The 6-Day Salkantay and Short Inca Trail Trek combines two well-known trekking routes in Peru, taking you from the high Andes to the ancient paths leading to Machu Picchu. This journey offers an opportunity to step away from your daily routine and explore different landscapes found throughout the Peruvian Andes.
During the trek, you will visit several important attractions, including Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise waters, and the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. As you continue through the mountain region, the scenery changes as the trail reaches the tropical forest, where you can observe a variety of native flora and fauna.
The route then connects with the Short Inca Trail, allowing you to walk through part of the ancient Inca pathway and visit Wiñay Wayna before continuing toward the Sun Gate. From there, you will reach Machu Picchu, one of the modern world’s wonders, where you can learn more about the history and legacy of the Inca civilization.
With its combination of mountain landscapes, natural environments, archaeological sites, and Inca history, this itinerary offers a varied trekking experience that allows you to explore the Andes, discover important cultural sites, and experience the journey to Machu Picchu.
Cusco to Salkantaypampa Trek
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Your first day begins early, with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. You will travel in our comfortable transportation, where blankets are available if you would like to get some additional rest during the drive. After approximately two hours, we will make a short stop in Mollepata, where you can have breakfast if you choose to.
After this brief stop, we will continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. Before setting off, you will meet the cooks and horse riders who will be part of the trekking team. We will also complete a final check of the equipment to make sure everything is ready for the journey.
From Challacancha, you will begin a three-hour moderate hike to Soraypampa, located at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft, where you will spend the first night. The initial part of the trail is relatively level, followed by a gradual uphill section through a valley surrounded by glaciers.
As you walk, you will notice that much of the trail runs alongside a restored Inca water channel. This traditional irrigation system continues to be used by local farmers today. The total distance of this section is approximately 7 km / 4.35 mi.
When you arrive at Soraypampa, you will settle into our Sky Camp, where you will spend the night. After arriving, you will have time to rest and enjoy your first lunch in the mountains before continuing with the afternoon activity.
Once you are ready, we will begin the hike toward Humantay Lake, situated at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. The round trip takes approximately 3 hours and covers around 3 km / 1.86 mi. Due to the high altitude, it is important to maintain a slow and steady pace throughout this section.
After reaching the lake, you will have time to explore the surroundings and admire the turquoise waters against the Humantay glacier. The combination of the glacier, mountain landscape, and lake creates a distinctive Andean setting that you can experience during the trek.
After returning to camp, you will have dinner and time to relax while watching the sunset over the mountains. The quiet surroundings of Soraypampa provide an opportunity to rest after the day’s hike and enjoy the natural environment.
Later, you will return to your Sky Camp igloo for the night. Its glass roof allows you to look at the night sky, constellations, and comets from your accommodation. The following morning, you can wake up to views of Apu Salkantay overlooking the area.
Summiting Incachiriasca Pass
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Your day begins with the first signs of daylight. You will wake up and enjoy a cup of coca tea before having breakfast. After breakfast, we will prepare for the hike toward the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
The ascent covers approximately 7 km / 4.34 mi and takes around 3 hours. This is a challenging section of the trek, following the «Trail of the 7 Snakes,» a name related to the winding shape of the path as it climbs toward the pass.
Once you reach the Salkantay Pass, you will have time to rest and admire the surrounding valleys and Salkantay Mountain. The mountain stands at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft and is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region. It is also considered one of the Apus, or Inca Gods. From this area, you can also observe Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains.
After taking some time to enjoy the landscape, we will begin the 7 km / 4.35 mi descent toward Huayracmachay, located at 3,850 m / 12,631 ft, where we will stop for lunch. This part of the trail is rocky and covered with gravel, with views extending toward the valley below.
After lunch, the route continues toward the edge of the Amazon jungle, also known as the cloud forest. This section covers approximately 9.5 km / 5.9 mi and takes around three and a half hours to complete.
