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  • Cusco/Cusco

    Start / End:

  • Walking/Cultural

    Travel Style:

  • Camps/Hotel

    Accommodation:

  • Moderate/Challenging

    Activity Level:

  • 2/10

    Group Size:

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Video del Tour

This alternative lets you visit the Inca trail and the Salkantay. It’s perfect for those who love to walk along trails and see a wider variety of landscapes, from the tropical jungle to the snow-capped peaks to the famous Inca Trail. You will pass through snow-capped mountains, see a sacred Inca mountain, a subtropical jungle below Machu Picchu, and of course, visit the amazing Winay Wayna construction on the Inca trail and sparkling turquoise Humantay lake before spending the night at the foot of the Salkantay mountain.

SEE HOW IT IS



HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore Machu Picchu 2 times and get photos with a beautiful sunset and another in the morning.
  • Walk alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier and reach the majestic Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
  • Get to know Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, and the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
  • Get to know Peru at the hands of professional bilingual guides (Spanish/English)
  • Visit the Inca archaeological sites and learn all their history with our expert guide.
  • Hikers can see snow-capped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, streams, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forests.
  • Camping away from the crowds with fewer people allows you to control your trip and get the best views of these incredible mountains.
  • Walk alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier and visit the majestic Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu twice.

QUICK VIEW

  • : CUSCO | MOLLEPATA | SORAYPAMPA |HUMANTAY LAKE | SALKANTAYPAMPA
    Enjoy a visit to the turquoise-colored Humantay lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru located at the base of the Humantay Glacier. Enjoy your first views of the enigmatic Apu Salkantay.
  • : SALKANTAYPAMPA | SALKANTAY PASS | HAYRACMACHAY | CHAULLAY
    Hike the winding Salkantay trail with the highest mountain peak in front of your eyes all morning, this is your most challenging but also your most rewarding day.
  • : CHAULLAY | COLCAPAMPA | LA PLAYA | LUCMABAMBA
    Enjoy a serene trail, beautiful scenery, and wildlife. As you walk through the lush jungle, you will find countless wild fruits such as bananas, avocados, passion fruit, and granadilla.
  • : LUCMABAMBA | LLACTAPATA | HIDROELÉCTRICA | AGUAS CALIENTES
    Hike to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata in the morning to see Machu Picchu for the first time before heading to Aguas Calientes in the evening.
  • : AGUAS CALIENTES | KM 104 | CHACHABAMBA | SUNGATE / INTI PUNKU | MACHU PICCHU | AGUAS CALIENTES
    This day we will go to KM 104, the starting point of the walk. We will travel the Inca Trail and visit Wiñay Wayna. Then, we will visit the Sungatw and see Machu Picchu for the first time.
  • : AGUAS CALIENTES | MACHU PICCHU | OLLANTAYTAMBO | CUSCO
    Tour with your guide and visit for the second time one of the new 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Then return to Cusco by train
Day 01
Cusco | Mollepata | Soraypampa |Laguna Humantay | Salkantaypampa

We will pick you up from your hotel around 05:00 am. for your 6-day Salkantay and Inca trail combo trek. We will drive for about 3 hours passing through Anta as the day clears up we will be able to observe the white snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Verónica, and we will arrive at Mollepata. Here we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Then we will continue to Soraypampa, where you will meet our team, the cooks, and the horsemen, in addition to doing a last review of the equipment, we will begin our trek until we reach Laguna Humantay (4200m / 13779ft). The first part of the path is flat and then uphill until you reach the lake. We will explore it for about 30 minutes and then walk back to Soraypampa, Here our lunch will be ready relax and take time to rest

After lunch, we will continue hiking to the Salkantaypampa (4150m/13615ft). Salkantaypampa is located in the middle of the valleys of the glaciers, where at night it is very dark and there is no ambient light, which makes it a perfect place to appreciate the constellations in the sky.

  • MEALS: Lunch and dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (12 kilometers / 7.22 Miles) – (6 to 7 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) – (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tents
Day 02
Salkantaypampa | Salkantay Pass | Huayracmachay | Chaullay

Our cook will get you up at 5:00 am with coca tea brought to your tent. Afterward, we quickly pack up, enjoy our breakfast and immediately start hiking to the highest point of the Salkantay trail (4620m/15,255ft). The distance is 7 km that we should complete in 4 hours. During the ascent through the rocky valley, we can observe the magnificent Salkantay peak and we can even see chinchillas on the trail (6217 masl – 20,341 feet). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo.

