- Connect the Salkantay Trail and classic Inca Trail for the ultimate South America trek
- Enjoy camp life in the Andes − our expert staff take care of all the chores!
- Explore Inca ruins as our knowledgeable tour leader brings them to life
- Arrive at the famed Sun Gate at the ideal time to see Machu Picchu
- Refresh after your trek with a stay in charming Aguas Calientes
- Tour Machu Picchu, your experience enhanced after a restful hotel stay
The Salkantay Trek
14 Days
Excluding Flights From
16 Days
from
Incl. taxes
Excl. flights
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Simple
Trek amid the Vilcabamba mountains of Peru, then join the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This ultimate Inca Trail trek spends four days trekking deep in the majestic Vilcabamba mountain range before joining the classic Inca Trail for the approach to Machu Picchu. This high route skirts many of the great peaks and passes close to Mount Salkantay (20,574ft/6,271m) and its creaking glaciers. The trek continues through remote villages and crosses the spectacular Inca Chiriasqa Pass to finally join the classic Inca Trail before finishing at the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate). This trek also allows plenty of time to explore the Inca temples and fortresses of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.
Our classic Inca Trail trip is designed to give you more time to enjoy the trail by arriving to Machu Picchu in the afternoon for iconic photos and overnight in Aguas Calientes. We return the next morning, fresh and well rested, for our in-depth tour of Machu Picchu and train back to Cuzco.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 6 Simple nights (full-service camping)
- Seven days of walking with full porterage
- Altitude maximum: 16,275ft (4,960m); average: 11,645ft (3,550m)
- Travel by private minibus and by train
- Inca Trail permit required – early booking essential
- 22lb (10kg) personal baggage weight limit on trek
- Countries visited: Peru
What's Included
- All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners
- Seven nights in hotels and six nights of full-service camping
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Full porterage throughout trek
- Exodus kitbag
- Inflatable sleeping mat while camping
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$35)
8 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Approximately six to eight hours of walking per day
Terrain:
High altitude; good paths with some steep ascents and lots of steps
Day 2
6 km / 3.7 miles
Day 4
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 5
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 6
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 7
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 8
10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 9
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 10
9 km / 5.6 miles
Itinerary
Cuzco Cuzco London London
Depart London
The group flights from London leave this evening, flying via Lima and arriving in Cuzco the following morning.
Start Cuzco; afternoon city tour
The trip starts in Cuzco. The Inca capital, small enough to be easily manageable, is among the most attractive cities in South America, with much of the centre comprising Colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations. It is also full of interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian sites. We have a short walking tour of the city, including a visit to the Qoricancha Sun Temple.
Take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m).
There is a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Arrive Cuzco; afternoon city tour.
The trip starts in Cuzco today. The group flights usually arrive late morning. The Inca capital – though small enough to be easily manageable – is among the most attractive cities in South America, with much of the centre comprising Colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations, and it is full of interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian sites. We have a short walking tour of the city including a visit to the Qoricancha Sun Temple.
Take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m).
There is a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Full-day walking tour of nearby ruins including Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman
The hills above Cuzco are dotted with interesting Inca ruins. We drive to the highest, Tambomachay, and return on foot to Cuzco via Puca Pucara, Qenco and Sacsayhuaman: an easy walk to aid acclimatisation. An open-air picnic lunch is included during the hike near the spectacular ruins.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Free day in Cuzco
We have a free day in Cuzco to relax and further acclimatise before starting the tour. A range of optional activities and sightseeing excursions can be arranged, including visits to Inca and pre-Inca sites south of Cuzco, or walks in the hills surrounding the city but we recommend taking it relatively easy in preparation for the start of the trek tomorrow.
Accommodation: Mamasara Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Marcocasa; trek to camp at Soraypampa
A few hours’ drive, via the interesting Inca remains of Tarawasi (optional), takes us to the hill town of Mollepata where we make a brief stop, before continuing to Marcocasa, where we start our trek. We trek from here to our campsite near Soraypampa (12,830ft/3,910m) where we spend our first night under canvas. The total driving time is approximately four hours, and the walk takes around five to six hours of uphill and steady climbing along well-made tracks.
