Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D-6N

An epic adventure to Machu Picchu

My 7-day trek combining the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail was easily the most unforgettable experience of my trip to Peru. It was challenging, beautiful, and incredibly rewarding from start to finish. The journey began in the mountains outside Cusco, where the landscapes quickly became dramatic and remote. Hiking near the massive Salkantay Mountain was breathtaking. The snow-covered peaks, turquoise lakes, and quiet valleys made the first days feel like we were exploring untouched parts of the Andes. It was physically demanding because of the altitude, but the guides kept a comfortable pace and constantly encouraged the group. What made the trek special was the variety of scenery. We passed through high alpine passes, green cloud forests, and even warmer jungle areas as we descended. The campsites were well organized, and the food prepared by the trekking team was surprisingly good for being cooked in the mountains. The final days on the Inca Trail were incredible. Walking along ancient stone paths built by the Incas and visiting archaeological sites along the way added a deep historical element to the adventure. The highlight was reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu appear through the morning clouds. After days of hiking, that first view felt truly magical. This trek isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. The combination of nature, culture, and history makes the 7-day Salkantay and Inca Trail experience one of the most rewarding ways to reach Machu Picchu. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a real adventure in Peru

via Tripadvisor

too many tourists

Hardly time to look at the beautiful views. only a short photo possible, after that you had to immediately continue hiking. In addition, there were a lot of people who were not physically fit and progress was slow. There are also extremely many tourists and some garbage over the entire path.

Response from the operator: Dear leahY9736HX, Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback regarding the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N. We truly regret to hear that your experience did not fully meet your expectations. We understand your concerns about the limited time to enjoy viewpoints, the pace of the group, and the presence of many other travelers along the route. As these treks take place on regulated trails with shared campsites and schedules, group dynamics and overall trail traffic—especially during peak season—can unfortunately impact the experience. We acknowledge that this can be frustrating, particularly for travelers who wish to move at a faster pace or spend more time appreciating the scenery. Regarding your observation about waste along certain sections of the trail, we share your concern. We actively promote responsible tourism and strict “leave no trace” practices within our team, and we continually work with our staff and partners to support trail conservation and cleanliness. Your comments reinforce the importance of these efforts. We sincerely appreciate your feedback, as it helps us evaluate areas where we can improve group management, pacing, and communication with future travelers. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope you were still able to take away some meaningful moments from this journey.

via Tripadvisor (translated)

An adventure to consider

March 22-29, 2024. Communication prior to trek was via What’s App text messaging or phone calls. The Happy Gringos company answered all our questions promptly and guided our preparations before our travel date. The Salkantay and Inca Trek 7D/6N is not for the faint of hearts but we made it through the toughest elevation at Frozen Inca’s Pass around 16495’. The Happy Gringos provided rental which we took advantage of at cost of $238 US (2 person) including 1) sleeping bag (comes with sleeping pad 1.5 “); Sleeping air pad 2-3”); and Hiking poles (aluminum). During the camping adventure, The sleeping pad unraveled at the seams causing an uneven bulging effect. The mummy type sleeping bag fits snug for a man of 6’1” weighing 185 lb and comfortable for lady of 5’6” 115 lb. The business coordinator was made aware of the rental and non rental concerns for future travelers which were not a big concern. For a private trek, a couple traveling required a crew of 8 including 6 supply porters (1 chef; 1 chef assistant; 4 equipment handlers); 1 guide; and 1 horseman with 4 horses (2-3 days). The food provided was varied every day for B/L/Dinner and was surprisingly well organized. Our guide, Franklin A. was AMAZING, funny, and very knowledgeable who help get us through some elevation sickness symptoms (headaches, nausea and vomiting). For future treks like this we will bring 1) meclizine ( non drowsy to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting for long bus ride); 2) Pepcid/Zantac/corticosteroid cream (non drowsy local allergic and itch reactions from mosquito bites); 3) DIOMAX Rx (elevation symptoms). Personally, I took chlorophyll drops every day with my powder green drink and I truly think it prepped me for the elevation along with the coco tea each morning. It was when I was inactive (during sleep) that my headaches were most noticeable starting at elevation above 15,000’. There was 2 days of full rain of 7.

