Humantay Lake Salkantay Mountain Abra Incachiriasca Inca Trail Sun Gate Machu Picchu Aguas Caliente

Physical Level

Challenging

Trip Style

Hiking

Max Altitude

3,500 meters

Group Size

min 2 persons

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

Dive into the heart of Peru with this unforgettable blend of culture, history, and adventure! Explore Cusco’s charming streets, uncover the secrets of the Sacred Valley, and conquer the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu—all in one epic week.

Highlights

Stroll through Cusco’s lively Plaza de Armas and marvel at the massive stones of Sacsayhuaman.
Get lost in the Sacred Valley’s hidden gems: the Pisac ruins, Moray’s “agricultural lab,” and the glittering Maras salt pools.
Hike the iconic Inca Trail, where ancient ruins and jaw-dropping mountain views wait around every bend.
Watch the sun paint Machu Picchu gold at sunrise from the Sun Gate—it’s pure magic.
Mix culture, adventure, and nature in a way that’ll leave you grinning for years.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Salkantaypampa

Alright, let’s kick things off! You’ll get picked up at 5 AM from your hotel – yeah, it’s early, but coffee helps. The drive to Soraypampa takes you through tiny villages like Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Keep your eyes open: you’ll pass through valleys and get your first glimpses of Salkantay Mountain’s snowy peak.

At Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft), breakfast is served with a side of glacier views – Humantay and Salkantay dominate the skyline. Then, a 2.5-hour hike (round trip) takes you to Humantay Lake. Pro tip: The bright blue-green water looks fake, but it’s real! Afterward, trek uphill to Salkantaypampa campsite (4,200m/13,780ft). Trust me, the cold air here bites a bit, but that view? Totally worth it. Tents are ready, dinner’s hot, and you’ll crash hard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Sleep: Tents
Distance: 13km/8.1 miles | Level: Moderate

DAY 2:

Salkantaypampa → Pampajaponesa

Your guide’ll swing by your tent with a hot coca tea or coffee – lifesaver at this altitude! Today’s hike is quieter, less crowded. You’ll climb for ~3 hours (slow and steady!) past rocky trails and icy streams. Lunch happens wherever the group’s hungry. By afternoon, you’ll reach Pampajaponesa campsite, just 1km from Salkantay’s base. The sunset here? Unreal. Glaciers glow pink, and the silence is wild – no cars, just wind.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Sleep: Tents
Distance: 14km/8.7 miles | Level: Moderate

DAY 3:

Pampajaponesa → Sisaypampa

Morning routine: tea in your sleeping bag, then pancakes or oatmeal. The big climb today is to Incachiriaska Pass (4,880m/16,010ft) – locals call it “where the Inca rests.” Thin air alert! Take it slow. This area’s prime Andean condor territory. Now, spotting one isn’t guaranteed (they’re shy!), but keep those eyes peeled! After the pass, the trail flattens out to Sisaypampa. Camp here, surrounded by nothing but mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Sleep: Tents
Distance: 10km/6.2 miles | Level: Moderate

DAY 4:

Sisaypampa → Wayllabamba → Llulluchapampa

Today’s a mix of goodbye and hello. You’ll part ways with the horsemen (they’re legends), and porters take over from here. Quick heads-up: Horses aren’t allowed on the Inca Trail, so gear shifts to human power.

The hike starts in Pampacahua Valley, where you’ll see ancient Inca canals still used by farmers. Lunch at Wayllabamba village, then you’ll join the Classic Inca Trail! The afternoon hike through Llullucha Valley is steep but shaded. Camp at Llulluchapampa (3,680m/12,073ft) – expect misty views and maybe a curious llama or two.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Sleep: Tents
Distance: 11km/6.8 miles | Level: Moderate

DAY 5:

Llulluchapampa → Pacaymayu → Phuyupatamarca

Brace yourself: today’s the toughest. You’ll climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,217m/14,047ft). Yeah, the name sounds intense (it’s the shape of the mountain, not a story!), but don’t let it spook you. The descent to Pacaymayu is rocky – poles help! After lunch, another climb to Runcurakay Pass (3,977m/13,127ft), then downhill to Phuyupatamarca campsite. Pro tip: The stone baths here? Inca engineering at its finest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Sleep: Tents
Distance: 16km/9.9 miles | Level: Challenging

DAY 6:

Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay Wayna → Aguas Calientes

Highlight day! Wake up early – sunrise over Machu Picchu Mountain is magic. You’ll hike down stone stairs (killer on the knees, but worth it) through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna ruins. Lunch here, then push to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Your first full view of Machu Picchu hits hard – cameras out! After exploring, bus down to Aguas Calientes. Hot showers, real beds (Hotel Ferre’), and celebratory dinners.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles | Level: Moderate

DAY 7:

Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco

Up at dawn for Machu Picchu! Buses leave starting 5:30 AM. Sunrise here isn’t just pretty – it’s spiritual. Your guide gives a 2-hour tour (temples, terraces, the works). Free time afterward: snap pics, hike Huayna Picchu (extra fee; book early!), or just sit and soak it in.