As you continue descending, you will experience the transition from the Andean mountains to the Amazon environment. The landscape changes noticeably along the trail, with tropical vegetation, colorful scenery, native plants, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. You will also notice that the climate becomes warmer as you move toward the lower elevations.
After completing the day’s longest hiking section, you will arrive at our campsite in Collpapampa, located at 2,950 m / 9,678 ft. There, you will have a hearty meal before settling into your Mountain Sky View accommodation for the night in this small village.
After the day’s trek, you can rest and enjoy a quiet evening in Collpapampa before continuing your journey the following day.
Wayllabamba and Inca Trail Connection
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The day starts at 6:00 a.m. with a hot cup of tea and a nourishing breakfast at the campsite. After breakfast, we will begin our hike through the Santa Teresa Valley, following a gently descending trail surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of bananas, coffee, and avocados. Keep an eye on the surrounding area, as you may also spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru, if conditions are favorable.
When we reach Zona Propiedad, our private vehicle will be waiting to take us to La Playa. The transfer allows us to arrive with enough energy and time to participate in a local coffee experience.
At La Playa, you will visit the coffee fields and learn about the cultivation process. You will also have the opportunity to take part in the preparation of the coffee by roasting, grinding, and brewing your own cup.
After this activity, we will continue by private transportation to Lucmabamba, located at 2,000 m / 6,562 ft. Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch and then settle into our Super Jungle Domes.
During the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surrounding area. If you wish, you can also visit the nearby Cocalmayo hot springs. This visit is not included in the package.
In the evening, we will return to Lucmabamba for dinner. Afterward, you can rest in your lodge surrounded by the natural sounds of the jungle.
The night ends at your lodge in Lucmabamba, where you can relax and prepare for the next stage of the journey.
Warmihuañusca Pass and Sayacmarca
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After breakfast, you will get ready for another day of trekking. This morning, you will have the opportunity to walk along a section of the original Inca Trail. The route begins with an uphill hike of approximately 2 hours, offering views of the Santa Teresa Valley along the way.
After the climb, you will reach Llactapata, located at 2,700 m / 8,858 ft. This Inca archaeological site is situated directly in front of Machu Picchu and provides your first opportunity during the trek to see the ancient citadel from a distance.
At Llactapata, your guide will explain the history and cultural significance of the Inca civilization and the archaeological site. From this viewpoint, you can also get your first views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. You will have time to take photographs and capture the landscape to share with friends and family.
After visiting Llactapata, we will continue with a 1-hour-and-30-minute downhill hike. Along this section, you will have additional opportunities to see Machu Picchu and the Inca citadel from different points along the trail.
We will stop for lunch in Aobamba before continuing for approximately 30 minutes to Hidroelectrica, located at 1,800 m / 5,906 ft. One of the notable features along this section is a 250-meter-tall artificial waterfall, which generates electricity for the entire city of Cusco.
Once we arrive at Hidroelectrica, you will have two options for continuing to Aguas Calientes:
During the walk, you will also see Intihuatana, an ancient carved rock associated with the Incas’ observation of the sun. It worked together with the sundial stone at Machu Picchu and was used to measure and observe the winter solstice, which marked the beginning of the farming season for the Incas.
From Intihuatana, the route continues toward the railway tracks leading to Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in the town, you will have dinner at a restaurant before spending the night in a comfortable hotel.
Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna
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Your day begins early, with pickup from your accommodation at approximately 5:00 a.m. From there, you will travel for about one and a half hours to KM 104, where this section of the Inca Trail begins. Along the way, you can watch the early sunlight spread across the Andean mountains and see the Urubamba River running alongside the railway. You will also receive a box lunch and a snack to enjoy later during the trek.
The hike follows the same route used by travelers on the Classic Inca Trail. As you walk, you will pass through areas of lush vegetation with tall mountains surrounding the trail. After some time, you will arrive at Chachabamba, the first Inca archaeological site of the day, where your guide will explain its history and importance.