Salkantay is considered the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca gods known as “Apu Salkantay”. Walking to the top is the hardest part of the entire hike. You will feel so accomplished! For the next 3 hours we will walk downhill on the snake trail along a rocky and gravel path to reach Huayracmachay, our lunch spot. In the afternoon we will arrive at the top of the rain forest, also called “cloud forest”. We will travel 9 km in 3 hours until we reach Challway Village (2,900 masl – 9,514 feet) our base camp. During the second half of the day during the descent, we will observe the thick forest that is decorated with colorful orchids and native plants. Most of the year the weather is warm and pleasant.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Challenging
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (22 kilometers / 13.67 miles) – (8 to 9 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) – (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tents
Day 03
Chaullay | Colcapampa | La Playa | Lucmabamba

At 6:00 am, we will start the walk (17 km/10.5 miles, 6 hours) towards the small town of La Playa. Along the way we will see rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, coffee plantations (we will also visit an organic coffee farm) and typical fruit plantations. Here you will learn about the coffee process and try different types to decide which is the best. The weather changes completely and you will feel the heat as we enter the subtropical jungle.

After lunch in La Playa, we will continue for 1 hour more to the camp located in Lucmabamba. You can rest here or visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo. Hot water is perfect for your body to relax after a few exhausting days of hiking. If you want to add some adventure to your itinerary, you can also go zip-lining.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (18 kilometers / 11.18 Miles) – (7 to 8 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) – (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tents
Day 04
Lucmabamba | Llactapata | Hidroeléctrica | Aguas Calientes

After a breakfast, we will continue the last day of our trek. We drive uphill for 2-3 hours towards the Llactapata Pass (2,736 m.a.s.l.), where we find a distant but spectacular view of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, from the southeast view, which few travelers have the opportunity to admire. we will take a short break to explore the archaeological site of Llactapata, which had been recently restored.

Lunch is served in a panoramic viewpoint, with a view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Urubamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards, and coffee plantations.

We arrive in Hidroelectrica ( The Village of the train ) and from Here you will have 2 options, 1: If you are tired after all the trekking, you can choose to board a train to Aguas Calientes ($35 extra). 2) If you want to enjoy the last leg of the trek, you can enjoy the flat walk along the side of the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, which lasts around 3 hours, it will be an opportunity to enjoy its warm jungle environment while walking.

Upon arrival, we check into a hotel and then have dinner and rest for our next day’s experience.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (25 kilometers / 16.77 miles) (8 to 9 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) – (2,040 / 6,693 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
Day 05
Aguas Calientes | KM 104 | Chachabamba | The Sungate/ Inti Punku | Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes

After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, along with your guide, you will start the walk along the train tracks until km 104, we will continue the walk after registering at the control point. We will start the tour after an overview, and after a while we will arrive at our first Inca archaeological site on the trek. We will learn a little about Chachabamba from our guide.

After about 3 to 4 hours, this will depend on your walking pace, we will arrive at one of the most fascinating Inca sites, the Wiñay Wayna complex (which means “forever young” in Quechua) which is located at 2650 masl / 8694 F. Explore with your guide through this incredible place, after exploring Wiñay Wayna we will provide you with your box lunch and a snack for you to enjoy.

After having lunch we will continue with the walk to Machu Picchu until we reach the Sungate (Inti Punku) where we will appreciate the sunset and the first view of Machu Picchu, the afternoon light is excellent for taking photos and with fewer tourists in the site, we will continue walking for about 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu, we will take a few pictures from the highest part, then we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Later the time of your dinner will be coordinated, and last details for your next day tour will be set.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Box lunch and dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (8 kilometers / 5.35 Miles) – (5 to 6 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,045 m / 6,699 ft) – (2,724 m / 8,928 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
Day 06
Aguas Calientes | Machu Pichu | Ollantaytambo | Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, with your guide, you will head to Machu Picchu. You will need to get up before sunrise to ensure you beat the crowd and have a wonderful sunrise at Machu Picchu. You will walk a little from your hotel to take a bus that will take you on a 25-minute trip to the very entrance of the Inca citadel. You will meet just before the sun rises and paints the city of the Incas in gold.

