Salkantay Trek & Short Inka Trail 5D/4N

0 (0 Reviews)
Ollantaytambo, Peru
From: $ 850,00
0
(0 review)
Check
Duration

5 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

9 people

Languages

English, Espanol, Francais

About this tour

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu and the Short Inca Trail 2 Days offer two of the most scenic and thrilling routes to reach Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek features glacier-covered mountains, stunning lakes like Humantay and Salkantay Lake, and a journey through the Amazon jungle, providing an exceptional trekking experience in Peru. Meanwhile, the Short Inca Trail provides a condensed yet breathtaking adventure, allowing you to explore the original Inca Trail and experience the awe-inspiring entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Booking these tours with us ensures you receive the best services at affordable prices. We offer exclusive camps with newly-built Mountain Sky Huts and glass igloos, as well as professional and knowledgeable guides and support staff. Our all-inclusive itinerary options guarantee that you won’t miss any of the highlights.

On the Salkantay Trek, you’ll pass brilliantly blue lakes, ascend to heights of up to 4,630 meters, and trek by waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs. You’ll also hike through the original Inca Trail to the Llactapata ruins, where you’ll enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu that will inspire you as you complete the final stretch to the iconic lost city of the Incas.

The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is celebrated by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Best Treks.” For an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, choose an experienced and highly-rated company to make your adventure truly memorable.

Highlights

  • Scenic Trekking: Experience the best of Peru’s landscapes with a combined trek of the Salkantay Trail and the Short Inca Trail, showcasing glacier-capped mountains, lush valleys, and ancient ruins.
  • Exclusive Access: Gain entry to the revered Inca Trail and explore the majestic Machu Picchu through the Salkantay Trek, providing a diverse and comprehensive adventure.
  • Professional Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of seasoned guides fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring a rich and informative experience throughout your trek.
  • Comfortable Camping: Enjoy well-equipped camping facilities including bedroom tents, a bathroom tent, and a dining tent, with all essential camping gear provided.
  • Gourmet Meals: Delight in freshly prepared meals, including 4 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, with options for special dietary needs like vegetarian meals.
  • Stunning Views: Trek through breathtaking scenery, from glacial lakes and waterfalls to the original Inca Trail, culminating in a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
  • Guided Machu Picchu Exploration: Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and the option to explore the site further on your own, including optional hikes to the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu.
  • Comfort and Support: Rely on our team of muleteers and horses to transport your gear and personal luggage, making your trek more enjoyable.

Included/Excluded

  • Hotel Pickup: Collection from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Transport: To Mollepata and Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek.
  • Professional Guides: English and Spanish.
  • Salkantay Trail Entrance: Admission to the Salkantay Trail.
  • Inca Trail Entrance: Admission to the Inca Trail.
  • Machu Picchu Entrance: Admission to the Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Muleteers and Horses: For carrying all equipment, including tents, food, cooking gear, and personal belongings (7 kg maximum per person).
  • Meals: Includes 4 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, all prepared by our chef and assistant.
  • Coca Tea: Served each morning in your tent.
  • Boiled Water: Provided after breakfast for refilling water bottles.
  • Lunch: Includes hot beverages such as coca tea and coffee.
  • Safety Equipment: Oxygen and first aid kit.
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements upon request.
  • Camping Gear: All necessary camping equipment, including staff tents.
  • Guided Tour: A 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Hotel Accommodation: One night in Ollantaytambo and one night in Aguas Calientes.
  • Train Journey: From Ollantaytambo to the start of the Inca Trail at Km 104.
  • Return Train and Transport: Train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco.
  • Hotel Transfer: Return transfer to your hotel in Cusco at the end of the tour.
  • 5th day lunch.
  • Sleeping bag (you can rent in Cusco).
  • Tips.
  • Trekking stick (you can rent it in Cusco).

Itinerary

We'll pick you up from your Cusco hotel around 5:00 AM in our private transport. Our adventure begins with a 3-hour drive towards Mollepata and then to the trailhead at Soraypampa, situated at 3,800 meters. Upon arrival at Soraypampa, you’ll enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. After breakfast, you’ll hand over your duffel bag to our muleteers and be ready to embark on your Salkantay trek to Humantay Lake. This trek takes approximately 1.5 hours and will lead you to the base of Humantay Mountain, where you'll marvel at the stunning crystal-clear blue waters of Humantay Lake. After some time to take in the breathtaking natural beauty, you'll hike back to the starting point to enjoy a hot lunch.

Following lunch, we will hike for about 2 hours to our campsite at Salkantay Pampa, located close to the majestic Salkantay Glacier, offering splendid views of the surrounding glaciers.