Accommodation: Soraypampa Camp (full-service camping)
Optional walk to Humantay Lagoon and climb up to base of Salkantay
The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Start your day with an optional three-hour return walk to Humantay Lagoon to see the magnificent water mirror in the middle of the Andes. Return for an early lunch at the campsite of Soraypampa and then continue our ascent towards Salkantay, the “Savage Mountain” in local Quechua language, which soon dominates our view. We camp at around 14,435ft (4,400m) in the high grassy meadow of Ichu Pata, below the south face and glaciers of the impressive peak.
Accommodation: Salkantay Camp (full-service camping)
Cross Inca Chiriasqa Pass and follow glaciated valley to Pampa Cahuana
The high point of the trek, and the goal this morning, is the Inca Chiriasqa pass at almost 16,400ft (5,000m). Climbing more steeply now, we walk close to the spectacular glaciers and ice walls of Nevado Salkantay. Passing through Pampa Japonesa, basecamp for a Japanese mountaineering expedition, we finally top the pass and gain excellent 360-degree views. Inca Chirisaqa means ‘the Inca fell ill from cold’ and the exposed situation makes it easy to see why. Descending from the pass, we drop down into the upper reaches of a broad valley where Salkantay reappears in a new profile. After passing a huge ridge of terminal moraine, once the snout of the East Salcantay Glacier, the river suddenly straightens, canalised by the Incas centuries ago. We camp alongside the canal close to the hamlet of Pampa Cahuana (12,695ft/3,870m).
Accommodation: Pampa Cahuana Camp (full-service camping)
Follow river to camp at Huayllabamba
Setting off from camp this morning, we follow the canal, which soon drops into a steep-sided valley. The path follows the side of this valley all the way to Paucarcancha, an Inca watchtower which guarded the Pampa Cahuana valley. We have time to explore this small site before continuing to the village of Huayllabamba (10,170ft/3,100m) where we camp for the night.
Accommodation: Huayllabamba Camp (full-service camping)
Join Inca Trail and summit Dead Woman's Pass
Today we join the main Inca Trail, the iconic trek to Machu Picchu. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m). After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky.
Accommodation: Pacaymayu Camp (full-service camping)
Over Runquracay Pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca
After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise.
Accommodation: Phuyupatamarca Camp (full-service camping)
Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Vilcanota River far below.
Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of the trail (by Inca standards, through cloud forest and wild orchids to finally reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).
From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it!
Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a shower and comfortable bed for the night.
Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu; train to Sacred Valley
We start early to beat the day-trippers from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible; buses return us up the winding road to the Machu Picchu entrance. During high season (May to October), there may be a bit of a wait.
Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and, what makes it all the more dramatic, is the staggering mountain backdrop. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so it remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu holds to this day.
We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) where we stay for the night.
Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)
Explore Ollantaytambo and Pisac; return to Cuzco
We spend a day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the Inca fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, which tower over the villages of the same name. We also have time to look around Pisac Market, known for handicrafts, before returning by road to Cuzco.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Free day in Cuzco
Today has been left free to relax or explore Cuzco further. There are several optional excursions available, which your tour leader can arrange for you. If you still have the energy, you could choose to mountain bike in the Sacred Valley taking a 18mi-22mi (30km-35km) ride through Moray, Maras and then down to Sacred Valley through ancient communities, farming fields and amazing Andean landscape. Alternatively, you could paddleboard on Lake Piuray near the town of Chinchero. Or, if feeling more subdued, take it easy and watch the world pass in Cuzco’s Plaza de Armas.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
End Cuzco
Begin your return journey home after breakfast. But if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can always book onto our Lake Titicaca extension, where you explore the sky-high waters by boat, visit an indigenous community and explore the pre‐Incan site of Sillustani. Alternatively, journey into the wilds on our Amazon Rainforest extension and explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of the abundant wildlife that lives there.
