
Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 41 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 $1285 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 41 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (41)
- Duration
- 144 hours
- From
- $1285 per person
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-cappe
What you get
- 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
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
with Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 days
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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 51 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
51 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best trekking ever!
Amazing experience! Highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
6 day Salkantay Trek
We just finished our 6 day trek with Salkantay trekking and we had a great time. It was very challenging, but our guide Alex, aka mountain lion, was the best. He was very knowledgeable of everything Inca as well as the geography, flora and fawna along the Salkantay trek. The accommodations surpassed my expectations as well as the food. I would definitely recommend Salkantay Trekking and our guide Alex. Thank you. John
via Tripadvisor
Salkantay and Inca Trail Expedition
Despite the adverse weather conditions we experienced we had a great experience. Roger, our guide, was outstanding and provided excellent communication and encouragement along the way. This is a very challenging hike but the views and experience are worth it! We had a few accommodations that could have been better but overall a good adventure.
via Tripadvisor
A challenge, but you won't regret it!
This was an unforgettable experience which challenged, awed and educated. The operation was indeed well organised, but it was the guides who made the trip once in a lifetime! You cannot find better guides than Marco and Danger. From the moment I met Marco for my briefing, I felt like I was in safe and very experienced hands. Marco went above and beyond to keep us all safe and well. He has the strength and spirit of ten men as well as an unrivalled wealth of knowledge and passion about his culture. Danger made us laugh when we wanted to cry and entertained us all along the way with stories from home and his life on the farm. If you get the opportunity do not miss out on a trip with these guys. They take pride in giving everyone in their group the best possible experience.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful views, great accommodations, wonderful experience
My friend and I had a great experience with Marco and Danger as our guides. They were very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was safe. The accommodations are in such beautiful destinations with such great views and we were very well fed with a great variety of meals and snacks throughout the trip. Our group was 11 people which comprised of half of them doing the 6 day tour and the other half doing a 4 day tour. It was nice to meet others doing the trip even though we split off from them after a short few days.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 144 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1285 to $1380
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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 much does Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $1285 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?
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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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 41 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?
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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?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 144-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights?
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Around 14 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?
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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?
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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?
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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), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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