If you’re looking to enjoy one of the world’s best trekking routes in just a few days, our Salkantay Trek combined with the 2-day Inca Trail is the perfect adventure for you.
For those ready to take on the Salkantay Trek with a 2-day Inca Trail connection, we offer a truly unique journey that will exceed your expectations. The Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of the highest peaks in the Andes and even taller than any mountain in North America, offers breathtaking views of turquoise lakes, stunning glaciers, and lush cloud forests.
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous and iconic treks in the world, following original stone paths built by the Incas. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient archaeological sites surrounded by diverse flora, fauna, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
As a nature lover, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant green vegetation during the final stretch of the trek and the incredible biodiversity throughout the journey.
During the first two days, we follow one of the classic Salkantay routes. On the third day, we leave the traditional path to join the Inca Trail, giving you the amazing opportunity to discover several impressive archaeological ruins before arriving at the majestic Machu Picchu.
Vive una de las mejores caminatas de Perú con Tunqui Expeditions: una aventura de 5 días que combina el Salkantay Trek con el Camino Inca Corto hasta Machu Picchu, ideal para los amantes de la naturaleza, la cultura y la historia andina.
Nuestra caminata comienza en la ciudad de Cusco con destino a Soraypampa. Desde allí iniciamos la ruta hacia la espectacular Laguna Humantay, famosa por sus aguas turquesas. Pasaremos la noche en Ichupata, cerca de la imponente Montaña Salkantay.
El segundo día alcanzamos la cumbre del Paso Inca Chiriasca, con vistas panorámicas impresionantes. Luego descendemos por el bosque nuboso, observando la diversidad de flora y fauna. Acamparemos en Paucar Cancha, un lugar mágico bajo las estrellas.
Nos dirigiremos al sitio arqueológico de Llactapata, desde donde se puede observar el Valle Sagrado. Por la tarde, caminaremos hasta Piscacucho (Km 82), donde nuestro transporte privado nos llevará a Ollantaytambo para pasar la noche en hotel.
Desde Ollantaytambo tomaremos el tren hasta el Km 104, punto de inicio del Camino Inca Corto. Exploraremos sitios como Chachabamba y Wiñay Wayna, hasta llegar al Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol) con las primeras vistas de Machu Picchu. Pernoctamos en Aguas Calientes.
Al amanecer, abordaremos el primer bus a Machu Picchu para una visita guiada de aproximadamente tres horas con un guía experto, explorando una de las maravillas del mundo y aprendiendo sobre la increíble cultura inca. Regresaremos a Cusco por tren y transporte privado.
Highlight of the Day: Witness the magnificent sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay up close.
A day hard to believe the majesty of Salkantay.
We will begin our journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 4:45 am. In our private Tunqui Expeditions transport, we will travel to Soraypampa for 3 hours, where we will enjoy the first breakfast prepared by our chef.
During the trip, you will enjoy views of the beautiful Salkantay and Humantay mountains, as well as the lush green vegetation and the local family fields where they grow beans, quinoa, potatoes, etc.
The hike will begin at Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). There we will meet our support staff, who will prepare everything for the Salkantay Trek and load the equipment onto the horses.
First, we will hike to the marvelous Humantay Lagoon, where you will have time to relax and take photos. Then we will descend to Soraypampa to officially start the trek.
It will be a tough day as we will have to walk up to Ichupata (4,300 m / 14,104 ft) in the upper valley, which will take approximately 5 to 6 hours.
We will stop for lunch at Salkantaypampa and then continue to Ichupata to spend the night. We will set up camp, have happy hour, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
Camp Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
Highlight of the Day: Enjoy the most beautiful landscape imaginable as you get close to immense glaciers.
Adventure with Tunqui Expeditions through Andean Landscapes.
In the morning, our porters will wake us with coca tea, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. After breakfast, we will begin the most challenging yet exciting hike. Alongside your guide, you will reach the Inca Chiriasca Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft) at a smooth pace, allowing you to admire the breathtaking views of the glacier mountains. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy hot coca tea, views of the valley and lakes, and even spot birds such as condors and hawks.
Next, we will descend or take an optional 30-minute hike to a glacier. We will then continue hiking to the lunch spot, where our porters will be waiting with traditional hot tea and a delicious lunch.
For the rest of the day, we will hike downhill through green valleys and streams before reaching the Paucar Cancha camp in a small village of 10 families.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
Camp Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Highlight of the Day: Witness the climate change as you step onto the Inca Trail.
Explore the Sacred Valley alongside the Vilcanota River (Willkamayu).
