Salkantay & Short Inca Trail Package
The journey
6-Day Salkantay & Short Inca Trail: The Perfect Hybrid
TrueAndes presents an exclusive route that combines the two most spectacular treks in Cusco. Over 6 days, you will experience the best of both worlds: the snow-capped majesty of the Salkantay Trek and the historic significance of the Short Inca Trail.
You will hike past the turquoise Humantay Lake and cross the Salkantay Pass, traverse the Santa Teresa valley, and then connect with the Inca Trail at Km 104. This allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—a privilege usually reserved only for the Classic Inca Trail. It is the ultimate trekking combination.
Day by day
Combined Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Humantay Lake Hike to Soraypampa and visit the Humantay Lake. Camp at Sky Camp (glass igloos). Day 2: Salkantay Pass Cross the Salkantay Pass (4,630m) and descend into the cloud forest to Collpapampa. Day 3: Cloud Forest Trek through the lush valley to Lucmabamba. Visit coffee plantations. Stay in Jungle Domes. Day 4: Llactapata & Train Hike to the Llactapata ruins for a distant view of Machu Picchu. Descend to Hidroelectrica and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Day 5: Short Inca Trail Train to Km 104. Hike the Inca Trail past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate. Sunset view of Machu Picchu. Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Day 6: Machu Picchu Tour Sunrise guided tour of the citadel. Return train to Cusco.What's included
Included
- Accommodation: Unique glamping (Sky Camp/Domes) and Hotel.
- Permits: Salkantay & Short Inca Trail permits.
- Meals: Chef-prepared meals on trek.
- Transport: Private bus, train to Km 104, return train.
- Guide: Expert trekking guide.
- Porters/Mules: Luggage transport included.
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Questions before you go
Clear answers for planning this tour.
Why choose this combo?
It offers the high-mountain scenery of Salkantay AND the exclusive Sun Gate arrival of the Inca Trail, which the standard Salkantay trek does not offer.
Where do we sleep?
You will experience our exclusive glamping accommodations (Sky Camp igloos, Jungle Domes) and a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Yes, for the first few nights. You can bring your own or rent a high-quality -15°C sleeping bag from TrueAndes.
Is the Inca Trail part hard?
Day 5 (Short Inca Trail) is moderate, about 12km. The hardest part is the Salkantay Pass on Day 2.
Are meals included?
Yes, our chefs prepare amazing meals during the camping portion. In Aguas Calientes, we include breakfast at the hotel; other meals are at your leisure.
How early should I book?
Due to the Short Inca Trail permit requirement, we recommend booking at least 4-6 months in advance.