OVERVIEW
For years travelers have arrived in Cusco facing the same question: the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Jungle route? Both lead to Machu Picchu. Both are spectacular. Both offer something the other does not. The Salkantay crosses high glacial terrain at over 4,600 meters, moves through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Andes, and delivers a raw, elemental experience that is unlike anything else in South America. The Inca Jungle descends from the heights into the cloud forest, combines five adventure activities into a single journey, and arrives at Machu Picchu from the warm, lush side of the mountains.
This combined itinerary solves the question entirely. Eight days that take you through both worlds in sequence, connecting the high Andean route of the Salkantay with the jungle corridor of the Inca Jungle trail and finishing with a sunrise at Machu Picchu that you will have more than earned. No section of trail is repeated. No day is wasted. This is the most complete overland journey to Machu Picchu available in the Cusco region.
This tour is designed for travelers in good physical condition who are comfortable at high altitude and ready for a sustained multi-day adventure. Prior trekking experience is not required but a solid base of physical fitness makes a meaningful difference on the higher sections of the Salkantay.
A minimum of 2 passengers is required to confirm a departure.
QUICK FACTS
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (Salkantay Pass, Day 3)
- Minimum altitude on route: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Urubamba River, Day 6)
- Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Total hiking distance: approximately 70 km across the full 8 days
- Total distance cycled: approximately 65 km of mountain road (Day 5)
- Salkantay section: Days 1 to 4, approximately 48 km of trekking
- Inca Jungle section: Days 5 to 8, mountain biking, rafting, cloud forest trekking, and Machu Picchu
- Physical level: Good fitness and comfort at high altitude required.
- Group size: Maximum 12 travelers per departure
- Minimum passengers to confirm: 2 passengers
- Minimum age: 14 years for standard departures
- Departure days: Selected dates, contact us to confirm availability
- Starting point: Cusco city center, hotel pickup between 5:30 and 6:00 AM on Day 1
- Type of service: Group
- Transportation: Private van, bus, train
- Difficulty: Challenging
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
- DAY 1 — Cusco to Mollepata: The Gateway to the Salkantay
Departure from Cusco before sunrise. The group travels by private vehicle for approximately three hours through the Sacred Valley and into the province of Anta, climbing steadily toward the small town of Mollepata at 2,800 meters. This is where the Salkantay Trek officially begins and where the scale of what lies ahead becomes clear for the first time.
From Mollepata the group begins a gradual ascent through open Andean farmland and early cloud forest, following the valley of the Blanco River upward toward the first camp. The landscape here is already impressive: high peaks close in on both sides of the valley, the vegetation shifts with altitude, and the Salkantay massif begins to appear at the head of the valley as you gain height. The first camp sits at Soraypampa, at approximately 3,900 meters, in a wide glacial valley directly below the flanks of the Salkantay itself.
Altitude range: 2,800 m to 3,900 m | Distance hiked: approximately 11 km | Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours | Meals: Lunch and Dinner | Accommodation: Mountain lodge or campsite at Soraypampa
- DAY 2 — Humantay Lake and Acclimatization Day
Before tackling the Salkantay Pass, the group takes a morning excursion to Humantay Lake, one of the most visually striking high-altitude lakes in the Cusco region. The lake sits at 4,200 meters in a cirque directly below the Humantay glacier, and the color of the water, a deep turquoise fed by glacial melt, is something that stops most travelers in their tracks the moment it comes into view.
The round trip to the lake takes approximately two to three hours and serves as both an acclimatization hike and one of the most memorable mornings of the entire trek. After returning to camp, the afternoon is free to rest, adjust to the altitude, and prepare for the most demanding day of the journey ahead.
Altitude range: 3,900 m to 4,200 m and back | Distance hiked: approximately 6 km round trip | Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mountain lodge or campsite at Soraypampa
- DAY 3 — The Salkantay Pass: The Heart of the Trek
This is the day the entire Salkantay Trek builds toward. Departure before dawn. The group begins the ascent to Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters in darkness, with headlamps lighting the path through the moraine fields that skirt the base of the glacier. The air is thin and cold, the pace is steady, and the silence of the high mountains at that hour is absolute.