After approximately another 3 hours of hiking, you will reach the Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex, located at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft. The name Wiñay Wayna means “forever young” in Quechua. During your visit, you will explore its different structures, including a ritual water source, temples associated with natural forces, and agricultural terraces. This site provides an opportunity to learn more about the history and construction techniques of the Inca civilization.
While visiting these archaeological sites, you will have time to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. Listen to the birds and the sound of the wind while taking a break from the trail. A little farther along, you will be able to see the campsites used by travelers completing the Classic Inca Trail. At this point, you can enjoy the lunchbox provided for the trek, relax for a while, and regain your energy before continuing.
Once you are ready, the hike continues toward the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku. From this location, you will have your first views of Machu Picchu and its architectural structures. Take some time to observe how the Incas built this settlement high in the mountains and appreciate the relationship between the archaeological site and its natural surroundings. You can also take photos along the way and reflect on how the Incas transported and positioned the large stones used in the construction.
After reaching the archaeological area, you will visit the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, where you can take the well-known postcard-style photograph of the site. From this viewpoint, you will be able to see the architecture of Machu Picchu and the construction work carried out by the Incas more than five centuries ago.
After the visit, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night at a hotel. Before heading to bed, you will have dinner at one of the restaurants in town. Since the following day begins before sunrise, an early night is recommended so you can be ready for the next morning’s activities.
Machu Picchu Sunrise and Guided Tour
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After a good night’s rest, today is the day to visit Machu Picchu and explore its historic surroundings. You will need to wake up before sunrise to arrive early and avoid the busiest hours. From your hotel, you will take a short walk to the bus station and board a bus for approximately 25 minutes to the entrance of the Inca citadel. You will enter the site around sunrise, when the first light of the day begins to illuminate the mountains and archaeological structures.
Once inside, you will take part in a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour through the lower section of the citadel. During the visit, you will see the different constructions that make up Machu Picchu, learn about their purpose and history, and have time to take photographs of the archaeological site.
After the guided tour, you will have the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, provided you reserved the corresponding tickets in advance. The hike to Huayna Picchu takes approximately one and a half hours round trip, while the Machu Picchu Mountain hike takes approximately three hours round trip.
When you are ready to leave Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time to choose a restaurant and have lunch before boarding your train. The train will take you to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will be waiting to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Once you arrive in Cusco, you can relax and rest after completing the trek and visiting Machu Picchu. Your journey may be coming to an end, but the experiences from the mountains, Inca trails, archaeological sites, and Machu Picchu will remain part of your travel memories.
Inca Trail permits are strictly regulated, personalized, and must be secured months in advance. A valid passport is essential for this trek and must match the passport used for booking and permit acquisition.
For the Salkantay portion of the trek (Days 1-2), horses will carry your main luggage. Once you join the Inca Trail (Days 3-5), porters will carry your belongings. Typically, there is a weight limit of 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs) per person for porters, which usually includes your sleeping bag and personal items that you won’t need during the day. You will carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, camera, and rain gear.
Yes, if you don’t have your own, you can typically rent high-quality sleeping bags (rated for appropriate temperatures) and hiking poles directly from the tour operator. It’s highly recommended to arrange these rentals in advance when booking your trek to ensure availability.
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it’s strongly recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400m / 11,155ft) before starting the trek to acclimatize. During the trek, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and walk at a slow, steady pace. Your guide is trained in first aid and carries an oxygen bottle for emergencies.
During the camping nights, basic but private toilet tents will be set up by the trekking crew at each campsite. These are kept as clean as possible. While running water for showers is generally not available on the trail, some campsites may offer cold bucket showers for a small fee. It’s advisable to bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
The weather in the Andes can be highly unpredictable, with significant variations between day and night, and across different altitudes. Expect cold temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations, and warm, sunny days. Rain is possible at any time of year. The best time to undertake this trek is during the dry season, from May to October, when the skies are generally clearer and there’s less rainfall, though conditions can still vary.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
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