Depart Cuzco
Those who are travelling on the group flights will be taken to Cuzco airport in time to catch your overnight international flight to London.
Arrive London
The group flights arrive in London this afternoon.
Extend Your Trip
Amazon Rainforest extension (from Cuzco)
Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco, the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, plus countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to navigate dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Code: XPC
Lake Titicaca extension
Journey across the spectacular altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable freshwater lake in the world at 12,467ft (3,800m). Explore the waters by boat and visit the indigenous Uros community who live on floating reed islands and produce fine textiles. Back on the mainland, we visit the pre‐Inca site of Sillustani, composed of burial towers with fantastic views over the region. The Lake Titicaca extension is only available after your main tour as we do not recommend arriving straight into Puno due to the altitude. The detailed itinerary can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Code: XPT
Hotels and full-service camping
On this Peruvian adventure, we stay in three-star hotels for seven nights and spend six nights camping. The selected hotels have an excellent blend of quality and comfort and are within an easy walk of city and town attractions. Our camping is full service with porterage, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time on trek. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
Cuzco: MamaSara (nights 1-3 and 12-13)
Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine.
Salkantay and Inca Trail: Full-service camping (nights 4-9)
For six nights, we sleep among Andean peaks and wake to mountain views. It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime for some, but not one without comforts. We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents and we have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. While on trek, a bowl of warm water is provided for washing each morning and evening. Camp staff will set up, break down and transport all camp equipment necessary on the trek, providing you with more time and energy to take in these magnificent routes.
Aguas Calientes: Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel (night 10)
The Inti Punku Machu Picchu hotel is centrally located in the small town of Aguas Calientes, which sits alongside the Urubamba River. It has clean, contemporary rooms with private baths and hot water, making it a perfect place to relax and take in this unique setting far below the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo: Tunupa Lodge (night 11)
Tunupa Lodge is in Ollantaytambo, a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It has a bar and restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine, plus a variety of drinks. It also has a lovely garden and is a great place to relax and reflect on your amazing trek to Machu Picchu.
Worth knowing
- Camping: Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided in the mornings, at lunch and dinner times so we can refill our water bottles.
- Single accommodation (including tents) can be arranged, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
Trip Experts
Ubaldo Quispe
Expert Leader: Peru
Reviews
Add your own reviewCouldn't possibly have been better!
This was the trip of a lifetime – having long had Machu Picchu on our bucket-list: the actual experience (of arriving via the mountains) far exceeded all our expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being able to watch the Inti Raymi festival as part of the tour.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We are hugely appreciative of the care and passion with which our tour-leader (Holger) guided us all the way and ensured that all our needs and requests were met.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for both hot days and very cold nights.
Wonderful Salkantay and Inca Trail
The Salkantay Trek gives you both remoteness, superb mountain and glacier views along with the Inca Trail and the reward of the inspirational Machu Picchu at the end. It’s definitely worth the extra days of walking and camping. We didn’t see any other groups for the first three days! There was high level of support provided by the leader, chef and porters. The food on the trek was exceptional – nutritionally balanced, plentiful and varied. The days in Cusco before the trek provided good acclimatisation as well as familiarising ourselves with Inca history. The Machu Picchu Museum was well worth a visit in advance of the trek.
Most Inspirational Moment
Camping close to the Salkantay mountain and glacier (there was no one else there except the Exodus group) and the first glimpse of Machu Picchu as we came through the Sun Gate.
