Salkantay + Short Inca Trail – 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

Experience the perfect combination of high–Andean trekking and ancient Inca pathways on this 6-day adventure that blends the epic Salkantay Trek with the iconic Short Inca Trail.

Hike through diverse landscapes—glaciers, cloud forest, coffee farms, and Inca ruins—before entering Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

This route is ideal for travelers seeking a unique challenge, breathtaking scenery, and a deeper connection to Inca history—finishing with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

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Highlights

• Trek to Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful turquoise lagoons in Peru

• Cross the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)

• Explore the lush cloud forest and local coffee plantations

• Walk the Short Inca Trail on Day 5

• Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu on Day 6

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)

• All entrance fees included (subject to availability)

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Important Note

A Machu Picchu entrance ticket is mandatory and not refundable.

Availability is limited, and permits often sell out months in advance.

WhyNotMachuPicchu can secure:

• Machu Picchu entrance ticket

• Short Inca Trail permit

• Train tickets

All subject to availability.

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Full Itinerary – 6 Days / 5 Nights

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

• Pick-up from hotel

• Drive to Mollepata for breakfast

• Continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

• Trek to Humantay Lake

• Lunch, dinner, and overnight in Soraypampa (domes or eco-lodge)

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

• Early breakfast

• Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)

• Glacier views and photo stops

• Lunch in Huayracmachay

• Continue to Chaullay

• Dinner and overnight

DAY 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Coffee Experience

• Trek through cloud forest, waterfalls, orchards

• Arrival in Lucmabamba

• Lunch

• Coffee tour with local families

• Optional hot springs visit (extra cost)

• Dinner and overnight in Lucmabamba

DAY 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

• Breakfast

• Ascent to Llactapata, an Inca site with views of Machu Picchu

• Continue downhill to Hydroelectric

• Lunch

• Walk to Aguas Calientes along the railway

• Dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes

DAY 5: Short Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

• Morning train from Aguas Calientes to KM 104

• Start the Short Inca Trail

• Explore Wiñay Wayna, one of the best-preserved Inca sites

• Continue to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu

• Descent to Aguas Calientes

• Dinner and overnight

DAY 6: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

• Early bus up to Machu Picchu

• Guided visit (2–2.5 hours)

• Free time for photos

• Optional climbs (with permits):
  

  • Huayna Picchu

  • Machu Picchu Mountain

• Return to Aguas Calientes

• Train to Ollantaytambo

• Transfer to Cusco

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What to Bring

• Passport (required for checkpoints)

• Comfortable trekking backpack (25–30 L)

• Rain jacket and waterproof pants

• Warm layers (fleece, thermal base layers)

• Trekking shoes or boots

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

• Snacks and electrolytes

• Personal toiletries and medication

• Power bank

• Swimsuit (if visiting hot springs)

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What to Wear

• Light, breathable hiking clothes during the day

• Warm layers for cold mornings/nights

• Trekking boots (broken-in)

• Hat and gloves for high altitude

• Poncho or waterproof jacket (rainy season)

• Comfortable sandals for the campsite

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What’s Included

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)

• All transportation (including train tickets)

• Entrance to Machu Picchu

• Short Inca Trail permit

• Briefing before the trek

• Accommodation:
  

  • Nights 1 & 2: camping or eco-domes

  • Night 3: lodge in Lucmabamba

  • Night 4: hotel in Aguas Calientes

  • Night 5: hotel in Aguas Calientes

• All meals during the trek (except where noted)

• First-aid kit and oxygen

• Horses/mules for equipment (Days 1–3)

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What’s Not Included

• Sleeping bag (available for rent)

• Trekking poles (available for rent)

• Breakfast on Day 1

• Lunch & dinner on Day 6

• Additional hot spring entrance

• Snacks or personal drinks

• Travel insurance

• Tips for guide/staff (optional)