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Salkantay Trek And Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 Days

CUSO- HUMANTAY LAKE - JAPONESAPAMPA-WALLYABAMBA-KM 82-WIÑAYHUAYNA-SUNGATE- MACHU PICCHU -CUSCO
2 to 8 persons

Group Size

Demanding

Difficulty level

Hiking

Trip styles

CAMP AND HOTEL

Accommodation

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu  5 Days

If you didn’t get the permits for the Inca Trail 4 Days,  this is the best alternative due to geographical and historical region.  We can see the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake with Instagramable colors (that in Quechua is translated to “qochas” a place of the origin of the Incas) – natives from this area still make special ceremonies to those Lakes.

You can also see many South American Camelids typical of Peru, Chile, and Argentina, especially many alpacas, llamas, and guanacos, who were especially sacred to the Incas (Llamas played a very important role in transportation and some were used in sacrifices as a form of sanctification for a good yield in crop production.

Along the hike from the Salkantay trek and short Inca trail to Machu Picchu for 5 days, you’ll meet local people who are cheerful and still use the traditional attire (bright and colorful) of the original natives from the area.

This Salkantay Trek is definitely for those individuals who like to hike, attain more historical knowledge, and meet people seeing their everyday contact with the Pachamama (“Mother Earth”).  This trek towards Machu Picchu also allows you to fully enjoy the microclimates and unique landscapes, along with old-fashioned cuisines and fresh natural products. We have a very experienced cook

Itinerary of Salkantay Trek And Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 Days:

Day 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA-HUMANTAY LAGOON -PAMPA JAPONESA

Our Salkantay trek and short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days, begin picking you up at your hotel at 4:00 am. Then we will drive to Mollepata town, once there, We will have a nutritious breakfast, then will go to Soraypampa (trailhead) this place is where we also meet our trek leader, porters, and riders to begin our hike.

So the first part gonna be uphill, one hour and a half to get to the Humantay lagoon. Once there will have time to take pictures and enjoy this magical place and you will see the glaciers as well as the seem name after a while you will start hiking down to the trailhead, and our cook will prepare a good lunch after that and then will hike one hour and a half ruffly to Salkantay pampa 4000 masl, from there will see the Salkantay glaciers (SAVAGE MOUNTAIN) one of the most sacred place in Cusco region. after that will keep hiking 3 hours to our base camp Japanese pampa. ( hot tea and dinner)

Walking distance: 14km
Trailhead elevation: 3,800 km
Campsite elevation: 4,700mt
Difficulty: Challenging

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 2: PAMPA JAPONESA – PAMPA JAPONESA PASS – PAUCAR CANCHA

Our 3 day of the Salkantay trek and short Inca Trail begins with hot coca tea and breakfast, then continue with our hike towards “pampa Japanese pass 5000masl”. You’ll marvel and appreciate, at different angles, the beautiful views of the Salkantay Mountain (a.k.a.) the “Wild” Mountain (Alt. 6,271 m/20,573 ft.).  From above you’ll also relish the colorful lagoons of the area. As we descend, we’ll reach a small village called “Lluscamayu” (Lunch).  Afterward, we continue our downslope hike to the archeological site of “Paucarcancha”,  once there the tour guide  Will explain this beautiful Inca site. where we will camp.

  • Meals:                              Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodations:        Camp 3800 meters.
  • Hiking Distance:            15 km / 7.4 miles
  • Hiking Time:           7 hrs.
  • Highest Elevation:        could and worm
  • Weather:                         Warm / Cold
  • Level of Difficulty:        Moderate to Arduous

Day 3: PAUCAR CANCHA – LLACTAPATA INCA SITE -km 82- OLLANTAYTAMBO

Our morning begins with a nutritious breakfast prepared by our specialized chef.  Then we’re off to continue our expedition of the famous Inca Trail.

