5 Day - Salkantay Trek
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5 Day - Salkantay Trek worth booking?
5 Day - Salkantay Trek is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $456 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (13)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $456 per person
Salkantay trek is a high altitude 74km / 46 miles hike in the Cusco region, Peru. The route starts at Mollepata, a small town 100km from Cusco. Trekking includes a visit to Inca site; Machu Picchu both history and nature lovers will enjoy Salkantay trek
What you get
About this experience
Salkantay trek is a high altitude 74km / 46 miles hike in the Cusco region, Peru. The route starts at Mollepata, a small town 100km from Cusco. Trekking includes a visit to Inca site; Machu Picchu both history and nature lovers will enjoy Salkantay trek
What's included
Included
- Transport from Cusco to Challacancha
- Lunch
- 01 night’s stay at a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
- Dinner
- Transport Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Breakfast
- Horses (equipment, food)
- Horse for carrying a maximum of 8 kilograms of baggage per person
- Professional guide
- Pick up from your hotel
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Camping equipment (tents and sleeping mats)
- Return train ticket in expeditions class Aguas Calientes –Ollantaytambo
- Briefing at your hotel, the night before the tour
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch on the final day
- Bottled water or snacks during the tour
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu
- Entrance to machupicchu mountain.
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- Sleeping bag
- Train from hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inca Path Tour Operator
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
8 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for 5 Day - Salkantay Trek. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Bad experience
We booked after reading a lot of good reviews but weren't satisfied at all. The communication was really difficult and it wasn't organised well. They told us to go to the office in Cusco to pay the rest of the money after we paid the advance for the trip, but the office doesn't exist anymore. Then we had to organize the rest via whatsapp. We were gonna meet to get the information of the trek, get our ticket to machu picchu and the train back, but the guide was more then 30minutes late so we had to call him and it looked like he had forgotten. He explained the 5-days trek to us but we booked the 4-days trek, he didn't know. He also thought he already send us the tickets but he didn't, he wanted to send them directly after the meeting but in the end we had to call, write and almost beg him to send the tickets, we received them the morning of departure. Also the duffelbag to put our stuff in, we recieved at the very last minute, after asking. The complete organisation didn't went smooth at all, we had to ask and call multiple times for all the things to recieve them. We left for the trek without our traintickets for the way back, he wanted to sent them during the trip, but again, he didn't and we had to ask multiple times to please send us the tickets. The train should have been in the afternoon so we would be back in Cusco at 10pm, but they booked the train at night so we arrived in Cusco 4 hours later than planned, without any explanation. The trek itself was a really good experience but thats because we joined the group of another organisation, because otherwise the group would be to small. The other organisation was KB Adventures. Here everything was well organised. we really recommend booking directly with this agency instead!! Good guide, well organised and clear.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. However, we would like to clarify several points, as some of the information in your review is not accurate. Regarding the briefing, it was provided approximately 30 minutes later than scheduled, and we explained the reason for the delay at the time. During the briefing, we clearly explained the itinerary for the 4-day Salkantay Trek, which is the trek you had booked. There was no confusion regarding a 5-day trek. Regarding the return train from Machu Picchu, we provided you with two available options: a train at 2:30 PM and another at 8:20 PM. The train schedule was therefore not changed without your knowledge, and both options were communicated to you. As for the tickets, we had explained that they would be delivered to you one day before the departure, and this is exactly what we did. The same applies to the documents and materials provided for the trek. We are sorry if there were delays or difficulties in communication that caused you inconvenience, and we always take our clients' feedback seriously. However, we believe it is important to clarify these points so that future readers have a complete and accurate understanding of what happened. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the trek itself and that you had a good experience with the guide and the group. We remain committed to improving our communication and organisation and to providing our clients with the best possible experience.
via Tripadvisor
We had an amazing trip!
Highly recommend Inca Path Peru! They are very organized and incredibly responsive throughout the trek. We decided on Salkantay and Machu Pichu very last minute and the team spent time online searching for the extra release tickets. We booked the Salkantay trek from Australia, no problem, they made time to call and explain the details. So much care was taken for us and we always felt in good hands. Edwin even visited us the night before to explain and brief us before the trek, excellent English and we felt prepared for the 5 days. Really appreciate the service and will recommend to all our friends, for a trusted local travel agency. BIG Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Superb experience, passionate hikers we feasted! Physical and intense but worth it! Organization and team on top! Breathtaking landscapes! Many thanks to our exceptional guides Nidia and Olger who shared their knowledge and love of nature and their origins. And thank you to the cooks who accompany us and prepare excellent meals throughout the trek! I will do it again with great pleasure and strongly advise you.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing!
Superb experience, passionate hikers we feasted! Physical and intense but worth it! Organization and team on top! Breathtaking landscapes! Many thanks to our exceptional guides Nidia and Olger who shared their knowledge and love of nature and their origins. And thank you to the cooks who accompany us and prepare excellent meals throughout the trek! I will do it again with great pleasure and strongly advise you.
via Viator (translated)
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
Amazing Attention, Explanations, Guide, Routes, all super organized and especially Edwin 100% aware of any mishap. He always picked up your phone and kindly helped you and solved your doubts. Without a doubt 100% recommended to anyone who wants to do tours and routes in Peru. Cuzco-Salkantay Tour with Machu Piccu 5 Days and Sacred Valley Tour
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5 Day - Salkantay Trek: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 5 Day - Salkantay Trek cost?
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Prices start at $456 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 5 Day - Salkantay Trek take?
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Plan for about 120 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 5 Day - Salkantay Trek worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 5 Day - Salkantay Trek?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 5 Day - Salkantay Trek suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 120-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 5 Day - Salkantay Trek?
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Around 5 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 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 5 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), 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.
What is included in 5 Day - Salkantay Trek?
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Included: Transport from Cusco to Challacancha; Lunch; 01 night’s stay at a hostel in Aguas Calientes; Dinner; and Transport Ollantaytambo - Cusco. Not included: Breakfast on the first day; Lunch on the final day; Bottled water or snacks during the tour; and Entrance to Huayna Picchu. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 5 Day - Salkantay Trek include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 422 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 5 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 5 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. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 5 Day - Salkantay Trek wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 5 Day - Salkantay Trek if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 5 Day - Salkantay Trek?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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