The Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba Vitkus 6 Days is more than a trekking route; it is a journey through some of the most fascinating landscapes and historical places in the Cusco region. Unlike the classic and more crowded routes, this experience takes travelers into remote Andean areas where nature, history and local culture remain deeply connected.
This trek is ideal for visitors who want to go beyond the traditional tourist circuits and discover a different side of the Andes. The route combines high mountain scenery, peaceful valleys, archaeological sites and villages where local traditions are still part of daily life. Every day offers a different experience, from impressive views of snow-capped peaks to cultural moments that help travelers understand the importance of Vilcabamba in Inca history.
A Remote Trekking Experience in the Andes
One of the main highlights of this adventure is the feeling of walking through a less commercial and more authentic route. The landscapes along the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba are diverse and impressive, with mountain passes, cloud forest areas, native vegetation and panoramic viewpoints. This variety makes the trek especially attractive for travelers who enjoy nature and photography.
Because this is a remote route, the experience feels more peaceful and personal. Travelers can enjoy the silence of the mountains, observe native flora and fauna, and connect with the natural environment without the pressure of large tourist groups. For many hikers, this is one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Vilcabamba and the Last Years of the Incas
Vilcabamba is one of the most important historical regions related to the final stage of the Inca civilization. After the arrival of the Spanish and the conflicts that followed, Manco Inca and his people moved into this region to continue their resistance. For more than 40 years, Vilcabamba became a stronghold where the Incas preserved part of their political, cultural and spiritual identity.
Visiting this area allows travelers to understand a deeper chapter of Peruvian history. The trek is not only about walking through beautiful landscapes; it is also about discovering places connected to resistance, identity and memory. This makes the Vilcabamba Vitkus Trek a meaningful experience for travelers interested in culture and archaeology.
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba?
The Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba Vitkus is a great option for travelers looking for a route that combines adventure and history. It is especially recommended for those who have already visited the most famous attractions around Cusco or for hikers who prefer a less crowded alternative to the classic trekking routes.
During the 6-day program, travelers can experience the beauty of the Vilcabamba mountain range while learning about the last refuge of the Incas. The route offers a strong connection with the land, the communities and the historical legacy of the region. It is a perfect choice for those who want a more complete and immersive trekking experience in Peru.
What Makes This 6-Day Trek Special?
This 6-day adventure offers enough time to enjoy the route without rushing. Each day allows travelers to explore different landscapes and understand the importance of the places visited along the way. The combination of mountain trekking, local culture and Inca history makes this tour unique compared to shorter hikes near Cusco.
The route is also valuable because it connects travelers with areas that are not always included in traditional itineraries. This gives the trek a more exclusive and adventurous character. Hikers can enjoy a deeper contact with nature and discover archaeological remains that are part of the historical memory of the Andes.
Recommended for Adventure and History Lovers
The Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba 6 Days is recommended for travelers with a spirit of adventure and an interest in the history of the Incas. It is suitable for people who enjoy hiking, mountain landscapes, cultural experiences and destinations that are not overcrowded.
Due to the altitude and the length of the route, it is important to have a reasonable level of fitness. Travelers should be prepared for several days of walking, changing weather conditions and remote mountain areas. Spending a few days in Cusco before the trek is highly recommended to help the body adjust to the altitude.
Nature, Culture and Adventure in One Route
This trek brings together three essential elements of travel in Peru: nature, culture and adventure. The natural scenery includes mountains, valleys, native plants and wide Andean views. The cultural side appears through traditional communities, local stories and the historical importance of Vilcabamba. The adventure comes from walking through remote trails and discovering places that few travelers visit.
For those looking for a memorable trekking experience, the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba Vitkus 6 Days offers a powerful way to explore the Andes. It is a route that invites travelers to slow down, observe, learn and connect with one of the most important regions of Inca history.
Book the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba Vitkus
Choosing this trek means choosing a different way to experience Cusco and the Andes. Instead of following only the most popular routes, travelers can explore a historical and natural destination with a strong cultural meaning. The Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba Vitkus 6 Days is an excellent option for those who want a deeper journey, far from the usual tourist paths and closer to the living history of Peru.
Duration
6 Días / 5 Noches
Type Tour
Moderado
Difficulty
Aventura
Guide
English, Spanish
Group size
02 Min - 08 Max
Maximum altitude
3800
DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA → SORAYPAMPA
In the morning, you will depart from Cusco (Arcopata Avenue – Santiago – Cusco) to the town of Mollepata, where you will enjoy your first breakfast on your excursion to Vilcabamba. After breakfast, you will head to Soraypampa, where your family will be waiting for you with a delicious lunch. After lunch, you will begin the hike to the famous Humantay Lagoon, an ascent that will take approximately 1.5 hours. You will be at the lagoon between 1 and 2 pm. You will then descend to the lodge, where you will have the afternoon free to enjoy the sunset, and finally, you can have dinner and rest.
