Today, the Salkantay Trek is one of the top 20 treks in the world. However, it wasn’t always so central in the spotlight. This stunning trail was once a backup alternative for when the Classic Inca Trail permits were sold out.
The Salkantay Trek is designed to offer a challenging hike and a beautiful view of Salkantay while you participate in the Inca Trail. It truly is a best-of-both-worlds experience. This trip is a specially curated trek spanning five days and four nights, emphasizing treks. If you’re looking for your next once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, consider the Salkantay Trek, which takes you right to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Overview of the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Hike
Our five-day, four-night trek through Salkantay and the Inca Short Trail is full of wonder and adventure. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect on this trip. This Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail is excellent for anyone seeking a well-rounded adventure full of stunning sights, physical challenges, and ancient history.
Day 1 & 2 – After your arrival, you’ll explore the raw and untouched beauty during the Salkantay Trek, which will take you past massive glaciers, shimmering turquoise lakes, and a jaw-dropping terrain shift from mountains to lush cloud forests.
Day 3 – On the third day, we’ll deviate from the standard Salkantay trail and connect to a hidden path that seamlessly leads to the well-renowned Inca Trail.
Day 4 – We’ll take the Short Inca Trail, which takes us directly to Machu Picchu, where you’ll finally get to experience one of the seven wonders of the world.
Expectations of the Salkantay Trek
While the trek used to be an overflow of sorts for sold-out Inca Trail permits, it quickly gained notoriety of its own as a top trek. Here’s a bit more about what you can expect to see during the Salkantay portion of the journey.
Massive Glaciers—Witness the Salktantay glacier, which was crucial to the Incan civilization, providing fresh water for growth and agriculture. It rests at one of the highest peaks in the region.
Alpine Lakes – These crystal-clear lakes are any photographer’s dream. While we’re sure you won’t forget the experience, having some stunning photos to take home is always a plus.
Cloud Forests & Rainforests – Change up the scenery as you traverse through all kinds of landscapes, from mountains and glaciers to lush cloud forests.
Remote Incan Ruins – No trip would be complete without exploring the remote Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.
Amenities & Perks
Action Peru Treks only offers this experience and combines rugged adventure with well-timed comfort. During the trip, you can expect:
Two Nights Camping in remote mountain settings with only the vibrant stars in the Andean sky above you. You’ll also have two nights in comfortable hotels to relax and recharge. In addition to unique accommodations, you’ll board a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and eat at a top-rated restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Detailed Trip Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing (required): Before departure, all travelers must attend a mandatory pre-trek briefing at our Action Peru Treks office in Cusco.
These briefings provide important information about the itinerary and allow travelers to ask any questions before starting their journey.
Please note that briefings are scheduled for the day before departure, so please plan your arrival in Cusco accordingly.
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Ichupata
Your Salkantay adventure kicks off immediately on Day One! Early in the morning, our Action Peru Treks representatives will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll then take a scenic three-hour drive to Mollepata. Along the way, you’ll witness the breathtaking Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, lush vegetation, and farmers tending to their fields of potatoes, quinoa, and lima beans. Once we arrive in Mollepata, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast in a rustic Peruvian home.
Upon arriving in Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft), we will exit the van and leave the next steps to the Action Peru Trek tour guides. They will load your gear and belongings onto horses, and you’ll just need to prepare yourself to begin the amazing trek.
The Salkantay Trek starts with a bang! First, we’ll hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, taking time to soak in its beauty and snap some amazing photos. Afterward, we’ll return to Soraypampa to begin our trek.
Our trek from Soraypampa to Ichupata (4,300 m/14,104 ft) will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, we’ll pass through Salkantay Pampa and stop for a nutritious lunch to refuel. Once we reach Ichupata and settle into our campsite, we’ll enjoy a delicious group dinner, preparing us for Day Two’s hike.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Distance Covered: 12 km/7.5 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
- Highest elevation: 4,300 m/14,104 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2: Ichupata – Incachiriasca – Pampacahuana
Day two involves hiking the challenging Incachiriasa Pass (4,850 m/15,908 ft). We’ll start with a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the steep ascent. Though demanding, there are plenty of spots to rest and admire the breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay and the area’s unique glacier moraines.
After reaching the peak, we’ll descend to a flatter area to enjoy lunch, offering a chance to observe the Salkantay Valleys and possibly spot an Andean condor.
