Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6D/5N
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure: Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes? The Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (6 Days / 5 Nights) is a powerful combination of adventure, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. This unique trek takes you from snow-capped peaks to ancient Inca paths, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few routes can match.A Journey That Combines Wilderness and History
This trek merges two of Peru’s most renowned hiking routes. The Salkantay section crosses remote mountain terrain and pristine valleys, while the final days connect directly to the Classic Inca Trail—allowing you to walk along original Inca stone paths, pass through archaeological sites, and arrive at Machu Picchu via the famous Sun Gate. Unlike traditional routes, this six-day itinerary provides access to both high-altitude solitude and cultural immersion. It’s ideal for experienced hikers who are looking for a more in-depth experience beyond the standard tourist circuits.Why Choose the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek?
- Diverse landscapes: From alpine passes to subtropical cloud forests, the route changes dramatically each day.
- Direct entrance to Machu Picchu: Hike into the citadel through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), a route exclusive to those on the Inca Trail.
- All-inclusive service: With professional guides, porters, meals, entrance fees, and camping equipment included, everything is handled for you.
- Permit-based access: A portion of this trek includes the regulated Inca Trail, so booking well in advance is essential, especially during high season.
Important Information for 2025
- Altitude: The trek reaches over 4,600 meters above sea level. Prior acclimatization in Cusco is highly recommended.
- Availability: Inca Trail permits are limited by the Peruvian government. Early reservations are the only way to guarantee your space.
- Support team: The tour includes a dedicated crew to ensure safety, comfort, and logistics throughout the journey.
Price
Trip Details
- Tour Type:
Hiking
- Duration
6 Days - 5 Nigths
- Group Size
1 - 12 person
- Dificult
Moderate to Challenging
- Housing
Camping
- Language
English, Spanish
- Distance
67 km
- Challenge your fears and embark on this 6 day tour enjoying salkantay inca trail and machupicchu.
- Go on an adventure with knowledgeable tour guides and cooks.
- Enjoy a perfect combination of two treks salkantay and inca trail in one 6 day trek.
- If you like adrenaline then this tour is for you
Advantages of the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek (6D/5N)
Combines Two Iconic Routes
This trek uniquely merges the scenic beauty of the Salkantay route with the historical significance of the Classic Inca Trail, offering a comprehensive Andean trekking experience.
Diverse Landscapes and Ecosystems
Travelers traverse varied terrains, from snow-capped mountains and high-altitude passes to lush cloud forests and ancient Inca ruins, providing a rich and immersive journey.
Direct Access to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
The trek culminates with an entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), allowing for a memorable first glimpse of the citadel.
Comprehensive Support and Services
Ali Peru Treks provides experienced guides, porters, and cooks, ensuring safety, comfort, and informative insights throughout the journey.
All-Inclusive Package
The tour includes transportation, meals, camping equipment, entrance fees, and permits, offering a hassle-free adventure.
Considerations of the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek (6D/5N)
Physical Demands
The trek is challenging, involving high-altitude hiking and significant elevation changes. Adequate physical preparation and acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.
Permit Availability
Due to regulations, permits for the Inca Trail are limited. It’s advisable to book several months in advance to secure a spot.
Weather Conditions
Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. Trekkers should be prepared for varying conditions, including cold temperatures and potential rainfall.
Altitude Sickness
Given the elevations reached during the trek, travelers should be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and take necessary precautions.
Packing Essentials
Essential items include appropriate hiking gear, warm clothing, rain protection, and personal medications. A detailed packing list is typically provided upon booking.
We will pick you up from your hotel very early at 4:00 a.m. then we will drive three hours to Soraypampa where we will enjoy the first breakfast after breakfast you will meet your crew: chef, support staff (porter) and muleteers. Then you will start with a thirty minute flat hike and then steadily uphill for an hour to the famous Humantay lagoon (4200 masl). After exploring everything, you will hike back to the starting point to continue to the lunch spot at salcantaypampa. This part of the hike will be approximately 2 hours on gradually ascending terrain. On the way, you will pass by impressive views of the snow-capped mountains. We arrive at the lunch point. After lunch, we will have an elevated climb of two hours to reach our second camp, at Ichupata or Pampa Japonesa, where it will be colder so make sure you have a jacket, hat, sunglasses and gloves.
At the camp, the porters will welcome you to enjoy hot drinks and dinners. Tonight is a perfect night to see the constellations and views of Salkantay Mountain. This site is the closest camp to Salkantay, so it is possible to hear some avalanches.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance covered: 12 km
- Elevation: 4,300 m/14,104 ft.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Comodation: camping
We will start very early in the morning, you will wake up early with a hot drink to help you start the day. You will have time to pack and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your trekking chef. We will begin the steep 3 hour ascent to the Incachiriasca pass, the highest pass on the entire route. Once you have reached the top, there will be hot coca tea, views of the valley and lakes, and even wildlife such as condors and hawks.
