The Salkantay Trek is challenging due to high altitude and the steep climb to the Salkantay Pass. Good fitness and proper acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.
Two trails in one: Salkantay glaciers and the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, over five days. From $850 per person.
Combine two legendary routes to Machu Picchu on this 5-day adventure with INKANET ADVENTURE. The Salkantay Trek climbs past glaciers and the turquoise Humantay Lake, then joins the historic Inca Trail for a dramatic finish through the Sun Gate.
Trek beneath snow-capped peaks, cross high passes, and walk original Inca paths past Llactapata and Wiñay Wayna before a guided tour of the citadel. Named a top trek by National Geographic, it blends raw Andean beauty with deep Inca history.
Cross the legendary Salkantay Pass beneath glaciers and the towering 6,271 m peak of Salkantay, a National Geographic top trek.
Hike to the glacial Humantay Lake (4,200 m), its turquoise water framed by snow-capped mountains.
Pass from high glaciers and alpine plains into lush cloud forest alive with orchids, waterfalls and birdlife.
Finish at Machu Picchu with an expert two-hour guided tour of its temples, plazas and terraces.
Rest in cozy cabins, geodesic domes and a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, with all gear carried by horses.
Enjoy fresh breakfasts, lunches and dinners prepared by your chef, with vegetarian options on request.
Travel with certified guides fluent in English and Spanish who bring Inca history and nature to life.
Horses, muleteers, oxygen and a first aid kit support you the whole way for a safe, rewarding trek.
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Salkantay and Inca Trail 5 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A dawn start brings you to a beautiful sunrise over the Salkantay Glacier. After a hearty breakfast you climb about 1.5 hours to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 m), with time to take in its glacial waters and the peaks around it before returning to Soraypampa for a hot lunch.
In the afternoon you hike roughly two more hours to your camp at Salkantay Pampa (3,900 m), setting up beside the glacier with spectacular mountain views.
After an early breakfast you begin the three-hour climb to Inca Chiriaska Pass (5,100 m), whose Quechua name means to get cold. The reward is breathtaking views of the Salkantay glacier peaks before a warm drink and the long descent.
You descend about 3.5 hours to Sisaypata (4,400 m) for lunch beneath the Paltayoc peaks, then continue down to camp at Canal Inca (3,700 m).
You hike a section of the original Inca Trail past Paucarcancha to Llactapata (2,720 m), an Inca village of houses, water channels and terraces with distant views toward Machu Picchu.
From Llactapata you walk to your lunch spot and on to Km 82, where a private vehicle takes you to Ollantaytambo for a good dinner and a comfortable hotel night.
A 7:00 AM transfer takes you to the train to Km 104 (2,200 m). After the checkpoint you walk through semi-tropical forest to Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, then climb stone steps past waterfalls and orchids to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), Forever Young, with its Temple of the Rainbow.
Two more hours along the Andes bring you to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and your first full view of Machu Picchu, then a short descent and bus to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night and dinner.
An early bus takes you up for a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu (2,490 m) — the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the Sacred Plaza — with free time afterward to hike to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge, or climb Huayna Picchu (optional, $70).
You descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch, take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer back to Cusco.
Exactly what is covered in your Salkantay and Inca Trail 5 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Salkantay and Inca Trail 5 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this high-altitude trek. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $850 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $808 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $765 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
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Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Salkantay and Inca Trail 5 Days guides
