Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights
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Machu Picchu (twice!) ✓ Salkantay ✓ Short Inca Trail ✓
From Salkantay Mountain to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
5-Day Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail
Experience an extraordinary route that combines the dramatic landscapes of the Salkantay Trek with the archaeological heritage of the Short Inca Trail.
From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the high Andes to the cloud forests surrounding Machu Picchu, every stage of this journey reveals a different side of Peru.
Your trek culminates on the original Inca Trail at Km 104, where you hike through the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna and continue toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here, Machu Picchu appears across the mountains in one of the most memorable approaches to the citadel.
The following morning, your professional guide leads you through Machu Picchu before your return journey to Cusco.
5 Days / 4 Nights | Cusco – Salkantay – Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu
Ask us about availability and private or small-group options.
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 pampa Camp
Day 2 – Salkantay pampa canal inca inkachiriaska pass 4930 m)
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
Inca Canal & Llactapata Ruins – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, explore the Inca Canal and Llactapata ruins, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Sacred Valley. Continue to KM 82, the traditional starting point of the Classic Inca Trail, before traveling to Ollantaytambo for the evening. This day combines Inca history, archaeology, and spectacular Andean scenery.
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.
Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Experience one of Peru’s most scenic trekking routes by combining the spectacular Salkantay Trek with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This 5-day adventure takes you from high-altitude Andean landscapes and Salkantay Pass to ancient Inca pathways, cloud forest scenery, Wiñay Wayna, and Machu Picchu.
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail?
This route combines two iconic trekking experiences in one journey. You will experience dramatic mountain scenery, remote Andean landscapes, Inca archaeological sites, and the final approach to Machu Picchu through the Short Inca Trail.
Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail Highlights
Highlights include Humantay Lake, Salkantaypampa, Salkantay Pass, Incachiriaska Pass, cloud forest landscapes, the Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu.
5-Day Salkantay & Short Inca Trail Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco to Humantay Lake & Salkantaypampa
Travel from Cusco into the high Andes and begin the trek toward Humantay Lake, one of the region’s most striking turquoise mountain lakes. Continue toward Salkantaypampa surrounded by dramatic peaks and alpine landscapes.
Day 2 – Salkantaypampa & Incachiriaska Pass
Trek through spectacular high-altitude terrain toward Incachiriaska Pass, experiencing rugged mountains, valleys, and changing Andean scenery before continuing toward the lower landscapes of the route.
Day 3 – Inca Trail Connection & Journey to Aguas Calientes
Continue through changing ecosystems as the trek approaches the Inca Trail connection. Enjoy the transition from high mountains to cloud forest before traveling onward to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Day 4 – Short Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna & Sun Gate
Enter the Short Inca Trail and follow the ancient Inca pathway toward Wiñay Wayna. Continue through the final section of the trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you can enjoy your first views of Machu Picchu.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
Enjoy a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, discovering its temples, terraces, plazas, and remarkable Inca architecture. After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes and travel by train and transportation back to Cusco.
What's Included in the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail
Your trek can include professional trekking guides, transportation, meals according to the itinerary, camping or selected accommodation, entrance tickets, Short Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, and return transportation, according to the selected package.
What's Not Included
International and domestic flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips, additional meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary, and personal trekking equipment are generally not included unless specifically stated in your booking.
Salkantay Trek Difficulty and Altitude
The Salkantay Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek involving steep ascents, long walking days, and significant elevation changes. Good physical preparation and proper acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended.
What to Pack for the Salkantay Trek
Pack comfortable trekking clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, warm clothing, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medication, a headlamp, and essential personal items. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Andes, so layered clothing is recommended.
Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail FAQs
Find answers to common questions about trek difficulty, altitude, permits, weather, accommodation, meals, luggage, packing, train transportation, and Machu Picchu before your adventure.
Book Your Salkantay & Short Inca Trail Adventure
Ready to explore the Andes and reach Machu Picchu on foot? Contact Inca Land Adventures to check availability, choose your preferred travel dates, and reserve your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail adventure.
What's Included:
Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Day Combo Details:
Duration: 5 Days / 4 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
Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Day Combo Details
Duration: 5 Days / 4 NightsStarting Point: Hotel pickup in Cusco
Ending Point: Return to Cusco (Day 5)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Altitude: 4,915 m (16,125.33 ft) at inkachiriaska 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 Mollepata Soraypampa (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: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 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
Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)
Vistadome Train Upgrade ($80 return)
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb ($80 — request at booking)
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.
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
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