Salkantay trek & Short Inca trail 6 days
- Cusco
- Ollantaytambo
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
Moderate
Diary
Group/ private
All years
Bus
Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines two of Peru’s most iconic trekking routes — the majestic Salkantay Trek and the unforgettable Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This 6-day adventure takes you through diverse landscapes, from the snowy peaks of Salkantay Mountain to the lush cloud forests of the Sacred Valley, and finally to the awe-inspiring Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. It’s the perfect choice for those who want both solitude and history in a single itinerary.
The trek begins with remote trails surrounded by glacial mountains and alpine lakes. You’ll gradually transition into ancient Inca paths, culminating with a hike along the classic Inca Trail to the Lost City of the Incas. This unique combination offers the best of both worlds — raw wilderness and cultural heritage — culminating in an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu. Ideal for experienced hikers looking for a unique twist on the traditional trek.
Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail
The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail 6-Day Tour is a unique trekking experience designed for adventurous travelers who want to enjoy both the scenic beauty of the Salkantay route and the historical richness of the Inca Trail. Over six incredible days, you’ll cross high mountain passes, camp near glacial valleys, and immerse yourself in Andean nature before transitioning into ancient Inca pathways that lead to the iconic Machu Picchu.
This combination trek allows you to experience remote landscapes on the first part of the journey, far from crowds, and then connect with the classic Inca Trail on day 5 for a hike through archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and arrival at the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. It’s the perfect mix of solitude, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery. The tour ends with a full guided visit of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
Tour Details:
- Tour Name: Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Altitude: Max elevation 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass)
- Group Size: 2–10 people (small group experience)
- Accommodation: 3 nights camping, 1 night hotel in Ollantaytambo, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Start/End: Starts in Cusco and ends in Cusco
- Type of Tour: Adventure Trek + Short Inca Trail + Guided Machu Picchu Visit
- Best Season: From March to December
Highlights
- Experience the best of both worlds: the remote Salkantay trek and the iconic Short Inca Trail.
- Hike through dramatic landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests.
- Camp near breathtaking spots like Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass.
- Visit remote Inca archaeological sites along the trail, including Wiñay Wayna.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate with your first panoramic view of the citadel.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and free time to explore on your own.
- Travel with expert local guides and experience personalized service in a small group.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Hike to Humantay Lake – Camp at Salkantaypampa
- Day 2: Trek over the stunning Salkantay Pass – Camp at Pampajaponesa
- Day 3: Continue through the highlands to Sisaypampa – Camp under the stars
- Day 4: Descend to Wayllabamba and transfer to Ollantaytambo
- Day 5: Begin the Short Inca Trail at KM 104 – Visit Wiñay Wayna – Enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
- Day 6: Guided tour of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Your journey into the Andes begins early, as your guide picks you up from your hotel around 5:00 a.m. A scenic drive of about 3.5 hours takes you to Soraypampa, the starting point of your trek. Along the way, enjoy picturesque Andean landscapes, small highland villages like Iscuchaca and Limatambo, and the first views of the mighty Salkantay Mountain.
After a nourishing breakfast in Soraypampa, you’ll set off on a round-trip hike to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, cradled beneath the snowcapped Humantay peak (5,900m/19,356ft). This hike takes around 2.5 hours and offers incredible photo opportunities.
Returning to Soraypampa, you’ll continue your trek with a gentle uphill walk to Salkantaypampa, where the evening’s campsite awaits at the base of towering peaks. Upon arrival, hot drinks and snacks will be ready. Tents will be set up so you can relax and enjoy the quiet majesty of the mountains before dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Walking Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Pampajaponesa
Wake up to a warm cup of tea or coffee brought to your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast. Today’s route is remote and serene, taking you along a less-traveled trail. The first part of the day involves a steady 3-hour climb through alpine terrain.
After lunch on the trail, continue hiking for another 3 hours until you arrive at the next campsite—Pampajaponesa, located about 1km from the snowy face of Salkantay. The panoramic views along the way include jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and expansive valleys. Upon reaching camp, unwind with hot beverages and appetizers before dinner, with Salkantay looming majestically in the background.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Pampajaponesa – Incachiriaska Pass – Sisaypampa
Another crisp morning begins with a warm drink and breakfast. The trek starts with a slow ascent that lasts around 4 hours, taking you to the Incachiriaska Pass at 4,880m (16,010 ft). This high mountain pass, whose name means “the place where the Inca cools down,” is one of the highlights of the day.
If you’re lucky, you might spot an Andean condor soaring above. After reaching the pass, the trail continues with a descent through open highlands to the peaceful campsite at Sisaypampa, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by open grasslands and mountain views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Sisaypampa – Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Km 82 – Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, your hike continues through the tranquil Pampacahua Valley, where you’ll come across an impressive Inca irrigation canal that is still in use by local farmers. The trail then leads to Paucarcancha, a little-visited Inca site filled with terraces and history.
After exploring the ruins and having lunch in Wayllabamba, you’ll continue for a few more hours downhill to KM 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. From here, a private van will take you to Ollantaytambo, where a comfortable hotel and dinner await.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
- Walking Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Your adventure continues with a 5:30 a.m. departure to the train station. Board the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. After crossing a footbridge over the Urubamba River, your passport will be checked at the checkpoint before beginning the hike.
The first part of the trail winds gently uphill, offering views of the river and passing through lush cloud forest. You’ll soon reach a waterfall and climb towards the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,600m/8,500ft), perched on a hillside and partly concealed by dense vegetation.
After a guided tour and lunch in the nearby picnic area, continue on the trail for about an hour to reach the famed Sun Gate (Intipunku). From here, you’ll get your first panoramic glimpse of Machu Picchu—a truly magical moment.
Arrive at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon when the crowds are fewer, and enjoy time for photos from the upper terraces. Afterwards, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing dinner in town.
