Are you interested in hiking the classic Salkantay to Inca Trail route, but it’s sold out? Don't worry! Inca Trail Machu has created an alternative route to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Inca Trail combines five days of the famous Salkantay trek with two days on the Short Inca Trail. This seven-day adventure is the best alternative to the classic Salkantay-to-Inca Trail route. Unlike typical tourist paths, this innovative trek offers solitude and a sense of individuality for travelers seeking a unique experience. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Humantay Mountain and Lake, Salkantay Mountain, the Llactapata, Challacancha, and Wiñaywayna ruins, and finally, the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Due to its incredible diversity of plants, varied ecosystems, remote Andean villages, and sweeping views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains, this is one of the most fascinating and rewarding alternative hikes to the Inca Trail. You will also explore remarkable Inca sites, including Llactapata, which is perched high on a mountain ridge behind Machu Picchu, as well as the Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna ruins on the Inca Trail.
The journey ends in Aguas Calientes, located in the foothills of legendary Machu Picchu. From there, you will hike early in the morning to reach the Lost City of the Incas and witness the sunrise above the citadel. Finally, our professional English-speaking guide will lead you through the magnificent Machu Picchu archaeological site, bringing its history and mysteries to life.
Staff: A Inca Trail Machu Representative in Cusco and a professional Tour Guige, a trekking cook, and muleteer for the Salkantay to Inca Trail.
Accommodation: Campsites (4 nights), Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
Meals: 5x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner, 4x afternoon tea.
Transportation: Transportation by private van, 1x train
Group Availiable: Mix: 2 Max: 8 Trekkers
Day 01: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Umantay (Lake and Mountain) - Salkantaypampa (camping)
Day 02: Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Mountain - Colpapampa (camping)
Day 03: Colcapampa - La Playa - Aobamba camping
Day 04: La Playa - Llactapata Inca Ruins - Hidrolectrica - Puente Ruinas (camping)
Day 05: Puente Ruinas - Chachabamba - Wiñaywayna - Aguas Calientes (hotel)
Day 06: Machu Picchu - Cusco.
There are spots available everyday, our departure is 100% guaranteeed. if you would like to book. Send your request information, you can find on the right on the website.
The Salkantay Inca Trail starts on the fiveth day of the Salkantay to Inca Trail! if you like to start the tour on the 10th of May, you need to check Inca Trail availability on May 14th!. If there is still availability of the Inca Trail on your date requested in the time of your booking.
Early in the morning, our guide and trekking cook will pick you up from your Cusco hotel for a four-hour drive to Mollepata. We will stop here for breakfast, which is not included, and you will have time to explore the small town and purchase any additional snacks or last-minute items needed for the hike.
After breakfast, we will continue driving to Soraypampa (12,631 ft / 3,850 m), the trailhead of our trek. Upon arrival, we will meet our muleteer and the horses that will carry our equipment for the first two days of the hike.
From Soraypampa, we will begin our trek up to Humantay Lake. This stunning turquoise lake lies beneath snow-capped peaks and offers spectacular scenery. The uphill hike takes about two and a half hours, during which you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Cusco highlands. Once at the lake, you will have time to take panoramic photos and take in the breathtaking natural beauty before descending back to Soraypampa for lunch.
After lunch, we will hike for about four hours to reach Salkantaypampa. The trail alternates between rocky and flat sections and is surrounded by incredible views of snow-covered Humantay and sacred Salkantay Mountain. Upon arrival at our campsite, you will be rewarded with impressive views of the imposing Salkantay Glacier and crystal-clear streams. This area remains untouched by human development—there are no lodges or domes, just pure nature.
In the evening, our trekking cook will have afternoon tea ready for you, including coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and coca tea. You will then have free time to rest before enjoying a hearty dinner under the stars.
