Wilderness Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail-5 Days

Cusco, Peru 5.0 (9,685 reviews)
  • Duration 5 Days
  • Type Group
  • Group Size Up to 8
  • Languages English, Spanish

From $787.00 / Person

This unique and specially designed Wilderness Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes you around the stunning spectacular peak of Mount Salkantay while trekking off the beaten track.

Explore the brilliant turquoise glacial Humantay Lake which is one of the most well-known lakes in Peru, as well as one of the top day trips from Cusco.

Hike through the first section of the Classic Inca Trail in which you will visit some amazing Inca ruins like Paucarmarca and Patallacta.

Continue on your path to Machu Picchu, hiking the Short Inca Trail! Walk in the footsteps of the Inca through the Sun Gate to the New 7 Wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu!


Itinerary

Day 1 – CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SALKANTAY PAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA

Your Andean mountain adventure begins at 4:30am when we pick you up from your hotel and begin the 3 hour drive to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along the winding roads in the Andes, you will have views of the villages Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.

At the Soraypampa trailhead, we have our delicious and hearty breakfast while enjoying the spectacular views of the Humantay Mountain (5,900m/ 19,356ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217m/ 20,396ft) glaciers.

After breakfast, you will give your duffel bags to our horsemen and begin your trekking adventure on the Salkantay trek by hiking up to Humantay Lake. This hike up takes about 1.5 hours and will take you to the base of Humantay Mountain, where you get to take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lake.

You will be enchanted by the beauty of this glacial lake, tucked away high in the mountains. The hike back down takes us back to the starting point, from where we continue trekking until we arrive at our lunch spot, Salkantaypampa.

Salkantaypampa is located on the base of the Salkantay glacier mountain and has some incredible views of the Mountain. After lunch, you will gradually hike uphill for around 3 hours to the campsite of Pampa Japonesa at 4,250m/13,943ft.

Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you and your tents will already be set up. After dinner, you get to sleep under the star filled night sky at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
  • Walking distance: 14km
  • Trailhead elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft
  • Campsite elevation: 4,250m/13,943ft
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2 – PAMPA JAPONESA – CONDOR PASS – INCA CANAL – PAUCCARCANCHA

Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. Take your time today, stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains.

From Pampa Japonesa, you will slowly ascend for the next 3 hours until reach the Inca Chiriaska, pass located at 5,100m/16,732 feet. Chiriaska means ‘getting cold’ in Quechua. This place is truly cold at most times of the year, but it has some of the best views of the Salkantay glacier peaks.

After admiring the breathtaking scenery, you will get to enjoy a hot drink before continuing on your trek. The hike from the pass to Sisaypata (our lunch spot) will take around 3.5 hours, but it is all downhill. At Sisaypata, you will enjoy lunch as you appreciate the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.


After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours downhill to the campsite for the night at Paucarcancha at 3,770m/12,370ft. Your hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you once again and your tents will be set up and ready for you to settle in before dinner.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
  • Walking distance: 18km
  • Highest point of the trail: 5100m/16,732ft
  • Campsite elevation: 3300m/10,827ft
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3- PAUCARCANCHA – LLACTAPATA – KM 82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO

After another hot mug of tea or coffee in your sleeping bag, followed by breakfast, you will visit the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing on with your trek. Today you get to trek on a section of the Classic Inca Trail which still has the original stone laid down hundreds of years ago.

As you are trekking, you will be enthralled by the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Plus, you will also get to experience a bit of the famous Inca Trail by visiting the Llactapata Inca archaeological site.

This site is known for having been an Inca village characterized by its houses, water channels, and many farming terraces gently bordering the mountain side. From Llactapata, we will trek for about 1 hour and then stop for another hearty and delicious lunch.

After lunch, you will hike for about another 2 hours until you reach Km 82 where you will meet up with our private van and be transferred to the town of Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, you will enjoy dinner and head to bed ready to tackle the Inca Trail the next morning.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Walking distance: 15km
  • Campsite elevation: 3300m/10,827ft
  • Trail end elevation: 2700m/8,858
  • Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000m/6560ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Accommodations: 2* Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge

DAY 4: CUSCO – 104 kms  – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

We start this exciting day early; your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30. When you arrive at the train station, you will be given your lunch to add to your daypack.

The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included). Ask your hotel to provide you a picnic breakfast or pack your own.

We exit the train at the famous KM104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site just a few steps from the checkpoint.

The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have a panoramic view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any time of the year.

The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill climb with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike! When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to grab some photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level).

These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.

You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu. Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca.

Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos.

The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point.

There are a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. 

You will arrive in the afternoon as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists. This gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots.

Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation: 3* Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu
  • Difficulty: Moderate.

*** You will leave your duffel bag at the train station, to be sent directly to Aguas Calientes. You will pick it up at the train station before you check into your hotel.

Day 5 AGUAS CALIENTES- MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss.

Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater.

You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Meal included: Breakfast

***IMPORTANT:

  •  On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
  • Permit for the Inca Trail and entrance to Machu Picchu
  • English speaking, experienced, professional guide
  • Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Expedition Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM104 and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Station
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
  • Celebration dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. A duffel to carry 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc.
  • Provision of an extra horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • Pillow and comfortable foam mattress.
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Hiking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (professional poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US$30 – (Tent for single travelers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$67 per person (Return Only)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU

Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel that does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

Price & Availability

Our 5 day Wilderness Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and permits are available!

GROUP PRICE -$787 USD per person

PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:

  • 2 – 3 Trekkers: $887 USD per person
  • 4 – 5 Trekkers: $857 USD per person
  • 6 – 8 Trekkers: $837 USD per person

Pack horse included!

This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag in which  you can put your things.

We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 trekkers.  

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS 

  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Hiking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent – US $30 – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$67 per person (For the return to Cusco/Poroy at 4:43 pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Single supplement US$40 3*  per night (for solo travelers with single room)

Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /15lbs. like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
  • SMALL PILLOW

Why SAM

WHY CHOOSE US?

We are a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. We are a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.  

We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family! We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.

SMALL GROUPS

To ensure a more personalized service for our guests we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.

BEST WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU ROUTE 

Our itinerary is slightly different than the other trekking companies.  Our camps are far away from others and we visit the 2 amazing glacial lakes when no one else is there. We hike up to Llactapata Inca ruins which looks across the valley to Machu Picchu and you can enjoy the guided tour into Machu Picchu in a small group.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES

We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL HORSEMEN

Trekking the Salkantay Trail with us is a life changing experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your adventure in Peru, while you share moments with the locals, explore fantastic sites and marvel at incredible mountain views.

Our horsemen will take care of the pack horses, setting up your tents to avoid crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax.

We provide the following  items to our cooks and horsemen for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance.

All of our porters are hired from isolated mountain communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company. In order to better their economic circumstances, we also provide help for their children’s education  We ensure that all of our porters are treated like family.

OUR COOKS 

Our Fabulous Cooks have been highlighted by all our clients as providing delicious and abundant gourmet style meals. Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have diet restrictions or food allergies, we can cater to your needs, just let us know at the time of booking.

OUR EQUIPMENT

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our equipment are what really make us stand out from all the competitors. For all our adventures we hike we include the following items:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
  • OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground.
  • AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $15 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
  • DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided at briefing time, the night before the trek.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack, rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and the biochemical camping toilet, are provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

We have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities.  Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.

We are so proud to be able to support our local communities, not only employing them but also to go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this wholistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

Important Info

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SALKANTAY & SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu,

ARRIVAL TO  CUSCO

You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to trek’s start. Look for our representative holding an orange board with your name or the company name at the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click this link – BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (for EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:

  • Your full name, exactly as on your passport
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.

  • University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
  • Students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
  • For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
  • Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.

All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the tickets have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail entrances and reservations.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.  

We must have copies of both your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.  You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and the train.  If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu, or get on the train.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. We specialize in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.

HIKING SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS

The evening before you start your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear.

It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group.

During the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly. 

To Prepare: Try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance will be required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek. Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations.

Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

Packing List

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

  • Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3L (bring reusable, not disposable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted.

If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight in your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters (optional)
  • 2 fleece/ thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: there is no electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -10ºC – This can be rented from us.

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your reusable water bottles.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits)
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Trip Enquiry

Ask us about this tour

The Journey

What You'll Experience on the Trail

From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.

  1. Wiñay Wayna
    Stop 01 / 03

    Wiñay Wayna

    Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.

    • 2,650m altitude
    • 2.5km from Machu Picchu
  2. Inti Punku
    Stop 02 / 03

    Inti Punku

    The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.

    • Sun Gate viewpoint
    • Exclusive to trekkers
  3. Machu Picchu
    Stop 03 / 03

    Machu Picchu

    By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.

    • UNESCO World Heritage
    • #1 Wonder of South America
Clients Feedback

Lovely Words From Our Travelers

Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.

