Ready to experience the Andes beyond the standard routes while still arriving at Machu Picchu in style? The 7 Day Machu Picchu Trekking circuit is designed by Inca Trail Hikes Peru for travelers who want time to acclimatize, explore, and connect. This journey links remote Andean communities, quiet Inca trails, and lush cloud forest valleys. Instead of rushing, you spend nights in comfortable private lodges and eco camps with proper beds, hot showers, and chef prepared meals.
Your route circles the sacred Vilcabamba range and combines high mountain passes, turquoise lakes, and ancient agricultural terraces. You will meet local weavers, share tea with farming families, and hike sections of original Inca stone paths that few tourists ever see. The trip culminates with a full guided visit to Machu Picchu after entering the sanctuary through a scenic and quieter gateway. This is trekking redefined: adventure with depth, comfort, and real cultural contact.
4650 m.s.n.m
Up to 8 people
Group
Difficult
7 days
Upon your arrival in Cusco, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check in, you will receive a short orientation briefing with your guide. You then have the rest of the morning to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the historic center of Cusco at your own pace.
We start this beautiful day at 7:30 AM with pickup from your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route heads to the Sacred Valley of the Incas toward Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray for a panoramic view of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed very little in the past five hundred years.
Next, we drive to the archaeological site of Pisac. There you will see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs, expertly engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, an Inca tunnel, and the religious area of this important citadel. We spend about 2 hours exploring the site. Then we head down to the colorful market of Pisac for a 20 minute visit before driving to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the archaeological site of Moray, known as The Greenhouse of the Incas. This deep circular basin features terraces that create varied microclimates. Archaeologists believe the Incas used Moray to experiment with crop hybridization and discover optimal growing conditions.
Continuing to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt mines, called Salineras. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A natural spring feeds the pans, and this is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt.
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo. Take time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and tour the massive Inca ruins with your guide. Visit the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site during the Spanish conquest. In the evening, we return to Cusco for the night.
Your hiking adventure begins at 5:00 AM with pickup from your hotel. We drive 2 hours in our private van to Mollepata, traveling along winding Andean roads with views of the villages Izcuchaca and Limatambo, plus the surrounding valleys and the snow capped Salkantay Mountain. In Mollepata, we stop at a local restaurant for breakfast.
After breakfast, we continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. Your guide will give final instructions before we start walking. From here we hike for about 3 moderate hours to Soraypampa. You will pass Inca water channels and enjoy mountain views along the way.
Once at the Soraypampa trailhead, we serve a delicious and hearty lunch with spectacular views of Mount Humantay at 5,900 meters and Mount Salkantay at 6,217 meters. You will check into our exclusive panoramic domes and have free time to relax before our next hike.
By early afternoon, we take a 2.5 hour round trip hike up to Humantay Lake. Take in the beautiful, crystalline blue waters of the lake and enjoy the incredible natural setting. We then hike back down for happy hour with hot drinks, popcorn, and cookies.
In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in our dining room, receive a briefing for the next day, and rest at our million star campsite.
Today is the most challenging day. Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of coffee or tea to enjoy before you get up. After a tasty breakfast, we begin the ascent by the Seven Snakes path through the mountains. We hike about 3 hours to reach the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters.
At the pass, feel the power of three towering snow capped mountains: Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay. These peaks are considered sacred by the Andean people. Your guide will explain the importance of these Apus in traditional Andean beliefs. Below you will see spectacular rivers and small scenic lakes.
We descend for 2 hours to Huayracmachay for a hot lunch. Later we continue downhill for 3 hours to your next glamping experience in Collpapampa. Along the way, enjoy lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls as you cross from the dry Andean highlands into the warm and humid edge of the Amazon.
Once settled in your comfortable dome, enjoy a tasty dinner, freshen up in your 3 star room with shower facilities, and relax in our steam sauna for an amazing end to the day.
After another hot drink in your dome, enjoy the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. From here, we take local transport to Lucmabamba. We then walk in the footsteps of the Inca along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours to the Puncuyoc Pass at 2,700 meters.
Along the way, be amazed by incredible views of deep valleys and fruit plantations. We finally arrive at the Llactapata Inca Ruins, located directly across the valley from Machu Picchu. Take time to enjoy the strategic view of the Citadel of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, and the Aobamba Canyon.
From there, we descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco. Nearby, we enjoy lunch before we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we have dinner and check into our hotel.
This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast at the hotel, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. Your guide will lead a tour that takes about 2 hours. You will see most of the important parts of the Machu Picchu Citadel and learn how it is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After your guided tour, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own. Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train departs for Ollantaytambo at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, following the spectacular Urubamba River. The canyon is narrow with beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train high on the canyon wall. At Ollantaytambo, our driver will meet you at the station and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco by private vehicle. You arrive at your hotel by 7:00 PM.
