gear
Porters
Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
A gentler day. Walk through the cloud forest and visit three stunning archaeological sites: Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna, where we spend our last night on the trail.
Distance: 10 km Elevation Loss: -1,000 m Weather: Warm and humid
Included:
Professional guide
All meals snacks
Camping gear
Porters
Optional farewell ceremony with symbolic gifts
Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We start early to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for the first magical view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Guided visit through the sacred city before returning by train to Cusco.
Distance: 5 km Elevation Gain/Loss: +200 m / -400 m Highlight: Machu Picchu!
Included:
Professional guide
Breakfast, lunch
Machu Picchu entry ticket
Bus tickets
Expedition train, porters
Includes Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
Expert Andean guides passionate about their culture
All transportation from/to your hotel in Cusco
Official permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Private Terres des Incas campsites
Mountain tents, sleeping pads, ponchos
Porters and muleteers for personal gear
Full meals (B/L/D + snacks)
Boiled and filtered drinking water
Complete first-aid kit with oxygen
Pre-trek briefing
Satellite phone for emergencies
Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes
Not Included Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 7)
Sleeping bag ($45), inflatable pad ($40), trekking poles ($40)
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ($95, optional)
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
Recommendations Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
Who Should Take This Trek?
This route is perfect for adventurous travelers in good physical shape who seek not only to reach Machu Picchu but to live an immersive and transformative Andean experience. If you’re looking for more than just a photo — if you want to feel the Andes — this is your journey.
Book Early
Inca Trail permits are strictly limited. We recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance to secure your spot.
Ready to live the most unforgettable 7 days of your life?
Join us. We are Terres des Incas.
This journey was designed for you.
Recommendations
What to Bring
We’ll provide a 7 kg duffel bag carried by our porters. You’ll carry a small daypack with essentials.
Suggested packing list:
Sleeping bag (available for rent)
Comfortable waterproof trekking shoes or boots
Layered mountain clothing: thermal wear, windbreaker, hat, gloves, light pants
Trekking poles (available for rent)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm
Refillable water bottle or hydration pack (2–3 L minimum)
Personal medication and altitude pills if needed
Physical Condition
This trek is designed for active travelers with previous hiking experience. Good endurance and fitness are essential. We recommend regular walking or stair climbing in the weeks prior to your trip.
Terres des Incas Tip: If you can climb stairs for 30 minutes without exhaustion, you’re ready. If not — you still have time to prepare!
Acclimatization
Spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before starting the trek to properly acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Use those days to explore Cusco, visit nearby ruins like Sacsayhuamán or Moray, and eat light, nutritious meals.
Photo Gallery Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
Frequently Asked Questions Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Combo: The Ultimate 7-Day Expedition
How does this trek connect two different routes into one seamless journey?
This itinerary is an ingenious geographical link-up. You start on the Salkantay route, trekking beneath the massive glaciated peaks of Humantay and Salkantay for the first three days. Instead of descending into the coffee plantations like the standard Salkantay trek, you will cross the high Inca Chiriasca Pass (5,000m)—a quiet, rarely trodden path—to traverse into the Classic Inca Trail network. You essentially enter the famous Inca Trail "through the back door" at Wayllabamba, merging the solitude of the high mountains with the archaeological richness of the royal road.
Is this the hardest trek you offer?
Physically, yes, this is likely the most challenging standard itinerary we operate. It combines the extreme altitude of the Salkantay region (sleeping near 4,000m and crossing a 5,000m pass) with the relentless "Gringo Killer" stairs of the Inca Trail's Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 5. It requires a higher level of fitness and mental grit than doing either trek individually because there is no rest day in between. It is designed for experienced hikers who want to test their limits and see the Andes in their full, rugged glory.
Do I still get to see the famous Humantay Lake?
Absolutely. The visit to Humantay Lake is one of the highlights of Day 2. You will hike up to this turquoise gem nestled at the base of the glacier, offering one of the most iconic photo opportunities in Peru. The difference is that while most day-trippers have to rush back to buses, you will continue your journey deeper into the mountains, camping in areas that feel miles away from civilization, allowing you to enjoy the energy of the Apus (mountain spirits) long after the crowds have left.
Since we switch trails, do we switch support teams?
Logistically, this trek is a masterpiece of coordination. You will likely keep the same core guide throughout to ensure continuity in your experience and safety. However, the support team dynamics shift slightly to accommodate regulations. On the Salkantay portion, mules carry the heavy gear because the terrain allows it. Once you enter the protected Inca Trail sanctuary (where animals are banned), the operation switches seamlessly to our team of human porters. You witness two different styles of Andean logistics in one trip.
Why is the arrival at Machu Picchu different on this trek compared to the standard Salkantay?
This is the critical differentiator. The standard Salkantay trek ends in Aguas Calientes, meaning you take a bus up to Machu Picchu like a regular tourist. In this combo, because you transition onto the Classic Inca Trail for the second half, you arrive at Machu Picchu on Day 7 via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on foot. You get the glorious, emotional moment of looking down on the citadel from above after a week of walking, a privilege exclusive to Inca Trail hikers.
If I want to do this, how far in advance must I decide?
Because this trek involves the Classic Inca Trail for the second half, you are bound by the strict government permit system. You cannot just show up and do it. You must secure one of the 500 daily Inca Trail permits. Therefore, you need to book this expedition 4 to 6 months in advance, just like the standard Inca Trail. If permits for the Inca Trail are sold out, this specific combo becomes impossible to run, making early planning essential.
Comments:
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
For responsible and sustainable tourism
The payment for each experience is distributed responsibly and transparently with the aim of generating a real and positive impact in Peru
