Hikers posing in front of snow-capped Salkantay, the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range in Peru

This scene is located at KM 104 of the Inca Trail, specifically at the starting point of the two-day hike to Machu Picchu, known as Chachabamba

Humantay Lake, a stunning glacial lake located at the base of Mount Humantay in the Cusco region

Hiking the Train Tracks to Aguas Calientes on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

A hiker looking at the imposing snow-capped Salkantay.

Home » Tours » Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days

DURATION 6 days 5 nights

MAX ALTITUDE 4,630 m / 15,190 ft

DIFFICULTY Challenging

GROUP SIZE Max. 12 Pax

SEASON March to January

DISTANCE 80 km

Salkantay trek + Short Inca Trail 6 Days 5 Nights

Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days

This 6-day trek combines the high mountain scenery of the Salkantay Trek with the final stretch of the Inca Trail. You’ll cross the Salkantay Pass at about 4,630 m (15,190 ft), hike to turquoise Humantay Lake and descend through cloud forest and coffee farms. Then you walk the Short Inca Trail from KM 104 past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you get your first view of Machu Picchu. The trip ends with a guided tour of the citadel.

Over six days and five nights you’ll spend three nights in mountain camps and two nights in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Horses carry the camping gear, a cook prepares every meal, and we arrange your Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu tickets. It suits fit hikers who want both the wild Andes and an Inca path into Machu Picchu in one trip.

Overview

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Overview

Most trekkers choose between the Salkantay Trek, with its glaciers, high pass and cloud forest, and the Inca Trail, with its Inca stonework, ruins and arrival through the Sun Gate. This itinerary gives you both. The first four days follow the Salkantay route from the foot of Salkantay, the highest peak of the Vilcabamba range at about 6,271 m (20,574 ft), down to Aguas Calientes. On Day 5 you hike the last section of the Inca Trail from KM 104, the same final stretch and Sun Gate that four-day Inca Trail hikers reach.

This is not the classic Inca Trail from KM 82. It is the Short Inca Trail (the KM 104 route). The Salkantay section doesn’t require a permit, but the Short Inca Trail does. That permit is limited and tied to your passport, so this trek needs to be booked well in advance. It doesn’t run in February, when the whole Inca Trail network closes.

Tour Highlights

Humantay Lake. Hike to a glacier-fed lake at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) on Day 1, with a traditional offering led by your guide.
Salkantay Pass. Reach the highest point of the trek at about 4,630 m (15,190 ft), beneath the hanging glaciers of Salkantay.
From ice to cloud forest. Drop from snow and rock into a forest of orchids, ferns and fruit farms.
Coffee farm visit. Pick, roast and taste coffee with a local family at Lucmabamba.
Machu Picchu from Llactapata. See the citadel across the valley from an Inca site few visitors reach.
The Short Inca Trail and Wiñay Wayna. Walk original Inca paths past Chachabamba and the terraces of Wiñay Wayna.
Arrive through the Sun Gate. See Machu Picchu from Inti Punku in the afternoon light, then return the next morning for a guided tour.

Trip Facts at a Glance

Detail	Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days
Duration	6 days, 5 nights (3 nights camping, 2 nights in a hotel)
Trekking distance	About 80 km (50 mi) over five days
Highest point	Salkantay Pass, about 4,630 m (15,190 ft)
Difficulty	Challenging
Start and finish	Hotel pickup in Cusco; return to your Cusco hotel
Group size	2 to 12 travelers
Support	Guide, cook, muleteers, horses and an emergency horse
Permit	Short Inca Trail permit required and included; limited and tied to your passport
Machu Picchu	Day 5 arrival through the Sun Gate (Circuit 1 viewpoints); Day 6 guided tour on Circuit 3
Hotel	Hatun Inti Classic or similar, Aguas Calientes (2 nights)
Return	PeruRail Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, private transfer to Cusco
Season	March to January (closed every February)
Price	From US$900 per person (group service)

Who This Trek Is For

This trip is for fit, active travelers who are comfortable hiking six to nine hours a day for five days in a row, including one high-altitude pass and one very long day. You don’t need technical skills, but acclimatization is essential. Plan at least two full days in Cusco before the trek. If you have less time, consider the Salkantay Trek 5 Days or the Short Inca Trail 2 Days on their own.