Today will be an exciting day as we leave the Salkantay trek to join the Classic Inca Trail. We will start hiking downhill for about 2 hours from Paucar Cancha (3,133 m / 10,276 ft) to Wayllabamba (3,323 m / 10,901 ft) and discover one of the Inca sites.
To reach Km 82, the start of the Inca Trail, we will walk downhill for approximately 5 hours. Along the way, you will see the Inca site known as Llactapata, the first archaeological site on the Inca Trail. Here, our chef will prepare a delicious lunch.
After lunch, our private van will be waiting to take us to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 ft), where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes the next day.
Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel to spend the night and have the opportunity to relax before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Hotel Altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft
– Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the Day: Explore the stunning tropical forest landscapes while visiting archaeological sites and enjoy a beautiful view of Machu Picchu.
Explore the ancient Inca trails and enjoy breathtaking views.
Your adventure with Tunqui Expeditions will begin early, with a hotel pickup at 5:00 am. We will walk with our guide to the train station. Here, we will board the first train to KM 104, the starting point of our hike. Along the way, you will witness incredible views of the Andean mountains, sacred fields, and the Urubamba River, enjoying the warm sunrise. Before the trek, you will receive a brief explanation from the guide, a box lunch, and some snacks to enjoy later.
We will start on a stretch similar to the Classic Inca Trail, visiting the first nearby archaeological site: Chachabamba. This site was a strategic guardian and checkpoint for those accessing the Inca Trail. Your guide will pause briefly to share fascinating insights into Inca history. From here, the real hike begins for another 3 hours until we reach the Wiñay Wayna Complex. Along the way, you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains offering stunning valley views.
At Wiñay Wayna, you will have plenty of time to relax, rest, and connect with Mother Nature through the refreshing air. A little further on, you will arrive at one of the Classic Inca Trail campsites. Here, around noon, you will enjoy a delicious box lunch and then take some time to relax.
Afterward, we will continue hiking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Enjoy your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, then descend to the town of Aguas Calientes. Check into your hotel, have dinner at a local restaurant, and rest for our Machu Picchu visit the following day.
Meals: Snacks, Box Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Hotel Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Highlight of the Day: Stroll through the stone streets of Machu Picchu and imagine life centuries ago.
Marvel at the energy of Machu Picchu and Discover Inca Secrets.
Your epic journey comes to an end today with a visit to the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before departing early. We will board the bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site to arrive before the crowds. This way, you can take advantage of the morning light and watch the sun rise over the ancient rocks.
At the hotel, you can leave your backpack or unnecessary items for the Machu Picchu visit, bringing only essentials. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes. Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to the best spot to witness the sunrise (weather permitting) and take photos. Then, your expert history guide will explain the main sections of the citadel over the course of 2.5 hours. During this private guided tour, you will learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
You can choose to hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance as spots fill up quickly, costing $75 per person). Your guide will show you where to start this hike. The hike will take no more than 2 hours round trip.
Alternatively, you can hike Machu Picchu Mountain, which is more challenging and takes a minimum of 3 hours round trip (with an additional cost of USD $75 per person).
After exploring this magical site from start to finish, around noon, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. In the afternoon, around 2 pm, we will head to the train station bound for Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, Tunqui Expeditions’ private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Now it’s time to rest your legs after an epic 8-day adventure through the mountains and jungle. We are sure you will never forget this life-changing trek.
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Huayna Picchu Mountain Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Optional Activities (Difficulty – Duration): Moderate (2-4 hours)
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly outline what is and isn’t included in every itinerary listed on our website. We take care of all logistics, but please read the details carefully so you don’t miss anything important.
Some elements may vary depending on the specific program, so make sure to check before booking with us.
As soon as we receive your complete information and the booking deposit, we will purchase all necessary permits (subject to availability). These are issued for a specific date and in your name, and cannot be changed under any circumstances. Passport number changes are only allowed for renewal purposes, in which case both old and new passports must be presented.
Pre-Departure Briefing
You’ll meet your tour guide and group at our office the night before your trek (5:00 pm). You’ll receive a duffel bag, which will be carried by our horsemen. The weight limit is 8 kg (17 lb), including your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (if rented or brought).
Professional Tour Guide
Certified bilingual tour guide (Spanish & English), graduates from the Tourism program at the Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco. They are chosen for their professionalism, passion for history and culture, and deep local roots.
First Aid Kit and Medical Assistance
All Tunqui Expeditions guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness response. Each guide carries a complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen. In critical cases, we ensure fast evacuation to a medical facility.