As the sun rises and the pass comes into view, the scale of the landscape becomes overwhelming. The Salkantay glacier towers above on one side. The valley you climbed through the day before falls away behind you. And ahead, as you cross the pass and begin the descent, the entire character of the landscape changes in the space of a few hundred meters. The harsh, rocky terrain of the high Andes gives way to the first signs of the cloud forest below, and the temperature begins its long climb back toward warmth.
The descent from the pass to the valley floor covers approximately 15 kilometers and takes the group through a dramatic transition in ecosystems, from glacial moraine to alpine grassland to the first trees of the upper cloud forest. The day ends in the settlement of Chaullay at approximately 2,900 meters, where the vegetation is lush and the air is noticeably warmer than it was at the start of the day.
Altitude range: 3,900 m up to 4,630 m then down to 2,900 m | Distance hiked: approximately 22 km | Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours including rest stops | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mountain lodge or campsite in Chaullay
- DAY 4 — Cloud Forest: Descent to La Playa
The most physically demanding day is behind you. Day 4 is a longer but gentler descent through the full cloud forest, following the valley of the Santa Teresa River downward through coffee plantations, fruit orchards, and dense tropical vegetation. The contrast with the high-altitude terrain of the previous two days is total. The air is warm and humid, the path is surrounded by vegetation, and the sense of having crossed from one world into another is impossible to ignore.
The trail passes through small farming communities where the guide explains the agricultural systems of the cloud forest and the crops that have been grown in this valley for centuries, including coffee, cacao, avocado, and coca. The group arrives at the settlement of La Playa at approximately 2,350 meters in the early afternoon, with time to rest and explore the surroundings before dinner.
Altitude range: 2,900 m down to 2,350 m | Distance hiked: approximately 14 km | Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge in La Playa
- DAY 5 — The Descent: Mountain Biking from Abra Málaga
The Inca Jungle section of the combined tour begins here. The group transfers by private vehicle to Abra Málaga Pass at 4,350 meters, where the bikes are waiting. After four days of high-altitude trekking, the sensation of strapping on a helmet and pointing downhill through the cloud forest is one that every traveler on this combined itinerary talks about afterward.
The descent covers approximately 65 kilometers of paved and semi-paved mountain road, dropping from the cold heights of the Andes through the cloud forest transition zone and into the warm agricultural valley of Santa María at 1,500 meters. The riding is not technical, there is no off-road involved, and the guide sets a pace that works for everyone. By the time you reach the bottom you are warm, dusty, and already a different kind of tired than anything the trekking produced.
Altitude range: 4,350 m down to 1,500 m | Distance cycled: 65 km | Cycling time: 3 to 4 hours | Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Countryside lodge in Santa María
- DAY 6 — The River: Rafting, Forest, and Hot Springs
Breakfast and a short transfer to the put-in point on the Urubamba River. The Class III rafting section lasts approximately two hours, running through an active canyon with genuine rapids and stretches of complete calm where the only sound is the river and the forest above it. After the river, the group continues on foot through approximately 8 kilometers of cloud forest trail before arriving at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where the thermal pools offer one of the most well-earned soaks of the entire journey.
Altitude range: 1,400 m to 1,600 m | Distance hiked: 8 km | Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours | Rafting time: 2 hours | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Accommodation: Countryside lodge in Santa Teresa
- DAY 7 — The Trail: Cloud Forest Hiking to Aguas Calientes
The final hiking day of the combined tour follows the cloud forest trail from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes, covering approximately 14 kilometers through the most biodiverse section of the entire route. After everything you have already walked and ridden to get here, this trail feels like a fitting conclusion to the journey overland. The path follows ancient corridors through the forest, arrives at the hydroelectric station, and then traces the railway line into Aguas Calientes alongside the Urubamba River.
