June 5, 2027 – June 14, 2027
Booking deadline: February 27, 2027
US$2,890
Price per traveler
Single supplement US$75
10 spots left
Salkantay Life Challengethe Machu Picchu trek that changes you before you arrive
Machu Picchu is the destination. Salkantay is the challenge. You are the transformation.
10 days / 9 nights12-week training planGroups of 8–10Up to 5,100 m
Picture this
It's 4:30 a.m. in Soraypampa. It's cold, the sky is still full of stars and the Salkantay glacier glows above the domes. Three months ago, two flights of stairs left you out of breath. Today you lace your boots, look at your group and know you're going to make it. When you cross the pass at 4,630 meters, you'll understand something: the journey began long before the first step.
The story
You've always wanted to reach Machu Picchu on foot. But something holds you back: "I'm not fit enough", "I've never done a trek", "what if I can't?". Salkantay Life Challenge was born from that doubt.
Here the destination is Machu Picchu, but the journey starts long before: 12 weeks of training with a mountain coach, a plan built for you and a small group chasing the same goal. That clear goal is the motivation so often missing when we try to change: moving every week, sleeping better, eating differently, staying consistent.
When you cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, you won't just arrive somewhere. You'll arrive transformed: with new habits, more confidence and proof that you can do more than you thought. And those habits come home with you.
The journey and the destination
The destination motivates you: Machu Picchu, Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain are the reason to start.
The journey transforms you: 12 weeks of training turn the goal into habits that stay with you.
The group keeps you going: shared commitment, weekly check-ins and a community that won't let you quit.
"The trip isn't just the reward. It's the reason to begin."
How it works
The training (12 weeks): an individual plan with a mountain coach, weekly check-ins, an online group session, gear guidance and a community that motivates each other before meeting.
The journey (10 days): Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, the cloud forest, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
The outcome: you come home with more than photos: proof that you could.
Is it for you?
You've always wanted to see Machu Picchu and want to arrive on foot.
You have little or no trekking experience, but you're ready to commit.
You want a trip that motivates healthier habits.
You prefer a small group with support and community.
You're up to 60 years old (from 60 we ask for a medical clearance).
Day by day
Cusco · The journey becomes real.
Arrival and an easy city tour: the Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Sacred Valley · Into the world of the Incas.
Pisac, buffet lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
Humantay · The challenge begins.
Hike to Soraypampa and the turquoise lake. Night in the glass domes of Sky Camp. ~10 km, max 4,200 m.
Salkantay Pass · The day you came for.
The toughest climb, to 4,630 m, then down into the cloud forest. 23.5 km, 10–11 h.
Jungle · The landscape changes.
Rivers, waterfalls, orchids and a coffee experience. Night at Super Jungle Domes. 10.3 km.
Llactapata · Machu Picchu on the horizon.
Your first distant view of the citadel, then on to Aguas Calientes. 25 km.
Machu Picchu · The reward.
A 2-hour guided visit (Circuit 2 where available) and return to Cusco.
Cusco · Recover.
A free day to rest and take in what you've achieved.
Vinicunca · One last challenge.
Rainbow Mountain, up to ~5,100 m.
Cusco · Heading home.
Airport transfer. Tupananchiskama: until life brings us together again.
Gallery
What's included
- 12-week online training program with a mountain coach (individual plan and weekly follow-up)
- Airport pickup and all private ground transportation
- Professional guide throughout, plus an Inkateam journey leader with the group
- Entrance tickets and permits: Cusco Tourist Ticket, Cathedral, Qorikancha, Humantay and Salkantay, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain
- Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes; Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View and Super Jungle Domes (2 travelers per dome)
- Full board on trekking days, daily breakfast in Cusco and a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
- Camping gear, duffel bag, sleeping bag and trekking poles
- First-aid kit, satellite phone and 24/7 support
Not included
international and domestic flights, meals not listed, drinks, tips, personal expenses and optional activities.
Dates & price
12 weeks with your coach and 10 days of travel in one price: entrance tickets, domes, meals on the trek, guide, Inkateam leader and 24/7 support. Only 10 spots per departure.
August 28, 2027 – September 6, 2027
Booking deadline: May 22, 2027
US$2,890
Price per traveler
Single supplement US$75
10 spots left
Reserve your spot with US$867 (30%). The balance is due 90 days before departure.
Bookings close 14 weeks ahead so everyone completes the 12-week training plan.
Payment and cancellation
- A non-refundable 30% deposit confirms your spot. The balance is due 90 days before departure.
- Cancellation: up to 91 days before, you lose the deposit; 90 to 61 days, 60%; 60 days or less, or no-show, 100%.
- Credit card preferred, no surcharge. Bank transfer accepted; the sender covers all bank fees.
- Departures run with a minimum of 8 travelers. We recommend travel insurance with cancellation cover.
FAQ
Do I need trekking experience?
No. That's what the 12-week training plan is for: you start where you are and arrive ready.
How hard is it?
It's a real challenge: the pass day is 23.5 km and the trip's highest point reaches ~5,100 m. That's why the training is part of the product.
Where do we sleep on the trek?
In geodesic domes with real beds, 2 travelers per dome: Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View and Super Jungle Domes.
Who carries the gear?
A support crew and pack animals carry the group equipment; you hike with your daypack.
What about the altitude?
The first two days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are designed for gradual acclimatization.
Can I travel solo?
Yes. If you don't have a roommate, the single supplement is only US$75.