The Salkantay Trek

14 days
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Small Group Tour
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...
26%
$5,265
From$3,900
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy a remote full-service camping trek through the beautiful Vilcabamba range
    • Connect the Salkantay Trail and classic Inca Trail for the ultimate inca trail trek
    • Marvel at Mount Salkantay and its glaciers
    • Experience two unique visits to Machu Picchu for photos and fully guided exploration
    • Spend four nights in Cuzco, the old Inca capital
    • Explore the fortresses and markets of the Sacred Valley

What's this trip about?

    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.Trek amid the Vilcabamba mountains of Peru, then join the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCuzco
End CityCuzco

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Attractions

  • Inca Trail
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley
  • Salkantay

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Rafting
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Trekking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 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

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 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 an...

Day 2 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)

Day 3 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...

Day 4 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)...

Day 5 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 ca...

Day 6 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 Japane...

Day 7 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 sit...

Day 8 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 Llulluchapa...

Day 9 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...

Day 10 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 t...

Day 11 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 ...

Day 12 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)

Day 13 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)...

Day 14 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 Sillu...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,900
Price per day$279
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
27 Apr 2025
10 May 2025
$3,900
$4,448
25 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$3,900
$4,448
20 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$3,900
$4,448
17 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$3,900
$4,448
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,900
$4,448
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,900
$4,500
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,900
$4,500
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,900
$4,500
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,900
$4,500
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,900
$4,500

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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 ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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 c...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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 ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Top of the world.

This trek was a difficult one because of the high climbs in metres. Dealing with high altitude was to take it slow and easy. I was very satisfied when completed an...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The High Inca Trail

A trip of a lifetime, the goal is Machu Picchu but soon you realise the trip itself, the journey that gets you there and everything you experience with it is what ...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$35)

Accommodation

7 nights hotels with en suite facilities, 6 nights full-service camping 7 days point-to-point walking with full porterage 10kg personal weight limit on trek Altitude maximum 4960m, average 3550m
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.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners are included in the tour price. Peruvian cuisine is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry), and various hearty soups including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage. Drinking water is provided as tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. We cannot guarantee that wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food. Where lunch and dinner are not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants. During the trek, hearty breakfasts are served and good quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided. These usually consist of soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Snacks are also provided. Tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional 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
Trip ID
exodus-TPS

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