How This Trek Compares

	Salkantay + Short Inca Trail 6 Days	Salkantay Trek 5 Days	Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
Highest point	About 4,630 m (15,190 ft)	About 4,630 m (15,190 ft)	4,215 m (13,830 ft)
Arrival at Machu Picchu	On foot through the Sun Gate	By bus from Aguas Calientes	On foot through the Sun Gate
Inca Trail permit	Required (Short Inca Trail)	Not required	Required (Classic Inca Trail)
Nights	3 camping + 2 hotel	3 camping + 1 hotel	3 camping
Open in February	No	Yes	No

For a longer combination on the classic route, see the Salkantay and Inca Trail 7 Days. Still deciding between routes? Read our Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail comparison.

Why Hike with Ali Peru Treks

Locally owned and operated. We are a Cusco-based operator, authorized to run tours on the Inca Trail. We don’t pass travelers to other agencies, and a confirmed booking for two travelers departs with two travelers.
One team, one program. We manage both treks, your permit, trains, buses, hotel and Machu Picchu tickets as a single trip, so there are no gaps between operators.
Good food on the trail. Our cook prepares hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners, plus afternoon tea. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are covered at no extra cost.
Prepared for altitude. Each group carries emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and radios, and an emergency horse travels with the group on the Salkantay section.
Fair treatment of our team. We pay our guides, cooks, muleteers and drivers fairly and promptly.

Itinerary

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa, Humantay Lake and Salkantaypampa

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and drive about two hours to Mollepata for breakfast, then another hour to Soraypampa, at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft). After meeting our muleteers, we hike about an hour and a half up to Humantay Lake, at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft), beneath the Humantay glacier. Your guide leads a traditional coca-leaf offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits) at the lakeshore.

We descend for about an hour to Soraypampa for lunch, then walk about two hours up the valley to our camp at Salkantaypampa, at about 4,100 m (13,450 ft), facing Salkantay. Hot drinks and snacks are waiting. After dinner, if the sky is clear, your guide points out the Southern Cross and the dark-cloud constellations, such as the llama, that the Inca used to track the seasons.

Day 1	Details
Hiking distance	About 11 km (6.8 mi)
Hiking time	5 to 6 hours
Highest point	Humantay Lake, about 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Camp	Salkantaypampa, about 4,100 m (13,450 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Difficulty	Moderate (acclimatization day)

Day 2: Salkantay Pass, Wayracmachay and Collpapampa

We wake you early with hot coca tea at your tent. After breakfast, we climb the switchbacks known as the Seven Snakes for three to four hours to the Salkantay Pass, at about 4,630 m (15,190 ft). Beneath the glaciers of Salkantay, your guide leads a short offering to the Apu.

A descent of about three hours brings us to Wayracmachay, at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft), for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, the trail enters the cloud forest. The air warms, and orchids, mosses and giant ferns line the path down to our camp at Collpapampa, at about 2,900 m (9,510 ft).

Day 2	Details
Hiking distance	About 18 km (11.2 mi)
Hiking time	8 to 9 hours
Highest point	Salkantay Pass, about 4,630 m (15,190 ft)
Camp	Collpapampa, about 2,900 m (9,510 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty	Challenging (the hardest day)

Day 3: Collpapampa to La Playa and Lucmabamba Coffee Farm

We follow the Santa Teresa River downstream past waterfalls and farms growing passion fruit, bananas and avocados, through the settlement of La Playa, to our camp at Lucmabamba, at about 2,000 m (6,560 ft). Lunch and camp are in the same place, so you have time to rest and wash. In the afternoon, we visit a family-run organic coffee farm next to camp to pick, roast and grind coffee and taste the result.

