Machu Picchu (twice!) ✓ Salkantay ✓ Short Inca Trail ✓

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is Peru's most authentic alternative trek to Machu Picchu, combining immersive Andean culture with the legendary Short Inca Trail finale. Over 5 days, traverse remote Lares Valley communities, interact with Quechua-speaking weavers, and enter the citadel through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—just as the Incas did. Unlike the crowded classic route, this cultural trek Peru offers solitude, traditional village visits, and the same iconic final approach to Machu Picchu. Perfect for travelers seeking small group tours with fully portered comfort.

The Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail combination is the ultimate alternative trek to Machu Picchu for adventurers seeking both wilderness and ancient history. This 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu merges the rugged beauty of the Salkantay Mountain route with the iconic Short Inca Trail trek, culminating in two visits to the Lost City of the Incas. Unlike choosing between Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail, experience both on this guided trekking tour Peru—hiking past Humantay Lake, crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,930m, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate just as the Incas did..

The combined itinerary continues on the Short Inca Trail trek, where you follow in the footsteps of the Incas along original stone pathways. With expert local guides, you’ll learn the history of this Peru adventure hiking tour before arriving at the Sun Gate with breathtaking views overlooking Machu Picchu.

Perfect for adventurous souls looking for the best trekking Peru has to offer, this tour mixes challenge and reward — a premium trekking experience Peru that showcases the diverse ecosystems, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes of the Andes. Join us for one of the most unforgettable trekking tours from Cusco and discover why this journey is a top choice for hikers around the world.

Why Choose This Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu?

Your journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel and a scenic drive toward the high Andean valley of Soraypampa. Here, your Salkantay Tour officially starts as you hike to the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, one of the most iconic natural wonders of Peru.
Highlights of Day 1:

• Introduction to the Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5/4 route

• Guided visit to the stunning Humantay Lake

• Begin your inca-trail-expedition-salkantay experience

• Overnight in Soraypampa at the base of majestic Mount Salkantay

This day sets the tone for your Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey with spectacular landscapes and acclimatization at altitude.
​Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Walking distance: 14km
Trailhead elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft
Campsite elevation: 4,250m/13,943ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 1 – Cusco to Humantay Lake & Salkantay Base Camp

Day 2 – Crossing Salkantay Pass (4,650m)

Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. Take your time today, stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains. From Pampa Japonesa, you will slowly ascend for the next 3 hours until reach the Inca Chiriaska, pass located at 5,100m/16,732 feet. Chiriaska means ‘getting cold’ in Quechua. This place is truly cold at most times of the year, but it has some of the best views of the Salkantay glacier peaks. After admiring the breathtaking scenery, you will get to enjoy a hot drink before continuing on your trek. The hike from the pass to Sisaypata, our lunch spot, will take around 3.5 hours, but it is all downhill. At Sisaypata, you will enjoy lunch as you take in the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.
After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours downhill to the campsite for the night at Paucarcancha at 3,770m/12,370ft. Your hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you once again and your tents will be set up and ready for you to settle in before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Walking distance: 18km
Highest point of the trail: 5100m/16,732ft
Campsite elevation: 3300m/10,827ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3- Inca Canal & Llactapata Ruins – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo

Today you conquer the highest point of the trek: the mighty Salkantay incachiriasqa Pass at 4,930 m (15,190 ft). The panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain, glacial valleys, and high-Andean landscapes make this one of the most breathtaking days of the entire Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail.
Highlights of Day 2:

• Cross the dramatic Salkantay Pass

• Descend through diverse ecological zones into the cloud forest

• Continue deeper into the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail region

• Overnight in a lush Andean camp

This is the classic high-mountain portion of your salkantay-trek-short-inca-trail journey, combining challenge and beauty.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walking distance: 15km
Campsite elevation: 3300m/10,827ft
Trail end elevation: 2700m/8,858
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000m/6560ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodations: 2* Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge

Today begins the sacred portion of the adventure: the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary privilege that combines nature, archaeology, and history. Your guide will lead you through dense cloud forest, waterfalls, and ancient Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
Highlights of Day 4:

• Official entry to the Inca Trail at Km 104

• Visit the spiritual terraces of Wiñay Wayna

• Walk the final royal trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

• Your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu along the salkantay-inca-trail-machu-picchu approach

• Descent to Aguas Calientes for your final overnight stay

This day represents the heart of the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail Private Tour 5 Days, merging both legendary routes into one seamless journey.
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Susanna inn´ Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate.
*** You will leave your duffel bag at the train station, to be sent directly to Aguas Calientes. You will pick it up at the train station before you check into your hotel.