After being amazed at a unique beauty and taking your first pictures, our expert guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour of the site. You will visit all the important parts of Machu Picchu and learn a lot from your guide. After the tour is over, you have a few more hours to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu if you have booked in advance. You will need up to 3 more hours to climb and experience more impressive views of the entire Inca city from the top of Huayna Picchu mountain.

When you are ready to leave, it will be time to take the bus that will take yiou down to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to pick up a restaurant to eat at before boarding the return train. At the time indicated on your ticket, you will board the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo.

Here your driver will be there to pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • MEALS: Breakfast
  • DIFFICULTY: Easy
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (02 kilometers / 1.60 Miles) – (2 to 3 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,648 m / 8,694 ft) – (2,720 m / 8,922 ft)

IT INCLUDES

Quality and safety service

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Certified professional guide
  • First aid kit
  • camping equipment
  • a canvas bag
  • 24/7 customer support

Accommodation

  • Our sleeping tents
  • A canvas bag to carry your personal belongings and your sleeping bag
  • Matra and blankets
  • Covers to protect your backpack
  • rain poncho
  • 02 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

Foods

  • Meals: 5 Breakfasts, Lunches and 5 Dinners
  • Boiled (purified) water all the way
  • wake up tea
  • Tea time or happy hour
  • Snacks on the go every day
  • One cloth lunch bag per person
  • hygiene products

Transportation

  • All transfers (Guaranteed)
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco
  • Bus ticket for the final descent of the Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes (Day 5)
  • Bus ticket up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 6)
  • Train ticket (expedition or voyager class) from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Day 6)
  • team of porters
  • Team of Muleteers
  • Horses to carry canvas bag (we will provide you with a canvas bag for your things)

Permits and tickets

  • Entrance ticket to Salkantay Trek
  • Permit and entrance to the Inca Trail
  • Entrance ticket to the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Sleeping bag
  • You can rent one from our company, if you don’t have your own. US$20.00 per person
  • Canes
  • You can rent a pair from our company, if you don’t have your own. US$20.00 per person
  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain. US$60.00 per person
  • Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 6)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for our staff

Why should you do the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 6D/5N with us?

  • Our porters are treated with respect, we provide them with a fair salary, a decent tent with pads, adequate food and adequate equipment. We care about their health, well-being and the health of their families, and we are also committed to social projects to improve their lives.
  • We are a practical, punctual, reliable travel company that welcomes individuals or groups.
  • At FLY CUSCO PERU, our porters, guides, muleteers, drivers and cooks receive their salary as soon as they finish their job.
  • We do not share our group on the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek with other companies.
  • Small groups of 2 to 10 people maximum. This fact differentiates us from other travel companies that travel with larger groups.
  • FLY CUSCO PERU is a 100% locally owned travel company and a currently licensed Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Salkantay operator.
  • Our tour guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and having a comprehensive ongoing professional development program. We love to show how fascinating and surprising a Salkantay Trek combined with the Inca Trail is.
  • Your return train ticket on the last day is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore, you arrive in Cusco early, so you will have enough rest to do any tours the next day.
  • All our porters, muleteers, cooks, drivers, guides have been vaccinated against covid-19

How to book the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 6D/5N with FLY CUSCO PERU?

To book the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail with us, we will need a deposit of $400 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip and the reservation form to complete. Here you have all the information that has to be filled in the form.

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as in your passport)
  • Nationality
  • Gender
  • Passport number

What do I need to bring to the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?

  • We recommend that you take only what is necessary to enjoy your tour and leave the rest of your things at the hotel in Cusco.
  • The original passport.
  • A small 50 liter backpack that allows you to introduce all the things you will take with you
  • A sleeping bag preferably at least 5 to 10 degrees below zero, this can be synthetic or feather, if you do not have one you can rent it from our office.
  • Appropriate clothing for walking, waterproof and comfortable shoes for long walks, shorts and long pants, sports shirts.
  • Warm clothes to be used in the camp (We recommend cotton clothes that are very comfortable to sleep in, a hat and gloves for the cold. Walking socks, sandals to be used when you arrive at the camp, you should also carry bags plastic so you can separate things in the backpack (clean, wet, dirty clothes and others).
  • A canteen with water for the first day of the walk. From the first lunch on day 01 you will be provided with cold filtered boiled water for your canteens.
  • The use of a water bottle is mandatory along the Camino, the authorities will not allow the use or entry of plastic bottles
  • Personal hygiene items: a small towel, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer gel. These last two items are very important.
  • Personal medications, within this list also includes muscle relaxants, pain tablets and blessed for scratches, blisters on the feet that can be generated after several hours of walking.
  • Sun and mosquito protection items, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat or caps, and mosquito repellent.
  • Battery-powered headlamps, extra battery for the camera (to be used every night in the camps).