Today will be challenging, but the hike to Salkantay will be worth it. Wake up early, have breakfast, and then start hiking from Salkantaypampa to Salkantay Pass. The hike takes approximately five hours at a slow, comfortable pace. Along the way, you will enjoy streams flowing from the mountains and stunning landscapes. After about 20 minutes of flat walking, the trail begins climbing uphill toward the mountain. Once you reach the Salkantay high pass (14,925 ft / 4,550 m), you will be rewarded with an impressive view of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
After taking in the stunning view, continue the trek downhill to Huayracmachay (12,631 ft), where lunch will be served. During the descent, small rivers and streams flowing from the snow-capped peaks will accompany you. Upon arrival in Huayracmachay, our trekking cook will be waiting with a delicious meal to help you regain your energy.
After lunch, the trek continues downhill toward the campsite. You will notice a change in climate along the way—from cold mountain air to warmer subtropical conditions. Here, the vegetation becomes more abundant with orchids, yellow flowers, and other native plants. You may also encounter local wildlife. As the trail continues to descend, the air becomes more humid and mosquitoes may appear, so it is important to bring strong insect repellent. As the trail passes through small inhabited communities, you will also start to see farm animals.
Finally, you will arrive at the Chaullay campsite, which was prepared by the local community. Our muleteer and trekking cook will be waiting with afternoon tea. This evening, the muleteer will return home with the horses and you will say goodbye to him. Dinner will be served, and you will spend the night in tents at the campsite.
Today, we will take an easy trek on the Salkantay Trail. After breakfast, we will hike downhill to our next campsite at Playa Sahuayaco. Despite its name, Playa Sahuayaco is not a beach, but rather a small town named after the river and the area's sandy soil.
During the hike, you will enjoy the subtropical green zone and pass through trees and tropical vegetation. You may see plants such as passion fruit, bananas, coffee, coca, and more along the way. You will also walk alongside the river and listen to the songs of local birds.
There are two trail options. The first is the original route that people have used for years to reach Playa. The second option is a road route from Chaullay to Playa Sahuayaco. The hike takes approximately four hours at a slow pace.
Upon arrival in Playa, you will have lunch, and the afternoon will be free. You can explore the coffee plantations and enjoy a guided tour of the coffee production and preparation process. You can also buy local honey in town.
In the evening, our cook will prepare dinner, and we will go to bed early in preparation for the challenging day ahead, when we will visit the Llactapata Inca site.
After lunch, you can choose to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa. There, you can relax in the natural thermal baths. If you wish to participate, please contact our sales department in advance. For an additional fee, our driver can pick you up from your campsite and take you to the hot springs. You can return in the afternoon.
Today is a long and difficult day on the Salkantay Trail. After breakfast, we will begin our hike toward Llactapata early in the morning.
First, we walk through coffee plantations and areas with tropical plants. Then, we ascend to the Llactapata Inca site. The hike takes approximately two hours of zigzagging and two more hours of uphill climbing.
Upon arriving at Llactapata, you will enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu from a different perspective and take in the surrounding landscapes. After exploring, we will descend to Hidroelectrica, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will continue hiking to Puente Ruinas. This trek takes about three hours. The first hour is uphill; then, the path crosses the metal bridge at Mandor. We will then follow the railway until we reach Puente Ruinas, where our trekking cook will be waiting with dinner.
Tonight, we will camp near the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The citadel sits high on the mountain above us, but we won't visit it until tomorrow.
Wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Today, our trekking cook and assistant will say goodbye as they head back to Cusco. After breakfast, we will begin walking toward Km 104, the starting point of the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
First, we walk about 20 minutes along the Hiram Bingham road, which the buses also use to reach Machu Picchu. Then, we continue on foot toward the Inca Trail head. For the next two hours, we will hike alongside the railway and the Vilcanota River. Along the way, we can enjoy the local flora, bird nests hanging from the trees, and tropical plants.
We will also pass Km 107, where the hydroelectric plant redirects water to generate electricity for southern Peru. It’s common to see porters running back along this route—many of them have just finished guiding the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail and are returning home.
Eventually, we arrive at the Km 104 checkpoint, where our passports are checked and we officially enter the Inca Trail.