Day 3	Details
Hiking distance	About 16 km (9.9 mi)
Hiking time	7 to 8 hours
Camp	Lucmabamba, about 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
Activity	Organic coffee farm visit
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty	Moderate

Day 4: Lucmabamba to Llactapata, Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes

We start early and climb for about three hours on an Inca path through forest to the ridge above Lucmabamba. From the ridge you get your first view of Machu Picchu. A little further on is the Llactapata archaeological site, at about 2,750 m (9,020 ft), about 5 km (3 miles) west of Machu Picchu. It gives a rare side view of the citadel and Huayna Picchu.

A steep descent of two to two and a half hours leads to the Aobamba Valley and Hidroeléctrica, at about 1,800 m (5,900 ft), where we have our last lunch with the trail team. The final stretch is a mostly flat walk of about two and a half to three hours beside the railway to Aguas Calientes, at 2,040 m (6,690 ft). We check in to the hotel and have dinner in town.

Day 4	Details
Hiking distance	About 24 km (15 mi), the longest day
Hiking time	8 to 9 hours
Highest point	Llactapata area, about 2,750 m (9,020 ft)
Overnight	Hatun Inti Classic or similar, Aguas Calientes, 2,040 m (6,690 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty	Moderate (long day with a steep descent)

Day 5: KM 104, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

After an early breakfast, your guide meets you at the hotel at about 5:30 AM. We walk about one and a half to two hours down the Urubamba Valley to KM 104, the start of the Short Inca Trail. At the checkpoint, park staff check your permit against your original passport. We then visit Chachabamba, an Inca site of fountains and ceremonial structures associated with water and ritual, at about 2,150 m (7,050 ft).

The trail climbs steadily for about three hours on dirt paths and stone steps to Wiñay Wayna, at about 2,650 m (8,690 ft), where you can explore the curved agricultural terraces and stone water channels. Lunch is a packed lunch prepared by our team. After lunch, the path follows the final section of the Inca Trail through cloud forest, then climbs a short, very steep flight of steps to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, at about 2,720 m (8,920 ft). From there you see Machu Picchu below in the afternoon light. We walk down to the classic viewpoint above the citadel for photos, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and celebrate the day with dinner in town.

Day 5	Details
Hiking distance	About 12 km (7.5 mi) from KM 104, plus the walk to the trailhead
Hiking time	6 to 7 hours from KM 104
Highest point	Inti Punku, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft)
Overnight	Hatun Inti Classic or similar, Aguas Calientes
Meals	Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Difficulty	Moderate

Day 6: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco

After breakfast, leave your bags at the hotel and take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu, about 25 to 30 minutes. Your entry time is printed on your ticket. Inside the citadel, at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), your guide leads a tour of about two to three hours on Circuit 3, which covers the religious and royal sectors, including the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca and the Temple of the Condor. See how the Machu Picchu circuits work.

If you added Huayna Picchu (2,693 m / 8,835 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll climb at the time shown on that ticket. Take the bus back down at least two hours before your train. Lunch is on your own. Your guide walks you to the station for the PeruRail Expedition train at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, which takes about one and a half to two hours to reach Ollantaytambo. Our driver then takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, about two hours away.

Day 6	Details
Main activity	Guided tour of Machu Picchu on Circuit 3 (about 2 to 3 hours)
Machu Picchu altitude	2,430 m (7,970 ft)
Return	Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, private transfer to Cusco
Meals	Breakfast
Difficulty	Easy