By the time the group arrives in town, you will have crossed two mountain ranges, ridden a glacier descent, paddled a Andean river, and hiked through three distinct ecosystems. Dinner is on your own tonight. Rest well.
Altitude range: 1,600 m to 2,040 m | Distance hiked: 14 km | Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- DAY 8 — Machu Picchu: The Arrival
The early bus. The gate opening. The morning mist lifting over the citadel. After eight days and everything that came before this moment, standing at the entrance to Machu Picchu feels earned in a way that very few experiences in travel can match.
The guided visit covers the main areas of the site over approximately two hours, with your licensed guide explaining the architecture, the astronomy, the agricultural systems, and the history of a place that archaeologists are still working to fully understand. After the guided section you have free time to explore independently or simply sit and look at the mountains and understand why you came to Peru.
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, then by train to Ollantaytambo and private transport back to Cusco. Expected arrival between 7:00 and 9:00 PM.
Altitude: 2,430 m | Guided visit: 2 hours | Free time: 1 to 2 hours | Meals: Breakfast | Return: Train to Ollantaytambo then private van to Cusco
- WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (circuit of your choice)
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu and back down
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu with a licensed guide (approximately 2 hours)
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private van from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco
- Entrance to Humantay Lake
- River rafting on the Urubamba River with all safety equipment (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, and paddle)
- Mountain bike with front suspension, helmet, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads on Day 5
- Professional bilingual guide for the entire 8 days, certified in trekking and mountain biking
- All private transportation from Cusco throughout the tour
- 7 nights of accommodation: mountain lodges or campsites on the Salkantay section, countryside lodges on the Inca Jungle section, and hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals as indicated in the daily itinerary
- Cook and support staff for the Salkantay section
- All camping equipment for nights on the Salkantay section if camping option is selected
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
- WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (optional, $75 USD, must be requested at the time of booking)
- Entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional, 10 soles per person)
- Lunch on Days 5, 7, and 8
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes on Day 7 and Day 8
- Vistadome Train upgrade on the return (optional, $67 USD)
- Walking poles (available for rent, $15 USD per pair)
- Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended for all adventure activities)
- Tips for the guide, cook, and support staff
- Any personal expenses not listed in the itinerary
- DISCOUNTS
- Ages 18 to 25: $30 USD discount. A valid student card is required showing the university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy must be sent at the time of booking for government approval.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. A copy of the passport must be sent at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. A copy of the passport must be sent at the time of booking.
- Groups of 5 or more: $30 USD discount per person. All passengers must book together at the same time.
- EXTRAS
- Walking poles: $15 USD per pair for the full trek (professional extendable poles)
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes: From $60 USD depending on availability
- Vistadome Train upgrade: $67 USD per person for the return to Cusco at 14:55 or 15:20
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person. Must be requested at the time of booking. Done independently after the guided tour of the citadel. A guided ascent is available at an additional cost upon request.
- Single supplement: $40 USD per night for solo travelers requiring a private room
- PRICES
-
Per person $750 USD
A minimum of 2 passengers is required to confirm the departure.
- HOW TO BOOK
To confirm your spot on the Inca Jungle and Salkantay combined tour, complete the booking form on our website and make your deposit through our secure WeTravel payment platform. We require a deposit of $200 USD per person at the time of booking to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and secure all reservations along the route.
The balance can be paid online through WeTravel using a credit or debit card, or in cash at our Cusco office in US dollars or Peruvian soles upon arrival. Online payments through WeTravel carry a small processing fee.
To complete your booking we need the following information for each participant exactly as it appears on their passport: full name, gender, passport number, date of birth, and nationality.
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Briefing
The night before your departure your guide will meet the group for a briefing at our Cusco office. Equipment check, final instructions, altitude preparation advice, and confirmation of the following morning’s pickup time all happen here. Details of the location will be sent with your booking confirmation.
Höhe und Akklimatisierung
The Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters is the highest point of this combined itinerary and significantly higher than Cusco at 3,400 meters. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least two to three days before your departure to acclimatize properly. Rushing straight into this trek from sea level is not advisable and will affect your experience on Days 2 and 3.
