Want the best of both worlds, big mountain trekking and the classic Inca Trail arrival to Machu Picchu? This Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days is made for travelers who don’t want to choose.
You start high in the Andes with Humantay Lake and the jaw-dropping views of Salkantay Mountain, cross a dramatic 5,100 m / 16,732 ft pass, and camp in quiet valleys far from the crowds. Then you switch gears and finish on the Short Inca Trail, visiting Wiñay Wayna and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the same legendary entrance the Incas used.
Duration
5 Days / 3 Nights
Activities
Trekking, Camping, Cultural
Average Group Size
12 persons
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation
Salka Glamp, Camping, Hotel
Max. Altitude
5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Tour Language
English, Spanish
Hiking Distance
55 km / 34 miles
5 Days Salkantay trek with Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 days / 4 nights) is a complete Andes-to-Machu Picchu journey. It combines the wild, high-altitude scenery of the Salkantay route (Humantay Lake, Salkantay Lake, huge mountain valleys, and a high pass) with a real section of the official Inca Trail, including Wiñay Wayna and the unforgettable Sun Gate arrival.
This trek is ideal if you want:
- Big mountain landscapes early in the trip
- A more comfortable camping experience with Salka Glamp
- A true Inca Trail day without doing the full 4-day Classic Trail
- The emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moment of walking into Machu Picchu, the “Inca way”
Quick facts:
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Style: Trekking + glamping + camping + hotels + Inca ruins + Machu Picchu
- Total hiking distance: ~55 km / 34 miles
- Highest point: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft (Inca Chiriasca Pass / Frozen Inca Pass)
- Lowest point: ~2,000 m / 6,560 ft (Aguas Calientes)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (altitude + long days)
- Accommodation: 2 nights camping (including Salka Glamp), 1 night hotel in Ollantaytambo, 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Tour Highlights
- Humantay Lake at high altitude, bright, glacier-fed, and unreal in person
- Salka Glamp camping: cozy, comfortable, and perfect for cold Andes nights
- Cross the Frozen Inca Pass at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Quiet valleys and camps away from the busiest trekking routes
- Walk original Inca stone paths and visit lesser-known ruins like Paucarcancha and Llactapata
- Hike the Short Inca Trail (Km 104) with Wiñay Wayna included
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate for your first “wow” view
- Machu Picchu twice: afternoon photos + next-day guided tour
- Scenic return on the Vistadome panoramic train
Salkantay + Short Inca Trail Trek at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Salkantaypampa (Salka Glamp)
- Hike: 15 km (9.3 mi) • Time: ~8 hrs • Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
- Sleep: Camping at Salka Glamp (4,150 m / 13,615 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day 2: Salka Glamp → Salkantay Lake → Frozen Inca Pass → Sisaypampa → Inca Canal Camp
- Hike: 13 km (8 mi) • Time: ~8 hrs • Difficulty: Challenging
- Highest point: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Sleep: Camping (3,670 m / 12,040 ft)
- Meals: All meals included
Day 3: Inca Canal → Pampacahuana Valley → Paucarcancha → Llactapata → Km 82 → Ollantaytambo
- Hike: ~15 km (9.3 mi) • Time: ~6–7 hrs • Difficulty: Moderate
- Sleep: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Meals: All meals included
Day 4: Ollantaytambo → Train to Km 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
- Hike: ~12 km (7.5 mi) • Time: ~6–7 hrs • Difficulty: Moderate
- Plan: Short Inca Trail + Sun Gate arrival + afternoon Machu Picchu photos
- Sleep: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (about 2,000 m / 6,560 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks & dinner included
Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco
- Plan: Morning guided tour (about 2.5 hrs) + optional hike (if you have a permit)
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Train: Vistadome panoramic train + private transfer to Cusco
Note: Times can change due to weather, trail conditions, train schedules, and group pace.