This part of the trek we’ll descend to Huallabamba town (where the people are farmers) (40 minutes once there the tour guide Will explain the Inca site with the seem to name,  Here you’ll appreciate the excellent panoramic view of the valleys below.  After a short break, we’ll descend to the high forest where we will have lunch, and then Will visit the Inca site call (LLACTAPATA)

After that, we’ll continue our downhill hike to the km 82  ( 2 hours), where we will cross  the  bridge, once there Will get our transportation to Ollantaytambo town (part of the sacred valley of the Incas)

Walking distance: 15km
Campsite elevation: 3300km
Trail end elevation: 2700mt
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000km
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodations: Tunupa Lodge or Iskay Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO-KM 104-WIÑAYHUYANA-MACHU PICCHU

Our adventure begins to with a pick-up at your hotel (5:30 a.m.) where we’ll drive to the train station,(to catch our train) to  “Kilometer 104”.is 1 hour and 30 minutes ruffly,  Once there we Will pass the control, our trekking of the short Inca Trail begins.  Our first hike is approximately 4 hours to reach the “wiñayhuayna” archaeological complex. Afterward, lunch will be served. (actually, Will have a box lunch)if you are vegetarian let me now,

Following lunch, you’ll continue hiking to towards to the (Intipunku – Sungate), one hour and a half then Will have time to take some picture (THE FIRST STUNNING LOOKOUT OF MACHUPICCHU) and then gonna be just 40 minutes to Machupicchu, one of the  seven wonders of the world and enigmatic place after a whole, Will have to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes and Will have dinner in the restaurant and spend the night in our hostel

DETAILS:

  • Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
  • Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • Hostal
  • Hot shower,wifi,tv cable
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (The Sacred City Of The Incas) – Cusco
  • After a delicious early breakfast, we will board the bus transporting us to the Majestic Lost City of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”.   The trek leader will impart the history of this mystical place.  We will have the opportunity to visit the “Temple of the Sun”, the “Royal Palace”, the “Main Temple”, the “Temple of the Three Windows” and the “Sun Dial”.  Here, we promise an unforgettable experience.  After your guided tour, you’ll have free time to do your exploring.
  • If you have reserved your visit to “Huaynapicchu” (tickets limited to 400 per day – not included), you’ll begin your hike at 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., please coordinate with the Tour Guide for your visit depending on Municipality’s programmed time.
  • There are many more activities that you can do.  These activities are optional (not included with the package) for example The “Puerta del Sol” (2 hours hike up and down), where you will appreciate the Inca city from a different viewpoint.
  • In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train (4:20 p.m.) to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco (2 hours Approx.).
  •  Depends on the ability the train to back to Ollantaytambo

DETAILS

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

You will need to start off right: breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. Then, you will board the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu, which will take approximately 25 minutes to arrive (the gate opens at 6:00 a.m.) Once there we will have to show our passports and depending on the circuit they will give us some necklaces (The best circuit is the 2nd, for this you have to book 3 months in advance).

We will go to the top, there are 4 platforms where you can take classic photos with the view of Huayna Picchu Mountain, once on the last platform the guide will give an introduction about Machu Picchu and then we will visit the most important places in Machu Picchu such as the Stone Quarry, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Inca Compass, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Fountains, the Inca Terraces, Food Stores this is the second circuit and the best.

After touring Machu Picchu, you will have to board the bus to Aguas Calientes town and have lunch (not included) in the afternoon board the train to Ollantaytambo town and then take the bus to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.

  • If you have reserved a visit to “HUAYNAPICHHU” (tickets $ 60.00 per person/limited to 400 per day – not included), you’ll begin your hike at 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., please coordinate with the Trek Leader for your visit depending on Municipality’s programmed time.

 

DETAILS:

  • Meals:                              Breakfast
  • Lowest Altitude:           2,040 m / 6.691 ft
  • Highest Altitude:          2,440 m / 8,052 ft

Note: If you want to stay an extra night, just lets us know and we can help book a hotel in Aguas Calientes, as well as your train ticket for the next day

Rangers don’t allow people to carry bags bigger than 25 liters when entering Machu Picchu

No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu
Snacks and water are allowed – in bags-

  • Bilingual English-speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
  • Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
  • Four-person tent for every 2 people.
  • Entrance to the Short Inca Trail
  • dinner in Ollantaytambo
  • hostal in Ollantaytambo(day 3)
  • dinner in aguas calientes
  • Chef
  • Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, tables, etc)
  • Horse to transport 8 kg of your personal gear
  • Duffle bag for your personal gear
  • Four breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
  • One-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
  • Water on Day 1
  • $ 60 Waynapicchu Mountain (walk to the top without a guide; the trail is well marked).
  • First breakfast and last lunch
  • Sleeping Bag   20 USD 
  • Hiking Sticks  20 USD

Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027. All prices quoted are in $USD

  • group service  $800 per person

Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need for extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:

  • Student Discount 20$ dollars
  • Under 15 years will pay as a student: US$20.00
  • Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

  • Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 60.00 (Need to book in advance)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 60.00 (Need to book in advance)

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Couple Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcius.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek

Why Choose Go Treks Peru

100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.