Included

What’s Included in the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail

Included

Pre-trek briefing in Cusco the evening before your trek,at 6:00 p.m., your guide will visit you directly at your hotel to give you a detailed overview of the entire route and answer all of your questions.
Professional, licensed English-speaking guide trained in Inca history and wilderness first aid
Cook preparing all meals on the trek, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at no extra cost
Muleteers and horses for the camping equipment, food and your duffel bag on Days 1–4
Duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of personal gear
Four-season tents shared by two, dining tent and high-density foam sleeping pads
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches (including a packed lunch on Day 5), 5 dinners and afternoon tea on camping days
Drinking water, boiled and filtered, from lunch on Day 1
Entrance fees and permits: Salkantay route fees, the Short Inca Trail permit (KM 104 route) and Machu Picchu entrance tickets (Day 5 via the Sun Gate and Day 6 on Circuit 3)
Private transport from your Cusco hotel to the trailhead
Two nights at Hatun Inti Classic or a similar hotel in Aguas Calientes, with private bathroom, hot water and breakfast
Machu Picchu bus tickets: down on Day 5, and up and down on Day 6
PeruRail Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (2:55 PM or 3:20 PM)
Private transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco
Emergency oxygen, first aid kit and radios carried by each group

Not Included

Sleeping bag (available to rent)
Inflatable sleeping mattress (optional upgrade, available to rent)
Trekking poles (available to rent)
Lunch on Day 6 in Aguas Calientes
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tips for your guide, cook and muleteers
Snacks, drinks and personal expenses

Optional Extras

Sleeping Bag Rental: $25 USD per person
Inflatable mattress rental: price on request
Trekking poles with rubber tips: US$20 per pair
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability

Packing List

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Packing List

You’ll need gear for both a 4,630 m pass and warm, humid cloud forest. Your daypack stays with you. Your duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lb) travels by horse on the Salkantay section and stays at your hotel during the Short Inca Trail. Leave everything else at your Cusco hotel or in our office storage. See also our Salkantay Trek packing list and Short Inca Trail packing guide.

Your Daypack

Use a 25 to 30 L pack. Machu Picchu does not allow bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 in).

Original passport, the same one used for your booking. It is checked at the KM 104 checkpoint, and copies are not accepted.
Student card, if you booked a student rate
Water: 2 to 3 liters in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder. Bring your own water for the first morning.
Rain jacket or poncho
Warm layer, hat and gloves for Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass
Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
Headlamp for camp and the early start on Day 5
Snacks for the long climbs
Cash in soles in small bills for tips, drinks and snacks

Your Duffel Bag

The limit is 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag (about 2 kg). That leaves about 5 kg for clothing and personal items.

Sleeping bag rated to about –15°C / 5°F (rentals available). Nights at Salkantaypampa can drop to around –5°C (23°F).
Warm layers: thermal base layers, a fleece and a down jacket
Clothing: three moisture-wicking shirts, two pairs of hiking pants, underwear and four pairs of wool hiking socks
Camp shoes: light sneakers or sandals
Toiletries: quick-dry towel, toothbrush, toothpaste and biodegradable wipes
Power bank. There is no electricity at the camps.

Health and Personal Care

Insect repellent, essential in the cloud forest, on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu
Lip balm and moisturizer for the dry highland air
Personal medication, including any altitude medication prescribed by your doctor, plus pain relief and a blister kit

Footwear and Trekking Poles

Broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the long descents. On the Inca Trail they must have rubber tips. Walking sticks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, so leave them at the hotel on Day 6.

Travel Info

Travel Information for the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail

Pre-Trek Briefing

Attendance is mandatory. The briefing takes place at 6:00 PM the evening before your trek, at your hotel. You meet your guide, review each day of the route and receive your duffel bag. Bring your original passport and any remaining balance.

How Difficult Is This Trek

We rate this trek as challenging. Day 2 climbs to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) and then descends about 1,700 m (5,600 ft) to camp. Day 4 is the longest day, at about 24 km (15 miles). Day 5 starts early and adds the Short Inca Trail’s climb to Wiñay Wayna and the steep steps before the Sun Gate.

Regular cardio training and long hikes in the months before your trip make a real difference.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The first two days are spent above 3,900 m (12,800 ft). Arrive in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), at least two full days before the trek. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol in the first days and talk to your doctor about altitude medication. Your guide monitors the group daily and carries emergency oxygen.

