Luxury Salkantay and Short Inca Trail 6 Days
The journey
6-Day Luxury Salkantay and Short Inca Trail: The Perfect Hybrid
This luxury Salkantay and Short Inca Trail trek combines the two most spectacular routes in Cusco: the snow-capped majesty of Mount Salkantay and the historic final section of the Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
Every service is private and premium. You sleep in glass-roofed glamping domes under the Andean stars, then at the finest lodge in Santa Teresa, and finally two nights at a five-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. A private guide, a private chef and a dedicated support team care for every detail, and you return to Cusco on the Vistadome Observatory train, backed by more than 30 years of local experience.
Short on time? See our Salkantay Trek 5 Days Luxury.
Day by day
Soraypampa and Humantay Lake
Early private pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Hike from Soraypampa to the turquoise Humantay Lake at the foot of the glaciers. Overnight in premium glass-roofed glamping domes, with a gourmet dinner by your private chef.
Salkantay Pass, the Highest Point
The most demanding day: a steady climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), facing the glaciers of Mount Salkantay. Descent into the cloud forest to Collpapampa. Overnight in premium glamping domes, with a hot shower and a restorative massage.
Cloud Forest and Coffee Farms
Trek through the lush Santa Teresa valley to Lucmabamba, with a private visit to a family coffee plantation to taste organic Andean coffee. Overnight at the finest lodge in Santa Teresa.
Llactapata and Train to Aguas Calientes
Hike to the Inca site of Llactapata for a distant view of Machu Picchu. Descend to Hidroeléctrica and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at a five-star hotel, with dinner included.
Short Inca Trail and the Sun Gate
Morning train to Km 104 and private guided hike on the Inca Trail past Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for a sunset view of Machu Picchu. Descend to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at your five-star hotel.
Private Machu Picchu Tour and Vistadome Observatory
Sunrise private guided tour of Machu Picchu, followed by a gourmet lunch. Afternoon return on the Vistadome Observatory train and private transfer to your hotel or Cusco Airport.
What's included
Included
- Domestic flights: Lima – Cusco and Cusco – Lima.
- Permits: Salkantay route, Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in premium glamping domes, 1 night at the finest lodge in Santa Teresa and 2 nights at a five-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Luxury camp: Domes with real beds, dining tent, private bathroom and hot showers.
- Guide: Private English-speaking trekking guide.
- Trekking team: Private chef, assistants and horses for luggage, with massages on the trail.
- Trains: Train to Aguas Calientes, train to Km 104 and Vistadome Observatory return.
- Transport: All private transfers, plus the bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Gourmet meals on the trek, daily breakfast, dinners in Aguas Calientes and lunch on Day 6.
- Safety: First aid kit and emergency oxygen on the trail.
Not included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent from TrueAndes).
- Trekking poles (available for rent, if required).
- International flights.
- Hotel nights in Cusco before or after the trek.
- Travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, chef and support staff.
- Expenses caused by delays, weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
What travellers say
Stories from the trail
Experiences shared by our travellers on Tripadvisor.
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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, all with private luxury service.
Where do we sleep?
Two nights in premium glass-roofed glamping domes, one night at the finest lodge in Santa Teresa and two nights at a five-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Yes, for the dome nights. A sleeping bag is not included, but 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 12 km. The hardest part is the Salkantay Pass on Day 2.
Are meals included?
Yes. Your private chef prepares gourmet meals during the trek, and in Aguas Calientes breakfast and dinner are included at your five-star hotel.
How early should I book?
Because of the Short Inca Trail permit, we recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance.
How should I prepare for the altitude?
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize. We can arrange those hotel nights for you.
How do I pay for my tour?
To confirm your booking, a 50% deposit is required. This deposit allows us to secure all reservations in advance, including hotels, glamping domes, trains, permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets. The remaining 50% is paid directly in Cusco upon arrival, before the start of your tour.