Peru is famous for its trekking and many people visit the country specifically for trekking. There are treks that exist that take you from place to place, from A to B but then there are treks that change what is inside of you. The Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of those very special pilgrimages.
This 7-day Salkantay Inca Trail combination trek follows two ancient Inca pathways in the Andes: the wilder, untamed road beneath the Apu Salkantay, who is the great protector of the region. Then next up is the refined stone trail of the Inca Trail, which has been constructed by ancestors who believed that walking was a way to communicate with their gods. Few routes in Peru offer such a sacred combination! This combo offers fierce glacier peaks in the first section, moss-covered Inca staircases in the latter stages. This unique route is a mix of quiet valleys humming with hummingbirds, and archaeological sites that were built to align with the stars and the planets.
To walk this route is to understand ancient Andean philosophies through breath, rhythm, adventure and ritual. Here, you practice reciprocity with the mountains as you climb respectfully, descend gently, and experience a Trail steeped in remarkable history. By the time you reach Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate, you will know why many travelers say this is the best combined trek Peru Machu Picchu trek for culture, for depth, for adventure and for uniqueness.
This trek is a conversation with mountains as well as a meeting with your own challenge, to head to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
We will leave Cusco early, heading toward the foothills of Salkantay, where the wind carries the aromas of centuries-old ice and sun-baked ichu grass. At Soraypampa, your first campsite is protected by two sacred guardians: Apu Salkantay and Apu Humantay. After settling in, your guide will take you on a gentle hike to Humantay Lake, a turquoise mirror where Andean families continue to offer coca leaves to Pachamama and day-trippers stand in awe of this ethereal stretch of water. It’s a perfectly beautiful introduction to the Salkantay Inca Trail route with Humantay Lake, and a perfect moment to set your intentions for the trek ahead.
Distance: – 5 km
Max altitude: 4,200 m
Campsite: 3,900 m
At dawn, you begin the climb toward the mighty Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the entire combination trek. The wind is cold and pure with condors drifting overhead, as if guiding your way along the trek. Your guide will tell you all about the sacred mountain Salkantay and Andean cosmology, explaining why the Incas saw the immense mountain peaks as living deities. We will stop for lunch prepared by your private chef on the mountain top.
From the pass, we will then head towards our campsite in Pampa Japonesa, where we can see spectacular views of the lagoons and a stunning backdrop of the Vilcanota mountain range. The first hints of ancient Inca stonework come into view as we transition from Salkantay wilderness into the spiritual domain of the Inca Trail connection from Salkantay trek.
Distance: 22 km
Max altitude: 4,630 m (Salkantay Pass)
Campsite: 3,700 m
Today is the day the Apu Salkantay finally reveals itself ou begin with an early start, climbing gradually toward the high Andean plateau where the silence feels almost religious. As you approach the foot of the pass, glaciers appear like white guardians, watching over the trail that thousands of Andean travelers once used to cross between the eco-regions of the Andes.
The final ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) is slow, steady, and powerful the kind of uphill section where you breathe deeply, hike, and genuinely feel the mountain’s ancient energy. From the summit, the view stretches across stone, ice caps and vast sky. As we descend into Sisaypampa, the landscape softens into broad pampas carved by centuries of wind and extreme weather conditions. Here you will pause for lunch before continuing on a lesser-known section of the route that follows Inca aqueducts and water channels still functioning today. These stone waterways are feats of engineering and philosophy. A gentle reminder that water is not only an essential element but also a sacred entity.
Your campsite tonight is peaceful and remote, surrounded by open skies perfect for stargazing. If the weather is clear, your guide may share a small Andean reflection about the meaning of water, mountains, and the reciprocal flow between humans and nature. This is a cultural element sometimes lost on the Inca Trail trek alone and described as one of the highlights of the Salkantay-to-Inca-Trail combination.
Distance: 12 km
Max altitude: 3,150 m
Campsite: 3,000 m
Today is one of the most culturally meaningful days of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek. From Sisaypampa, the trail drops steadily into a narrow valley framed by ichu grass and and the descent takes around three hours. Your first stop is Inkaracay (Paucarcancha), a compact but powerful archaeological site strategically placed to control movement through the valley. Its terraces, storage spaces, and military layout reveal just how sophisticated the Inca communication and defense routes were.As you continue downhill, the landscape grows greener and more agricultural. Soon you will reach Huayllabamba, the first inhabited village on the Inca Trail connection from the Salkantay trek. This is also where you officially enter the Inca Trail checkpoint, so you’ll need your passport ready.
You will then meet those wonderful human beings – your Inca Trail porter team, who will accompany you for the rest of the route. For many travelers, this is a special moment — getting to know the quechua men who carry generations of wisdom from their ancestors along the same stone paths along with all your equipment.
After lunch, the trail ascends. The climb to Ayapata Campsite is steep but incredibly beautiful, passing through forests of native trees. It’s a steady, thoughtful ascent where you settle into a rhythm and let the mountain guide you. Your campsite at Ayapata is located in a serene section of cloud forest. It’s a peaceful place to rest and prepare for the challenges of the next few days.
Today is the hardest day but it is the most iconic section of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Leaving Ayapata, the trail climbs steadily toward Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the entire Salkantay and Inca Trail combo itinerary 7 days. This is where the challenge becomes real! The altitude, steep stone steps, and the thin air that makes the difficulty of the Salkantay and Inca Trail combo famous. Reaching the pass at 4,215 m is a moment many trekkers call life-changing. From the top, you’ll understand why trekkers praise this as the best combined trek Peru Machu Picchu. The descent toward Chaquicocha is long but beautiful. Our camp is set in a sheltered valley where you can rest, rehydrate, and enjoy a well-deserved hot meal prepared by the team. Genuinely one of the highlights of the Salkantay and Inca Trail combo.
Distance: 15 km
Max altitude: 3,650 m
Campsite: 3,650 m
Today we walk one of the most stunning sections of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where the rugged power of the Salkantay route finally blends into the refined stonework of the ancient Inca road. The path out of Chaquicocha winds through the cloud forest, with orchids, hummingbirds, and thick moss. A gentle climb brings us to Phuyupatamarca “the town above the clouds”. Many trekkers say this viewpoint alone makes the Best combined trek Peru Machu Picchu worth the effort. Your guide will explain how this site aligned with mountains and constellations, directly linked to the Inca worldview.
From here, a preserved stretch of original Inca stairway leads us down through toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes on the Salkantay and Inca Trail combo itinerary 7 days. Built into a steep mountainside, its terraces and water channels demonstrate the engineering prowess that once connected this route all the way to Machu Picchu.
Distance:12 km
Max altitude: 2,720 m
Hotel: Aguas Calientes, 2,040 m
We rise super early and to the same ancient rhythm of pilgrims who once walked this sacred path. A gentle but emotional final section of the Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu leads us along narrow stone paths that cling to the mountainside. As we reach the Inti Punku, (Sun Gate) Machu Picchu opens in front of you and a breathtaking finale that makes this the Best combined trek Peru Machu Picchu for many trekkers. This is the heart of the Machu Picchu Sun Gate arrival trek, a unique view that is reserved for those who have hiked these ancient trails. Dropping into the citadel, your guide shares local folklore tales of Pachamama, apus, celestial alignment, and the intricate engineering of the Inca civilization. You’ll explore temples, plazas, and terraces while gaining a deeper sense of why this Salkantay and Inca Trail combo holds such magic.
After your guided tour, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Cusco. Many travelers describe this day as the highlight of their Salkantay and Inca Trail combo itinerary 7 days, which is the perfect ending to a demanding but deeply rewarding trek.
Hiking time: 4–5 hrs (including exploring Machu Picchu)
Distance: 7 km total
Highest point: Inti Punku / Sun Gate 2,720 m
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m