We will then descend to our lunch spot in yanaqaqa a flat area from where you can see the beautiful valleys and the Salcantay river.After lunch we continue descending to the community of Pampacahuana located next to an Inca canal. This is our camp for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance traveled: 13 km
- Elevation: 4,700 m/15,416 ft.
- Difficulty level: challenging
- COMODATION: camping
After a good night’s rest we get ready for breakfast today we will join the Classic Inca Trail. We start walking downhill for 3 hours from Inca Canal until we arrive to Paucarcancha where you will be your first visit to the archaeological site together with your tour guide you will explore the Inca site in the same place of Paucarcancha have lunch we will also say goodbye to our horsemen (horses), and meet our porters.
After lunch we will walk 25 minutes downhill to the last village of the Classic Inca Trail, this will be followed by a 4 hour uphill hike to ayapata we will walk through many ecosystems, including the cloud forest. after arriving at the camp you can relax and have a hot drink and then at 7:00 PM dinner will be ready and then have a well deserved rest.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Distance covered: 12 km
- Elevation: 3,300 m/12,136 ft.
- Difficulty level: challenging
- COMODATION: camping
Today will be another day. The cook will wake you up in his tent with a hot cup of tea and you will have 30 minutes to pack your belongings. When you are finished, a hearty breakfast will be waiting for you at the table. After breakfast, you will be ready for a four-hour ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 meters. From here, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, while the guide will prepare a small ceremony with coca leaves making an offering to the apus, the local gods.
Then we will begin to descend to the next valley for 2 hours, until we reach Pacaymayo high where we can have lunch, you will also have the opportunity to refill your water bottles. Then we start the 45 minute climb to reach the Inca site of Runcuraccay, once here you can enjoy the archaeological site and also the privileged views of beautiful waterfalls. Then we continue climbing another 40 minutes to the Runkurakay pass at 4,000m. Once here you can enjoy beautiful landscapes of mountains with glaciers.
After being at the Runkurakay pass we start with a one hour descent that will take us to the other Inca site of Sayacmarca, which offers further exploration. After exploring Sayacmarca we continue with the hike to our campsite which will take us 25 minutes to our campsite at Chaquicocha, located at 3700m. The day ends with dinner and, if time permits, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the constellations.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Elevation: 4,215 m/13,829 ft.
- Distance traveled: 16 km/ 9 miles
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
- COMODATION:camping
This is the most beautiful and relaxing day, the hike is only 6 hours through different ecological zones. We will start early at 6:00AM and hike for 2 hours up and downhill that will take us to visit the Inca site of phuyupatamarca and start entering the edge of the jungle known as the cloud forest. On a clear day we will have the opportunity to see the Salkantay mountain and the Vilcabamba mountain range arriving at the Phuyupatamarca Inca site we will have excellent views of the Urubamba river we will also have our first view of the Machupicchu mountain.
After exploring the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca we will descend for 3 hours down a flight of stairs to our campsite on the descent we will arrive at another Inca site of INTIPATA which served the function of producing agriculture.
We will arrive at our campsite at approximately 1:00 pm then the rest of the day you can relax and take a well deserved shower.
After having a well deserved rest at approximately 4:00 pm you will have the opportunity to visit another Inca site of Wiñaywayna this Inca site is the most spectacular of the Inca trail after Machupicchu your guide will explain the importance of the site then in the evening after dinner we organize a ceremony in order to thank your team for the great work done we will rest early because the next day we will start very early.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- COMODATION: Camping
- Altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft.
- Walking distance: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Difficulty level: easy
- Area: High Cloud Forest
Today we will get up early, it is time to visit Machu Picchu, we will have an early breakfast and head to the checkpoint which will open at 5:30 am.
After passing the checkpoint we will walk for 1 hour until we reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) from where you can see Machu Picchu in all its majesty and grandeur.
From Inti Punku, you will walk downhill for approximately 40 minutes to the main platform of Machupicchu where you will take spectacular pictures and enjoy the archaeological site of Machupicchu.
after enjoying the views of machupicchu we will go outside the inca site we will use the restrooms and enter again to machupicchu for a 2 hours guided tour your guide will take you to the best places of machupicchu once we finish exploring the archaeological site of machu picchu we will take the bus to the town of aguas calientes.
once in aguas calientes the guide will take you to the best restaurant in aguas calientes for lunch, but lunch is not included it is optional if you wish you can have lunch with the group or go to explore the town of aguas calientes.
