Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail: The Ultimate 5-Day Trek

Your expedition begins at 4:00 a.m. with private transport from Cusco to Mollepata, continuing to Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m). Here, a nutritious breakfast awaits against the backdrop of the first Andean peaks.

The Ascent to the Turquoise Lake

The first challenge is the hike to Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m). You will witness the majesty of its turquoise glacial waters, guarded by the towering peak of the same name. After descending and recharging, we begin the ascent into the domain of the Great Apu Salkantay.

High-Altitude Lunch and the Salkantay Pass

We will reach Soyroccocha, a strategic point where we serve a gourmet Andean lunch with front-row views of the glacier. This rest is vital before conquering the Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m)—the highest and most spiritual point of our journey, where the thin air and proximity to the summit offer a unique perspective of the Andes.

Descent to the Base Camp

Finally, we begin a scenic descent toward our campsite at Huayracmachay (12,834 ft / 3,912 m). This privileged location allows us to overnight at the transition point between the high mountains and the beginning of the cloud forest. As night falls, the lack of light pollution makes this the perfect stage for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way under the shelter of the glacier.

Your second day marks a spectacular transition from the crisp mountain air of the glaciers to the lush, vibrant cloud forest.

Sunrise and High-Energy Breakfast

The day begins with the sounds of nature awakening in the heart of the Andes. We start at 5:00 a.m. with our traditional «coca tea» service delivered to your tent, followed by a full, hearty breakfast at 5:30 a.m. This early start is strategic, allowing us to enjoy the morning freshness and witness the dramatic shift in the ecosystem as we descend.

Descent to the Ccollpapampa Valley

We begin a 3-to-4-hour downhill hike toward Ccollpapampa (9,350 ft / 2,850 m). As we lose altitude, the vegetation becomes dense and the climate noticeably warmer. In this region, mountain streams transform into cascading waterfalls, and you will spot the first wild orchids and tropical birds, leaving the mighty Salkantay peak behind.

The Fruit and Coffee Trail to Sahuayaco

We continue our trek toward the Sahuayaco sector, known locally as «La Playa» (6,774 ft / 2,065 m). This stretch is a sensory delight; we will walk through coffee plantations, granadilla and passion fruit orchards, and vast banana groves.

Campsite and Local Experience

We will arrive at our campsite in Sahuayaco in time for a refreshing lunch. In the afternoon, the tropical atmosphere provides a perfect setting for relaxation. This is the ideal spot to learn about the local coffee-making process or simply unwind after the exhilarating descent from the snow-capped summits.

Today, we discover one of the best-kept secrets of the Salkantay route: the original Inca trail leading to Llactapata.

Sunrise in the Tropical Forest

Our journey begins at 5:00 a.m. with freshly roasted local coffee, followed by a high-energy breakfast at 5:30 a.m. We set off early to ascend a trail shaded by the dense vegetation of the high jungle.

Llactapata: The First Glimpse of Machu Picchu

After a moderate ascent, we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata (8,976 ft / 2,736 m). From this privileged vantage point, you will enjoy a unique, direct view of the Machu Picchu Citadel and Huayna Picchu mountain across the valley. It is a mystical perspective that very few trekkers ever get to witness.

Descent to Hidroelectrica and the Riverside Hike

We descend into the Aobamba River valley for lunch at Hidroelectrica. From there, we begin a scenic, 3-hour flat hike alongside the train tracks and the Urubamba River. This trail is surrounded by lush flora and follows the same path taken by explorer Hiram Bingham.

Arrival at Aguas Calientes

By late afternoon, we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes (6,692 ft / 2,040 m) for check-in at our hotel. You will have the evening free to enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest before your big day at the Wonder of the World.

Today, we merge the adventure of the Salkantay trek with the legendary history of the Incas on the final stretch toward the Citadel.

The Start of a Historic Journey

Your expert guide will pick you up at your hotel at 6:00 a.m. for a 1.5-hour hike to Chachabamba (km 104), the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail. After passing through the official checkpoint, we begin our hike toward the Chachabamba (7,053 ft / 2,150 m) archaeological site, where you will receive an introduction to this sacred center of purification.

The Ascent to Wiñay Wayna

We continue with a 3-hour upward hike. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and leads us to Wiñay Wayna (8,694 ft / 2,650 m), widely considered the most beautiful and best-preserved site on the trail, famous for its stunning agricultural terraces and ritual water fountains. Here, we will enjoy our box lunch surrounded by history and nature.

The Triumphant Entrance through the Sun Gate

Following our break, we trek the final section through the cloud forest to reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). From this sacred threshold, you will get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in the late afternoon light. This is the most emotional moment of the journey—an exclusive perspective that only Inca Trail hikers get to experience.

Descent and Celebration

Finally, we descend through the upper terrace sector for those classic postcard photos before heading to the exit. We will take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes to rest and enjoy a celebratory dinner before your detailed guided tour the following day.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will only need to bring your daypack with your essentials. The hotel will store your main luggage while you explore. To maximize our experience and beat the crowds, our plan is to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (a 25-minute ride).

Yesterday, you had that unforgettable first view from the Sun Gate. Today, we re-enter Machu Picchu, but this time for a complete, in-depth exploration in the magical morning light.

Your expert Ali Peru Treks guide will lead you on a two-hour guided tour of the most important sites in the citadel. You will learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire while visiting temples, plazas, and the most impressive viewpoints.

After the tour, you will also have free time to explore on your own and immerse yourself in the energy of the site.

We recommend returning to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train’s departure. You can have lunch (not included) at one of the many restaurants in town.

After lunch, your Ali Peru Treks guide will personally escort you to the train station. You will board the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a scenic journey of approximately 2 hours.

At the Ollantaytambo station, our Ali Peru Treks staff will be waiting for you promptly to transfer you back to Cusco in our private transportation, dropping you off comfortably at your hotel door, bringing your unforgettable adventure to a close.