What is the best time to do the excursion?

Peru is a very large country with many different climates, for that reason it would be very difficult to define a good time to visit different places. However, we consider that the best season is from April to November. For the Salkantay Trek, the hottest season is from December to March, but it is also the rainy season. That is why we think that it is more pleasant to do a sunny but cold excursion than a warm but rainy excursion. For this reason, we recommend doing it preferably between May and December. It should be noted that the Salkantay Trek is open every day of the year except in February, a month of maintenance and heavy rain.

How many days of acclimatization do I need before starting the Salkantay Trek?

If you come from a country that is less than 500 meters above sea level. We recommend that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Salkantay Trek.

How long in advance should I make my reservation for the Salkantay Trek with Inca Trail?

You must make the reservation at least 2 months in advance. Since the spaces to Machu Picchu are quickly exhausted. If the number of spaces is exhausted, you will have to choose another alternative date. For this reason we recommend you book in advance.

Do I have to make a deposit to guarantee my Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail reservation?

Yes, no reservation will be guaranteed unless you have made a deposit payment of 400 per person through our 2 payment methods mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.

What about the outstanding balance?

The outstanding balance can be given in cash the day before your trip in Cusco, it can be in dollars or soles, and if you prefer to use PayPal (a service fee of 6% applies). Also, you can pay us only by Visa credit card at our office (5% service fee applies). Let us know which of the payment methods is your preference.
NOTE: Payment must be made 1 day before your trip.

The tour must be paid in full no later than 7:00 pm one day before your departure (usually after the briefing).

Where will the information session take place?

This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 days 5 nights at 6:00 pm in our office located on Portal de Panes street, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de armas de cusco. We can also coordinate that you carry out this informative talk in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco.

How old do I have to be to do the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?

People of all ages (from children, teenagers to retirees) are suitable to complete this trek as age is not a barrier if you have a positive mindset and an active lifestyle.

However, for all people over 60 to 70 years of age, we recommend that you visit your doctor before doing the Inca Trail. You must also bring us the signed authorization from your doctor indicating that you are fit to travel the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.

Canvas bag or canvas case?

You will receive a duffel bag or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will carry them along the way and deliver them when you arrive at each camp. They measure 2 ft x 1 ft (64 cm long x 36 cm wide).

A maximum of 7 kg / 15 lbs is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothing and other personal items.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course! During the trip, you can leave or store the things that you will not take on the trek at your hotel where you are staying. Most of these establishments have warehouses where they will store your things (at no extra cost). If you do not trust the place where you are staying, we will gladly store your belongings in our office.

The “SALKANTAY TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL 6 DAYS” is available any day of the year. We didn’t do this hike at all in February due to maintenance season and heavy rain.

PRICE: US$ 900 per person

PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 400 per person

BALANCE: US$ 500 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)

Deposit charges

Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only.

price guarantee

This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.

We like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our clients and guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates on all our trips.

Extras and updates

Huayna Picchu Mountain:

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Note that going back down is quite steep. So if you have a fear of heights, this may not be a hike you enjoy. You would do this after your Machu Picchu tour and there is an additional fee. Arrangements must be made at least a month or two in advance due to popularity.

You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 60.00 per person.

Vistadome 360° train (panoramic train):
The Vistadome 360° train offers a different way of traveling to the citadel. The cars have panoramic windows located on the walls and ceilings of the cars, which allow you to have a connection with the outside. Also, on the return trip you can enjoy a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca garments with the latest trends which you can purchase if you wish. The Vistadome 360° train brings the landscapes of the route to Machu Picchu closer in a unique way, making passengers feel part of the nature that surrounds them.

You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 45.00 per person.

Additional Items

Sleeping bag: $45.00

Poles (pair): $45.00

student discount

$25.00 discount

Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17.