After lunch the guide will take you to the train station to board the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo this will take approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo our staff will be waiting for you to take you back to Cuzco and drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Altitude: 2,430 m/7,972 ft.
- Distance: 6 km/3.73 miles(2 – hours)
INCLUDES
Briefing:
The pre-route briefing or meeting takes place at your hotel the day before the route at 17:00 pm and lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. During this session, you will meet the guide who will accompany you on the route, who will answer all your questions and resolve your doubts.
Duffle bag
Our porters will carry 7 kg of your personal belongings. This includes the sleeping bag.Before starting the tour one day before at 17:00 pm you will have a briefing at your hotel with the tour guide who will give you your Duffle Bag.max you will have to put 7kg.
Professional guides:
specialized in hiking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have between five and twelve years of experience in different excursions in the region. They are skilled in handling groups under pressure and are experts in first aid and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring with them their cultural heritage. Together with the rest of the field team, our guides will make your trip a unique experience.
Chefs:
Trained in local gastronomy schools, they are experts in modern Andean cuisine, traditional Peruvian foods, international food styles and vegetarian cuisine. They have a deep knowledge of the nutritional properties of their meals and are experts in cooking as fast as possible. And all this, of course, with special emphasis on hygiene and food safety during preparation.
Porters:
Responsible for carrying all the group gear and your 7kg of personal items. They come from various rural communities from the Cusco region, where they still maintain their local customs and traditions. We provide them with accident insurance during the trek and with suitable clothing that allows them to work in comfort. Our porters are also hosts responsible for making your journey an unforgettable experience.
Horse :
we include in this tour horses to carry your luggage during the tour, so you can enjoy your trip at ease.
Emergency horse
in this lares trek tour is included an additional horse for our clients in case they need support in the trek due to fatigue or other circumstances.
Tents:
They are high mountain tents. They withstand the inclemencies of winter, including torrential rains and snow. Each tent is for 2 people,in one tent sleeps 2 people, but if you want a private tent you have to pay a supplement.
Sponge sleeping pads:
Our sponge mattresses guarantee a warm and comfortable night’s sleep on the trail.
Dining tent:
Our spacious dining tent, complete with chairs and a table, gives us all the space we need to enjoy our meals regardless of the weather outside.
Bathroom Tents:
These tents have toilets with water pumps, and we will install them at all our lunch spots and campsites.
Transportation:
Bus from Cusco to the Soraypampa trailhead.
Bus down from Machupicchu archeological site to Aguas Calientes.
Return train ticket (expedition class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo after your visit to Machu Picchu.
Bus from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Emergency equipment:
Satellite phones:Each of our groups carries a satellite phone at all times to communicate with our office in case of emergency or for clients to use in case they have a personal emergency anywhere in the world.
Oxygen tank: Each of our teams carries an oxygen tank at all times in case of emergency.
Radios: They have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies for our guides, cooks and porters to communicate with each other.
First aid kit: We carry a full complement of over-the-counter medicines, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tincture of iodine, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, adhesive tape, surgical gloves, analgesics for muscle and stomach pain, antipyretics, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, oral rehydration salts, laxatives, cream for burns, splints, blood pressure monitors and thermometers. If you take prescription medication, you may bring your own medications.
Entrance ticket:
Entrance ticket to salkantay and inca trail: it is included the entrance ticket to inca trail.
Entrance ticket to machu picchu: the entrance ticket to machu picchu is included.
Water
From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we will provide you with all the water you need. The water will be provided boiled and purified, then cooled before distributing it. You must bring your water bottle and/or camelback. We recommend bringing about 3 liters. You will be able to refill water at each meal.
Small details:
We believe that attention to the small details is what makes the difference to us. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow a backpack cover to protect your gear during the hike and a rain poncho. We try to improve so that you have a better experience.
NOT INCLUDES
Rent:
On this tour each hiker needs a sleeping bag to sleep in at the campsites and walking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you do not wish to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
Sleeping bag: $25
Inflatable mattresses:20
trekking poles(pair): $20
Lunch:
Lunch after the tour in machupicchu is not included.
Huayna Picchu:
Huayna Picchu mountain. it is a 40 minute hike that it will take you to get to the top and another 40 minutes it will take you to go back down. The tour would be done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The additional cost is $70 per person. Upgrades should be made at least one month in advance, due to the popularity and crowdedness of the place. Now regarding the weather, we can not do anything because it does not depend on us.
