Salkantay and Inca Trail in 5 days: day-by-day guide
This trek combines two legendary routes: the high mountains of Salkantay, with Humantay Lake and a 5,100 m pass beneath the glaciers, and the final section of the Inca Trail, with Wiñay Wayna and the arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It is the most complete trek we offer to Machu Picchu.
The trek at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days: 2 nights camping, 2 nights in hotels |
| Highest point | Inca Chiriaska Pass, 5,100 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Permit | Required for the Inca Trail section |
| Price with us | US $850 |
Day 1: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pampa
A dawn start brings you to Soraypampa for breakfast and a climb of about an hour and a half to the turquoise Humantay Lake (about 4,200 m). After lunch, about two more hours of walking take you to camp at Salkantay Pampa (about 3,900 m), beside the glacier. About 10 km.
Salkantay and the Sun Gate in one trek
Five days with Humantay Lake, a 5,100 m pass, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu — US $850.
Day 2: the 5,100 m pass
The big day: a three-hour climb to the Inca Chiriaska Pass at 5,100 m — its Quechua name means “to get cold” — with views of the Salkantay glaciers. A long descent leads to Sisaypata (about 4,400 m) for lunch and on to camp at Canal Inca (about 3,700 m). About 16 km and 9–10 hours.
Day 3: Llactapata and Ollantaytambo
You walk a section of original Inca trail past Paucarcancha to Llactapata (about 2,720 m), an Inca settlement of houses, channels and terraces, then continue to Km 82, where a vehicle takes you to Ollantaytambo for dinner and a hotel night. About 14 km.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
The train takes you to Km 104. After the checkpoint you climb stone steps past waterfalls and orchids to Wiñay Wayna (about 2,650 m), then on to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for your first full view of Machu Picchu. A short descent and the bus bring you to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
An early bus takes you up for a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu — the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the Sacred Plaza — with free time for the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge; Huayna Picchu is optional. Then lunch in Aguas Calientes, the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to Cusco.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and private transport to the trailhead | Sleeping bag and poles (rent in Cusco) |
| Bilingual guide; Salkantay, Humantay and Machu Picchu entrances | Huayna Picchu (optional) |
| Horses and muleteers for up to 7 kg of gear per person | Tips |
| Chef-prepared meals and snacks, coca tea and boiled water | — |
| Camps and hotels as detailed; oxygen and first-aid kit; return train and transfer | — |
How to prepare
- Acclimatize for at least two or three days in Cusco: the pass is at 5,100 m.
- Book early: the Inca Trail section needs a personal permit, and the trail closes in February.
- Pack for freezing nights at camp and warm, humid days lower down.
- Compare with the Salkantay trek in 4 days and the Classic Inca Trail, or read Inca Trail vs Salkantay vs Lares.
Frequently asked questions
Challenging: day two crosses a 5,100 m pass in a long day of 9–10 hours. The Inca Trail section is easier, at lower altitude.
Yes, for the Inca Trail section from Km 104. Book early.
Yes. On day four you walk from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate.
Two nights camping, one night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo and one in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, on the first day.