Thoughts on Group Leader
William was a fantastic leader. He was extremely knowledgeable on the history and geography of the areas we walked as well as taking us to all the key sites in Cusco. He was always on hand to provide advice, whether we had questions about the trek or were looking for cafe and restaurant ideas in Cusco. He was always looking out for our health and well-being, including monitoring our oxygen levels and checking for effects of altitude. He always had our best interests at heart.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip starts at altitude in Cusco and reaches higher levels during the trek. Do read the trip notes so you are as well prepared as you can be in basic fitness for the ascents and descents and length of walking days. It’s cold at night (especially near the glacier) so make sure you take the clothes that Exodus recommend. Exodus provide a good sleeping bag if you don’t have one.I always take snack bars in case I need extra food on the trek, although we were provided with plenty of snacks and fruit (more so than other treks I have done).
Well organised, challenging, beautiful.
A challenging first few days over Salkantay pass etc., then a simply beautiful second third as we descend to the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu itself, then a very relaxing few days sightseeing several amazing towns (Ollantaytambo and Pisac in particular – we only had an hour in Pisac and I’d’ve liked to stay there for an afternoon). The porters on the trip are amazing of course, but the cook was a genius! The most delicious trout in quinoa one night and cooked in a mess tent over a single gas stove…
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bobby was a fount of knowledge on plants and history every step of the way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It's can be a lot colder in the hills at night than you expect. Have a very warm sleeping bag and keep a dry underlayer at least for sleeping in.
Immersion in the high Andes
Really excellent trip. Altitude is an issue. We needed the first few days acclimatising in Cusco, where walking up hills seemed an effort. But we were acclimatised when the trek started. There are two parts to the trek although they merge seamlessly. The Salcantay trek is more remote, higher and supported by horses. Highest pass 5k metres. Highest campsite is cold enough to freeze your bootlaces (even Cusco is hot water bottle cold at night). Then you join the Inca trail which is more mainstream, less wild but still breathtaking, no horses but plenty of porters who skip up and down the trail carrying their loads. Not the most challenging walking, probably half the days were proper level 5 and the other half more like level 3. But on the Salcantay part of the trek you really do feel that you are in places where humans are not supposed to tread. Macchu Pichu is very touristy but stunning. The nights at Agua Calientes and Olanta are delightful and Cusco is a fabulous city to spend a few days. Lots of Inca sites – possibly a little too many history lessons for some. We were humbled by the care provided by the leader Edwind and his crew of chefs, horsemen and porters. A wonderful crew who really added to the trip. We felt safe and very well fed. Oh and Peru is a very welcoming country, no litter (pachamama), no smoking and very pleasant people.
Most Inspirational Moment
The massive unclimbed peaks of Saltancay, the avalanches, the black Llama in the night sky
Thoughts on Group Leader
Edwind was terrific. He became our friend. We spent a lot of time together in the food tent and he gets everything just right. Well maybe he could prune the history lessons a tad.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The altitude is a potential game changer. Walk slower than normal going up hill. Think carefully about packing. It gets down to minus 10 at night in the highest camp. The 10kg limit on the trek includes sleeping bag but not the mat. Take a powerbank as not electricity on the trek. Long nights in the tent so take something to read. You get a cold shower on night 4. Enjoy.
Absolutely Fantastic
I had high expectations of this trip and it did not disappoint, not one little bit. Cusco is a beautiful city, very relaxed, clean, and welcoming – perfect for acclimatisation before and relaxing after the hike. As for the hike itself it was tough at times but well worth the effort. I am so glad we decided to do the High Inca Trail, giving a few extra days to experience the stunning scenery. We were lucky to have perfect weather, clear blue skies and sunshine during the day, a little rain overnight, but mostly clear skies to admire the stars and milky way. The numerous Inca ruins we passed were mind-boggling – just how did they build these places in such precarious locations?! And Machu Picchu surpassed all expectations – it is truly breathtaking, an absolute must on anyone’s bucket list.