DAY 02: SORAYPAMPA → CHAULLAY
After a hearty breakfast at 6:00 a.m., you’ll begin your first four-hour hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m) (15,213 ft), the highest point on the route. You’ll then descend to Wayracmachay, where you can rest and enjoy a packed lunch. After a snack, you’ll continue your hike to Chaullay (2,889 m / 9,481 ft). You’ll arrive at the lodge at 4:00 p.m., where your room will be ready. A hot shower, towels, soft paper towels, bath soap, and Wi-Fi are provided in your room.
DAY 3: Chaullay → Abra M. Llamocca → Yanama
This day we will have breakfast at 6:00 am. To continue our third day of travel, deviating from the classic Salkantay route, our vehicle will take us to the M. Llamocca Pass, the point of the day. From there, we will begin the downhill hike for approximately 2 hours to reach the lunch site with alpine views of the Pumasillo snow-capped mountain. After lunch, we will continue our hike for another 2.5 hours to reach the Yanama overnight site.
Day 4: Yanama → Qelqamachay
Departing from Yanama (an initial downhill hike to the Yanama River (Tinkuc) and then a short walk along the Yanama River), we then ascend to the Chungana sector. From there, we hike gradually upward until we reach our campsite at Qelcamachay (4,000 m / 13,143 ft).
Day 5: Quelqamachay → Choquetacarpo Pass - Huancacalle
In the early morning, we’ll have a hearty breakfast and then ascend for about 4 hours to reach the Choquetacarpo Pass (4,650 meters above sea level). This spectacular pass offers incredible views of the entire valley. It’s one of the less-traveled routes, with Inca trails and ancient walls that continue to the archaeological site of Vitcus. From the Choquetacarpo Pass, we descend following ancient paths for about 6 hours toward Huancacalle, where we’ll stay.
Day 6: VITCUS Circuit → ROSASPATA → Yurac Rumi
This day, after resting from a long day of hiking, we will walk for approximately one hour and visit the archaeological sites of Vitcus, Rosaspata, and Ñustahispana. The landscape is extremely beautiful. The first site we will explore is Vitcus and Rosaspata, the residence of the Incas who resisted the Spanish for nearly 40 years here. After exploring the archaeological sites of Vitcus, we will head to the town of Huancacalle for lunch. We will bid farewell to our luggage transport staff, muleteer, and cook, and then board our vehicle that will take us back to Cusco.
Weather: Cold – Warm.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch with Snacks.
Highest altitude: Huancacalle (2,900 meters above sea level).
What is included
INCLUDES:
– Transportation from Cusco → Sorapampa and Chaullay → Yanama
– Luggage transport from Yanama to Vilcabamba on horseback
– Camping tents with matras for 3 nights: Yanama – Quelqamachay – Huancacalle
– Muleteer with packhorses for luggage and food (1 emergency horse for every 5 passengers)
– Meals: from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 4 (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
– 1 liter of boiled water per day (coca tea optional)
– Snacks: cookie, energy drink, candy, energy bar, and 1 fruit per day
– Entrance fees to Vilcabamba
– Guide (Spanish/English speaking)
– Return transportation from Vilcabamba to Cusco
What is not included
NOT INCLUDED:
– Breakfast on day 1
– Sleeping bags
– Drinks: carbonated or alcoholic
– Dinner on day 6
– Walking sticks
Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS
– Optimal physical condition
– ID
– PASSPORT
– Cash
– Camera
– Light trekking clothes
– Change of clothes for the evenings
– A few pairs of cotton socks
– Trekking pole
– Headlamp and spare battery
– Sunscreen
– Mosquito repellent
– Hat
– Waterproof plastic poncho
– Water bottle (minimum 1 liter)
– Nuts or chocolates
How to get there?
Pickup from Cusco city center at 5:30 AM on Day 1. This route reaches remote areas of the Vilcabamba range — all transport between stages is coordinated by our team. Exact pickup location confirmed at booking.