Back to Aguas Calientes by bus. Lunch here’s on your own – try the mercado for cheap eats. Train to Ollantaytambo (2:55 PM or 3:20 PM), then van to Cusco. You’ll be back by 7 PM – exhausted, but buzzing.

Meals: Breakfast
Level: Easy

Key Notes:

Huayna Picchu: $75 USD extra. Limited spots – book months ahead.
Upgrade Options: Vistadome train (+$67 USD) for bigger windows.
Sleeping Gear: Rentals available ($25 USD for bag/mattress).

Inclusions

All transport (hotel pickups, trains, buses).
Machu Picchu entry + Inca Trail permit.
Tents, meals, guides, porters/horses (7kg personal gear limit!).
3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Last-day lunch.
Sleeping bag rentals.
Tips (guides/porters work hard – $20-$ 30 is common).
Huayna Picchu/Vistadome upgrades.

Got questions? Ask! This trek’s a beast, but every blister’s worth it. Just pack layers, break in your boots, and enjoy the ride. 🏔️

What to Bring

Daypack Must-Haves:

Your passport (no copy—Machu Picchu needs the real deal!).
Rain poncho (we’ll give you one, but pack a backup).
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses—the Andean sun is no joke.
Toilet paper & hand sanitizer (trust us).
Layers! A warm jacket for chilly mornings, a rain shell for afternoon showers.
Water bottle (2L min), headlamp, and snacks (think chocolate or trail mix).
Cash (600 soles-ish) for tips, souvenirs, or emergency pizza cravings.

Duffel Bag Essentials:

Sleeping bag (rated for freezing temps—nights get cold!).
Broken-in hiking boots (blisters = no fun).
Comfy camp shoes (flip-flops save lives).
Wool socks (6 pairs), quick-dry shirts (5+), and hiking pants (2-3).
Trekking poles (rent ours if you don’t have ’em).
Camera or phone—you’ll want a million photos!

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
- The name of the university
- The student’s name and photo
- A valid expiration date
ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

The traveler is older than 25
The ID is expired
The ID does not have an expiration date
ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “ITAN Adventure”?

“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
Air Mattresses: Available to rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.

Pricing

COST & BOOKING DETAILS
Straight talk from a Cusco local – no hidden fees, just clear info!

AVAILABILITY
Good news: You pick the date! This trek runs any day you want, as long as there are at least 2 people signed up.

PRICES

$1,177 USD per person – Includes 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room + bathroom).
** $1, 157 U S D p er p erso n * * - N o h o t e l ? S a v e$ 20 and book your own.
BOTH OPTIONS INCLUDE:
A pack horse and porter to carry 7kg of your stuff (we give you a duffel bag!).
Spacious 4-person tents (only 2 people per tent – no sardine vibes!).

DISCOUNTS (send required docs at booking):

Ages 18–25 (students): $30 off – Need a uni ID copy with your photo, expiry date, and school name.
Under 18: $30 off – Send passport copy.
Under 11: $40 off – Send passport copy.

ADD-ONS

Sleeping bag rental: $25 USD – Clean, warm, no weird smells.
Air mattress: $25 USD – Thick Therm-a-rest pads (trust me, your back will thank you).
Trekking poles: $20 USD/pair – Adjustable, sturdy.
Solo tent: $30 USD – For privacy lovers.
Extra night in Aguas Calientes: Starts at $60 USD – Depends on hotel availability.
Vistadome Train upgrade: $67 USD – Bigger windows, snacks, ✨vibes✨.
Huayna Picchu hike: $75 USD – Book early! Limited spots. No guide included – DIY adventure.
Single room upgrade: $40 USD/night (3-star) – For solo travelers who hate roommates.

WHY CHOOSE THIS TREK?

FREE duffel bag – Pack your 7kg gear (sleeping bag counts!).
BOILED WATER – For drinking and washing (no extra cost).
SMALL GROUPS – Avg. 4–6 people, max 8. No crowds, just vibes.
ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE – Fluent, funny, and full of stories.
COMFY CAMP GEAR – Foam mattress + camping pillow included.
HORSES → PORTERS – Gear carried by 🐎 on Salkantay, porters on Inca Trail (to protect the path!).

HEADS UP:

Huayna Picchu is optional – no guide unless you pay extra.
Student discounts need government approval – send docs ASAP!
Want a guided Huayna Picchu hike? Ask when booking (extra fee).

Got it? Questions? Holler! We’re here to make your trek epic – without emptying your wallet.

[trustindex no-registration=tripadvisor]

Inca Trail with Salkantay trek 7 Days

Inca Trail with Salkantay trek 7 Days

Highlights

Itinerary

Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Salkantaypampa

Salkantaypampa → Pampajaponesa

Pampajaponesa → Sisaypampa

Sisaypampa → Wayllabamba → Llulluchapampa

Llulluchapampa → Pacaymayu → Phuyupatamarca

Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay Wayna → Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco

Inclusions

What to Bring

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Why to Choose

Why choose “ITAN Adventure”?

Small Group Travel

About Our Tour Guides

Our Inca Trail Porters

Our Team and Equipment

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

Pricing

Add Your Inquire now with a Local Specialist

Connect with our local experts to find the ideal Peruvian adventure for you. Reach out to us today!

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