We pay attention to the small details that make your experience unforgettable:
Train Tickets:
Ethical Treatment of Porters
Our founder, Silvio Tunqui, began as a porter himself. That’s why we’re deeply committed to the fair treatment of all our porters. We provide proper salaries, gear (jackets, sleeping bags, boots, headlamps, etc.), medical assistance, and support for their families and communities.
Porters’ Own Trips to Machu Picchu
Four times a year, we take our porters and their families on a full 2-day trip to Machu Picchu, often their first time visiting the site they help so many travelers reach.
Gender Equality
We proudly include female guides, porters, and chefs in our team. Since 2022, we’ve worked toward a 50/50 balance.
Eco-Friendly Trekking
We leave no trace, use biodegradable products whenever possible, and include an extra porter to help collect waste left behind by other groups.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about traveling with us, all in one place.
If you have a question we haven’t answered here, feel free to contact us — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a fantastic alternative to the Classic Inca Trail and ideal for adventurous hikers who are comfortable with higher altitudes and longer distances. The ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) is not overly steep or exhausting since it takes place early in the trek. Still, it does require endurance and proper acclimatization in Cusco before starting.
It’s very important to be well acclimatized before taking on a high-altitude hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before the trek to help your body adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
Even if you’ve been at high altitudes elsewhere in Peru, we still suggest spending a full day in Cusco to rest and enjoy the city before your adventure.
Suggested activities around Cusco before your trek:
All briefings take place at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 pm the day before your tour. The session lasts approximately 30–45 minutes. If you can’t attend, contact us by email, phone, or visit our office to reschedule.
Any outstanding balance must be paid at least 2 days before your trek to confirm your booking.
We kindly ask that you pay the balance in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. ATMs on Avenida Sol offer both currencies. You may also pay with credit/debit card or PayPal, either online or in person, but please note that both Niubiz and PayPal charge a 5% service fee.
We do not accept personal or traveler’s checks.
You’ll receive your duffel bag during the pre-trek briefing. It will be carried by our porters and handed back to you at each campsite.
Duffel size: 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.4 x 8.7 in)
Weight limit: 7 kg / 15.4 lb, including your sleeping bag, pad, clothes, and personal items.
Absolutely!
You can store your luggage at our office or your hotel in Cusco free of charge. This can be arranged at the briefing or via email.
Do not leave valuables in your luggage — keep them in the hotel safe with a detailed receipt, which some travel insurance providers may require. For extra peace of mind, seal small items like credit cards in signed envelopes.
We offer hotel pickup within Cusco’s Historic Center. Your guide will confirm the exact time during the briefing. Note that due to traffic, pickups can vary by 30 to 45 minutes.
Cusco has many narrow cobblestone streets, and some Airbnbs or hotels may not be accessible by car. If your lodging is on a steep hill or narrow street, we strongly recommend booking accommodation with vehicle access.
Group tours are made up of people of different ages and fitness levels. You’re free to hike at your own pace. Some participants may be faster or slower, and that’s okay.
In case a group wishes to modify the itinerary, your guide will make the final decision after consulting with all members.
Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry — everything is included:
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and may occasionally disrupt our tours. Roads or train tracks may be blocked.
We will always do our best to stick to the original plan — even if that means departing a day early. If changes or cancellations are necessary, our operations team will coordinate directly with you.
Your safety is our top priority, and we will make decisions accordingly.
Please be mindful of where you leave your belongings. You are responsible for your personal items during the trek and at camps, restaurants, or transportation. Always double-check before leaving any place.
Prepare properly for your adventure! Below is a complete checklist of what to bring for the trek to ensure comfort, safety, and an unforgettable experience.
Our porters or horsemen will carry up to 8 kg (17 lb) of your personal items, including your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (these two together weigh approx. 3.5 kg).
The Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail (5 Days) departs any day of the week, year-round, from January to December.
Yes — we operate this itinerary during the entire season.
This small group trek is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 participants.
Important: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee, which we kindly ask the client to cover for online deposits only. The balance can be paid in cash (USD or soles) at our office during the pre-trek briefing without any fees.
Enhance your Peru adventure by adding one of the following tours:
You can rent the following items for your trek:
Customize your experience with these extras:
Once your booking is confirmed, we guarantee the price will not increase, regardless of changes in regulations, fuel prices, or other variables.
We recommend reviewing all important trip information before finalizing your reservation.
Save US$ 20.00 per person!
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, please provide a clear copy or photo of the passport at the time of booking. The passport must be valid and not expire before the travel date.
Send the document to: info@tunquiexpeditions.com