Post-lunch, we’ll immerse ourselves in local culture as we descend further into the Pampachahuana community (3,700 m/12,136 ft), where we’ll camp for the night and enjoy dinner together.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Distance Covered: 14 km/8 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 8–9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,700 m/12,136 ft
- Highest elevation: 4,850 m/15,908 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – Eco Lodge at KM 82
On day three, we’ll transition to the Classic Inca Trail, beginning our descent early in the day. We’ll hike from Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,276 ft), an approximately two-hour journey. Upon arriving in Paucarcancha, we’ll explore the namesake Inca site.
As we continue, we’ll pass the Inca ruin of Llactapata, located almost halfway between our second night’s camp and the eco-lodge at KM 82. Continuing our journey, we will walk downhill for five more hours to our eco-lodge at KM 82.
Here, you will relax in comfort with proper beds and bathrooms in our eco-lodge. No tents will be used for tonight’s stay. The lodge also features a sauna, perfect for unwinding after completing the Salkantay part of our trek. As we settle in for the evening, a warm cup of tea and cookies await us in the dining room, offering a cozy welcome. Meals will be served in the lodge’s dining room, which boasts beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Eco Lodge
- Distance Covered: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 6-8 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/12,136 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: Eco Lodge – Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – WiñayWayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the lodge is included on day four of your journey. Our Action Peru Trek tour guides will meet you at your accommodations at 7 a.m. From there, it’s a brief 10-minute walk to the Ollantaytambo train station. Aboard the train, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the scenery and snap photos en route to KM 104, where the train makes a special stop just for Action Peru Trek hikers to disembark and start the Inca Trail trek.
After clearing the Inca Trail checkpoint, our first encounter will be with the Chachabamba ruins. Your guide will share the captivating history of this site, once a refuge for the Incas en route to Machu Picchu and a longstanding religious and administrative center.
The trek then ascends through varied ecosystems for about three hours, during which your guide will highlight the local flora and fauna. The trail is dotted with impressive ruins, but Winay Wayna, or “Forever Young,” stands out with its experimental agricultural terraces.
Lunch during the hike will offer a chance to rest and refuel amidst the natural beauty. After completing the day’s trek, we continue our journey to Machu Picchu. Following our visit, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes for the evening. Dinner will be enjoyed in Aguas Calientes, providing a comfortable and satisfying end to a full day of trekking.
- Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Distance Covered: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m/8,920 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After a hearty breakfast at 5:30 a.m., our Action Peru Trek tour guides will pick you up by bus to head to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world! While on the bus, you’ll witness one of the most stunning sunrises over the Lost City of the Incas, so have your camera ready.
Our expert, local, professional, and knowledgeable tour guides will transport you back to Inca times. During the tour, you’ll learn all about the history and significance of Machu Picchu, ensuring you have plenty of opportunities to capture unforgettable photos.
If you have opted to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, your ascent will begin at 10 a.m. Please note that Huayna Picchu tickets are not included in the Salkantay Trek and must be booked well in advance.
There’s no need to worry if you’re not climbing Huayna Picchu or didn’t manage to secure tickets. Machu Picchu has plenty to explore, with a majestic central plaza, incredible stone constructions, and breathtaking panoramic views. You can stroll through the ruins, visit the Sun Gate for a different perspective, or simply sit and people-watch at this ancient site.
After your time at Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From there, our van will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. Depending on your train ticket, you should expect to arrive in Cusco between 8-9 p.m.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/8,052 ft
INCLUDED
- Pre-Departure Briefing at our office
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Sorayapampa (start of trek)
- Bilingual English-speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- High quality, 4-person tent for every 2 people
- Mattress and pillow
- Kitchen tent
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Eco-Friendly portable toilet and toilet tent
- Professional Chef and assistant chef
- Wranglers and horses to carry all equipment
- Horse to transport up to 8 kg of your personal gear
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Emergency horse (in case we need it!)
- 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
- Hot water for washing twice daily
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Private van transportation from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to your Cusco hotel
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo (double occupancy)
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
NOT included
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us
- Ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain (can be purchased for an extra USD $75 per person)
- Day 5 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the trek crew (tipping optional and guidelines provided)
- Travel Insurance
What To Bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, you MUST bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few T-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Binoculars, Camera + batteries*
- Headlamp and batteries*
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sun hat, sunblock (SPF 35+ recommended)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us) MUST have rubber tips
- Insect repellent (15% DEET)
- Snacks (while your crew will prepare the most amazing meals, everyone’s energy needs are different, particularly at high altitudes, so pack some suitable snacks to make sure you are always fully energized)
- NOTE: *Batteries run down faster at high altitudes
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $980 per person
Private: USD $1060 per person
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts:
- Under 18 years discount: USD $20
- Under 7 years discount: USD $35
Rentals:
- Hiking poles – USD $25 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $30 per person.
