Overview 6-Day Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail The Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days adventure is an ideal journey for travelers who want to combine the experience of trekking in nature with the opportunity to walk a section of the famous Inca Trail. This incredible 6-Day Salkantay Trek wit...
Moderate, Moderate
Hike, Camping, Culture Adventure
4,630 meters (15,190 feet)
08ppl Average - 16ppl Max
The Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days adventure is an ideal journey for travelers who want to combine the experience of trekking in nature with the opportunity to walk a section of the famous Inca Trail.
This incredible 6-Day Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail begins in the Vilcabamba mountain range, taking you from the depths of the Apurímac River canyon to the Urubamba River valley, circling the imposing Mount Salkantay, one of the most sacred mountains in Andean cosmology, with an altitude of 6,271 meters.
During the trek, travelers traverse diverse landscapes, including high mountain passes such as the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), which offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
There are also steep descents into fertile valleys and paths through cloud forests, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. In addition to the natural beauty, the quiet and tranquility of this remote trail provide a unique experience, far from the more crowded routes.
The adventure is further enriched by combining this trek with a section of the Classic Inca Trail, allowing travelers to explore ancient archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, a well-preserved Inca complex with agricultural terraces and temples. This site is one of the highlights of the 6-Day Short Inca Trail with Salkantay before reaching Machu Picchu.
The trek culminates with the arrival at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where travelers get their first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This is a special moment for travelers, as it offers the first glimpse of the iconic citadel surrounded by mountains.
Finally, the journey includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where travelers explore in detail its architecture, history, and spiritual significance. They will have the opportunity to learn more about the sophisticated Inca engineering, the mysteries of this citadel, and how it was integrated into the surrounding landscape.
This 6-Day Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail offers a unique combination of adventure, culture, and history, making this trip an unforgettable experience for any nature and history lover.
Your adventure begins early at 5:00 AM when your guide picks you up from your hotel. You’ll travel in a private van for 3.5 hours to Soraypampa, enjoying breathtaking views of the villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, as well as stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains like Salkantay. At Soraypampa, you’ll have breakfast and admire the glacial mountains, Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft). After meeting the horsemen to handle your duffel bag, you’ll embark on a 2.5-hour roundtrip hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake before gently ascending to Salkantaypampa for the night. Hot drinks and appetizers will be ready upon arrival, with the tents already set up for your comfort.
Start the day with a hot drink and breakfast before trekking uphill for approximately 3 hours. Enjoy a hearty lunch en route before continuing for another 3 hours to our campsite near Salkantay. The day’s trek offers magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and impressive valleys. Upon arrival at camp, enjoy appetizers and drinks while taking in the towering views of Salkantay.
Begin your morning with a hot drink and a substantial breakfast to prepare for a 4-hour climb to the Incachiriaska Pass at 4,880m/16,010ft. Known as “the place where the Inca cools down,” this area is home to the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird. Afterward, descend to our campsite at Sisaypampa, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
After a hearty breakfast, hike to Pampacahua Valley to see an Inca canal still in use. Visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha before arriving at Wayllabamba for lunch. Continue hiking for 4 hours to KM 82, where you’ll take a private van to Ollantaytambo. Dinner will be served in Ollantaytambo in the evening.
Begin the day early at 5:30 AM and take the train from Ollantaytambo at 6:10 AM. Arrive at Km 104, where the trek begins at 2,000m/6,560 ft. Cross the Urubamba River and visit the first Inca site. The trail offers gentle climbs with beautiful views and a rewarding waterfall. Continue to Wiñay Wayna, explore the Inca ruins, and enjoy a gourmet lunch. The hike continues with steep stairs known as the “Gringo Killers,” leading to the Sun Gate. Enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and take photos from unique vantage points before descending to the site. After exploring Machu Picchu, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner. Optionally, explore the town or visit the hot springs.
After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, covering the most important parts of Machu Picchu. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and explore the town if time allows. The Expedition Train departs for Ollantaytambo at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, passing through the scenic Urubamba River canyon. Arrive back in Cusco by 7:00 PM.
Important Notes:
Included
Not Included
EXTRAS:
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Price & Availability
The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and Inca Trail Permits for the 2 day Inca Trail.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos except on the 2 day Inca Trail portion of the trek it is not possible (including the sleeping bag : 2kgs), we will provide you a duffel bag to put your belongings in.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
EXTRAS
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUE WITH INCAS EXPEDITIONS PERU
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
TOILETRIES
Important Info
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCAS EXPEDITIONS board at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Inca Trail Tour 5 day, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack only what you will need for the 5 day trek!
HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL ?
FIRST, to book your Inca Trail Tour 5 day, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
*** Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Trail Tour 5 day. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any date(s) after the permit have been bought. Permits are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Inca Trail Tour 5 day, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us at the time of booking your permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your 5 day Inca Trail trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The 5 Day Inca Trail Trek is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, INCAS EXPEDITIONS will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCAS EXPEDITIONS destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
The Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days is an adventure that combines the rugged beauty of the Salkantay Trek with a portion of the classic Inca Trail. Over the course of six days, you’ll hike through diverse landscapes, including high-altitude passes, cloud forests, and ancient Inca ruins. The trek starts with the Salkantay route, known for its scenic beauty and remote feel, and ends with the final portion of the Short Inca Trail, leading to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It’s a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture.
The 6-Day Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail is unique because it blends the remote wilderness of the Salkantay region with the cultural significance of the Inca Trail. Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, the Salkantay route is less crowded and takes you through more varied landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, and jungle terrain. The Short Inca Trail, which forms part of this journey, includes archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, and the trek culminates at Machu Picchu. This combination offers trekkers a chance to experience both solitude and history in one adventure.
The 6-Day Short Inca Trail with Salkantay is considered moderately to challenging, primarily due to the high altitudes and long days of hiking. The most difficult part is crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet), which can be tough due to the steep ascent and thinner air. However, the trek is well worth the effort because of the stunning views and unique landscapes. A good level of physical fitness is recommended, and acclimatizing to the altitude beforehand will help you enjoy the trek more comfortably.
The best time to embark on the 6-Day Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, the weather is more predictable, with clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it easier to trek and enjoy the stunning views. The rainy season (November to March) can bring heavy showers, which may make the trail slippery and more challenging. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, traveling during the shoulder months (April-May or September-October) might be a great option.
For the Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days, dressing in layers is essential due to the varying climates you’ll encounter. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by a fleece jacket for warmth, and a waterproof jacket for protection from wind and rain. Bring trekking pants that dry quickly, as well as a hat, gloves, and thermal socks for the cold. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are a must for comfort and stability. Don’t forget sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) for the high-altitude sun, and a poncho or rain gear for sudden weather changes.
For the 6-Day Short Inca Trail with Salkantay, avoid overpacking. Bringing too much weight will only slow you down and make the trek harder. Don’t pack unnecessary electronics or valuables, as you won’t need them and they could get damaged or lost. Avoid cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and takes a long time to dry; instead, choose synthetic or wool materials. Single-use plastic bottles should be avoided as well—bring a reusable water bottle. Lastly, don’t wear brand new boots—break them in before the trip to prevent blisters.
The Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days trek, reaches an elevation of 4,650 meters (15,255 feet). This is one of the more challenging parts of the trek due to the steep ascent and thin air at such a high altitude. It’s essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated during this section. While the climb is tough, the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks make it one of the most rewarding parts of the entire journey.
The total distance of the 6-Day Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail is approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles). This distance is spread out over six days, with varying levels of intensity each day. The first few days on the Salkantay trail involve longer, more challenging hikes through rugged mountain terrain, while the final days on the Short Inca Trail are slightly shorter but still involve steep ascents and descents. Each day brings a different set of challenges and stunning views, with the ultimate reward of arriving at Machu Picchu.
The 6-Day Short Inca Trail with Salkantay trek ends in a spectacular way, with the arrival at Machu Picchu. On the final day, after walking the Short Inca Trail, you pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers your first breathtaking view of the famous Inca citadel. It’s an unforgettable moment, especially if you arrive early in the morning when the mist begins to lift. After reaching Machu Picchu, you will have time for a guided tour of the site, learning about its history and exploring the ancient ruins.
The Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days is not recommended for beginners, as it requires a good level of fitness and some previous hiking experience. The trek involves high altitudes, long days of walking, and varying terrains, from steep mountain passes to jungle paths. While it’s not the most difficult trek in the world, it can be challenging if you’re unprepared. However, if you’re a beginner who’s in good shape and up for a challenge, it’s definitely doable—just make sure to train beforehand and give yourself time to acclimatize to the altitude.
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