Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 days

From $897

OVERVIEW

The Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for those travellers who wish to get off the beaten track and experience a wilderness trek and also hike part of the original Inca Trail. It is a wonderful trek taking you right from the watershed of the Apurimac River to the Urubamba River and around the stunning Mount Salkantay, which is the second largest mountain in Cusco region at 6,277m/20,577ft. This spectacular trail twists and turns, ascends through high mountain ranges and descends down steep valleys, passing through many micro-climates and pockets of misty cloud forest. You will visit wildest Andean landscapes with a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and bird life. Last, but not least, you walk in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail! The ancient and remote foot path takes you through archeological sites, through the Sun Gate and on to the majestic Machu Picchu itself!

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Service Level: Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Physical Rating: Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trek training, its easily achievable.

Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, camping and 2 nights mid-tier hotel accommodation (option to upgrade).

Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.

MAP

ITINERARY

This incredible adventure begins at 5am, when your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive in our private van to Soraypampa, which takes 3.5 hours. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of villages such as: Iscuchaca and Limatambo, stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay. At the trailhead (Soraypampa), we have breakfast and enjoy the amazing views of the glacial mountains Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft). Here you will give your duffel bag to the horsemen, keeping only your small daypack for the trek ahead.

Our first day is primarily dedicated to discovering the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake. We embark the hike along a path called the “Camino Real,” which slowly gains altitude. After reaching a tiny traditional village, we continue for another hour and a half, ascending 1,200ft/366mt in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier. Later on, we gently ascend to Salkantaypampa, where we will camp. Hot drinks and appetizers will be ready when you get to camp and your tents will already be set up, so you can settle in before dinner. The views on this day are truly breathtaking!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 13kms/8.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of coca tea to enjoy in your tent before you get up for breakfast. Today, we continue walking off the beaten track for about 3 hours uphill. We stop for another delicious and hearty lunch along the way. We continue our trek for 3 more hours to reach our campsite, which is approximately 1km away from the snow-capped mountain Salkantay. On the way, we will enjoy the magnificent views of all the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and amazing valleys. Again, your appetizers and drinks will be waiting for you at camp. Enjoy the amazing views of the peak of Salkantay towering over you as you have a little rest before dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 14kms/8.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Another hot drink in your sleeping bag will help you brave the cold morning and another hearty breakfast will give you fuel for the trek ahead. Our day begins with a slow uphill climb of approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska Pass at 4,880m/16,010ft. Incachiriaska is a Quechua word which translates to “the place where the Inca cools down.” Around this area in the rocky crags, lives the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird. From here, the trail levels off downhill and we reach our campsite for the night at Sisaypampa.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

After a delicious breakfast, we start hiking to the end of the valley, which then enters a wider valley called Pampacahua. There, we find an Inca Canal still in full use by the local farming communities. At the end of the valley, we find our first Inca archaeological site named Paucarcancha that we pass by. Afterwards, we will arrive at Wayllabamba for lunch. After lunch, we walk for 4 more hours to KM 82. From there, you will take our private van towards Ollantaytambo and get dropped off at your hotel. Later that evening, you will have dinner in Ollantaytambo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
2* Accommodation: Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge
Distance: 9 kms/6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

We start this exciting day early; your guide will leave the hotel with you at 5:30am. When you arrive at the train station, you will receive your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included). Your hotel can provide you a picnic breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast.

You get off the train at the famous KM104, where your trek begins at 2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level. After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, we stop at several outlooks where we get expansive views of the Urubamba river and valley. Also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any time of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna 2,600m/8,500ft above sea level. These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible and unique flora and fauna on our way to the nearby lunch spot.

You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. The campsites has camping restrooms and sinks with running water to wash your hands. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate has many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shot. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate

You will leave your duffel bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition Train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

Meals:Breakfast

***IMPORTANT:

On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
We can organize an earlier train, please request at booking.
The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

Prices

The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and Inca Trail Permits for the 2 day Inca Trail.

*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos except on the 2 day Inca Trail portion of the trek it is not possible (including the sleeping bag : 2kgs), we will provide you a duffel bag to put your belongings in.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

18 to 25 years old: $30 USD information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal tent –$30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
Vistadome Train Upgrade -$57 USD per person (For the return to Cusco)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek

***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

ADDED VALUE WITH SAM TRAVEL PERU

EXTRA PACK HORSE: you will receive a small duffel bag at your trek briefing held the evening before you start the trek to pack your clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days. Your team of pack horses will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail
BOILED WATER – for drinking included along the Inca Trail
SMALL GROUPS – average group 4 to 6 with a maximum of 8 hikers
FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
DUFFEL BAG – for your personal belongings
CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Transfer from the airport to your hotel for free
Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
Entrance fee to the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Entry fee to Machu Picchu
English speaking, experienced professional guide
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
All the gear for our porters and cook
3 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Expedition Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
3* Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, you need to include the sleeping bag in the 7kgs, carried by our mules)
Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
Camping pillow and foam mattress
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Boiled water for drinking and to freshen-up in the mornings
Taxes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Sleeping bag 15°C –$20 USD (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
Air Mattress –$20 USD
Walking Poles -$15 USD
Lunch on the last day
Hotels before and after the trek
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
flight tickets
Entry to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the one for personal item allowance
Upgrade to Vistadome train – $57 (return only)
Optional upgrade (train and hotel)
Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU ?

Original Passport: (Must be the same you used for booking your trek)
Valid, University Card (ISIC card): (Only if you booked as a student)
Good Daypack: One with extra room for a box lunch (the smaller, the better)
Water: 2-3L (Camelbak bladders are encouraged)
Boots: Comfortable broken in hiking boots or shoes (Boots with ankle support recommended).
Sleeping Bag: 4 season bag (can be rented from ORANGE NATION)
Headlamp or flashlight: Headlamp frees up hands (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
Toilet paper: Make sure to bring your own.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG ?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

Warm clothes
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer your own
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20USD

TOILETRIES

Hand Sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
First aid kit

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK ?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 – 40 Liters for hiking. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

Drinking Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal. Please bring your canteens or bottles
Sun Hat
Sunscreen
Headlamp or flashlight
Rain gear
Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars, protein bars
Coca leaves
Rain plastic poncho
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022

Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews

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Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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