- Click on the button BOOK NOW
- Select your departure date
- Fill out the form with all requested passport information
- Submit the down payment required to book the Inca Trail
We require an initial deposit of $200 per person to reserve the trek. The initial payment is non-refundable, as it is necessary to purchase Inca Trail Permits, train tickets and book hotels.
The Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6D/5N tour offered by Ali Peru Treks costs USD $850 per person in group service for the 2025 season. This includes all transportation, permits for the Short Inca Trail, entrance to Machu Picchu, professional guides, meals, camping equipment, hotel stay in Aguas Calientes, and train return to Cusco. There are no hidden fees—everything is included except personal expenses and tips.
This unique adventure combines two of the most iconic trekking routes in Peru. The tour begins with the Salkantay Trek, renowned for its dramatic mountain views and ecological diversity, and ends with the Short Inca Trail, allowing hikers to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—just as the Incas did. It’s a journey that merges raw natural beauty with ancient history, making it one of the most rewarding trekking experiences available.
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging, depending on your physical condition and acclimatization. The highest altitude reached is at the Salkantay Pass (4,630 meters / 15,190 ft), which requires good cardiovascular endurance and prior acclimatization in Cusco. Each day includes several hours of hiking, so preparation through regular walking or hiking before your trip is highly recommended.
The best time to hike is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more stable and the trails are in optimal condition. The most popular months are May, June, and July, which also coincide with high demand. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance, so the combined tour is unavailable during that month.
Absolutely. Since the tour includes the Inca Trail permit, which is regulated and limited by the Peruvian government, early booking is essential. For 2025, it’s best to reserve your spot 4–6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel between May and September, when permits sell out quickly.
Yes. Ali Peru Treks offers private departures for families, couples, or small groups seeking a more personalized experience. Private tours include a custom itinerary, flexible departure dates, and enhanced comfort. The cost varies depending on group size and preferences, so it’s best to request a custom quote.
You’ll spend four nights in well-equipped campsites set in beautiful and strategic locations along the Salkantay route, with tents, sleeping pads, a dining tent, and a portable toilet tent. The final night is spent at a standard hotel in Aguas Calientes, which includes private rooms with hot showers and breakfast.
Ali Peru Treks has received excellent reviews on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor for its combined Salkantay and Inca Trail tour. Travelers frequently highlight the professionalism of the guides, the quality of the meals, the attention to detail, and the agency’s deep respect for Andean culture. Many guests describe the experience as both physically rewarding and emotionally profound.
Yes. The tour includes the official entrance to Machu Picchu, as well as the government-regulated Short Inca Trail permit, which grants access from the 104 km marker and leads to the site via the Sun Gate—a much more authentic and scenic entrance compared to the standard train or bus access.
Yes. On the final day, you’ll enjoy a fully guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2.5 hours) in the morning, with additional time to explore on your own. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu are available for an extra fee and must be booked in advance due to limited availability.
Our porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. This includes the sleeping bag and inflatable mattress.before starting the tour one day before at 17:00 pm you will have a briefing at your hotel with the tour guide who will give you your Duffle Bag.maximum you will have to put 7kg.
2-3 T-shirts
2-3 mountain pants
4 sets of underwear
4 sets of mountain socks
1 fleece
1 warm down jacket (it gets very cold at night)
1 raincoat and pants
1 sun hat
1 wool hat
Headlamp: essential
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them with you)
Comfortable camping shoes
Hiking boots
Waterproof jacket/ rain poncho
Quick drying towel. We provide small towels, but you may like something larger.
Small bottle of soap: we provide hot water every day for cleaning – it might make you feel fresh if you had some soap.
Battery charger: there is no place to plug in the battery while trekking.
Large plastic bags: to organize and separate the clean from the dirty.
Sleeping bag: We recommend down sleeping bags for -10C minimum.
Original passport (No copy)
Valid student card (if you have booked as a student)
A good backpack (max. 25 liters)
Water tank: A Camelbaks type water tank is recommended, but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
Comfortable hiking boots (light and with good soles).
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturizer
- Mosquito repellents
- Moist towelettes
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
We recommend you to carry a small backpack, maximum 25 liters, but we always say that the smaller the better. Inside Machu Picchu, backpacks larger than 25L will not be allowed inside.
- Water: it is not included at the beginning of the trek you will have to bring your own water but after lunch we will provide you with water every day.
- Fleece
- Camera
- Hat
- Rain Gear
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for garbage
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
- Ear plugs
Price
Trip Details
- Tour Type:
Hiking
- Duration
6 Days - 5 Nigths
- Group Size
1 - 12 person
- Dificultad
Moderate to Challenging
- Housing
Camping
- Language
English, Spanish
- Distance