DAY 4: Short Inca Trail - Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate

Wake up early and board the bus back to the Machu Picchu citadel. Enjoy a complete guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas, exploring temples, plazas, terraces, and royal enclosures. This is the ultimate reward of your Hike to Machu Picchu and the perfect conclusion to your Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu adventure.
Highlights of Day 5:

• Fully guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Optional ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets required)

• Return train journey to Ollantaytambo and transportation back to Cusco

Your journey ends with a deep appreciation for the landscapes, culture, and heritage experienced throughout this Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5/4 adventure.

Day 5 .-Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco

This isn't just a trek—it's the most complete Machu Picchu experience available. By combining the rugged Salkantay Trek with the legendary Classic Inca Trail, you'll traverse two distinct worlds: the raw, glacier-crowned wilderness of Mount Salkantay (6,271m) and the ancient stone pathways walked by Inca royalty.

What Makes This Journey Unforgettable:

Two Iconic Routes, One Epic Journey – Experience the best of both worlds: the remote, off-the-beaten-path Salkantay wilderness AND the archaeological grandeur of the Classic Inca Trail. Most travelers choose one—you'll conquer both.

Expert-Led Birdwatching Throughout – All our groups enjoy dedicated birdwatching sessions during the hike. Spot majestic Andean Condors soaring above the Salkantay Pass, vibrant hummingbirds in the cloud forests, Cock-of-the-Rock, and rare high-altitude species like the White-tailed Deer and Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas) in their natural habitat. Our guides carry field guides and know the best observation points.

Sunrise at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Enter Machu Picchu the way the Incas intended—through the sacred Sun Gate at dawn, watching the mist lift from the citadel as the first light hits the terraces.

Double Machu Picchu Access – See the citadel twice: first from the iconic Sun Gate perspective, then explore every temple and terrace during your comprehensive guided tour on Day 6.

Exclusive Campsites – Camp at Salkantaypampa, an "off-the-beaten-path" location where few others stay, surrounded by uninterrupted views of the snow-capped peak. Sleep at Phuyupatamarca ("Town in the Clouds") with panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range.

Conquer the Highest Pass – Cross Incachiriaska Pass (5,158m / 16,495 ft)—the "Frozen Inca Pass"—the highest point on the entire trek, where you'll feel dwarfed by the sheer immensity of Salkantay Mountain, once worshipped as a god by the Incas.

Diverse Ecosystems in One Trek – Journey through four distinct climate zones: high-altitude alpine tundra, glacial valleys, subtropical cloud forests, and the high jungle, each with unique flora and fauna.

Authentic Archaeological Immersion – Visit Paucarcancha, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and other lesser-known Inca sites that most Salkantay trekkers miss entirely.

Stargazing at 4,200m – Experience the Andean night sky in its full glory from Salkantaypampa, far from any light pollution.

Highlights: Why Choose the Classic Inca Trail Hike?

The Ultimate Andean Adventure: Salkantay + Inca Trail Combined

What's Included:

Inca Trail Tour Details:

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging (intermediate to experienced hikers)
Maximum Altitude: 5,158m (Incachiriaska Pass)
Group Size: Small groups (2-8 participants)
Style: Expedition trekking with cultural immersion and birdwatching focus

• Professional English-speaking guide with birdwatching expertise

• All Inca Trail and Machu Picchu permits

• 5 nights camping (3 on Salkantay, 2 on Inca Trail) + 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with dietary accommodations

• Personal porter (carries up to 5kg of your gear)

• Pack horses for Salkantay portion, porters for Inca Trail portion

• Quality camping equipment (4-person tents for 2 people, foam mattress, pillow)

• Bus tickets Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu (3 rides)

• Expedition train return (upgrade to Vistadome available)

• Hotel-to-hotel service with private transfers

• First aid kit and emergency oxygen

• Birdwatching field guide and binoculars available

Optional Extras:

• Comfort Package ($120): Sleeping bag (20°F/-7°C), inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress, walking poles, camping pillow

• Extra Porter ($130): Carries up to 8kg of personal gear

• Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)

• Vistadome Train Upgrade ($80 return)

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb ($80 — request at booking)

Not Included:

• Sleeping bag (available for rent or bring your own)

• Breakfast Day 1 & Lunch Day 4 in Aguas Calientes

• Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes

• Travel insurance

• Gratuities for staff

• Water for first 4 hours of Day 1

Highlights: Why Choose the Classic Inca Trail Hike?

The Original Inca Path to Machu Picchu Trek the legendary 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, following ancient stone pathways built by the Incas over 500 years ago. This is the most iconic trekking route in South America, culminating in the breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—the same entrance used by Inca royalty.

Spectacular Archaeological Sites Explore remarkable Inca ruins along the way that most travelers never see: Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and the stunning terraced citadel of Wiñay Wayna. Each site showcases masterful Inca engineering and spiritual significance deep in the cloud forest.