Included
- Hotel pickup on trek departure day
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (trek start)
- Inca Trail permit (Km 104) and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Experienced, English-speaking professional guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (2 people in a 4-person tent for extra space)
- Full camping setup: dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen tent, and toilet tent
- 2 nights camping (including Salka Glamp campsite)
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo + 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room & bathroom)
- Meals on trekking days (breakfast, lunch, dinner) + snacks
- Hotel breakfasts
- Boiled water for drinking and washing
- Round-trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
- Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba)
- Vistadome panoramic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco
- Celebration dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Mules and horses for equipment + your personal duffel (7 kg allowance) plus horsemen
- Extra horse for emergencies (to help ensure everyone can complete the trek)
- Pillow and a comfortable foam mattress
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Air mattress
- Hiking poles
- Personal tent (single tent)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit (optional extra)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters (optional)
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Peruvian operator based in Cusco (real people, real support).
- Small groups for a calmer pace and better guidance.
- Transparent pricing and simple booking (deposit + secure payment).
- Safety equipment and trained staff for high altitude assistance.
- Flexible private option for families and friends.
- Want more? We also offer the Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Full Itinerary - Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa (Salka Glamp)
We start early with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After a scenic drive into the mountains, you arrive in Soraypampa and enjoy breakfast with huge Andean views, this is where it starts to feel real.
Then it’s time for your first big moment: Humantay Lake. The hike is a steady climb, but the reward is worth every step. The lake is bright turquoise, fed by glaciers, and surrounded by sharp peaks. You’ll have time to rest, take photos, and simply enjoy the view.
After returning, your team serves lunch, and then you continue hiking up to Salkantaypampa, where Salka Glamp is waiting. The evening is all about comfort: warm drinks, a good dinner, and stargazing in the crisp mountain air.
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Hiking time: ~8 hours
- Camp altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
- Highest point today: 4,280 m / 14,041 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Day 2: Salka Glamp – Salkantay Lake – Frozen Inca Pass – Sisaypampa – Inca Canal Camp
Today is the toughest day, but also one of the most memorable. You wake up early with coca tea or coffee and a view that feels like a postcard outside your tent.
After breakfast, you begin the climb toward the highest point of the trek: Inca Chiriasca Pass (Frozen Inca Pass) at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. Along the way, you stop at Salkantay Lake, sitting quietly below the mountain, cold, still, and stunning.
Reaching the pass is a real achievement. You’re standing above the Andes with wide-open views and that “I can’t believe I did it” feeling.
Then comes the long descent to Sisaypampa for lunch and recovery. In the afternoon, you continue to the Inca Canal area, a peaceful valley where you can slow down, breathe easier, and enjoy a calm night in camp.
- Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Hiking time: ~8 hours
- Highest point: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Camp altitude: 3,670 m / 12,040 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Inca Canal – Pampacahuana Valley – Paucarcancha – Llactapata – Km 82 – Ollantaytambo
After two nights in the mountains, today feels more relaxed and cultural. You hike downhill through the Pampacahuana Valley, where the scenery opens up and you start seeing more signs of local life.
You visit Paucarcancha, a beautiful and rarely visited Inca site that most travelers never see. From here, you begin walking on real Inca Trail stonework, an amazing feeling when you remember how old these paths are.
Later, you explore Llactapata, known for its terraces, water channels, and hillside layout. After lunch, you continue toward Km 82, where your private transport is waiting.
In the late afternoon, you drive to Ollantaytambo, enjoy dinner, and sleep in a hotel so you’re fresh and ready for the Short Inca Trail the next morning.
- Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 mi
- Hiking time: ~6–7 hours
- Sleep: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 (Chachabamba) – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
This is your Inca Trail day, and for many people, it’s the most emotional day of the trip.
You’re picked up early and board one of the first trains to Km 104 (Chachabamba). After the checkpoint (passport required), your guide leads you through the start of the Short Inca Trail.
The trail climbs through lush greenery and cloud-forest scenery until you reach Wiñay Wayna, the star ruin of this route. It’s one of the most beautiful Inca sites in the region, with terraces, water channels, and views that don’t feel real.
After a fresh lunch, you keep hiking toward Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Then it happens, your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. It’s the kind of moment you remember for life.
You continue to the upper area of Machu Picchu for classic afternoon photos when crowds are usually thinner. Then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a celebration dinner, and sleep comfortably in your hotel.
- Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 mi
- Hiking time: ~6–7 hours
- Highest point: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft (Sun Gate)
- Sleep: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
After breakfast, you take an early bus up to Machu Picchu for your full guided tour (about 2.5 hours). Your guide will bring the citadel to life—explaining the key temples, viewpoints, water features, and the stories that make this place so special.
If you have an extra permit, you can do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on your own after the tour. If not, enjoy free time or simply soak in the atmosphere a little longer.
Later, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (on your own), then board the Vistadome panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo. Private transport takes you to Cusco, usually arriving around 7:30 p.m.
- Tour time in Machu Picchu: ~2.5 hours (guided)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Price of 5 days Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We run small-group departures for a better experience on the trail. If you want something more exclusive, private service is available (price depends on group size and dates).
Price per Person
- Shared group service: $USD [TO BE CONFIRMED] per person
- Private service: Available on request (custom quote)
Booking & Payment
Because this tour includes Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entry tickets, booking early is important.
When you book, you will need:
- Full name exactly as on passport
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport expiration date
Dietary needs: Please tell us in advance if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies or other restrictions.
Packing List of Salka Glamp Salkantay trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days
You’ll travel around Peru with larger luggage, but on the trek you only need what you’ll actually use on the trail.
Bag Setup
- Daypack: You carry your daily essentials (water, layers, snacks, sun protection, etc.)
- Duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lb): Packed with your overnight items and carried by the mules/horses
Must-Bring Essentials
What to Wear
Daypack Checklist
Duffel Bag Checklist
We Provide
Travel Information of Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu trek 5 Days
Permits & Availability
This tour includes the Short Inca Trail (Km 104) and Machu Picchu entry, which are limited and can sell out—especially in peak season. Booking early helps you get the best availability.
Passport Requirements
Your Inca Trail permit is tied to your passport details. Your booking information must match your passport exactly, and you must carry your original passport for the checkpoint and Machu Picchu entrance.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Altitude is real on Days 1 and 2. You’ll sleep above 4,000 m and cross 5,100 m. Arrive in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) early if you can, drink water, and pace yourself. Tell your guide early if you feel unwell.
Weather & Seasons
Expect all four seasons in one day. Mornings can be freezing, afternoons can be warm, and rain can show up anytime. Layers are key.
What You Carry
You hike with a daypack only. The mules/horses carry the main equipment and your duffel (7 kg allowance). This makes the trek much more enjoyable.
Machu Picchu Visit + Optional Mountain Hikes
You’ll visit Machu Picchu twice:
- Day 4: Afternoon arrival for photos
- Day 5: Guided tour inside the citadel
Optional hikes like Huayna Picchu require an extra permit and must be booked in advance.
FAQs - 5 Days Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
How hard is this trek?
It’s moderate to challenging, mainly because of altitude and a few long hiking days. The trails are not technical, but you need decent fitness and good pacing, especially on Day 2.
What’s the highest point?
The highest point is Inca Chiriasca Pass (Frozen Inca Pass) at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft.
Do I need acclimatization?
Yes. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek to help your body adjust.
What do I carry each day?
Just a daypack with your water, snacks, rain jacket, camera, and personal items. Your overnight duffel (up to 7 kg) is carried by the mules/horses.
Are sleeping bags included?
No. You need to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one.
Can I add Huayna Picchu?
Yes, but it requires an extra permit and is limited. If you want it, reserve early.
Do we really see Machu Picchu twice?
Yes. Day 4 is your first arrival and afternoon time for photos. Day 5 is the full guided tour inside the citadel.
What kind of accommodation is included?
You’ll have 2 nights camping (including Salka Glamp), 1 hotel night in Ollantaytambo, and 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes, with private rooms and bathrooms at the hotels.
What happens if the weather or conditions change?
Safety comes first. Your guide may adjust timing or route details if needed due to weather, trail conditions, or train schedules.
Is this good if I want the Inca Trail experience but not the 4-day trail?
Yes. You still get key Inca Trail highlights like Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate entrance, without committing to the full 4-day Classic Inca Trail.