Salkantay Trek Reviews from Our Travelers
EXCELLENT
Based on 17 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor
melany f
Verified
Hermoso
Todo fue muy lindo! Manuel y su esposa muy atentos y amables. La habitación muy cómoda, la cama también, la ducha realmente era con agua caliente (necesario para terminar un día largo del trekkinn)!! La cena y el desayuno fueron riquísimos! El lugar es hermoso, vistas increíbles!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Clara S
Verified
An extraordinary and amazing stay
We had the most incredible experience with our stay here. After a long and arduous day on the salkantay trek, especially going over the pass, arriving at Salkantay Hostel Challuay was the highlight of our day. Manuel greeted us with open arms and a nice smile and brought us to our clean and beautiful rooms with HOT water in the showers and views overlooking the valley right out our window and balconies. The dinner was amazing and delicious, as was breakfast, with spreads of chicken, rice, vegetables and then homemade pancakes and omelettes in the morning. We got the best night of sleep and could not have asked for a better place to stay on the Salkantay trek.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Hailey D
Verified
Perfect balance of independence & support
We are so thankful to Manuel for a wonderful time on the Salkantay Trek! My husband and I did the 4d/ 3n “independent” trek, and it proved to be a perfect balance of independence and support. There are very few “independent” trek options where a hiker can get support with transportation, accommodations, meals, and bag transport, plus a local contact, without having to hike with a group. Salkantay Hostel Peru’s “independent trek” fills this niche perfectly. It’s a fantastic value for what is included. Having completed it, I would happily pay more for the support I received. The planner in me felt a little nervous that I didn’t have a full picture of all the logistics ahead of time, but in time I found that Manuel took care of everything along the way. He seems to have connections all over the sacred valley, and made sure we were taken care of each step of the trek. We were treated with such kindness by each of his contacts in Soraypampa, Lucmabamba, and Hidroelectrica. And when we met Manuel at the hostel in Chaullay, he was so accommodating and kind. He answered all our questions, treated us like special guests, and even arranged for additional transport of our bag when we informed him that we didn’t plan to ride the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. Manuel is well connected in the area, and truly has a servant’s heart, so he will make sure you are happy. His genuineness, attentiveness, hospitality, and generosity made all the difference. We highly value and recommend Manuel and Salkantay Hostel Peru!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Claude R
Verified
Trek dans la cordillère de Vilcabamba, de Yanama à Vitcos
Nous venons de faire un trek dans la cordillère de Vilcabamba en compagnie de Manuel et de Jackie, à qui nous avons confié toute l’organisation et la logistique. Nous avions déjà fait appel à eux en août 2023 pour un trek d’une semaine combinant le Salkantay et Choquequirao. Que dire de Manuel et Jackie ? Leur professionnalisme et leur compétence n’ont d’égal que leur gentillesse. Toujours prêts à rendre service, disponibles, efficaces, responsables, discrets, donnant le meilleur d’eux-mêmes, bref des professionnels ayant véritablement (et naturellement) un sens aigu de la qualité de service tout en étant des personnes bienveillantes et attentionnées, empreintes d’humanité. Nous savons déjà à qui nous confierons l’organisation de notre prochain périple dans cette région extraordinaire qu’est la cordillère de Vilcabamba, et ce sera un grand plaisir de faire à nouveau un bout de chemin à pied avec eux.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Ana Gabriela M
Verified
Excelentes guias y anfitriones, viajarás seguro!
Fue una experiencia sin comparación, única y auténtica. Hemos disfrutado de principio a fin. El profesionalismo y experiencia de Manuel y Jackie hicieron de nuestra expedición un maravilloso recuerdo. Volveremos a confiar en ellos para un siguiente viaje. Los recomiendo!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Elisa H
Verified
The BEST Salkantay a Choquequirao 6d 5n
Hicimos una ruta super especial de Salkantay a Choquequirao 6d 5n , fue el mejor viaje de mi vida, revasaron mis espectativas, la comida fue asombrosa, Manuel lo opero excelentemente, yo y mis amigos ( dentro de ellos un Frances) quedamos más que satisfechos. Los recomiendo mil veces. Manuel fue tan servicial , detallista y muuuuuuuy paciente. Ah y no olvido las bolsas de agua caliente fueron nuestra salvación en las noches frias 👌🏼😊
Posted on Tripadvisor
Leslie P
Verified
Salkantay trek
Todo fue perfecto! Una habitación muy muy cómoda y caliente. La cama es muy confortable y lo mejor es que hay ducha con agua caliente. La cena fue riquísima y el desayuno igual. Le recomiendo este hotel al 100% !
Posted on Tripadvisor
CharleneLct18
Verified
Great experience !
This tour was amazing, we really appreciated all the services included that made our Salkantay trek unforgettable. The team wad very kind !
Posted on Tripadvisor
Alec M
Verified
Fantastic accomodation on the Salkantay Trek!