4o mini

After an early morning wake-up, you'll enjoy your breakfast and prepare for the day's trek. Along the way, you'll be captivated by the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. From Salkantay Pampa, you'll slowly ascend for the next 3 hours to reach Inca Chiriaska Pass, located at 5,100 meters. Chiriaska, derived from Quechua, means "to get cold," and this location is indeed chilly for most of the year but offers some of the finest views of the Salkantay Glacier peaks. After taking some time to appreciate the breathtaking landscape, you'll enjoy a warm drink before continuing your trek. The walk from the pass to Sisaypata, our lunch spot, will take about 3.5 hours and is mostly downhill. In Sisaypata, you'll have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.

After lunch, we'll continue our descent for another 3 hours to reach our campsite at Canal Inca.

After breakfast, you'll visit the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing with your trek. On this day, you'll reach a segment of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As you trek, you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Additionally, you'll experience part of the famous Inca Trail by visiting the renowned archaeological site of Llactapata. Llactapata is known for its Inca village layout, featuring houses, water channels, and numerous agricultural terraces that gently slope down the mountainside. From Llactapata, you'll hike for about 1 hour before stopping for lunch.

After lunch, you'll continue trekking for approximately 2 more hours until you reach Km 82, where you'll meet our private vehicle and be transferred to Ollantaytambo. Here, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo.

At 7:00 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station. We'll board the train that will take us to Km 104, with a journey of approximately 1 hour. At Km 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft), we will start our trek. We’ll cross a bridge over the Urubamba River, also known as Willkamayuc, which translates from Quechua to "Sacred River," a crucial element for the Incas. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you'll need to present your identification documents—passport, foreigner card, or national ID.

After a 15-minute walk, we will reach the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, hidden within the semi-tropical forest. Following our visit, we’ll continue ascending via stone steps, offering stunning views of the Sacred Valley, waterfalls, and various types of orchids. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, we'll arrive at Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Wiñaywayna, meaning "Forever Young" in Spanish, features numerous circular terraces that showcase the agricultural practices of the Incas. The site includes over 20 structures, such as the Temple of the Rainbow, also known as the Temple of Fertility. We'll spend about 1 hour exploring this remarkable site.

In the second part of our journey, we'll walk for 2 hours through Andean terrain, stone steps, and rest areas, reaching Inti Punku (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), also known as the Gate of the Sun. This location, used by the Incas as an entrance checkpoint to Machu Picchu, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley. We’ll then descend for about 30 minutes to the world wonder, Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft).

Finally, we’ll take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,086 ft), where you’ll stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. If you're not too tired, you can visit the hot springs located 10 minutes from the town for a fee of 10 soles. For those who enjoy nightlife, Aguas Calientes offers a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as an ATM for your convenience. We’ll also have a delicious à la carte dinner at a cozy restaurant in town.

On this day, we will start our Machu Picchu tour early in the morning. After breakfast, we will head to the station to board the bus for a 30-minute ride to the Machu Picchu Citadel. We will embark on a 2-hour guided tour to explore the main highlights of Machu Picchu. After the tour, you'll have some free time to explore the site on your own. You may choose to hike to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge. Additionally, if you wish to climb Huayna Picchu, it is available for an extra fee of $70 USD per person.

At a suitable time, we will descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in the town. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Cusco (please arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train's departure). Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, a representative from our company will be waiting to transport you to your hotel in Cusco, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away.

Durations

5 Days

Language

English
Espanol
Francais

Frequently asked questions

Transportation, accommodation, meals (as specified), professional guides, entry fees to all sites, camping equipment, and some optional activities.

The trek is moderate to challenging, with significant elevation changes. It requires a good level of fitness and stamina. Prior trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sun protection, a water bottle, personal medications, and a camera. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and trekking poles if you have them.

Yes, we offer vegetarian and special dietary options. Please inform us of your dietary requirements in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.

Arrive a few days early to acclimate, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals before the trek. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, inform your guide immediately.

Yes, you can leave your extra luggage at the hotel in Cusco or at our office during the trek.

Internet and mobile signal are limited on the trek. Wi-Fi is usually available in Aguas Calientes, but not on the trail. Plan accordingly and inform your loved ones about limited connectivity.

We provide first-aid kits, oxygen for emergencies, and experienced guides. Safety briefings are conducted, and guides are trained to handle various situations.

Rain is possible, so pack appropriate rain gear. The trek operates in various weather conditions, but we prioritize safety and comfort. Your guide will make adjustments as needed.

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service.

Tour's Location

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
(0 Reviews)
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
0 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 0

Write a review

From: $ 850,00
0 (0 Reviews)

Owner

INKASNETWORK

Member Since 2023

Information Contact

Email

travel@inkanetadventure.com

Website

https://www.inkanetadventure.com

Phone

(+51) 964306549

Fax

(+51) 084583891

Explore other options