Luggage Storage
During the trek your main luggage can be stored securely at our Cusco office or at your hotel. On the Salkantay section a support team carries group equipment and communal supplies. Personal gear is carried in your own daypack.
Your Passport
Your original passport is required throughout the entire tour. The passport number must match exactly what was provided at the time of booking. Rangers check passports at Machu Picchu and the train company verifies identity before boarding. Contact us immediately if your passport details change after booking. A change fee of $25 USD per person applies.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit and any booking fees. Cancellations between 15 and 30 days before departure receive a 50 percent refund of the land cost. Cancellations within 14 days of departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but is genuinely appreciated by the guide, cook, and support staff across all eight days. The amount is entirely at your discretion.
Sustainability
Inca Jungle is committed to responsible tourism. We work with local communities along the route, support fair wages for all staff, and train our guides to respect and protect the natural and cultural heritage of the landscapes we travel through.
- PACKING LIST
What to Carry in Your Daypack
- Original passport (same number used for booking)
- Valid student ID if a student discount was applied
- Reusable water bottle or hydration system (2 to 3 liters capacity)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support and waterproofing
- Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Insect repellent (essential from Day 4 onward)
- Wool or thermal hat and gloves for Days 1, 2, and 3
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Fleece or mid-layer for cold mornings at altitude
- Snacks such as energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit
- Camera or phone in a waterproof case
- Headlamp with spare batteries for the early start on Day 3
- Extra cash in Peruvian soles
- Toilet paper and small waste bag
- Hand sanitizer and personal medications
What to Pack in Your Duffel Bag (carried by support team on Salkantay section)
- 2 to 3 t-shirts
- 2 to 3 pairs of hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 to 4 pairs of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the hot springs on Day 6
- Thermal base layers for cold nights at altitude
- Warm jacket and waterproof outer layer
- Waterproof gloves
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Small biodegradable soap
- Portable battery charger
- Large plastic bags for waterproofing your gear
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer and lip balm for high altitude
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal first aid items including altitude medication if prescribed, blister pads, and any prescription medications
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How physically demanding is this combined tour compared to doing each trek separately? It is more demanding than either trek on its own, primarily because of the cumulative distance and the number of consecutive days on the trail. Days 3 and 4 of the Salkantay section are the most challenging, particularly the crossing of the pass at 4,630 meters. Travelers who exercise regularly and have some experience walking long distances will complete this without difficulty. Those who are less active should consider building fitness in the weeks before departure.
Do I need prior trekking experience? Prior experience is not required but is helpful. The most important factor is general physical fitness and the ability to walk for 6 to 10 hours on consecutive days. If you have done multi-day hikes before and are comfortable at altitude, you will be well prepared.
What is the altitude situation across the 8 days? Days 1 through 4 involve the highest altitudes of the combined tour. The Salkantay Pass on Day 3 sits at 4,630 meters. From Day 5 onward the route descends steadily and the remainder of the tour stays between 1,400 and 2,430 meters. Proper acclimatization in Cusco before departure is essential for the first half of the tour.
Can I do this tour during the rainy season? The Salkantay section is typically closed during the peak of the rainy season in January and February when conditions at high altitude can be dangerous. The Inca Jungle section runs year-round. For the combined itinerary we recommend travel between March and December. Contact us for specific date availability and current conditions.
Are meals adapted for dietary requirements? Yes. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other requirements are accommodated across all eight days without additional cost.
Will I be dropped at my hotel in Cusco at the end? Yes. On Day 8 you will be taken directly to your hotel in Cusco. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, we will drop you there as well.
What if I cannot complete the Salkantay Pass due to altitude? Your guide is trained to manage this situation. If a participant is unable to continue due to altitude sickness or physical difficulty, there are exit points along the Salkantay route where a vehicle can reach the trail. The affected participant would be transferred to the next accommodation point to rest and recover, and the group plan would be adjusted accordingly. Your safety is always the first consideration.