SEE HOW IT IS



HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore Machu Picchu 2 times and get photos with a beautiful sunset and another in the morning.
  • Walk alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier and reach the majestic Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
  • Get to know Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, and the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
  • Get to know Peru at the hands of professional bilingual guides (Spanish/English)
  • Visit the Inca archaeological sites and learn all their history with our expert guide.
  • Hikers can see snow-capped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, streams, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forests.
  • Camping away from the crowds with fewer people allows you to control your trip and get the best views of these incredible mountains.
  • Walk alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier and visit the majestic Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu twice.

QUICK VIEW

  • : CUSCO | MOLLEPATA | SORAYPAMPA |HUMANTAY LAKE | SALKANTAYPAMPA
    Enjoy a visit to the turquoise-colored Humantay lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru located at the base of the Humantay Glacier. Enjoy your first views of the enigmatic Apu Salkantay.
  • : SALKANTAYPAMPA | SALKANTAY PASS | HAYRACMACHAY | CHAULLAY
    Hike the winding Salkantay trail with the highest mountain peak in front of your eyes all morning, this is your most challenging but also your most rewarding day.
  • : CHAULLAY | COLCAPAMPA | LA PLAYA | LUCMABAMBA
    Enjoy a serene trail, beautiful scenery, and wildlife. As you walk through the lush jungle, you will find countless wild fruits such as bananas, avocados, passion fruit, and granadilla.
  • : LUCMABAMBA | LLACTAPATA | HIDROELÉCTRICA | AGUAS CALIENTES
    Hike to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata in the morning to see Machu Picchu for the first time before heading to Aguas Calientes in the evening.
  • : AGUAS CALIENTES | KM 104 | CHACHABAMBA | SUNGATE / INTI PUNKU | MACHU PICCHU | AGUAS CALIENTES
    This day we will go to KM 104, the starting point of the walk. We will travel the Inca Trail and visit Wiñay Wayna. Then, we will visit the Sungatw and see Machu Picchu for the first time.
  • : AGUAS CALIENTES | MACHU PICCHU | OLLANTAYTAMBO | CUSCO
    Tour with your guide and visit for the second time one of the new 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Then return to Cusco by train
Day 01
Cusco | Mollepata | Soraypampa |Laguna Humantay | Salkantaypampa

We will pick you up from your hotel around 05:00 am. for your 6-day Salkantay and Inca trail combo trek. We will drive for about 3 hours passing through Anta as the day clears up we will be able to observe the white snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Verónica, and we will arrive at Mollepata. Here we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Then we will continue to Soraypampa, where you will meet our team, the cooks, and the horsemen, in addition to doing a last review of the equipment, we will begin our trek until we reach Laguna Humantay (4200m / 13779ft). The first part of the path is flat and then uphill until you reach the lake. We will explore it for about 30 minutes and then walk back to Soraypampa, Here our lunch will be ready relax and take time to rest

After lunch, we will continue hiking to the Salkantaypampa (4150m/13615ft). Salkantaypampa is located in the middle of the valleys of the glaciers, where at night it is very dark and there is no ambient light, which makes it a perfect place to appreciate the constellations in the sky.

  • MEALS: Lunch and dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (12 kilometers / 7.22 Miles) – (6 to 7 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) – (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tents
Day 02
Salkantaypampa | Salkantay Pass | Huayracmachay | Chaullay

Our cook will get you up at 5:00 am with coca tea brought to your tent. Afterward, we quickly pack up, enjoy our breakfast and immediately start hiking to the highest point of the Salkantay trail (4620m/15,255ft). The distance is 7 km that we should complete in 4 hours. During the ascent through the rocky valley, we can observe the magnificent Salkantay peak and we can even see chinchillas on the trail (6217 masl – 20,341 feet). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo.

Salkantay is considered the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca gods known as “Apu Salkantay”. Walking to the top is the hardest part of the entire hike. You will feel so accomplished! For the next 3 hours we will walk downhill on the snake trail along a rocky and gravel path to reach Huayracmachay, our lunch spot. In the afternoon we will arrive at the top of the rain forest, also called “cloud forest”. We will travel 9 km in 3 hours until we reach Challway Village (2,900 masl – 9,514 feet) our base camp. During the second half of the day during the descent, we will observe the thick forest that is decorated with colorful orchids and native plants. Most of the year the weather is warm and pleasant.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Challenging
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (22 kilometers / 13.67 miles) – (8 to 9 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) – (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tents
Day 03
Chaullay | Colcapampa | La Playa | Lucmabamba

At 6:00 am, we will start the walk (17 km/10.5 miles, 6 hours) towards the small town of La Playa. Along the way we will see rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, coffee plantations (we will also visit an organic coffee farm) and typical fruit plantations. Here you will learn about the coffee process and try different types to decide which is the best. The weather changes completely and you will feel the heat as we enter the subtropical jungle.