After crossing the bridge, we will visit the first Inca site, Chachabamba, where we will enjoy a guided tour. Then, we continue our hike uphill for about four hours toward Wiñaywayna. Along the way, we’ll walk through lush forests filled with trees, orchids, and other plants while listening to birdsong. We'll also pause at a beautiful waterfall to rest and take in the scenery.
Once we reach Wiñaywayna ("Forever Young" in Quechua), we'll take a guided tour of the site. This site is named after an orchid that blooms year-round in the area. It is also known for its impressive stone architecture and agricultural terraces, which were built during the reign of Inca Pachacútec.
Today, we will have a boxed lunch. Nearby, we will pass the Wiñaywayna campsite. Then, we’ll continue hiking to Intipata and finally arrive at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where we’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset over Machu Picchu.
Once we reach the citadel, we’ll stop at a lookout point to take panoramic photos. There will be no guided tour inside Machu Picchu today. Instead, we will exit the site and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
In the evening, our guide will accompany the group to a local restaurant for dinner.
Today is a special day - the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu! After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will accompany you to the bus station, where you will take a shuttle bus up to the citadel. Once you arrive, you will start your guided tour of Machu Picchu, following the route confirmed when you booked your Salkantay to Short Inca Trail trip.
According to the new regulations, the Inca Trail permit does not include the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Therefore, it is essential to purchase an additional ticket, which is included in your package. Based on availability at the time of booking, our reservations team will secure the best circuit option for you, and your guide will take you through it.
The most popular option is Circuit 2, which allows you to explore almost the entire Inca citadel in about 3 hours. Highlights include the Main Gate of Machu Picchu, the Inca Quarry, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Square, the Sacred Rock, and Llaqta Machu Picchu. The tour continues through the Andean terraces before exiting the site.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, the recommended alternative is Circuit 3, which allows you to explore the lower section of Machu Picchu.
After the guided tour, you will take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. There, you will collect your luggage and walk to the train station. The train will then take you to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting with a sign bearing your name to take you back to Cusco.
Your Salkantay to Short Inca Trail adventure concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing. Our guide will provided the duffel bag for your personal belonging,
Note: It is very important let us know, where you will be staying in Cusco;
Experienced bilingual Tour Guide. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Note: A group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides
Camping (5 Nights) and Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 Night)
Our tents are of the brand Eureka Mountain double designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent.
Hotel in Machu Picchu: with private bathroom and hot water (Double or matrimonial room)
We provide Therm-A-Rest inflatable mattresses and covers. These 3-cm-thick mattresses ensure sufficient insulation from the cold ground.
They offer extra comfort for a good night’s sleep on the trail.
We only use feather sleeping bags and sheets for the interior. This means you don't need to worry about being cold, as the temperature at night during each trek only reaches up to 32°F (maximum -9°F)!
Included the Salkantay, Inca Trail and a Machu Picchu circuit.
5x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner, 4x afternoon´s hot beverages and Snack every morning
The Inca Trail Machu cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. If you are a vegetarian or have any restrictions, our chef will prepare special food, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost. Food is typically served and buffet.
Excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own, Inca Trail Machu will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 2L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Our horses will carry the all camping equipement for your trek and 7 kg for your personal beloging + Sleeping bag;
Muleteer is responsible to take the horses;
Inca Trail Machu DOES NOT permit this exploitation!! We guarantee that our horses carry only an amount given by the Peruvian law!!
From Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, there are two companies train (Incarail and Perurail),you can choose two time of your train return to Cusco:
If you take the train return at 14:55, you will be in Cusco at 18:00
If you take the train return at 19:00, you will be in Cusco at 22:00
On the high season, it is very important let us know in advance, because it is very difficult find spaces available.
Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas
On Day 5, take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes.
On Day 6, take a shuttle bus up to and down from Machu Picchu.
Early morning transfer by private bus to Challacancha - the initial point of the trek;
The train service is finishing in Ollantaytambo Train station, then our driver is waiting for you and he will take to Cusco;
Our guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Travel" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