See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.

Short Inca Trail Permit and Passport Rules

Permits are limited. Peru’s Ministry of Culture caps the KM 104 route at 250 trail users per day.
Book early. We recommend booking four to six months ahead. Check Inca Trail availability.
Permits are personal. Each permit is issued in your name and passport number for a specific date. It cannot be transferred or moved to another date.
Bring your original passport. If you renew your passport after booking, tell us right away and bring both passports.
One package. Because the Salkantay Trek, permit, trains and Machu Picchu tickets are coordinated as one program, the two treks can’t be booked separately under this itinerary.

Best Time to Go

Dry season (April or May to October): The clearest views of Salkantay and the most stable trails. Nights are very cold in the highlands.
Rainy season (November to March): Greener scenery and fewer people, with frequent rain. Trails can be muddy, especially from January to March.
February: This trek doesn’t run in February. The Inca Trail network, including the KM 104 route, closes every February for maintenance. In February, consider the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, which stays open year-round.

Accommodation

You’ll spend three nights in four-season tents with foam pads at Salkantaypampa, Collpapampa and Lucmabamba, and two nights at the Hatun Inti Classic or a similar hotel in Aguas Calientes, with a private bathroom and hot water. The camps have basic toilets and no electricity.

Booking and Deposit

A US$200 per person deposit confirms your booking. It is non-refundable because we use it immediately to buy your Short Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets, which are issued in your name and can’t be changed or refunded. Your booking is guaranteed once we receive the deposit. See our booking information.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t included, but we strongly recommend it. Choose a policy that covers trekking up to 5,000 m (16,400 ft), emergency evacuation, medical care and trip cancellation.

Machu Picchu Rules to Know

Bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 in) are not allowed inside.
Walking sticks, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Food is not allowed in the citadel.
Entry is at the time printed on your ticket.

Responsible Travel

We pack out all trash and don’t use single-use plastic bottles. Single-use plastics are restricted in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Stay on the trail, don’t feed animals and don’t pick plants.
Respect the duffel weight limit to protect the horses that carry your gear.

Map

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail Map

The route starts at Soraypampa, at the end of the road from Mollepata. It visits Humantay Lake, then climbs to Salkantaypampa and over the Salkantay Pass. From there it descends through Wayracmachay to Collpapampa and follows the Santa Teresa River to La Playa and Lucmabamba.

On Day 4 it crosses the ridge at Llactapata, drops to Hidroeléctrica and follows the railway to Aguas Calientes. On Day 5 it continues down the valley to KM 104 and climbs the Short Inca Trail past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu.

Route map of the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail

Price

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days Price

All prices are per person in US dollars and include the services listed under What’s Included.

Group Service

Service	Price per person
Shared group departure (2 to 12 travelers)	US$900

Private Service

Group size	Price per person
2 to 3 travelers	US$1,050
4 to 5 travelers	US$1,000
6 to 7 travelers	US$950
8 or more travelers	US$900

Discounts and Extras

Student and youth discount: US$30 off per person for university students with a valid card and travelers aged 17 and under. Send proof when you book.
Sleeping bag rental: US$25
Trekking poles: US$15 per pair
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability
Deposit: US$200 per person (non-refundable)

Short Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead, especially from May to September. Check availability or contact us to reserve your date.

Faq

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail FAQs

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail?

It is a challenging trek. The hardest day is Day 2, with the climb to the 4,630 m (15,190 ft) Salkantay Pass. Day 4 is the longest, at about 24 km (15 miles). Good fitness and at least two days of acclimatization in Cusco are essential.

Is this the classic Inca Trail?

No. You hike the Short Inca Trail from KM 104, the last section of the Inca Trail, including Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate. If you want the full classic route, see our Salkantay and Inca Trail 7 Days.

Do we enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate?

