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:
QUICK VIEW
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quality and safety service
Accommodation
Foods
Transportation
Permits and tickets
Why should you do the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 6D/5N with us?
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.
What do I need to bring to the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?
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.
PRICE: US$ 900 per person
PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 400 per person
BALANCE: US$ 500 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)
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.
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.
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.
Sleeping bag: $45.00
Poles (pair): $45.00
$25.00 discount
Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17.
SEE HOW IT IS
HIGHLIGHTS:
QUICK VIEW
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quality and safety service
Accommodation
Foods
Transportation
Permits and tickets
Why should you do the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 6D/5N with us?
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.
What do I need to bring to the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?
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.
PRICE: US$ 900 per person
PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 400 per person
BALANCE: US$ 500 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)
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.
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.
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.
Sleeping bag: $45.00
Poles (pair): $45.00
$25.00 discount
Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17.
From: USD 900