Tripadvisor Reviews

Read all on Tripadvisor

Passport47616819993

Germany • 4 contributions

One day trip Sacred Valley

The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.

Sep 2026 • Couples

Harry W

2 contributions

Amazing experience with Sam travels

I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.

Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.

Sep 2026 • Solo

Carolin

2 contributions

Great experience at short Inca trail

We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.

The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!

Sep 2026 • Couples

Robyn

24 contributions

Great experience because of the team!

Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.

Sep 2026 • Couples

ANDRE m

2 contributions

Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel

We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!

Sep 2026 • Couples

Hamish G

1 contribution

SAM travel

Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers

Sep 2026 • Solo

Theresa Z

1 contribution

Best trek ever!

It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍

Sep 2026 • Couples

Google Reviews

Read all on Google

Sarah Small

Local Guide • 19 reviews • 15 photos

We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…

3 weeks ago

PY LAU

5 reviews • 4 photos

I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…

A month ago

Chris Handley

1 review • 4 photos

We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…

2 months ago

Sam Pauwels

Local Guide • 20 reviews • 109 photos

We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…

2 months ago

Philipp Luthardt

Local Guide • 7 reviews • 11 photos

We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…

2 months ago

H.Y. Lin

Local Guide • 18 reviews • 12 photos

We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…

2 months ago

Jeff Jimerson

Local Guide • 9 reviews • 22 photos

We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…

2 months ago

Trustpilot Reviews

Read all on Trustpilot

Ann McNamara

PE • 1 review

Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…

Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.

Sep 9, 2026

Carolyn

US • 7 reviews

Rainbow Mt and Lake Titikaka

For the second part of our Classic Inca Trail package, we hiked Rainbow Mountain and then toured the islands of Lake Titikaka. On this portion of our trip package, we were able to spend a day/night/morning with a local family on Isla Amantaní. What an incredible experience to really got to understand the culture! Our guide Christian (Chris) from Sam’s Travel was an incredible resource helping us to not only navigate where to be, but also helped us converse with the local community. In addition to being an excellent guide and very knowledgeable, Christian was an AMAZING photographer for our group so we are all in all of the photos!

Jun 29, 2026

Joann Campos

US • 1 review

The Ultimate Birthday Bucket List Experience – The Dream Team of Liz and Abdul!

I recently checked a major dream off my birthday bucket list with an incredible 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. This experience was everything I hoped for and more, largely because of the outstanding duo of Liz Montesinos and Abdul. If you are booking with SAM Travel, I cannot recommend this pair enough—they work so perfectly together as a team that it made our entire journey feel seamless and special.

Liz Montesinos is an absolutely wonderful guide who brought so much heart to our experience. What stood out most was her intense passion for her culture and her country; she doesn’t just share facts, she shares her heritage with a deep pride that makes the history of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu truly come alive. She was also incredibly attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and helping us capture the most stunning photos of our milestone trip.

While Liz provided the incredible storytelling and cultural depth, Abdul was the perfect partner behind the wheel. He is a fantastic driver who made us feel completely safe and relaxed, even on the winding mountain roads. Seeing them work in tandem allowed us to just focus on the magic of Peru. They truly operate as a "dream team," and their combined energy and professionalism made this a birthday I will never forget. If you want the best experience possible, be sure to ask for Liz and Abdul together!

Apr 24, 2026

Susan

PE • 2 reviews

The Inca Trail with the best guide.

We did the 3 night, 4 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel Peru and our guide and organiser was Josep Quiñonez Alvarez. It was a fantastic experience and Josep made it extra special. He is extremely experienced so was able to read the group very well and make adjustments to the route when necessary. His knowledge of the Incan civilisation was excellent and he was able to convey it in superb English with passion and enthusiasm. Despite the ardours of the trail we had a great 4 days, which undoubtedly was definitely down to Josef.

Oct 9, 2025

Jen Thomas

GB • 2 reviews

An amazing adventure

Sam Travel Peru were brilliant from start to finish on the 4 day classic Inca Trail. They were well organised which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The guides Henry and Jimmy were amazing, so fun and helpful. They were informative about Inca history and really knew how to keep the group energised and having a good time. The chef (Mario) came up with some delicious food, pretty incredible at such remote locations. So thankful for the porters too, who made the experience so much more enjoyable by carrying everything to make camp each night (as well as our duffle bags). An all round spectacular experience, so grateful to a wonderful team.

Oct 3, 2024

Anna Mozumdar

US • 1 review

We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…

We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!

Jul 12, 2024

Jon Tam

PE • 1 review

Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy

We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.

Jul 3, 2024
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