Yes. On Day 5 you reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon and walk down to the classic viewpoint. On Day 6 you return for a guided tour of the citadel.

Do I need a permit?

Yes, for the Short Inca Trail section. We buy it for you when you book. It is limited to 250 trail users per day on the KM 104 route and is tied to your passport.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend four to six months ahead, and earlier for May to September, because Short Inca Trail permits are limited.

Does this trek run in February?

No. The Inca Trail network, including the KM 104 route, closes every February. The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is open that month.

Which Machu Picchu circuits are included?

Your Day 5 entry through the Sun Gate leads to the viewpoints above the citadel (Circuit 1). Your Day 6 guided tour follows Circuit 3, which includes the Temple of the Sun and the royal sector.

Where do we sleep?

Three nights in four-season tents (Salkantaypampa, Collpapampa and Lucmabamba) and two nights at the Hatun Inti Classic or a similar hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Are sleeping mats and sleeping bags included?

High-density foam pads are included. Sleeping bags rent for US$25, and inflatable mattresses are available to rent.

How does the 7 kg duffel bag work?

We give you a duffel bag at the briefing. Our horses carry up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear on the Salkantay section, including your sleeping bag. You carry only a daypack.

Can I book the Salkantay Trek and the Short Inca Trail separately?

Not as part of this itinerary. The permit, trains and Machu Picchu tickets are coordinated as one program. You can book our Salkantay Trek 5 Days or Short Inca Trail 2 Days on their own.

Why is the deposit non-refundable?

The US$200 deposit pays for your permit, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets, which are issued in your name and can’t be changed or refunded once purchased.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, for US$80 per person, subject to availability. Request it when you book, because tickets are limited.

Are the Machu Picchu bus tickets included?

Yes. The bus down on Day 5 and the round trip on Day 6 are included.

What meals are included?

All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, except lunch on Day 6. Lunch on Day 5 is a packed lunch.

Do you cater to special diets?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available at no extra cost. Let us know when you book.

How do we return to Cusco?

By PeruRail Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then by private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

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The Inca Trail, 4 days to Machu Picchu, is the most iconic trekking route in South America—the only path that lets you enter the citadel the way the Incas did, through the legendary Sun Gate at sunrise. Over four unforgettable days, you'll hike 43 km (27 miles) of ancient stone paths, cross the Dead Woman's…

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What Our Travelers Say About Ali Perú Treks

Discover the experiences of travelers who have explored Peru with Ali Perú Treks. From the legendary Inca Trail to the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and the wonders of Machu Picchu, our guests share their stories, honest feedback, and unforgettable moments. Their reviews reflect our commitment to personalized service, knowledgeable local guides, and meaningful adventures crafted with care from start to finish.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 112 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Relax38155504360 
 
 
 
 Verified Exelente servicio
My family and I booked the tour to Humantay Lagoon; the organization was excellent, and the guide assigned to us—Abel—was spectacular. He was very patient, attentive to everything, and showed great passion for his work. I would book with them again without hesitation. Thank you very much, Aliperutreks.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jabeht M 
 
 
 
 Verified Exelente organizacion
Tour bien organizado todo los detalles el almuerzo el desayuno todo bien perfecto.Muchas gracias Aliperutreks
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dreamer53144922871 
 
 
 
 Verified Prachtige tocht via zonnepoort Machu Picchu
Het was echt een geweldige ervaring. We hadden een geweldige gids, Messias. Hij was heel vriendelijk, wist ontzettend veel over geschiedenis Inca en Machu Picchu. De trail van Ollaytambo naar Machu Picchu via de zonnepoort, was fantastisch. 2 keer naar Machu Picchu, deze tour echte aanrader en met een beetje geluk heb je Messias als gids.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Whitney R 
 
 
 