Exclusive Birdwatching Experience All our groups include dedicated birdwatching opportunities throughout the trek. As we hike through diverse ecosystems—from high Andean landscapes to lush cloud forests—your guide will help you spot native species like the Andean cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, toucans, and rare high-altitude birds. Bring your binoculars for this unique birdwatching Inca Trail experience!

Conquer Dead Woman's Pass Challenge yourself to reach Warmiwañusca (4,215m / 13,828 ft), the highest point of the trail. The panoramic Andean views from this sacred pass reward every step of the ascent, creating unforgettable memories and incredible photography opportunities.

Fully Supported Small Group Trekking Enjoy personalized attention with our small group service (maximum 8-12 trekkers). We handle all logistics—permits, camping gear, gourmet meals, professional guides, and porters—so you can focus entirely on the adventure and stunning scenery.

Gourmet Organic Dining Savor delicious, nutritious meals prepared by our expert trekking chefs using organic, locally-grown ingredients. From energizing breakfasts to celebratory farewell dinners, we accommodate all dietary needs including vegetarian options.

Sustainable & Ethical Tourism We are committed to responsible tourism practices: fair wages and proper equipment for our porters, strict Leave No Trace principles, and support for local Andean communities. Trek with a company that gives back.

Inca Trail Tour Details

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Starting Point: Hotel pickup in Cusco
Ending Point: Return to Cusco (Day 4)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m (13,828 ft) at Dead Woman's Pass
Group Size: Small groups for personalized experience

What's Included:

✓ Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) with extensive regional knowledge
✓ Assistant guide for groups of 9+ people
✓ All Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance fees (secured in advance)
✓ Round-trip transportation from Cusco to Km 82 (trailhead)
✓ Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + bus to Cusco
✓ Hotel-to-hotel service — we pick you up and drop you off
✓ Personal porter included to carry your duffel bag (up to 5kg/11 lbs)
✓ All camping equipment: 2-person Marmot tents (3-person size for 2 travelers), dining tent with tables and chairs, foam sleeping pads
✓ All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners + daily snacks and afternoon tea
✓ Boiled drinking water provided after Day 1 morning
✓ Birdwatching opportunities throughout the trek with guide assistance
✓ Oxygen tank and first aid kit for safety
✓ Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
✓ Duffel bag for your personal gear (provided at pre-trek briefing)
✓ Pre-trek briefing at our office the evening before departure

Optional Extras:

• Comfort Package ($120): Sleeping bag (20°F/-7°C), inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress, walking poles, camping pillow

• Extra Porter ($130): Carries up to 8kg of personal gear

• Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)

• Vistadome Train Upgrade ($80 return)

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb ($80 — request at booking)

Not Included:

• Sleeping bag (available for rent or bring your own)

• Breakfast Day 1 & Lunch Day 4 in Aguas Calientes

• Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes

• Travel insurance

• Gratuities for staff

• Water for first 4 hours of Day 1

• Students (18-25 with valid ISIC card): $30 off

• Under 18 years: $30 off

• Under 11 years: $40 off

• Groups of 5+: $30 off per person

Extra information

I Will Never Go Hiking Or So I Thought

Top Treks to Machu Picchu with Few People on the Trail

Difference Between the 2, 4, 5-Day Inca Trail & the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Ultimate Safety Guide for High-Altitude Treks in Peru

How to Book the Inca Trail Hike 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide

Luxury Treks to Machu Picchu Exclusively Operated by Inca Land Adventures

Inca Trail Packing List 2026

Empowering Women in Peru:

How to Deal With Altitude Before Hiking the Inca Trail

Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu: The Classic Route Why It's Famous

Helps us to be great team

No Plastic Bottles on the Inca Trail

Help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Inca Trail by avoiding single-use plastic bottles. Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system. Refill stations and boiled water are available during the trek, reducing plastic waste in this sacred Andean landscape.

Preserve the Inca Sites

The archaeological sites along the Inca Trail are priceless cultural treasures of the Inca Civilization. Please respect these ancient structures—do not touch delicate stonework, climb on ruins, or remove artifacts. Protecting these sites ensures future generations can experience their history.

Keep the Inca Trail Clean

Follow the principle: “Leave No Trace.” Carry out everything you bring in, including wrappers and small waste. Keeping the trail clean helps preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Andes.

Be Green on the Trail

Travel responsibly. Stay on designated paths, respect wildlife, reduce waste, and support sustainable tourism. By trekking responsibly, you help protect the mountains, forests, and communities that make the journey to Machu Picchu so extraordinary.

Pricing: Per Person 2026

1 people US$1650.00 per person
2 people US$1250 per person
3 people US$1200 per person
4 people US$1150 per person
5 people US$1100 per person
6 people US$1050 per person
7+ people US$1000 per person.