Upgrades:
- Hotel Upgrades
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $60 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Train Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train -USD $80 per person for trip from Aguas Calientes to either Poroy or to Ollantaytambo
- Return Hiram Bingham train – USD $520 per person for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- Private lodging
- Private hotel room in Aguas Calientes – USD $45 (Prices for upgraded hotels will be higher)
- Private tent – USD $40 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Hike
1.- What is the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Hike?
This is a 5-day, 4-night adventure combining the challenging Salkantay Trek with the Short Inca Trail, offering stunning views of glaciers, lakes, cloud forests, and remote Incan ruins, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu. It’s designed for those seeking a mix of physical challenge, natural beauty, and ancient history.
2.- How difficult is the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek?
The trek varies by day: Days 1 and 2 are challenging with steep ascents and high elevations (up to 4,850 m/15,908 ft). Days 3 and 4 are moderate, and Day 5 focuses on exploration with minimal hiking.
Overall, it’s suitable for fit adventurers, but prepare for long walking times (6-9 hours daily) and altitude.
3.- What are the key highlights of the Salkantay and Inca Trail itinerary?
- Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa, hike to Humantay Lake, then to Ichupata campsite.
- Day 2: Ascend Incachiriasca Pass, descend to Pampacahuana community campsite.
- Day 3: Transition to Inca Trail, visit Paucarcancha and Llactapata ruins, end at KM 82 eco-lodge with sauna.
- Day 4: Train to KM 104, hike Short Inca Trail via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna ruins, visit Machu Picchu, bus to Aguas Calientes hotel.
- Day 5: Bus to Machu Picchu for guided tour (optional Huayna Picchu climb), return by train and van to Cusco.
4.- What upgrades and add-ons are available?
- Rentals: Hiking poles (USD $25/pair), sleeping bag (USD $30).
- Hotel upgrades: Sumaq Machu Picchu (5-star, USD $255/night double); Tierra Viva (3+ star, USD $60/night double).
- Train upgrades: Return Vistadome (USD $80); Return Hiram Bingham (USD $520).
- Private lodging: Hotel room in Aguas Calientes (USD $45, higher for upgrades); Tent (USD $40/person).
5.- When and where is the pre-trek briefing?
It’s mandatory and held at your hotel in Cusco the day before departure. It covers itinerary details and allows questions. Plan to arrive in Cusco accordingly.
6.- Is there any special preparation needed?
Acclimatize to altitude in Cusco beforehand. The trek involves high elevations, so consult a doctor if needed. Bring required items, and note that horses carry up to 8 kg of your gear. Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
7.- How do I get back to Cusco on Day 5?
After Machu Picchu, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, then train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a private van to your Cusco hotel. Arrival is typically 8-9 p.m.
8.- Can I climb Huayna Picchu?
Yes, you can climb Huayna Picchu but tickets (USD $75) must be booked in advance and are not included. Climb starts at 10 a.m. on Day 5. If unavailable, explore Machu Picchu’s other sites like the temple of the condor.
9.- What about meals and accommodations?
Meals are chef-prepared with local ingredients; vegetarian options available (notify in advance).
Accommodations: 2 nights camping, 1-night eco-lodge (with sauna), 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy). Hot water for washing provided daily.
10.- Is this trek suitable for families or beginners?
It’s challenging, so best for those with good fitness. Families with children under 7 or 18 get discounts, but assess difficulty. Beginners should train for hiking and altitude.
11.- What is the difference between the Salkantay and Classic Inca Trail?
the Classic Inca Trail is shorter, more historical with ruins, requires permits months in advance, and is generally moderate, while the Salkantay Trek is longer, more physically demanding (higher altitude, rugged terrain), offers diverse scenery (snowy peaks to jungle), has fewer crowds, and is easier to book. Choose Inca Trail for history & iconic Sun Gate entry; choose Salkantay for nature, solitude, and flexibility.
12.- How do I book or get more info?
Contact Action Peru Treks for bookings. Minimum 2 people; groups form based on bookings. Private options available for exclusivity.
