Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 6 Days / 5 Night

Highly recommended by our passengers

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Price

Per preson

680.oo

Overview

Embark on a unique 7-day Andean adventure that combines two of the most iconic trekking routes in Peru: the breathtaking Salkantay Trek and the historic Short Inca Trail. This carefully designed journey offers the perfect balance between raw mountain wilderness and ancient Inca heritage, creating a truly complete approach to Machu Picchu.

Over the first five days, you will trek through the dramatic landscapes of the Salkantay route, hiking beneath towering glaciers, visiting the turquoise Humantay Lake, crossing the high mountain pass of Abra Salkantay, relaxing in natural hot springs, and enjoying a rare panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata. The slower pace allows deeper immersion and greater comfort throughout the journey.

The adventure continues with the Short Inca Trail, where you follow original Inca stone paths, explore remarkable archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, and enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—the most iconic and symbolic arrival to the citadel.

This combined trek is ideal for travelers seeking the ultimate Machu Picchu experience: epic mountain scenery, authentic trekking, cultural discovery, and a meaningful connection to the ancient Inca world, all culminating in a guided visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Highlights

  • Combine two legendary trekking routes in one complete experience

  • Explore dramatic high-altitude landscapes, glaciers, and cloud forest

  • Visit Humantay Lake and cross the Salkantay Pass (4,600+ m)

  • Relax in natural hot springs along the route

  • Enjoy a unique panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata

  • Walk original Inca stone paths on the Short Inca Trail

  • Visit archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna

  • Enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

  • Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish) throughout the journey

Important Note – Inca Trail Permit Requirement

To hike the Short Inca Trail, a government-issued Inca Trail Permit is mandatory.

Permit availability is extremely limited and often sells out months in advance, especially during the high season from April to September.

Without a valid permit, access to the Inca Trail is not allowed under any circumstances.

We strongly recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.

Why Not Machu Picchu can arrange and secure your Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Additional Information – Mandatory Details

To issue the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the Peruvian government requires the following personal information for each traveler:

  • name (exactly as shown on passport)

  • Passport number

  • Date of birth

  • Nationality

Important:

Permits and entrance tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

They cannot be modified or changed once issued.

If you need to change your travel date, a new permit and ticket must be purchased, subject to availability.

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and non-changeable under any circumstances.

In case of cancellation or date modification requested by the traveler, no refunds will be issued, as Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are issued directly by the government and are strictly non-refundable.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We start early from Cusco, traveling through beautiful Andean landscapes to Mollepata and then to Soraypampa, where the adventure begins.

After, we hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, one of the most photographed spots in the Andes. Upon arrival, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views, relax, and take unforgettable photos before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek. After breakfast, we climb toward the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), surrounded by glaciers and dramatic mountain scenery.

At the top, we take time to rest, enjoy the moment, and capture the views before descending into the greener valley of Chaullay. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 3: Chaullay– Lucmabamba-Optional Hot Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The landscape changes completely as we enter the cloud forest, walking past waterfalls, rivers, coffee plantations, and tropical vegetation.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Lucmabamba, where you can choose to enjoy an optional visit to nearby hot springs, a perfect way to relax after a few days of hiking.

- Transport (round trip): approx. 40 soles .

- Hot springs entrance fee: approx. 10 soles

- Retur n to Lucmabamba campsite. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata--Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we hike along an ancient Inca trail to Llactapata. From here, enjoy a unique panoramic view of Machu Picchu from across the valley—a viewpoint few travelers get to experience.

After lunch, we descend toward Hidroeléctrica and continue walking along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a hotel.

Day 5 : Short Inca Trail – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we hike the famous Short Inca Trail, starting at Km 104 (no train is used on this day). Walk along original Inca stone paths and explore impressive archaeological sites, including Wiñay Wayna.

In the afternoon, we reach the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu before descending to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Day 6: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

We visit Machu Picchu early in the morning with a guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore, relax, and take final photos.

In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation back to Cusco.

What’s Included

  • Pre-departure briefing one day before the trek

  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco

  • Private transportation from Cusco to the trek starting point

  • Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish) throughout the journey

  • All meals during the trek as indicated in the itinerary
    (Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Day 1 lunch to Day 6 breakfast)

  • Cook and trekking support staff

  • Camping equipment during the Salkantay Trek
    (tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, sleeping mats)

  • Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (nights as per itinerary)

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

  • Entrance permit for the Short Inca Trail (Km 104)

  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu

  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

  • Private transportation from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco

What’s Not Included

  • Breakfast on Day 1

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent)

  • Trekking poles (available for rent)

  • Entrance to optional hot springs on Day 3
    (Transport approx. 40 soles / Entrance fee approx. 10 soles)

  • Personal expenses
    (snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips)

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

  • Extra hotel nights before or after the tour

  • Tips for guide, cook, and support staff (optional but appreciated)