We stayed at the Chaullay Salkantay hostel during our Salkantay trek. Fantastic accomodation, best we stayed at during the trek. Great food and host. Definitely recommend!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Nicola C
Verified
Servizio etico e straordinario nella sua semplicità
Il trekking del Salkantay ha un percorso facile che non necessita di una guida. A patto di poter godere di un servizio eccezionale, nella sua semplicità, con quello offerto da Salkantay Hostels (Salkantay Way). Dal primo pranzo del primo giorno all’ultimo pranzo del quarto giorno, tutto è incluso. Le sistemazioni in camera più che decenti, forse Soraypampa ha dei limiti, ma comunque un letto con coperte e le suola c’è e si dorme in una struttura vera e propria. Tutte le persone incontrate sono umili e gentili. Gli ingredienti a km 0, si pagano le comunità locali e non le grandi spedizioni che partono da Cusco. Anche questo ha un suo senso etico non da poco per chi ci tiene. Noi non abbiamo voluto usare animali da soma, ma abbiamo usufruito del trasporto in auto di parte del materiale dal secondo giorno. Trekking vario, si passa dal clima freddo e secco dell’alta quota dei primi due giorni (laguna Humantay e passo Salkantay) al clima torrido della giungla del terzo e quarto giorno. Non per tutti, ma il significato, raggiungere Machu Picchu (quinto giorno… ancora a piedi se voleste essere virtuosi) è immenso. Fidatevi di Manuel e delle famiglie che ha raccolto per offrire questo servizio. Una nota di merito alla signora Lucy di Wayrac, che in una poverissima capanna ha messo in piedi un pranzo di tutto rispetto per quattro persone. Grazie di tutto!
Price From: $ 590.00
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Salkantay Trek – to Vilcabamba (Vitkus)
Find answers to the most common questions about our trekking tours, accommodation in Cusco, Salkantay Trek, Machu Picchu and travel services in Peru.
What is the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba?
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The Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba, also known as the Vitkus Trek, is a 6-day guided expedition from Cusco that follows the Salkantay high mountain route before descending into the remote Vilcabamba range — the last stronghold of the Inca empire after the Spanish conquest. The trek visits the ruins of Vitkus, also called Vitcos, which served as the royal palace of Manco Inca. This is one of the most historically significant and least visited trekking routes in all of Peru.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba 6 days?
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This trek is rated moderate to challenging. The route crosses Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters on Day 2 and continues into remote high-altitude terrain in the Vilcabamba range. Daily hiking averages 6–8 hours through varied ecosystems. Previous multi-day trekking experience, good cardiovascular fitness and at least 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco are required.
What ruins can I visit on the Salkantay Vilcabamba 6-day trek?
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The main archaeological highlight is Vitkus, also known as Vitcos — the royal palace complex of Manco Inca with well-preserved stone structures set in a dramatic mountain landscape. Adjacent to the palace is the White Rock of Chuquipalta, a massive carved granite boulder that served as a major Inca ceremonial and ritual site. Both sites are rarely visited and offer a level of solitude and historical atmosphere impossible to find at more accessible ruins.
What makes the Vilcabamba route different from other Salkantay treks?
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Most Salkantay treks end at Machu Picchu. The Vilcabamba route takes a completely different direction after Salkantay Pass, heading into the remote Vilcabamba mountain range instead of towards Aguas Calientes. This makes it ideal for repeat visitors who have already done the classic Salkantay to Machu Picchu route and want to explore an entirely different and far less traveled part of the Inca world.
Who was Manco Inca and why is Vilcabamba important?
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Manco Inca was the last independent Inca emperor, who retreated to Vilcabamba after the Spanish conquest of Cusco in 1533. He established a resistance capital here that remained the last independent Inca territory until 1572, nearly 40 years after the conquest. The ruins of Vitkus — including the royal palace and the sacred White Rock of Chuquipalta — are the physical remains of this final chapter of the Inca civilization. Very few travelers visit this site, making it one of the most exclusive historical experiences in South America.
How many people visit the Vilcabamba ruins each year?
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The Vilcabamba ruins at Vitkus receive only a handful of visitors per year — making it one of the most exclusive archaeological sites in Peru. There is no road access and very limited tourist infrastructure. Our team works with local community families along the route who provide accommodation and meals, keeping the experience intimate and directly supporting local livelihoods.
Is the Salkantay Vilcabamba trek suitable as a private tour?
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Yes. Given the remote nature of this route and its appeal to historically minded travelers, it works especially well as a private expedition. Private bookings allow us to customize the pace, add optional archaeological detours and dedicate full guide attention to your group. Contact us via WhatsApp for private tour availability and pricing.
Duration
Type Tour
Difficulty
Guide
Group size
Maximum altitude