Photo gallery
Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek photos
Tour overview
Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek at a glance
The best of both: Salkantay's high mountains and the Inca Trail's final stretch to the Sun Gate. A strong option when the 4-day permits are sold out.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek
- Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) beside the glaciers
- Turquoise Humantay Lake
- Short Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
- Runs when 4-day Inca Trail permits are sold out
Detailed itinerary
Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 1 — Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
A 3-hour drive to Mollepata for breakfast and on to Soraypampa, below the snow peak of Salkantay. In the afternoon you hike up to the turquoise Humantay Lake and back to camp.
Day 2 — Salkantay Pass
A steady climb to the Salkantay Pass among glaciers, a traditional offering to the mountain, then the long descent into the green valley of Chaullay.
Day 3 — Cloud forest to Aguas Calientes
You walk down through the cloud forest to Lucmabamba, then continue by vehicle and on foot via Hidroeléctrica, with a 2.5–3 hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes for a night in a hotel.
Day 4 — Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate
An early walk along the railway takes you to Km 104 and the Inca Trail checkpoint. From Chachabamba you climb the Inca stairs to Wiñay Wayna, then continue to the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu, and take the bus down for a second night in town.
Day 5 — Machu Picchu
Your guided tour of the citadel, then the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and a transfer to Cusco. Accommodation: 2 basic camps and 2 basic hotel nights, with no upgrades.
What's included
What's included in the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Transport to Soraypampa and from Lucmabamba to Hidroeléctrica
- Professional guide, cook and horsemen
- Horses for the camping gear and up to 5 kg of your belongings on Days 1–2
- 2 nights of basic camping (tents, mattresses, dining tent)
- 2 basic hotel nights in Aguas Calientes
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Humantay Lake community fee
- Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket (Circuit 3, route 3B)
- Bus down from the Sun Gate on Day 4 and round-trip bus on Day 5
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
Not included
- Sleeping bag and walking poles (available to rent)
- Dinner on Day 4, and lunch and dinner on Day 5
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- Vistadome return train +US$ 55
- Sleeping bag or walking poles rental
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain +US$ 75 (subject to the permit's circuit)
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses Circuit 3 (route 3B) and Circuit 3, route 3B, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport
- Daypack of 25–30 liters and a refillable 2–3 liter bottle
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °C (or rent one) and a liner
- Broken-in hiking boots, sandals, wool socks
- Thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket, wool hat, gloves, rain jacket and rain pants
- Shorts and T-shirts for the warm jungle days
- Headlamp, power bank, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Hiking shoes with good grip for the Inca stone steps
- Cash in soles for snacks, the Santa Teresa hot springs (optional) and tips
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Salkantay & Short Inca Trail trek FAQs
Why choose this over the Classic Inca Trail?
It is a great option when 4-day permits are sold out, or if you prefer big mountain scenery and still want to arrive through the Sun Gate.
How hard is it?
It is challenging: the Salkantay pass on Day 2 and the stone steps to Wiñay Wayna on Day 4 are the hardest parts.
Is it available as a private trek?
Yes. Ask for the private price in your quote.
Does it need a permit?
Yes, for the Short Inca Trail section on Day 4. We book it in your name, so this combination does not run in February.
Where do we sleep?
Two basic camps (near Soraypampa and in Chaullay) and two basic hotel nights in Aguas Calientes. There are no upgrade options.
What is the minimum age?
10 years, because of the Inca Trail section.
Can I add Huayna Picchu?
Yes, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for US$ 75, subject to the circuit on your permit.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Highschool’s travel buddies to Machu Picchu
“Traveleez team are so helpful in assisting our needs with their prompt response.”
★★★★★
Incredible experience
“An unforgettable experience. Super punctual, good transportation, and very good treatment.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highly recommended
“This agency is super responsive, unlike others that can take weeks to get back to you.”
