
4-Day Salkantay Trek
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 520 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 4-Day Salkantay Trek worth booking?
4-Day Salkantay Trek is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $777 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 520 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (520)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $777 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 83. At $777 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Prices and availability checked
This is a more mountainous and adventurous route than the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which will take you through incredible landscapes with various types of exotic flora and fauna. A unique and specially designed 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Trek OFF the beaten path, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of LLACTAPATA with the greatest view of Machu Picchu.
What you get
About this experience
This is a more mountainous and adventurous route than the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which will take you through incredible landscapes with various types of exotic flora and fauna. A unique and specially designed 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Trek OFF the beaten path, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of LLACTAPATA with the greatest view of Machu Picchu.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Meals other than indicated
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Salkantay + Huayna Picchu
Salkantay + Huayna Picchu hike Duration: 1 hour: Hike Salkantay to Machu Picchu! After your tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel, do an extra hike up spectacular Huayna Picchu! Salkantay + Huayna Picchu Hike: The extra Huayna Picchu hike departs from within the Machu Picchu Citadel. This is a narrow, steep trail not for young kids. Pickup included
Unique 4 Day Salkantay Trek
Unique 4 Day Salkantay Trek: Hike Salkantay to Machu Picchu! Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Paper
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SAM Travel Peru
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 486 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
486 verified traveler reviews for 4-Day Salkantay Trek. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Incredible experience!
The bike was incredible, while it was hard totally worth it! The chefs were amazing, the horseman was super helpful and our guide gave great recommendations!
via Tripadvisor
Great trek and amazing guide
Great experience! Christian was the best guide ever - very knowledgable, funny and very considerate of the groups needs. Trek was great and good value for money. Only improvement would be more water being available so we didn’t have to buy our own
via Tripadvisor
5D Salkantay with Grober
I did the 5D Salkantay trek with a friend and it was incredible! Our guide, Grober, was so knowledgable and funny (a real jokester) and led the group so well. A 4D trek began at the same time as us, so we were 9 for the first 2 days and then 5 for the remainder. We had someone get pretty bad altitude sickness on the second day so he was slow and another girl was slow on the ups - but walking at different paces was no problem at all. Go at your own pace, the group will wait, and you’ll make it! The hike is tough, but doable. By the end of day 4 we were extremely tired, but felt accomplished. All of the accommodations had wifi (ask your guide) and electricity to charge your devices. The distances, accommodations, etc. on the website aren’t totally accurate, here’s what we did: Day 1 - 6km - Humantay Lake -domes (no hot water and very cold) Day 2 - 21km - Salkantay Pass - domes Day 3 - 9km - hot springs and coffee plantation - jungle lodge Day 4 - 22km - hotel Day 5 - Macchu Picchu (we had circuit 1C which includes panaromic view and sun gate - amazing!!) Something to note is many of the cheaper trekking companies promise entrance to Machu Picchu, but when talking to folks along the way, they told us that the company said they were unable to secure the tickets. Make sure you have a ticket after booking (ask to see proof) and book in advance. The bugs were terrible on day 3-5, make sure to bring bug spray. I reacted very badly to my bites and needed to go to the doctor when back in Cusco. I’d recommend bringing bug spray and an antihistamine and itch cream, just in case. The food was really delicious. Again, to note is that some of the folks on treks with other companies reported a stomach bug, but we were all fine. Make sure you have cash for bathrooms (1-2 soles). You get water at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but if you need more, you can buy along the way. We were told that appropriate tipping was: - 50 soles from each person to split between the two porters - 500 soles total from the group to split between cook and assistant cook - Tip for the guide. We weren’t given a guideline, but each person gave around 100 soles
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
I had a great 5 days on this trek! Despite some disorganisation from the office the travel was well organised and corresponded by our guide who was also very helpful when picking us up and then dropping us off. The accommodation was a welcome comfort after long days on the trail and meals were always plentiful and nutritious, although water wasn’t always prepared for us. Our guide Christian was brilliant, very knowledgeable about wildlife and extremely passionate about nature. He was a beacon of positivity during the hard parts and we very much enjoyed his company! Overall, when I think about how much we paid for the trip, it was extremely good value.
via Tripadvisor
Help me get my jaw off the floor
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this tour, everyday was the greatest adventure of my life, our guide Joaquin was so incredibly knowledgeable and taught me so much of the Spanish and Peruvian history and culture, he prepared us so well for every hike, the hikes were challenging but so breathtaking that you forget all about your legs being numb, and dare I mention the food? The chefs we had were just unreal, heber was incredible and prepared the most delicious meals for our group while flying down the mountain to prepare quickly for our group. This was a trip of lifetime, do it!!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $777 to $872
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 182
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
4-Day Salkantay Trek: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How does 4-Day Salkantay Trek compare to similar tours in Cusco?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 83. At $777 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Who is 4-Day Salkantay Trek best for?
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It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 96-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is 4-Day Salkantay Trek good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $777, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does 4-Day Salkantay Trek cost?
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Prices start at $777 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 4-Day Salkantay Trek take?
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Plan for about 96 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 4-Day Salkantay Trek worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 520 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 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
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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 4-Day Salkantay Trek suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
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Around 182 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 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 4-Day Salkantay Trek 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), 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?
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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.
What is included in 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
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Included: Lunch; Dinner; and Breakfast. Not included: Meals other than indicated. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 4-Day Salkantay Trek include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 226 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 4-Day Salkantay Trek offered in?
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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 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Bring a printed voucher, as paper tickets are required.
Is 4-Day Salkantay Trek wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 4-Day Salkantay Trek if the weather is bad?
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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 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
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Across 520 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for 4-Day Salkantay Trek?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Salkantay + Huayna Picchu, Unique 4 Day Salkantay Trek. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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