After lunch in La Playa, we will continue for 1 hour more to the camp located in Lucmabamba. You can rest here or visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo. Hot water is perfect for your body to relax after a few exhausting days of hiking. If you want to add some adventure to your itinerary, you can also go zip-lining.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (18 kilometers / 11.18 Miles) – (7 to 8 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) – (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tents
Day 04
Lucmabamba | Llactapata | Hidroeléctrica | Aguas Calientes

After a breakfast, we will continue the last day of our trek. We drive uphill for 2-3 hours towards the Llactapata Pass (2,736 m.a.s.l.), where we find a distant but spectacular view of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, from the southeast view, which few travelers have the opportunity to admire. we will take a short break to explore the archaeological site of Llactapata, which had been recently restored.

Lunch is served in a panoramic viewpoint, with a view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Urubamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards, and coffee plantations.

We arrive in Hidroelectrica ( The Village of the train ) and from Here you will have 2 options, 1: If you are tired after all the trekking, you can choose to board a train to Aguas Calientes ($35 extra). 2) If you want to enjoy the last leg of the trek, you can enjoy the flat walk along the side of the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, which lasts around 3 hours, it will be an opportunity to enjoy its warm jungle environment while walking.

Upon arrival, we check into a hotel and then have dinner and rest for our next day’s experience.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (25 kilometers / 16.77 miles) (8 to 9 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) – (2,040 / 6,693 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
Day 05
Aguas Calientes | KM 104 | Chachabamba | The Sungate/ Inti Punku | Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes

After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, along with your guide, you will start the walk along the train tracks until km 104, we will continue the walk after registering at the control point. We will start the tour after an overview, and after a while we will arrive at our first Inca archaeological site on the trek. We will learn a little about Chachabamba from our guide.

After about 3 to 4 hours, this will depend on your walking pace, we will arrive at one of the most fascinating Inca sites, the Wiñay Wayna complex (which means “forever young” in Quechua) which is located at 2650 masl / 8694 F. Explore with your guide through this incredible place, after exploring Wiñay Wayna we will provide you with your box lunch and a snack for you to enjoy.

After having lunch we will continue with the walk to Machu Picchu until we reach the Sungate (Inti Punku) where we will appreciate the sunset and the first view of Machu Picchu, the afternoon light is excellent for taking photos and with fewer tourists in the site, we will continue walking for about 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu, we will take a few pictures from the highest part, then we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Later the time of your dinner will be coordinated, and last details for your next day tour will be set.

  • MEALS: Breakfast, Box lunch and dinner
  • DIFFICULTY: Moderate
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (8 kilometers / 5.35 Miles) – (5 to 6 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,045 m / 6,699 ft) – (2,724 m / 8,928 ft)
  • ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
Day 06
Aguas Calientes | Machu Pichu | Ollantaytambo | Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, with your guide, you will head to Machu Picchu. You will need to get up before sunrise to ensure you beat the crowd and have a wonderful sunrise at Machu Picchu. You will walk a little from your hotel to take a bus that will take you on a 25-minute trip to the very entrance of the Inca citadel. You will meet just before the sun rises and paints the city of the Incas in gold.

After being amazed at a unique beauty and taking your first pictures, our expert guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour of the site. You will visit all the important parts of Machu Picchu and learn a lot from your guide. After the tour is over, you have a few more hours to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu if you have booked in advance. You will need up to 3 more hours to climb and experience more impressive views of the entire Inca city from the top of Huayna Picchu mountain.

When you are ready to leave, it will be time to take the bus that will take yiou down to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to pick up a restaurant to eat at before boarding the return train. At the time indicated on your ticket, you will board the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo.