Pickup from your hotel is at 4:00 AM to begin the Rainbow Mountain trek. We drive 3 hours through the South Valley of Cusco to the trailhead at Llacto at 4,638 meters. Along the way, enjoy views of Inca farming terraces, traditional villages, and high Andean peaks.
We have breakfast with herds of alpacas and llamas nearby, then start hiking along a lovely stream. You will have views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. Interact with local people who keep traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their clothing and ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua.
After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we reach Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 meters. Take time to admire the unique colors, explore the area, and take photos. We spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. There is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley that adds about 45 minutes to the return.
We hike 1 hour back down the same trail and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by our cook. Then we drive 3 hours back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
“The 7 days Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu its available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people”
***This price includes the horse services who will carry your belongings up to 5 kilos along the Salkantay trek. We will provide you with a duffel bag.
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
This Best Salkantay Trek Package is 7 days and includes visits to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Salkantay Trek, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
The tour begins upon your arrival in Cusco, where our team will transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive a short briefing before the adventure begins.
This 7-day package includes Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Trek, Llactapata, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
Accommodation includes 3 star and 4 star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, plus exclusive panoramic domes and Sky Dome accommodations during the Salkantay Trek. See the itinerary for details: Sky Domes at Soraypampa and Collpapampa, Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, and Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Yes. The package includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, a guided tour of the archaeological site, and the round trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Yes. The package includes private transportation during the tour, transfers to the trekking starting point, the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and private transportation back to Cusco.
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals are available with prior request.
Yes. The tour includes an English speaking professional guide experienced in mountain trekking and the archaeological sites visited during the itinerary.
During the trek, you will stay in exclusive panoramic Sky Domes at Soraypampa and Collpapampa with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and hot showers. You also have one night in a mountain camp and hotel nights as shown in the itinerary.
Yes. On the final day, you will visit Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca. You will enjoy a guided hike through the high Andes before returning to Cusco.
Yes. The package includes the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. A Vistadome train upgrade is available for $67 USD per person.
No. Trekking poles are available as an optional extra service for $15 USD per pair for the whole trek.
No. The Huayna Picchu hike is optional and requires an additional entrance ticket of $75 USD. It must be booked in advance due to limited permits.
Yes. Porter service is included to carry tents, food, cooking equipment, and up to 8 kg of your personal belongings using the duffel bag we provide
Yes. Hotel pickup is included at the beginning of the tour and before all trekking activities, as indicated in the itinerary.
The trek is rated moderate to challenging. You will hike 6 to 8 hours on some days and cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters. Prior hiking experience helps. We recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize.
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters or 15,255 feet. You will sleep at 3,800 meters in Soraypampa and 2,900 meters in Collpapampa. Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,020 meters.
Our Sky Domes are private glass structures with real beds, thick bedding, private bathrooms, and hot showers. You sleep under the Andean stars with zero light pollution.
There is limited or no cell service at Soraypampa and during the trek. You will have WiFi at hotels in Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and the Sacred Valley. The Sky Domes do not have WiFi so you can disconnect and enjoy nature.
Your guide carries an emergency oxygen tank and a first aid kit. We descend if symptoms are serious. The 7 day itinerary helps your body acclimatize naturally. Drink water, walk slowly, and avoid alcohol. Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
There are no charging outlets in the Sky Domes or mountain camps. Bring a fully charged portable power bank. You can charge devices at hotels in Aguas Calientes and the Sacred Valley.
Yes. Travel insurance that covers high altitude trekking up to 5,000 meters and emergency evacuation is required for all participants.
The dry season from April to October has clear skies and less rain. The wet season from November to March is greener but you should expect rain. The trek runs year round except February when parts of the Inca Trail network close.
Yes, if you have good general fitness and train before you arrive. The 7 day length gives you more time to adjust. Day 4 is the hardest day. Our guides, porters, and mules support you the entire way.
Yes. Our Sky Domes have private bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. On the trail we use basic public toilets at camps or set up a private toilet tent. At Machu Picchu, bathrooms are only outside the main gate.
Tipping is voluntary. A common recommendation is 60 to 80 Soles per trekker for the entire crew, pooled and given to the head guide on the last night. Our staff receives fair payment after every trip. Tips are appreciated but never required.
Yes. You can store extra luggage for free at your Cusco hotel or our office. Only take what you need for 7 days. Your porter carries up to 8 kg of your gear.
Yes. Your original physical passport is mandatory for all checkpoints, to board the train, and to enter Machu Picchu. Copies are not accepted.
Cusco
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