Inca Trail 2027 - Limited permits. Plan early with Apple Travel Peru.
Check availability4 Days / 3 Nights
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the wilderness of Peru with our Wilderness Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This unique trek takes you off the beaten path and around the stunning peak of Mount Salkantay, providing breathtaking views along the way.
During the trek, we’ll visit the brilliant turquoise glacial Humantay Lake, which is a must-see attraction in Peru and one of the top day trips from Cusco. We’ll also hike through the first section of the Classic Inca Trail, where you’ll get to explore some amazing Inca ruins like Paucarmarca and Patallacta.
The journey continues as we make our way to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas as we explore this ancient wonder and take in its magnificent beauty.
Our adventure activities include hiking, camping, nature exploration, history, and plenty of fun! We provide all the necessary equipment and food for the journey, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. You can also check out our Salkantay Trek video and pictures, as well as information about climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain and our recommended packing list in our FAQs. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
Group or Private
Trekking, Cultural and Adventure
Up to 8
Camping
Moderate
4 Days / 3 Nights
Wilderness Salkantay Trek To Llactapata Ruins And Machu Picchu 4 Days
Your Andean mountain experience will start right on time at 4:30 am, where we will get you from your lodging and take you on a beautiful 3-hour drive to the Soraypampa trailhead. During the excursion, you can appreciate amazing perspectives on the Iscuchaca and Limatambo towns, the encompassing valleys, and the popular snow-covered Salkantay Mountain. When we show up at the trailhead, we will have a delightful breakfast while respecting the fabulous perspectives on the Humantay Mountain and Salkantay Mountain icy masses.
After breakfast, our horsemen will take your gym bags as you set out on your traveling experience. You will climb for around 90 minutes up to Humantay Lake, where you can take in the lovely, translucent blue waters and hypnotize yourself with the magnificence of this mind-boggling making of nature. A while later, we will climb down to the beginning stage and proceed with our journey to our lunch spot.
The following part of the climb requires around 2 hours as we drop to Salkantaypampa, situated on the foundation of the Salkantay ice sheet mountain, where you can partake in a few unbelievable views of the Salkantay Mountain. After a hot lunch, we will slowly climb uphill for something like 3 hours until we arrive at the campground of Pampa Japonesa at 4,250m/13,943ft.
Upon arrival, we will have hot beverages and hors d’oeuvres sitting tight for you, and we will have previously set up your tents. After supper, you can appreciate resting under the remarkable star-filled night sky at the foundation of the great Salkantay Mountain.
The next day starts with an early breakfast, followed by preparations for your exciting trekking adventure. The views of the glaciers and mountains surrounding you are simply breathtaking and will leave you in awe. You will begin ascending slowly from Pampa Japonesa for the next 3 hours until you reach the Inca Chiriaska Pass, situated at (5,100m/16,732ft). The name “Chiriaska” originates from the Quechua language, which means “getting cold.” It is indeed a cold place all year round, but the views of the Salkantay glacier peaks are absolutely stunning. Take your time to admire the beauty of this natural wonder before continuing your journey, and enjoy a hot drink to warm you up.
From the pass, it will take around 3.5 hours to hike downhill to Sisaypata, where you will stop for lunch. During this part of the trek, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the stunning beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.
After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours downhill to the campsite for the night at Paucarcancha at 3,770km.
After you finish your breakfast, you will explore the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing with your trek. During the trek, you will be walking on a section of the Classic Inca Trail, where you will get to see the original stones that were laid down hundreds of years ago. The surrounding valleys and mountains will leave you spellbound, making the trek even more enjoyable. Your journey will also include a visit to the famous Llactapata Inca archaeological site, where you will get to see the traditional Inca village’s houses, water channels, and farming terraces that gently border the mountainside. After trekking for about an hour from Llactapata, you will have a break for lunch.
Once you finish lunch, you will continue the hike for about two more hours until you reach Km 82, where our private van will be waiting to transfer you to the city of Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, you will get the chance to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner before boarding the 7:04 pm train to Aguas Calientes. There, you will spend the evening eagerly anticipating your visit to the renowned Machu Picchu Citadel.
This is the day you’ve been hanging tight for! We take the transport to Machu Picchu archeological site. With our 2.5-hour private visit, we try to explore everywhere in this New 7 Miracle of the World, the lofty Machu Picchu Fortress. What a remarkable encounter. On your 2.5 hours private visit, your aide will masterfully guide you through the baffling remnants and its most significant locales. You will see the Sanctuary of the Sun, Sanctuary of the Condor, Sanctuary of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the Place of the Inka, the metropolitan regions, agrarian patios, and a wide range of sorts of designs.