Here your driver will be there to pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • MEALS: Breakfast
  • DIFFICULTY: Easy
  • WALKING DISTANCE: (02 kilometers / 1.60 Miles) – (2 to 3 hours)
  • ELEVATION: (2,648 m / 8,694 ft) – (2,720 m / 8,922 ft)

IT INCLUDES

Quality and safety service

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Certified professional guide
  • First aid kit
  • camping equipment
  • a canvas bag
  • 24/7 customer support

Accommodation

  • Our sleeping tents
  • A canvas bag to carry your personal belongings and your sleeping bag
  • Matra and blankets
  • Covers to protect your backpack
  • rain poncho
  • 02 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

Foods

  • Meals: 5 Breakfasts, Lunches and 5 Dinners
  • Boiled (purified) water all the way
  • wake up tea
  • Tea time or happy hour
  • Snacks on the go every day
  • One cloth lunch bag per person
  • hygiene products

Transportation

  • All transfers (Guaranteed)
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco
  • Bus ticket for the final descent of the Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes (Day 5)
  • Bus ticket up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 6)
  • Train ticket (expedition or voyager class) from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Day 6)
  • team of porters
  • Team of Muleteers
  • Horses to carry canvas bag (we will provide you with a canvas bag for your things)

Permits and tickets

  • Entrance ticket to Salkantay Trek
  • Permit and entrance to the Inca Trail
  • Entrance ticket to the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Sleeping bag
  • You can rent one from our company, if you don’t have your own. US$20.00 per person
  • Canes
  • You can rent a pair from our company, if you don’t have your own. US$20.00 per person
  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain. US$60.00 per person
  • Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 6)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for our staff

Why should you do the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 6D/5N with us?

  • Our porters are treated with respect, we provide them with a fair salary, a decent tent with pads, adequate food and adequate equipment. We care about their health, well-being and the health of their families, and we are also committed to social projects to improve their lives.
  • We are a practical, punctual, reliable travel company that welcomes individuals or groups.
  • At FLY CUSCO PERU, our porters, guides, muleteers, drivers and cooks receive their salary as soon as they finish their job.
  • We do not share our group on the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek with other companies.
  • Small groups of 2 to 10 people maximum. This fact differentiates us from other travel companies that travel with larger groups.
  • FLY CUSCO PERU is a 100% locally owned travel company and a currently licensed Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Salkantay operator.
  • Our tour guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and having a comprehensive ongoing professional development program. We love to show how fascinating and surprising a Salkantay Trek combined with the Inca Trail is.
  • Your return train ticket on the last day is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore, you arrive in Cusco early, so you will have enough rest to do any tours the next day.
  • All our porters, muleteers, cooks, drivers, guides have been vaccinated against covid-19

How to book the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 6D/5N with FLY CUSCO PERU?

To book the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail with us, we will need a deposit of $400 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip and the reservation form to complete. Here you have all the information that has to be filled in the form.

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as in your passport)
  • Nationality
  • Gender
  • Passport number

What do I need to bring to the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?

  • We recommend that you take only what is necessary to enjoy your tour and leave the rest of your things at the hotel in Cusco.
  • The original passport.
  • A small 50 liter backpack that allows you to introduce all the things you will take with you
  • A sleeping bag preferably at least 5 to 10 degrees below zero, this can be synthetic or feather, if you do not have one you can rent it from our office.
  • Appropriate clothing for walking, waterproof and comfortable shoes for long walks, shorts and long pants, sports shirts.
  • Warm clothes to be used in the camp (We recommend cotton clothes that are very comfortable to sleep in, a hat and gloves for the cold. Walking socks, sandals to be used when you arrive at the camp, you should also carry bags plastic so you can separate things in the backpack (clean, wet, dirty clothes and others).
  • A canteen with water for the first day of the walk. From the first lunch on day 01 you will be provided with cold filtered boiled water for your canteens.
  • The use of a water bottle is mandatory along the Camino, the authorities will not allow the use or entry of plastic bottles
  • Personal hygiene items: a small towel, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer gel. These last two items are very important.
  • Personal medications, within this list also includes muscle relaxants, pain tablets and blessed for scratches, blisters on the feet that can be generated after several hours of walking.
  • Sun and mosquito protection items, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat or caps, and mosquito repellent.
  • Battery-powered headlamps, extra battery for the camera (to be used every night in the camps).

What is the best time to do the excursion?

