---
title: Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights
lang: en
type: tour
city: Cusco
country: Peru
price: 1193
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.99
reviews: 72
duration_minutes: 8640
languages: [en, es]
rank_in_category: 24 of 62 (Inca Trail Treks)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-08
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/peru/cusco/tours/salkantay-trek-and-short-inca-trail-6-days-5-nights/
---

# Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights

**Guidekin's take:** Link Humantay Lake and Salkantay with Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku (Sun Gate) on the Short Inca Trail. Camping accommodation, a sleeping bag, trekking poles and hotel transfers are included; a high level of fitness is required. 4.99 from 72 reviews at €1193 per person for 6 days.

In our comparison: #24 of 62 in Inca Trail Treks, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

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.

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: no car needed
- Starts 05:00: one departure a day
- Food included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Non-refundable: no free cancellation

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup included

## Key facts

- Price: from €1193 per person for the Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 days option; other options up to €1257
- Duration: 6 days
- Rating: 4.99/5 from 72 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Operator: Salkantay Trekking
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English, Spanish
- Start times: 05:00
- Booking: Confirmation within 48 hours, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08

## Reviews

4.99 from 72 ratings on Guidekin & Tripadvisor.
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 72 of 72.

- 5 stars: 71 (99%)
- 4 stars: 1 (1%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)

### What reviewers say

Reviewers praise supportive guides, food and organisation; the recurring caveat is strenuous hiking at altitude.

**Praised:**
- Guides explain Inca history and local culture in detail
- Encouragement and practical help when hikers struggle
- Varied, generous meals, including vegetarian options
- Comfortable accommodation, including camps with mountain views
- Clear daily briefings, with tickets and transport arranged smoothly

**Complaints:**
- High altitude adds to the strain of an already demanding hike

Written by Guidekin from the 50 most recent English reviews on Tripadvisor (2025-04-17 to 2026-11-01); last checked 2026-11-08.

## Tour options

Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page.

| Option | Price | Guide languages | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 days | €1193 / person | English, Spanish | Pickup included |
| with Huchuy Picchu Mountain | €1239 / person | English, Spanish | Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included |
| With Machu Picchu Mountain | €1257 / person | English, Spanish | Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included |
| With Huayna Picchu Mountain | €1257 / person | English, Spanish | Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included |

## What's 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

## Not included

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

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 05:00
- Schedule last checked: 2026-11-08
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

## Good to know

- 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

## Compared with other Inca Trail Treks

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #24 of 62** | €1193 | 6 days | 4.99 (72) | shared |
| [Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train](/peru/cusco/tours/inca-trail-4-day-trek-to-machu-picchu-return-by-vistadome-train/?format=md) | €761 | 4 days | 4.99 (11636) | shared |
| [2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Vistadome & 4-Star Hotel](/peru/cusco/tours/2-day-short-inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-vistadome-4-star-hotel/?format=md) | €533 | 2 days | 4.99 (4074) | shared |
| [Inca Trail 4-Day 3-Night Trek to Machu Picchu with Expert Guides](/peru/cusco/tours/inca-trail-4-day-3-night-trek-to-machu-picchu-with-expert-guides/?format=md) | €909 | 4 days | 4.99 (1069) | shared |

Ranked #24 of 62 in Inca Trail Treks by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €428 to €5668, median €790; typical length 4 days. 16 of 62 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/peru/cusco/inca-trail-tours/?format=md

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