Response from the operator: Hello dear Linda, Thanks for your significant feedback! We are very happy that you enjoyed your 7-day salkantay and Inac Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Of course, you had the best crew to conquer the trail of your dream and you did not give up to see the citadel of your dream, Machu Picchu. Thanks for your honest OPINION!

via Tripadvisor

Experience of a lifetime

This was the first multiday and international hiking I had done. Everything was a bit new to me so factor that into how you interpret the review. 1 - preparation : we had open communication via WhatsApp with the provider. Information was relatively clear and helpful. The full details of the itinerary was a bit slow to be sent (the briefing the day before in our hotel) but that was only a minor inconvenience. I would recommend bringing your own equipment as it is expensive to rent and will not fit you as well as what you can tailor to your size/preference. We did rent to reduce travel weight and regretted it a bit. Poles were fine, sleeping bag a bit small and air pad a bit thin. The tent that was provided was a bit small as well but as it is carried the entire seven days I can understand trying to save some weight (I am 6’ 2”). 2 - expedition : one word - amazing. We were able to tailor our trip based on how we were doing and started with humantay lake which I would recommend. We had to back track a little the first night but after that we went to the frozen inca pass which also was amazing with glaciers and amazing views. It was around this time that we started having issues with altitude and started to worry a bit. The crew accommodated us and reassured us and got us a horse so we could ensure we made the trek. Salkantay overall was quiet and amazing. When we started the Inca trail portion we were fully acclimated and ready. Also besides the first camp ground the rest were really special. Inca trail flew by and provided another different experience. We in fact were so ready we wanted to spend an extra day at Machu pichhu and again were accomodated. We ended up spending one night in Aguas calientes (amazing city) and a full day at the ruins. 3 - accommodations : discussed some things in preparation already but let me say the food was also amazing. Again first day did not have a true lunch or a provided breakfast but dinner on the first night was an indication of how things were going to be. Four dish meals somehow prepared on a two burner camp stove with only pots. Every day and every meal was different. Some days with custom teas or juices. Soups for lunch, porridges and eggs for breakfast, meats and veggies for dinner. Examples of amazing things: passion fruit tea, shuffle with broccoli, flan, tuna in sweet potatoes, etc. I am no Peruvian food expert so don’t know the names but it was all so good (and each day unique). Props to chef Dennis and his assistant Eddie. Most items were made from scratch as well aka lots of chopping and this after portering our stuff all day. 4 - Tour guide : another amazing experience here we had Franklin who was so attentive for all seven days. I felt bad that he had to be on his game all the time but he would just laugh it off. Another truly great part of the entire experience Overall too much to write, in a short summary an experience of a lifetime you will not regret

Response from the operator: Dear T7631YAbrucea, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed, honest, and thoughtful review of your Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N experience. We are truly honored that this journey became your first multi-day and international hiking adventure—and even more so that you describe it as an experience of a lifetime. We sincerely appreciate your constructive feedback regarding the preparation stage, equipment rental, and pre-departure briefing. Your observations are extremely valuable and help future travelers better prepare, as well as help us continue improving our communication and logistics. We are grateful for your understanding and for highlighting these points so transparently. It is wonderful to hear that the expedition itself exceeded your expectations—from Humantay Lake and the frozen Inca Pass to the quiet beauty of Salkantay and the cultural richness of the Inca Trail. We are especially pleased that our team was able to support you during altitude challenges and adapt the itinerary to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment, including accommodating your wish to spend additional time in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Your kind words about the food and the dedication of our culinary team mean a great deal to us. Chef Dennis and his assistant Eddie will be truly proud to know their hard work, creativity, and passion made such a strong impression. Preparing varied, fresh, and nourishing meals under expedition conditions is no small task, and your recognition speaks volumes. Finally, thank you for highlighting the exceptional work of your guide, Franklin. His professionalism, attentiveness, and positive attitude are qualities we value deeply, and we are delighted that he played such an important role in making your journey unforgettable. Thank you once again for your trust and for sharing your experience so generously. We wish you many more adventures ahead and would be honored to welcome you back to Peru in the future.

via Tripadvisor

Excellent 7-day expedition to Machu Picchu

Expedition to Machu Pucchu of 7 days and 6 nights was spectacular. The Inca Trail specialist group treated us excellently, the muleteers were very attentive, the porters on day 4 who joined to replace the horses were very friendly, the cook made us happy three times a day, and the leader of the group was Rolando The expedition guide did everything possible to make the entire tour go excellent. We are grateful for the unconditional support of the team.

Response from the operator: Estimado/a wiliansv2000, Muchas gracias por compartir su excelente experiencia con nosotros. Nos llena de orgullo saber que la expedición Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N fue espectacular y que se sintieron tan bien acompañados a lo largo de todo el recorrido. Agradecemos profundamente sus palabras hacia todo el equipo de Inca Trail Specialist. Nos alegra saber que el apoyo de los arrieros, la dedicación de los porteadores —especialmente en el día 4— y el excelente trabajo de nuestro cocinero contribuyeron a hacer cada día más agradable. Asimismo, transmitiremos con mucho gusto su reconocimiento a Rolando, líder y guía de la expedición, quien siempre da lo mejor de sí para garantizar una experiencia segura, bien organizada y memorable. Gracias por su confianza y por valorar el esfuerzo y compromiso de todo nuestro equipo. Estaremos encantados de recibirles nuevamente en el futuro para otra gran aventura en Perú.

via Tripadvisor (translated)