If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own you can:
Note you get 2 hours extra at the Citadel of Machu Picchu to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
You will descend to Aguas Calientes, eat a leisurely lunch and board the Expedition Train which departs at 14:55 pm to the Ollantaytambo station. The private van will transfer you to Cusco and your hotel, arriving at about 7:00 pm.
Our 4 days NEW Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
What sets our itinerary apart from other trekking companies is that we offer a unique experience with secluded campsites that are far away from other groups. We also take you to 2 magnificent glacial lakes that are devoid of crowds, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of these natural wonders in peace.
During the trek, we will also hike up to the Llactapata Inca ruins, which offer a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Our knowledgeable guide will provide you with insightful information about the history and significance of this site.
Finally, we will conclude our trek with a small-group guided tour of the famous Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this world wonder without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
When you trek the Wilderness Salkantay to Machu Picchu with Apple Travel Peru, get ready to be transformed. In just 4 days, we promise to make this adventure one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Our team ensures that you have a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our topmost priorities.
We aim to offer you the best possible experience during your holiday in Peru. While you explore breathtaking sites and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the locals. Plus, we take care of your gear and belongings – our pack horses will carry everything so you can focus on enjoying the trek.
In short, we promise an experience that will stay with you long after you leave Peru. So, come trek with us and create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
At Apple Travel Peru, we take pride in our food, which is a highlight of our fully portered trek. Our professional and dedicated cooks go above and beyond to prepare delicious, gourmet-style meals that receive high praise from our clients. In fact, many of them have said that the food was better than what they’ve had in restaurants!
Our cooks create a culinary experience for you, incorporating both Peruvian and international cuisine using a combination of local and exotic produce. The result is a delicious and abundant selection of dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and provide the fuel you need for your trek.
We understand that some clients may have dietary restrictions or food allergies, and we are happy to cater to those needs. Just let us know ahead of time, and our cooks will create a meal plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you are a foodie or just enjoy good food, we guarantee that you will be impressed with the meals on our trek.
Our team (guides, cooks, horsemen) and our equipment are what really make Apple Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors. For all the adventures we hike, we include the following items:
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at mealtime. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
What sets our itinerary apart from other trekking companies is that we offer a unique experience with secluded campsites that are far away from other groups. We also take you to two magnificent glacial lakes that are devoid of crowds, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of these natural wonders in peace.
During the trek, we will also hike up to the Llactapata Inca ruins, which offer a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Our knowledgeable guide will provide you with insightful information about the history and significance of this site.
Finally, we will conclude our trek with a small-group guided tour of the famous Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this world wonder without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, we send our representative there to greet you and take you to your hotel. To help us make sure everything runs smoothly, please provide us with your flight details at least two weeks before you arrive. When you exit the arrival terminal, keep an eye out for our representative, who will be holding an Apple Travel Peru sign. Our representative won’t be able to enter the terminal, so you’ll need to step outside to find them.
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek, at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012
Of course! During the Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your main luggage can at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Salkantay Trek permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
We require copies of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco‘s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
Unfortunately, the answer is generally No. Once you have bought the tickets the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks, we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all.
It’s essential that you bring your original passport for your Salkantay Trek, as well as any other entrances and reservations. This is because officials will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu, embark on the trek, and board the train. It’s important to note that the passport you bring must be the same one you used to book your trek and other reservations.
If you plan to renew your passport or change your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can update it once you get your new passport or updated name for a fee of $25 USD per person. To make the change, we’ll need a copy of your old and new passports.
If you prefer not to pay the fee, you must bring both your old and new passports with you to Peru. You can enter the country with your new passport, but you’ll need to present both passports (old and new) to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or board the train. It’s important to have both passports with you, as you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train without them.
The weather on the Salkantay Trail can be quite unpredictable, making it difficult to plan in advance. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers to make it easier to adjust to any sudden changes in temperature or weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN IF NEEDED. Our guides have the training to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 people. Apple Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, and 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
The evening before you start your Wilderness Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu for 4 days, we will give you a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14 lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the Salkantay trek Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
The Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for 4 days requires good preparation and health before starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15 km in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
Most of our clients, especially the female ones, have highlighted the need for a private, clean, and sanitary toilet. Apple Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
There are hot water pools to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your Wilderness Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu natural hot springs at Cocalmayo. Be sure to bring your bathing suit.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Apple Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too. If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there.
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore we usually book the train at 14:55 pm.
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
When you book with us, we want to make sure you have a comfortable and safe experience. That’s why we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra porter to carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs, which includes your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. It’s important to note that Peruvian law sets a limit of 7 kilograms (15 lbs) for duffel bags to protect the health of the porters or horses. We will weigh your bag before accepting it to ensure it meets this requirement.
If you require more than 7 kilograms, you will need to carry the extra weight with your day pack. It’s important to keep in mind that the 7 kilos should also include 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, leaving you with approximately 4 kilos for your personal gear. We hope this information helps you plan accordingly for your trekking adventure.
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
