5 Days
Daily Tour
9 people
English, Espanol, Francais
Salkantay Trek 5 Days and Short Inca Trail 5D/4N with InkaNet Adventure offer two of the most scenic and thrilling routes to reach Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek features glacier-covered mountains, stunning lakes like Humantay and Salkantay Lake, and a journey through the Amazon jungle, providing an exceptional trekking experience in Peru. Meanwhile, the Short Inca Trail provides a condensed yet breathtaking adventure, allowing you to explore the original Inca Trail and experience the awe-inspiring entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Booking these tours with InkaNet Adventure ensures you receive the best services at affordable prices. We offer exclusive camps with newly-built Mountain Sky Huts and glass igloos, as well as professional and knowledgeable guides and support staff. Our all-inclusive itinerary options guarantee that you won’t miss any of the highlights.
On the Salkantay Trek, you’ll pass brilliantly blue lakes, ascend to heights of up to 4,630 meters, and trek by waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs. You’ll also hike through the original Inca Trail to the Llactapata ruins, where you’ll enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu that will inspire you as you complete the final stretch to the iconic lost city of the Incas.
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is celebrated by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Best Treks.” For an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, choose an experienced and highly-rated company like InkaNet Adventure to make your adventure truly memorable.
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After an early morning wake-up, you'll enjoy your breakfast and prepare for the day's trek. Along the way, you'll be captivated by the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. From Salkantay Pampa, you'll slowly ascend for the next 3 hours to reach Inca Chiriaska Pass, located at 5,100 meters. Chiriaska, derived from Quechua, means "to get cold," and this location is indeed chilly for most of the year but offers some of the finest views of the Salkantay Glacier peaks. After taking some time to appreciate the breathtaking landscape, you'll enjoy a warm drink before continuing your trek. The walk from the pass to Sisaypata, our lunch spot, will take about 3.5 hours and is mostly downhill. In Sisaypata, you'll have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks. After lunch, we'll continue our descent for another 3 hours to reach our campsite at Canal Inca.
After breakfast, you'll visit the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing with your trek. On this day, you'll reach a segment of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As you trek, you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Additionally, you'll experience part of the famous Inca Trail by visiting the renowned archaeological site of Llactapata. Llactapata is known for its Inca village layout, featuring houses, water channels, and numerous agricultural terraces that gently slope down the mountainside. From Llactapata, you'll hike for about 1 hour before stopping for lunch. After lunch, you'll continue trekking for approximately 2 more hours until you reach Km 82, where you'll meet our private vehicle and be transferred to Ollantaytambo. Here, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo.
At 7:00 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station. We'll board the train that will take us to Km 104, with a journey of approximately 1 hour. At Km 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft), we will start our trek. We’ll cross a bridge over the Urubamba River, also known as Willkamayuc, which translates from Quechua to "Sacred River," a crucial element for the Incas. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you'll need to present your identification documents—passport, foreigner card, or national ID. After a 15-minute walk, we will reach the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, hidden within the semi-tropical forest. Following our visit, we’ll continue ascending via stone steps, offering stunning views of the Sacred Valley, waterfalls, and various types of orchids. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, we'll arrive at Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Wiñaywayna, meaning "Forever Young" in Spanish, features numerous circular terraces that showcase the agricultural practices of the Incas. The site includes over 20 structures, such as the Temple of the Rainbow, also known as the Temple of Fertility. We'll spend about 1 hour exploring this remarkable site. In the second part of our journey, we'll walk for 2 hours through Andean terrain, stone steps, and rest areas, reaching Inti Punku (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), also known as the Gate of the Sun. This location, used by the Incas as an entrance checkpoint to Machu Picchu, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley. We’ll then descend for about 30 minutes to the world wonder, Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). Finally, we’ll take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,086 ft), where you’ll stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. If you're not too tired, you can visit the hot springs located 10 minutes from the town for a fee of 10 soles. For those who enjoy nightlife, Aguas Calientes offers a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as an ATM for your convenience. We’ll also have a delicious à la carte dinner at a cozy restaurant in town.
On this day, we will start our Machu Picchu tour early in the morning. After breakfast, we will head to the station to board the bus for a 30-minute ride to the Machu Picchu Citadel. We will embark on a 2-hour guided tour to explore the main highlights of Machu Picchu. After the tour, you'll have some free time to explore the site on your own. You may choose to hike to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge. Additionally, if you wish to climb Huayna Picchu, it is available for an extra fee of $70 USD per person. At a suitable time, we will descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in the town. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Cusco (please arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train's departure). Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, a representative from our company will be waiting to transport you to your hotel in Cusco, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Transportation, accommodation, meals (as specified), professional guides, entry fees to all sites, camping equipment, and some optional activities.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with significant elevation changes. It requires a good level of fitness and stamina. Prior trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sun protection, a water bottle, personal medications, and a camera. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and trekking poles if you have them.
Yes, we offer vegetarian and special dietary options. Please inform us of your dietary requirements in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.
Arrive a few days early to acclimate, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals before the trek. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, inform your guide immediately.
Yes, you can leave your extra luggage at the hotel in Cusco or at our office during the trek.
Internet and mobile signal are limited on the trek. Wi-Fi is usually available in Aguas Calientes, but not on the trail. Plan accordingly and inform your loved ones about limited connectivity.
We provide first-aid kits, oxygen for emergencies, and experienced guides. Safety briefings are conducted, and guides are trained to handle various situations.
Rain is possible, so pack appropriate rain gear. The trek operates in various weather conditions, but we prioritize safety and comfort. Your guide will make adjustments as needed.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service.
Member Since 2023
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