Fair Work Conditions
We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.

Personalized Service
At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.

Sustainable Travel
All of our treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.

Excellent Customer Satisfaction
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Our travelers love the personal attention, seamless logistics, and genuine local connections we provide.

What Our Adventurers Say: Real Reviews

Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alejandra Garcia profile picture
Alejandra Garcia
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
One of the most unforgettable hikes I've ever done The Ausangate Trek exceeded all my expectations. The scenery is simply incredible, with beautiful glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful trails far from the crowds. The trek is challenging but completely worth it. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the guide was knowledgeable, supportive, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The food, camping, and overall logistics were much better than I expected. If you're looking for an authentic trekking experience in Peru, I highly recommend this adventure. It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
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William Z profile picture
William Z
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Great value The tour company took care of us well, especially in our group. The food and the guide were amazing. Had heaps of fun
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Ralph Marcus profile picture
Ralph Marcus
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Una experiencia única todo muy bien, muy buena organización y coordinación, todo fue acorde al plan, no hubo ningún imprevisto. Es una experiencia físicamente muy dura (por la altitud sobre todo) pero gratificante y única.
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Weronika P
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Would highly recommend We had an amazing experience with Go Treks! We went for a short Inca trail which was perfect as we were short on time. Everything was planned very well and we didn’t have to worry about absolutely anything during the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We were lucky to be the only people on the tour so we got a very personalized experience. We also booked the extra circuit 2 for Machu Picchu which was definitely the right choice. I’d definitely recommend this tour to anyone!
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Yamile Sanchez profile picture
Yamile Sanchez
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Totally worth doing the 2 Day Inca Trail I had been wanting to visit Machu Picchu for a long time, but I wanted something more than just arriving by train, so I decided to try the 2 day Inca Trail and honestly, it was such a good experience. It’s demanding at moments, but very manageable and completely worth it. The landscapes along the route are amazing, and getting to Machu Picchu after walking part of the trail makes the experience feel much more special. The guide was friendly, organized, and explained a lot about the history during the trip. If you’re planning Machu Picchu and want something a bit different, I’d definitely recommend it.
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Antonio I profile picture
Antonio I
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Best Hiking Experience in Peru! My wife and I did the Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Pichu with Go Trek Peru, and Puma was our guide. It was by far one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Every day we encountered a new natural wonder and it felt amazing. The accommodations were great and the food was also really good. Puma is an amazing guide. We always felt safe and he was very knowledgeable about all the places we visited and went above and beyond. We definitely recommend doing the Salkantay Trek with Go Treks Peru!
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Princess Mae D
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Very Helpful and Responsive We had a great experience with Go Treks Peru for our recent trip. The team was very helpful from the initial planning stages to the actual tour. They were always prompt in responding to our messages which we really appreciated whenever we needed clarification on specific details of our itinerary. Everything ran smoothly and we were able to successfully reach Machu Picchu. If you are looking for a reliable agency that stays on top of your questions and ensures a successful trip, I definitely recommend Go Treks Peru!
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John-Alexander R
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Manu jungle tour The 4 day excursion was a nice way to get an appreciation of the Peruvian jungle. Our tour guide, Fray, was very helpful and insightful with the local wildlife
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Tommy vd Broek
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Salkantay trek 2026 We had a great time doing the Salkantay trek. The accommodation was excellent and the food even better (Santiago’s the best chef). Nilo was our guide and gave us lots of interesting facts about the Incas and mountains.
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Departure58624235970
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Inca Trail 2 Days with Go Treks Peru I booked the Inca Trail 2 Days with Go Treks Peru and it was honestly the perfect option for me. I wanted to experience the Inca Trail but didn’t have enough time for the 4-day trek, and this tour exceeded all my expectations. The hike was beautiful from start to finish, with incredible mountain views, lush landscapes, and amazing archaeological sites along the way. Arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate was such an emotional moment and definitely something I’ll never forget. Everything was very well organized, from the transportation and train tickets to the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Our guide was friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable about Inca history and culture. I also appreciated that the group was small, which made the experience feel more personal and relaxed. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a shorter but still unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu.
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