 Verified Must do your for you Machu Picchu trip
What an amazing experience. We would definitely recommend doing the Inca trail hike that leads you to Machu Picchu. The other Inca ruins we saw were worth ever step we took to get there. Our guide Sebastian was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and friendly and definitely made the adventure even more special. Pick up was easy. Spending the night in Aguas Caliente was also worth the experience. Very cute town. Can’t recommend this tour enough.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   I547ZPsimonem 
 
 
 
 Verified Memories that will last forever
There were just the two of us on the trip, and we had an unforgettable time. Everything was exceptionally well organized, and we felt completely at ease. Our cook, Valerio, treated us to fabulous, authentic meals; our mule driver, Guillermo, took care of our luggage and the logistics; and Ciprian, known as Puma, guided us through the four days with excellent organization. The highlight was a fabulous view of the glacier-capped mountains and a lunch with Guellermo’s family, where we got a little closer to traditional Andean life. I would book this tour again in a heartbeat. These are moments I’ll never forget.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alexa R 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable experience
We had an unforgettable time with Ali Treks. The tour was perfectly planned and organized down to the smallest detail. Ali Treks has the best Route for Lares. We had barely seen any, other people and that felt amazing. Three times a day, the head chef Valerio Huaman served us a magnificent feast. It was the best food I had during my entire trip to Peru. We didn’t have to worry about a thing during those four days—we could just enjoy ourselves. The guide Ciprian Torres Puma was very professional and had an amazing knowledge of the mountains, the traditional rituals, and the history of the Incas. I felt safe and well taken care of at all times. He knows the treks inside and out. I learned so much from him. The mule driver Guellermo Aransabel also took incredible care of us and our luggages. We got to meet his family, and one of the highlights was getting to dance with them in traditional clothing—it was a lively and joyful experience. The muleteer, the head chef, and the guide all have years of experience and either grew up in mountain communities or still live there. I’ll cherish the memories and experiences from this trek forever, and I thank Ali Treks and the team from the bottom of my heart for everything. I would definitely book the Lares Trek with Ali again.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   GiuliaC 
 
 
 
 Verified An amaing trekking!
The tour was great. We had a sunny day and the view of Machu Picchu from the Sun gate was amazing! Also the hotel and the dinner after the trekking were great. And our guide, Ali Messias, was super helpful and prepared! Just a little suggestion: after your morning visit to Machu Picchu on day 2, book the earliest train possible to Ollantaytambo, since there is nothing to do in Aguas Calientes.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rajitha C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable 2-Day Inca Trail – Ask for Mesias!
The 2 day Inca Trail tour was incredible! Our guide Mesias was extremely attentive to our needs and went along the trail at our pace. Mesias was the best! He is passionate and informative about Incan history and culture throughout the hike, Mesias was patient and encouraging during the trail He knows all the best photo spots and is basically a professional photographer! Overall, the experience was wonderful and if you choose to book this tour we highly recommend requesting Mesias.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Escape14862535459 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible journey through the Andes
We had an unforgettable experience. Mesias was an exceptional guide, very attentive and encouraging on the difficult climbs. Valerio was an outstanding cook, and Segundino was a very effective horseman. Thanks to them we will never forget this incredible journey!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Christian V 
 
 
 
 Verified 10 out of 10 experience/adventure
An amazing trek. The guide -Carlos Navarro- was a 10/10 -knowledgeable and patient. This trip was a fair price with excellent service. The chef and porters were awesome. Every day of this trek was outstanding -the added short Inca trail day was worth it just to walk through to the sun gate. Amazing company and amazing experience - don’t wait just do it.