Peru is a very large country with many different climates, for that reason it would be very difficult to define a good time to visit different places. However, we consider that the best season is from April to November. For the Salkantay Trek, the hottest season is from December to March, but it is also the rainy season. That is why we think that it is more pleasant to do a sunny but cold excursion than a warm but rainy excursion. For this reason, we recommend doing it preferably between May and December. It should be noted that the Salkantay Trek is open every day of the year except in February, a month of maintenance and heavy rain.

How many days of acclimatization do I need before starting the Salkantay Trek?

If you come from a country that is less than 500 meters above sea level. We recommend that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Salkantay Trek.

How long in advance should I make my reservation for the Salkantay Trek with Inca Trail?

You must make the reservation at least 2 months in advance. Since the spaces to Machu Picchu are quickly exhausted. If the number of spaces is exhausted, you will have to choose another alternative date. For this reason we recommend you book in advance.

Do I have to make a deposit to guarantee my Salkantay Trek with Short Inca Trail reservation?

Yes, no reservation will be guaranteed unless you have made a deposit payment of 400 per person through our 2 payment methods mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.

What about the outstanding balance?

The outstanding balance can be given in cash the day before your trip in Cusco, it can be in dollars or soles, and if you prefer to use PayPal (a service fee of 6% applies). Also, you can pay us only by Visa credit card at our office (5% service fee applies). Let us know which of the payment methods is your preference.
NOTE: Payment must be made 1 day before your trip.

The tour must be paid in full no later than 7:00 pm one day before your departure (usually after the briefing).

Where will the information session take place?

This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 6 days 5 nights at 6:00 pm in our office located on Portal de Panes street, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de armas de cusco. We can also coordinate that you carry out this informative talk in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco.

How old do I have to be to do the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?

People of all ages (from children, teenagers to retirees) are suitable to complete this trek as age is not a barrier if you have a positive mindset and an active lifestyle.

However, for all people over 60 to 70 years of age, we recommend that you visit your doctor before doing the Inca Trail. You must also bring us the signed authorization from your doctor indicating that you are fit to travel the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.

Canvas bag or canvas case?

You will receive a duffel bag or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will carry them along the way and deliver them when you arrive at each camp. They measure 2 ft x 1 ft (64 cm long x 36 cm wide).

A maximum of 7 kg / 15 lbs is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothing and other personal items.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course! During the trip, you can leave or store the things that you will not take on the trek at your hotel where you are staying. Most of these establishments have warehouses where they will store your things (at no extra cost). If you do not trust the place where you are staying, we will gladly store your belongings in our office.

The “SALKANTAY TREK AND SHORT INCA TRAIL 6 DAYS” is available any day of the year. We didn’t do this hike at all in February due to maintenance season and heavy rain.

PRICE: US$ 900 per person

PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 400 per person

BALANCE: US$ 500 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)

Deposit charges

Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only.

price guarantee

This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.

We like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our clients and guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates on all our trips.

Extras and updates

Huayna Picchu Mountain:

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Note that going back down is quite steep. So if you have a fear of heights, this may not be a hike you enjoy. You would do this after your Machu Picchu tour and there is an additional fee. Arrangements must be made at least a month or two in advance due to popularity.

You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 60.00 per person.

Vistadome 360° train (panoramic train):
The Vistadome 360° train offers a different way of traveling to the citadel. The cars have panoramic windows located on the walls and ceilings of the cars, which allow you to have a connection with the outside. Also, on the return trip you can enjoy a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca garments with the latest trends which you can purchase if you wish. The Vistadome 360° train brings the landscapes of the route to Machu Picchu closer in a unique way, making passengers feel part of the nature that surrounds them.

You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 45.00 per person.

Additional Items

Sleeping bag: $45.00

Poles (pair): $45.00

student discount

$25.00 discount

Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL

From: USD 900

TESTIMONIALS


Best tour from Cusco

Our 2-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with Fly Cusco Peru was an experience that exceeded all our expectations...

Travel as I want

October 08, 2023

Excellent service and attention

Very good service and attention. Impeccable and very comfortable logistics. The company's guide was very knowledgeable and allowed me to observe many things that I would have missed if I had not gone with him...

David G

October 04, 2023

Unmatched experience

This experience has been unmatched, the service they gave us was more than great and professional and the guides, not to mention super good and professional, I always recommend this place, pure life!!...

Natho F

September 25, 2023

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