- Meals: Boxed Lunch, Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Accommodation: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu or similar (3*)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Your duffel bag will be transported directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Today is the grand finale—Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Wake up early and catch one of the first buses up to the archaeological site in time for sunrise. With the golden morning light illuminating the ruins, your guide will lead a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel, covering its main temples, terraces, and sacred spaces.
After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have time for lunch (not included) or to explore the local shops, the small museum, or the thermal baths.
In the afternoon, board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo (departing at 2:55pm or 3:20pm). A private transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, with arrival expected around 7:00pm.
If you pre-booked the hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll do the hike after the guided tour. This hike is unguided.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)
What’s Included
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco (free)
- Pick-up at your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entrance fee to the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu
- English-speaking, experienced professional guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4-person tent)
- All camping equipment: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent, and toilet tent
- Full gear for porters and cook
- 3 bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (round trip and descent)
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Expedition Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and return from Aguas Calientes
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room and bathroom)
- Horseman and mules to carry up to 7kg of personal gear (includes sleeping bag)
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency (illness, exhaustion)
- Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattress
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Boiled water for drinking and washing
- All applicable taxes
What’s Not Included
- Sleeping bag (rated 15°C) – $20 USD
- Air mattress – $20 USD
- Trekking poles – $15 USD
- Lunch on the last day
- Entry to Huayna Picchu – $75 USD
- Additional horse for extra luggage beyond the 7kg allowance
- Tips for the cook, horsemen, and guide
Extras
- Sleeping Bag – $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm sleeping bags)
- Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-Rest mattresses for extra comfort)
- Walking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (professional, extendable poles)
- Personal Tent – $30 USD (ideal for solo travelers who prefer privacy)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on hotel availability)
- Hotel Upgrade – Available upon request (price depends on category and availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (return only, panoramic windows and onboard service)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (must be requested at the time of booking)
Huayna Picchu is an optional hike within the Machu Picchu citadel. It is not guided and is typically done on your own after your main tour of Machu Picchu. If you would like this extra hike to be guided, please let us know in advance – an additional fee applies.
What to Bring for the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail
What You Have to Take With You
What You Have to Take With You- Original Passport (must be the same one used to book your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked with a student discount)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better for comfort and mobility)
- Water storage (2–3L recommended – Camelbaks are ideal)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Headlamp – essential for early morning starts and campsites
- Toilet paper (always useful on the trail)
What to Put in the Duffel Bag
What to Put in the Duffel BagAs a Direct Local Tour Operator, we provide you with a duffel bag during the pre-trek briefing. We also include an extra porter or mule to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your gear, which includes your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
Important: Per Peruvian law, each duffel bag must weigh no more than 7 kg to protect the health of the porters or horses. Bags are weighed before departure. If you need to carry more than 7 kg, the excess will be your responsibility in your daypack.
In your 7 kg allowance, plan for:
- 2 kg for your sleeping bag
- 1 kg for your sleeping pad
- ≈ 4 kg for personal items
Recommended clothing and gear:
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece or thermals
- Warm clothing, such as a down jacket (night temperatures can drop to 3ºC at second campsite)
- Waterproof gloves (even ski gloves work)
- Comfortable camp shoes
- Quick-dry towel (we provide a small one, but you might want a larger one)
- Small bottle of soap (we provide warm water daily)
- Battery charger (no electricity along the trail)
- Large plastic bags (available at our office — please ask)
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -15ºC (available for rent – $20 USD)
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Mini first aid kit (band-aids, moleskin, etc.)
What to Put in the Daypack
We recommend a small daypack (30–40L). Large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Your duffel will stay with the porters/mules.
Essential items for your daypack:
- Water (bring enough for the first day; we’ll provide boiled water from lunch onward)
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars, nuts, or dry fruits)
- Rain poncho (plastic)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money (for souvenirs, drinks, or tips)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail
Do I need to book the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially to secure permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. These permits are limited and tend to sell out quickly, especially during the high season (April to October). We suggest reserving at least 3–6 months in advance.
Is the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail difficult?
This trek is considered moderate to challenging. It combines high-altitude trekking over mountain passes like Salkantay Pass (4,630m) with jungle descents and the iconic Inca Trail hike. Good physical condition and prior hiking experience are highly recommended, but our team will support you every step of the way.
What’s the difference between this trek and the Classic Inca Trail?
The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail offers a unique combination: the scenic and remote Salkantay Trek, plus the last day of the Classic Inca Trail, including famous sites like Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). It’s perfect for travelers looking for adventure and a less crowded route to Machu Picchu.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu Mountain after Machu Picchu?
Yes, hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional add-on. Permits are required and must be booked in advance, as availability is limited. The hike is not guided and is usually done after your guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. Let us know during booking if you’d like to include this climb.
Will there be porters or horses to carry my gear?
Yes. Horses will carry your camping equipment and up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings, including your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. You only need to carry your daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, and a jacket.
What kind of meals are included during the trek?
All meals indicated in the itinerary are included and freshly prepared by our professional chef team. We offer delicious and hearty Peruvian meals, with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available upon request. Meals are served in our dining tent with table and chairs for comfort.
What happens if I get altitude sickness during the trek?
Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness response, and we carry a first aid kit and oxygen tank on every trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2–3 days before your trek to acclimate properly. Hydration and slow, steady pacing are key to avoiding altitude issues.
💲Prices – Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail
Group Tour Price:
- $980 USD per person
Private Tour Price:
- 2 people: $1250 USD per person
- 3 to 5 people: $1190 USD per person
- 6+ people: $980 USD per person
All our tours include high-quality service, professional guides, and everything needed to fully enjoy the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Student Discount:
- $35 USD off with a valid student ID (must be under 25 years old)
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