      GOOD  
   Based on 20 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jabeht Morales mamani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Primeramente agradecida con esta empresa aliperutreks nos ayudo bastante con nuestra reserva para el famoso tour de camino inca de 4 dias a machupicchu.toda el equipo estaba bien organizada.El guia Teo que era designado para nuestro grupo era bien preparado y bien conocedor de la historia inca gracias a su ayuda de el y porteadores llegamos a machupicchu y muchas gracias a todo el equipo de Aliperutreks.Sin dudarlo reservaria con ellos una ves mas.👍👍👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mathio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a unique experience with Aliperutreks; we booked the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the organization was spectacular. Our guide, Mesías, was magnificent and knowledgeable about all Inca history; the chef, Valerio, and our porters were also excellent. I am very grateful to the entire team and the organization—thanks again to Aliperutreks. I would use their services again without hesitation. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a unique experience with the company Aliperutreks; we booked the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the organization was spectacular. Our guide, Mesias, was magnificent and knew all the Inca history; the chef, Valerio, and our porters were also excellent. I am very grateful to the entire team and the organization thanks again to Aliperutreks. I would book with them again without hesitation. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The organization was top-notch from start to finish. We were incredibly impressed by how well-coordinated everything was:

The Permits: You can tell they handle the booking details with great care. It was reassuring to know that daily permits are strictly capped at 250 people, which keeps the trail from feeling overcrowded!

Luggage Handling: A massive highlight was that the agency provided us with a 5 kg (11 lbs) duffel bag for our gear. We didn’t have to carry any heavy weight during the hike because the company took care of sending it directly on the train to our hotel in Aguas Calientes. Hiking light made the experience twice as enjoyable!

The Guide: Extremely professional, deeply knowledgeable about Inca history, incredibly patient, and packed with great energy that kept us motivated every step of the way.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Scoth Mathias Coonor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sin duda una empresa que si sabe organizar d los tours pasamos de la mejor manera el camino inca 4 días sin dudarlo recomendaré a mis amigos muchas gracias Aliperutreks
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eliaquim Huaman Gutierrez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experiencia maravillosa por los andes de Perú.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   R. Aranzabal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reservamos un tour con aliperutreks. El servicio que brinda es muy espectacular me gustó demacrado muchas gracias
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Aranzabal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experiencia inolvidable me gusto mucho el tour que hicimos

Our Blogs

Blogs that provide information and tips for planning the perfect trip to Peru and Machu Picchu.

General information

Budget for the Salkantay Trek in 2026 & 2027

You’ve seen the photos: a turquoise glacial lake, a snow-draped Andean giant, and finally that first sunrise glimpse of Machu Picchu. The dream is clear. The confusing part is the money. If you’ve been searching for the real Salkantay Trek price, you’ve probably found everything from $235 backpacker deals to $1,500 luxury packages, with no…

Jun, 05, 2026 Read more →

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Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Machu Picchu Hike.

Deciding between the salkantay trek vs inca trail is a classic dilemma. It is the choice for many travelers heading to Machu Picchu. Both paths offer incredible journeys through the Andes mountains. But they provide very different experiences. As a local Cusco tour operator, we guide travelers on these routes every week. We are here…

Sep, 18, 2025 Read more →

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Salkantay Trek Packing List: The Complete Gear Guide

Dreaming of standing beneath the towering Salkantay Mountain on your way to Machu Picchu, but staring at an empty backpack with no idea what to bring? You’re not alone. Packing wrong for this trek can mean freezing at 4,600 meters one hour and sweating through a humid cloud forest the next. This complete Salkantay trek…

Jul, 03, 2026 Read more →

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Salkantay Trek Ultimate Adventure Guide: The Legendary Journey to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek Ultimate Adventure Guide is your starting point. Are you ready for a journey of challenge and natural beauty? This route is perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and adrenaline. It winds through the Peruvian Andes. This spectacular alternative offers breathtaking views. It features high mountain passes and cultural encounters. The path leads directly…

Apr, 04, 2025 Read more →

General information

Altitude Sickness in Cusco: Symptoms, Prevention, and What Actually Works

Cusco sits at 3,399 m (11,152 ft) above sea level — high enough that most visitors arriving from sea level will feel some effect, regardless of fitness level. Mild symptoms (headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, disturbed sleep) are common in the first 24–48 hours and usually resolve with rest and hydration. This isn’t medical advice…

Sep, 18, 2025 Read more →

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