We leave Cusco at 4.00 am by private transport and start a scenic morning ride to our trek starting point at Soraypampa. Along the three-and-a-half-hour drive, we cross the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire, where the archaeological remains of Tarawasi are located. The road continues up a track along the right shore of the Apurimac River and crosses the town of Mollepata (2800m/9184ft) and the small community of Cruzpata (2750m/9020ft) to finally reach Soraypampa (3800m/12464ft), the starting point of the trek, where we meet our wranglers and horses. After a short introduction and a quick breakfast, we start our exploration hike towards the Humantay lagoon (4200m/13776ft), with impressive crystal-clear turquoise waters and where Huallatas (Andean Geese) may be spotted. We then continue to Salkantaypampa, where a temporary campsite has been set for our lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our hike climbing a trail with many level variations and along which we encounter rich flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902m/19359ft). After approximately two hours of walking, we arrive at our campsite in Ichupata (4400m/14432ft). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271m/20569ft). We camp and dine at this place.

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance  12 km (7,46 miles)
Estimated hiking time  6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point  4,400 m (14,432 ft)
Campsite altitude  4,400 m (14,432 ft)

We wake up early, with then sun usually present as early as 6.00 am. After a hearty breakfast at camp, we start our hike with a two-and-a-half-hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4950m/16236ft), the highest of the entire route, offering impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak. We recommend taking some time to enjoy the amazing views and the powerful nature, energy and silence of this place – a very sacred mountain pass for ancient dwellers and current inhabitants alike. We then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe the Salkantay´s neighboring valleys. It is possible to see condors in this area. After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community, a lovely remote area, located next to an impressively well-preserved original Inca canal, where we set our second camp, dine and spend the night.

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance  13 km (8.08 miles)
Estimated hiking time  6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point 4,950m (16,236 ft)
Campsite altitude 3,900 m (12,792ft)

We leave camp after breakfast to start a downhill walk along the banks of the Pampacahuana River following its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000m/9840ft). On the way down we visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha), which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. After approximately four hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, where we stop for lunch. This is the point in which our trek joins the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Since pack animals are not allowed in the Inca Trail, we say goodbye to our wranglers and instead, are introduced to our group of porters, which will accompany us until the end of our trek. In the afternoon, we leave Wayllabamba behind to start our way up the Warmihuañusca mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass) through an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for nine km. We only climb halfway up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the so-called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance  11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated hiking time  6 hours
Maximum altitude point  3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude 3,700 m (12,136ft)

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3,970m/13,022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex of the same name. This site, located at 3,800m/12,464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3,624m/11,887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3,700m/12,136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Appropriately, Phuyupatamarca means “town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy dinner at our camp.

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance  16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated hiking time  8 hours
Maximum altitude point  3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude  2,650 m (8,692 ft)

After an early breakfast we will continue up an easy climb, to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Phyupatamarca means “town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River Valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance 9 km (5,59 miles)
Estimated hiking time 5- 6 hours
Maximum altitude point 3,700 m (12,136 ft)
Campsite altitude 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Challenging: An acclimatization period of at least two days in Cusco or at elevations above 3000m/9840ft is recommended.

Daily departures are available throughout the year. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to alternative routes.

All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: Ministerio de Cultura (https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/) > Consultas > Disponibilidad > Seleccione Ruta – please select Camino Inka Ruta 01, 02, 03 > Select the month.

All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.

Size requested by client

Price per person
Prices per person depend on the group size, the larger the group the lower the price per person.

Please contact us to check our prices, specifying:

• trekking program
• number of people in the trek
• departure date
• requested train service: Expedition (Economy), Vistadome (Superior) or Hiram Bingham (Belmond Luxury train service)

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative)

• Teenagers: US$ 40.00 (up to 18 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 80.00 (up to 3 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Additional discounts (may be added to the above)

• Early bookings: 5% on full program price for all bookings confirmed at least six months in advance. This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered.

• Pre-departure briefing
• Pick up from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
• Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in the field. Eureka Timberline 4 Outfitter tents are employed when double accommodation is requested and Eureka Timberline 2XT for single travellers.
• One inflatable sleeping pad per person
• One sleeping bag per person: our sleeping bags are -18ºC-comfort (0ºF), mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
• One pillow per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities
• English-speaking, professional, and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 3
• Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping pad) – days 1 to 3
• 1 emergency horse every 6 persons – days 1 to 3
• Wranglers – days 1 to 3
• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 3 to 6
• Porters to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping pad) – days 3 to 6
• Accommodation for all our staff
• Meals (05B, 05L, 05D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
• One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment
• Filtered boiled water from lunch time on first day onwards
• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
• Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
• Other things: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough advance notice
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
• Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
• 24-hour guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit

(*) Should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Aguas Calientes – Poroy (Cusco), a train ticket Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley with an additional private transportation from the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco will be provided. This does not apply for the Hiram Bingham luxury train service.

• Breakfast on the first day
• Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense, too.
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to wrap-up trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles).
• Huayna Picchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain, an additional entrance fee applies (US$70.00).
• Machu Picchu mountain entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain, an additional entrance fee applies (US$70.00). This is a separate mountain visit from the Machupicchu citadel.
• Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish.

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation that refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount for passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.

THEREFORE
ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator will guarantee the spaces booked provided:

1. The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
2. The full passenger data has been provided and the required deposit has been paid .

Since the Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including guests and agency staff), we strongly recommend making your bookings as early as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date. We receive bookings for departures scheduled as far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with us on the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible.

VERY IMPORTANT:
The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:

1. Complete names and surnames
2. Nationality
3. Passport copy
4. Date of Birth
5. Gender

The exact information you provide will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (i.e. new passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at ENIGMA via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right to deny entrance to any visitor whose data is not exactly as on the official permit. ENIGMA is not responsible for denial of entry if the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.

Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 ºC at night.

Along the Salkantay route, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny and can drop below freezing at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, from 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny, and from 0-05ºC at night in the first two campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a warm jacket for at least the first four nights. On the last two days and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the Pack List.

Madison Neinfeldt / USA
Salkantay trek 6d/5n
August 2022