Real experiences from fellow travelers who hiked, explored, and shared moments with us. Honest voices to inspire and prepare your own journey.
Have questions about your tour? You’re not alone. Here we cover the most common topics — from packing tips and safety to transportation and accommodations. Whether you’re heading to Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or beyond, this section will help you feel prepared and confident.
This is the best of both worlds trek Peru that combines the Wilder more rugged Salkantay landscapes with the spiritual, archaeological and cutural richness of the Classic Inca Trail.
Yes. The Salkantay portion doesnt need permits , but the Inca Trail requires a reserved permit that we purchase when you book your trek ( subject to availability).
The trek involves high altitude and steep passes, so expect a moderate to challenging difficulty level, especially at the Salkantay Pass and Warmiwañusca ascents.
English speaking guide, porters and muleteers, meals, entrance fees, Inca Trail permits, camping equipment, and Machu Picchu entrance o circuit 3B, trains and all land transport.
Yes — this itinerary includes the iconic Sun Gate arrival.
Yes, porters carry camping equipment, food, and support gear for safety.
High-quality camping along the trail; a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Dry season (May–September) has the most stable weather. Permits sell out early.
Yes — with the right preparation, such as fitness and acclimatization, this can be a great family friendly Salkantay and Inca Trail combo.
We’ll help you find inspiration from history, flavors, and travel tips so you can plan the best trip to Peru tailored to your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled this collection of knowledge so you can take home the best of our land.
We are more than a team: we are guardians of a living history,
AND YOU TOO!

When you travel with us, every
step supports people, culture,
and nature.
Your journey helps local communities thrive, protects traditions, and contributes to the conservation of Peru’s landscapes. Together, we create positive impact with every trip.



Certified by international standards and proud members of leading travel organizations, your journey is in safe hands.