Most Inspirational Moment
The obvious one was seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. After this scaling the highest point, Incachirisca Pass, and surviving Dead Woman's Pass! But by far and away the most inspiration came from the porters, rushing past you on the trail to get to the next camp site before you, having been left behind to dismantle the site you had just left, laden down with kit - put your own puffing and panting with a day pack into perspective!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was brilliant. He set a good pace, made sure we didn't overdo it, and kept a constant check on our wellbeing. He was very knowledgeable, ensured everyone was included, and was unbiased and diplomatic when needed - which is often the case in group travel. Nothing was too much trouble for him, he was always there for us. Assistant leader was also great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It may seem daunting, and it is tough, but it is totally achievable if you are prepared to give it your all. You can expect to feel the effects of altitude, suffer headaches, so be prepared.
Amazing trip !
Well, what a trip that was ! An amazing experience made all the better by excellent organisation by Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching our goal of Machupicchu was my highlight
Thoughts on Group Leader
Carlos Enrique, our guide & leader was phenomenal, he was not only very knowledgable about Peru’s history & the Incas but also very passionate about them too which made me even more interested. He is a true credit to the Exodus team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just book & go ! You will not be disappointed
Breathtaking
Yes the High Inca Trail is truly breathtaking in more than one way, from the stunning routes, and landscape to the hard climbs and how altitude affects your body.
Challenging but very rewarding at the same time, this is the best experience in my life.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were a couple of inspirational moments... Firstly, when what was left of the group finally reached the highest point on the trail after a hard couple of days up the steep climbs. Second, seeing Macchu Picchu in the distance after walking through the Sun gate. It had always been a life long ambition to go see Macchu Picchu and I finally done it. Life changing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tomas was brilliant, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, very friendly and had a great sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Listen to your group leader, don't go rushing off ahead or be a know-it-all, we lost a few group members because of this only a couple of days into the trail. Take some Vicks Vapour rub, helped me at the higher altitudes opening up my airways more. Plenty photos, take all your surroundings in and have a great time.
Awesome Adventure over the Andes
My husband and I had a great time on this trip with a great group of people, including Tour guides, and support crew. Despite the high altitude conditions on the first four days everything went smoothly and according to plan. Superb professionallism and organisational skills by our guide Julio and Johnny made the trip achievable for all age groups (30’s to early 60’s) in the very supportive “family” environment. We would recommend this trip to other adventurous people who want a bit more than the other less physically and mentally challenging Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
The food was great and special diets catered. The porters, both horsemen and foot porters were cheerful and friendly despite carrying heavy loads.
Most Inspirational Moment
Inspiration for me came through stretching my mental and physical abilities to a higher level. Not giving up but be able to accept help when I was feeling unwell.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julio as a great leader which showed in the cohesiveness and supportive nature of the group. Johnny provided the necessary backup and lead by example.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ensure your physical training programme is started well in advance (at least 8 weeks) for this trip as it will make it more enjoyable and able to view the stunning scenery and wildlife. Be mentally prepared for a challenging but enjoyable time.
The High Inca Trail - 7 day hike
Overall the trip was fantastic and surpassed our expectations. During the acclimatization, we explored Cusco and found it a wonderful and vibrant place, full of culture and life. The hike was amazing! Each day presented breathtaking scenery, from glacial mountains and lakes and fertile forest valleys. The food was way above what we expected. As a group we sat down to 3 courses each mealtime. With vegetarian and gluten options being prepared by the chefs at each meal. There was never any complaints about the food. We could not have asked for a better group to travel with, they certainly helped make the trip as good as it was.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are many highlights for us during the trip. Including; the dominating views of Salcantay. The climb up to and the views from Chiriasqua Pass. Likewise with Dead Women's Pass, the views at the top were breathtaking and worth the effort. After passing over Runcuray Pass the walk through the Cloud Forrest was invigorating and magical, as was the final campsite at Phuyupatamarca. But the most inspiration moment was arriving at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. The culmination of completing the hike & the views down onto Machu Picchu was an emotional moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader for the trip was Julio Llancay, who we became more of a friend than a guide during the trip. His knowledge of the Inca history and sites was fantastic. He had an excellent handle of the English language and a great sense of humour. We would rate Julio as the best guide we have had on all our trips. I also have to mention our assistant guide during the walk, Jhonny, who helped make the trip memorable. He has such a lovely demeanour about him, so happy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
My advice would be to ensure that you are prepared. Exodus grades this trip as Challenging, do not take this lightly. Combined with the effects of altitude and rate of ascent over the first couple of days. The trip notes are accurate but should read and considered.
