Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo Trek – 7 Days (2025 Complete Guide)

For adventurous travelers who want the ultimate Andean hiking experience, the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo Trek combines the wild beauty of the Salkantay route with the ancient history of the Classic Inca Trail, ending at the legendary Machu Picchu. This trek is designed for those who want to experience both worlds: remote mountain landscapes and sacred Inca pathways.

This is one of the most complete and rewarding treks in Peru, perfect for hikers who want to challenge themselves while immersing in nature and history.

🏔️ What is the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo Trek?

The Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo is a 7-day expedition that starts with the Salkantay Trek, famous for its snowcapped peaks, turquoise lakes, and remote valleys, and then merges with the Classic Inca Trail, passing ancient ruins and entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

💡 Ideal for experienced hikers looking for a unique and challenging adventure.

🌄 Why Choose the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo?

• ✅ Best of both treks in one epic journey.

• ✅ Breathtaking scenery, from glaciers to cloud forests.

• ✅ Rich Inca history, visiting multiple archaeological sites.

• ✅ Remote and uncrowded first half, with cultural highlights on the second.

• ✅ Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate like the ancient Incas.

🥾 Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo Itinerary (7 Days)

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

• 🚐 Transfer to Soraypampa (3,900 m).

• 🌊 Hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m).

• ⛺ Camp at Salkantaypampa (4,100 m).

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Ichupata

• 🧗 Ascend to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), with views of the sacred Salkantay peak.

• 🌿 Descend to Ichupata for overnight camping.

Day 3: Ichupata – Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha

• 🚶 Trek through remote valleys and pass Inca canals.

• 🏛️ Visit Paucarcancha ruins.

• ⛺ Camp near Paucarcancha.

Day 4: Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa (Inca Trail)

• 🔀 Enter the Classic Inca Trail.

• 🌿 Walk through Andean villages and lush forest.

• ⛺ Camp at Llulluchapampa (3,800 m).

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Phuyupatamarca

• 🧗 Climb to the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m), the highest point of the Inca Trail.

• 🏞️ Pass Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and other ruins.

• ⛺ Camp at Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m).

Day 6: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

• 🏛️ Explore the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins.

• 🌄 Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunset.

• 🏨 Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 7: Machu Picchu – Cusco

• 🚌 Early bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour.

• 🚆 Return to Cusco by train.

✨ Highlights of the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo

• 🏔️ Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m), a sacred Andean peak.

• 🌊 Humantay Lake, one of Peru’s most beautiful glacial lakes.

• 🏛️ Multiple Inca ruins, including Paucarcancha, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna.

• 🌿 Varied ecosystems, from alpine tundra to cloud forest.

• 🏛️ Machu Picchu entry through the Sun Gate, the most iconic arrival.

🧗 Difficulty Level & Preparation Tips

The Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo is considered very challenging due to long hiking days, high passes, and steep ascents.

• 🥾 Distance: ~72 km

• ⛰️ Highest point: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)

• ⏳ Duration: 7 days

• 💡 Preparation tips:

  • Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days.

  • Train with cardio and hiking practice.

  • Bring proper gear for cold nights and rain.

🌤️ Weather on the Salkantay + Inca Trail

This trek crosses high-altitude mountain passes and humid cloud forests, so conditions vary dramatically.

• ✅ Dry Season (May–September): Best time to hike. Sunny days (15–20°C), cold nights (-2 to 5°C).
• 🌧️ Rainy Season (November–April): Trails can be muddy; rain gear is essential.
• 🌿 Transition Months (April & October): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

🌡️ Average Temperatures During the Trek (Monthly)

🎒 Packing List for the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo

• 🥾 High-quality hiking boots (waterproof).

• 🧥 Warm layers for freezing nights.

• ☔ Rain gear (poncho, waterproof jacket).

• 🪶 Sleeping bag rated for -5°C.

• 🎒 Daypack and trekking poles.

• 🧢 Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).

• 💧 Water purification tablets.

• 📸 Camera to capture breathtaking scenery.

🎟️ Permits, Tickets & Reservations

• ✅ Inca Trail permits are required and must be booked months in advance.

• 🎫 Machu Picchu entrance is also limited; secure early.

• 🚂 Train tickets to/from Aguas Calientes should be reserved ahead of time.

• 🔐 Booking with Oneclick Expeditions guarantees all permits and logistics.

❓How difficult is the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo?

It’s rated very challenging, suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness. Training months before the trip will help to have good physical performance, also you can consult with your doctor to see which exercises are suitable for you.

❓Do I need to acclimatize?

Yes, at least 3 days in Cusco is essential before starting the trek. It is advisable to take advantage of these first days to rest and acclimatize, you can walk around the city or take some tour around the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Avoid some tours that are located more than 3500 m.

❓When is the best time to hike?

The dry season (May–September) offers the best weather conditions. And for sure! if you are more adventurous and prefer the green landscapes and hike under the rain, the best for you would be to carry a good gear and complete this amazing adventure.

❓Do I need to book in advance?

Absolutely. Inca Trail permits sell out quickly, so book at least 6 months ahead. In this case, the tour operator will organize all the permits and tickets in advance, for this, it is important to provide the correct passport information.

❓Does the trek include Machu Picchu?

Yes! You’ll visit Machu Picchu on the last day with a guided tour. Remember the Inca trail permit and the Machu Picchu ticket comes together, it can not be separated.

🚀 Why Book the Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo with Oneclick Expeditions?

The Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo Trek is the ultimate way to experience Peru’s most stunning landscapes and ancient Inca history. This trek offers everything: glaciers, cloud forests, ruins, and Machu Picchu—all in one unforgettable journey.

• ✅ Expert high-altitude guides with years of experience.

• ✅ Top-quality camping equipment and personalized service.

• ✅ Seamless logistics including permits, tickets, and transfers.

• ✅ Unique trek combining two of Peru’s most iconic hiking experiences.

🌈 Ready to challenge yourself and live the adventure of a lifetime?

👉 Book your Salkantay + Inca Trail Combo Trek with Oneclick Expeditions and take on the ultimate Peruvian adventure!