Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights

Outty Ranking 71 5.0 · 72 traveler reviews144 hoursFrom $1,310
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 72 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights worth booking?

Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights is a 144-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $1,310 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 72 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
5/5 (72)
Duration
144 hours
From
$1,310 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 71. At $1,310 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.

Prices and availability checked

The Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail (6D) is the perfect option if you are looking for a complete experience on your way to Machu Picchu. Start by visiting the impressive Humantay Lake, the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain, and the vibrant tropical forest. Then, connect with an original section of the Inca Trail, an exclusive route that will allow you to visit Wiñay Wayna. Your adventure continues to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a moment that makes this trip truly unforgettable. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and culture with the support of expert guides and reliable services. - Explore Humantay Lake and the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. - Walk through the tropical forest and observe its biodiversity. - Travel along the original Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna. - Enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (Sun Gate). - Enjoy a complete 6-day trek that is safe and well organized.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail (6D) is the perfect option if you are looking for a complete experience on your way to Machu Picchu. Start by visiting the impressive Humantay Lake, the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain, and the vibrant tropical forest. Then, connect with an original section of the Inca Trail, an exclusive route that will allow you to visit Wiñay Wayna. Your adventure continues to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a moment that makes this trip truly unforgettable. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and culture with the support of expert guides and reliable services. - Explore Humantay Lake and the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. - Walk through the tropical forest and observe its biodiversity. - Travel along the original Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna. - Enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (Sun Gate). - Enjoy a complete 6-day trek that is safe and well organized.

    What's included

    Included

    • Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite phones
    • Pre-departure briefing
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover, and hand towel.
    • Experienced Mountain Guide
    • Lunch
    • 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
    • Dinner
    • One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu).
    • Breakfast
    • 2 nights in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
    • Entrance to Machu Picchu (circuit 1-C and 3-B)
    • Transportation of personal belongings.
    • All private transport and transfers during the tour
    • Entry fees to Salkantay Trek and Humantay lake
    • Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
    • Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
    • Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train
    • Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
    • Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
    • Return bus tickets (Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes).
    • Expert chef, porters, and horsemen

    Not included

    • Clothing and personal hiking equipment
    • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
    • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • With Machu Picchu Mountain

      Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    • With Huayna Picchu Mountain

      Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    • Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 days

      Pickup included

    • with Huchuy Picchu Mountain

      Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Salkantay Trekking

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
    • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
    • Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least three months in advance to secure spaces.
    • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
    • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
    • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
    • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
    • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

    Photos

    Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, photo 2Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, photo 3Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, photo 4Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, photo 5Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, photo 6Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 68 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    68 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    67
    4 star
    1
    3 star
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    Sort
    adonaldson290 · October 2026

    Sulkantay/Inca trail

    We only have positive things to write about our 6 day trip. The organisation from Sulkantay Trekking, and specifically our guides, Guido and Saul couldn't have been better. Every single aspect of the trip is planned in fine detail meaning the hikers get to focus on the experience that they came for. Our guides were so informative along the way and really worked hard to ensure everyone in our group had an experience they wouldn't forget. We would 100% recommend using Sulkantay Trekking and if possible do at least a 5 day hike, this really gives you the time to immerse yourself in the land and challenge your body physically and mentally, and absolutely make sure to choose a trek that passes through the Sun Gate, where you'll be rewarded with a remarkable view of Machu Picchu

    via Tripadvisor

    dorothyrC6428WV · October 2026

    5/5 overall experience

    What an amazing experience hiking the Salkantay trek and Short Inca trek with Salkantay Trekking. Our guides Wilfredo and Frank guided us with their expert knowledge and high spirited energy that made this challenging hike enjoyable.

    via Tripadvisor

    bransonc731 · October 2026

    5/5 way to experience Macchu Picchu

    Wilfredo and Frank were very excellent tour guides and gave us a lot of energy to survive the 6 day journey. Everything was sorted out, we just needed to wake up and hike. We appreciate everyone who was involved, the guides, chefs, and horseman. It was an amazing way to experience Macchu Picchu and Peru.

    via Tripadvisor

    Roam819867 · October 2026

    First class!

    We have just finished an amazing trip with Salkantay. Porfirio and his team were fantastic from the minute we met to the point when we said sad goodbyes. We were on one of the longer trek, and did the first half of the trip with a wonderful group of people. The trek was challenging but the views and experiences were well worth it. Salkantay were able to provide good alternatives when we one of us got an injury halfway through the trip and needed a day off hiking. I would recommend this experience and company to anyone.

    via Tripadvisor

    mariedP6577IH · September 2026

    Trip of a lifetime!

    My husband and I and our friends had the most amazing time on the 6 day/5 night salkantay trek + short Inca trail! It ended up with just us four in our tour group which was really great. Fredy Apaza was our tour guide and he really looked out for us every single day and was very passionate about sharing the Inca history and culture along the way which we loved. He clearly communicated what to expect each evening for the next day and checked in with us regularly on timing of our dinner to try and help accommodate. He made sure we didn’t have to think about any of the planning or logistics and everything went very smoothly, including transit and entry to the sites. The trek itself is planned out really well, the timing of the easier days between hard days is perfect and made the trek very manageable for us (late twenties active adults). And the trek is BEAUTIFUL every day, it was so refreshing to be outside taking it all in each day. The food was good and VERY plentiful - definitely don’t need to worry about going hungry. Many snacks are also provided each day. The accommodations were very fun as well, we loved staying in the domes each night until reaching Aguas Calientes, and the hotel there was nice as well. Word of advice - bring bug spray to the hot springs if you go on day 4! I got 40 bug bites in the two hours spent there that itched for weeks :( The only thing I would change about this trip is that I wish we could’ve opted out of the included dinners in Aguas Calientes and chosen our own restaurants to eat at and pay out of pocket instead. Overall would absolutely recommend booking this trek to anyone looking for a once in a lifetime experience and chance to get outside and hike! I can’t believe that the 5 day Salkantay trek is more popular - it skips the short Inca trail which is arguably one of the best parts!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    144 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,310 to $1,405
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    25
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)70
    Booking momentum (14% weight)64
    Value for money (12% weight)58
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)65
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How does Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights compare to similar tours in Cusco?

    +

    It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 71. At $1,310 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.

    Who is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights best for?

    +

    It suits families and couples best, based on its 144-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.

    Is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at $1,310, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.

    How much does Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,310 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights take?

    +

    Plan for about 144 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 72 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 144-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?

    +

    Around 25 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 144-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?

    +

    Included: Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite phones; Pre-departure briefing; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover, and han; and Experienced Mountain Guide. Not included: Clothing and personal hiking equipment; Travel Insurance (Recommended); and Gratuities for the staff (Optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 349 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?

    +

    Across 72 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including With Machu Picchu Mountain, With Huayna Picchu Mountain, Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 days, with Huchuy Picchu Mountain. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights.

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