A truly incredible experience!
This holiday really is a trip of a lifetime! It’s the perfect mixture of outdoor adventure and history/culture. The trekking days are not mostly very long but the altitude, extreme weather changes, camping facilities (e.g. one toilet tent to share between the group at camp) and steep ups and downs (especially on steps) makes it quite challenging. The views – especially – on the Inca Trail section are amongst the finest I have ever seen and Machu Picchu is truly breathtaking. I also very much enjoyed exploring the history and culture of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. Just book it!
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many - it's hard to choose! Obviously seeing Machu Picchu (though it's always packed with tourists), however, I do think the real highlight is the Inca Trail itself. The scenery and terrain is breathtaking! The Salkantay section of our trek was different - but equally amazing - and I loved how we hardly saw any other person for 3-4 days and the sheer wildness of the campsites. I'll never forget seeing the Milky Way and endless amounts of stars on a night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both group leaders - William and Johnny - were highly capable, funny, sociable, supportive and very knowledgeable about Peru and its history and cultures. It was a real pleasure getting to know them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes! Read - and believe - the packing list in the trip notes. As soon as the sun goes down (almost the very instant) it becomes very cold and nights can fall below freezing. So DEFINITELY take thermals and a big down jacket. These are a MUST! Take lots of layers and a good set of hat and gloves which you can then wear after finishing walking and early on a morning (as well as to sleep in if you're like me.) We couldn't believe how cold it became and often I would be sleeping in several layers as well as socks, hat and sleeping bag liner + 4 season sleeping bag + hot water bottle and I was still cold. During the day it quickly heats up in the sun so layers are best as well as a high factor sun cream and DEET spray for all the mosquitos (they're everywhere!) I would advise people to take Diamox (the pill to aid with acclimatisation) as the Salkantay section goes very high (Cuzco itself is very high and most people feel some symptoms on arrival.) I didn't take any Diamox but got very bad AMS on the first two days of the trek (e.g. migraine, nausea, dizziness) and was given some by the group leader. Just get it and take it as soon as you land in Cuzco to aid acclimatisation. Some people didn't get AMS but I wouldn't take the risk. Travel light! There's a 10kg weight limit on the Inca Trail so just take the essentials in the packing list otherwise you'll have to get rid of items on day 4 and send them back with the horsemen (our sent items got lost - even more reason to pack light!) You can wear the same t-shirt/socks etc for several days in a row and as you won't be getting showered anyway, you really, really won't mind. Just don't get rid of any layers - it becomes super, super cold!
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
25 May 2025 24 May 2025
Saturday Sunday
07 Jun 2025 08 Jun 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price USD 4275
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 548
Available upon Request
Inca Trail permits sold out - please select a different departure date
Inca Trail permits sold out - please select a different departure date
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
17 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Saturday Sunday
30 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually USD 3898Now USD 3675Saving USD 223 Usually USD 6523Now Saving USD 223 Book with USD 918 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 548
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
07 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Sunday
20 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 3 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 4050 Book with USD 1012 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 548
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
26 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Saturday Sunday
09 May 2026 10 May 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3975 Book with USD 993 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
24 May 2026 23 May 2026
Saturday Sunday
06 Jun 2026 07 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4050 Book with USD 1012 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
19 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026
Saturday Sunday
01 Aug 2026 02 Aug 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4125 Book with USD 1031 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
16 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026
Saturday Sunday
29 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4125 Book with USD 1031 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
06 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Saturday Sunday
19 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4125 Book with USD 1031 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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The Salkantay Trek
14 Days
Excluding Flights From
16 Days
from
Incl. taxes
Excl. flights