5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes

Outty Ranking 59 4.7 · 6 traveler reviews120 hoursFrom $430
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes worth booking?

5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $430 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (6)
Duration
120 hours
From
$430 per person

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and considered by most to be the best alternative route (and maybe even better!). This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties. Witness with your own eyes a living, but ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever seen by foreigners! The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive mountain range extending over 260 km,. The snow-capped mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 MASL– 20574 FASL in height. It is an outstanding snowy peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and it has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and considered by most to be the best alternative route (and maybe even better!). This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties. Witness with your own eyes a living, but ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever seen by foreigners! The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive mountain range extending over 260 km,. The snow-capped mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 MASL– 20574 FASL in height. It is an outstanding snowy peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and it has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bio-degradable personal hand soaps and Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our staff
    • Second day Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
    • Transport back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
    • Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
    • Lunch
    • Horseman, mules or porters (they just carry cooking and camping equipment) 7kgs your personal things
    • Dinner
    • Breakfast
    • Transport to Soraypampa ( trailhead)
    • Professional bilingual tour guide
    • Entrance fee Machu Picchu
    • 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carry by the horses
    • Collection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
    • Entrance fees to The Salkantay Trek
    • Vegetarian/special diet options available
    • Tourist train back to Ollantaytambo
    • Thermarest(air mat) sleeping mat
    • First Aid kit

    Not included

    • Entrance fees to Huyanapicchu
    • Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Machu Picchu Amazon Peru

    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 a high level of physical fitness

    Photos

    5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, photo 25 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, photo 35 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, photo 45 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, photo 55 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, photo 65 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Explorer67045295215 · March 2026

    Perfect 5 days to Machu Picchu

    This was one of the top treks i wanted to experience in Peru and i am all thankful to our guide, Richard who was incredibly nice and passionate to explain every bit of detail. The trek is a bit challenging, especially on the second day however, Richard kept us engaging with stories and distracted from the thought of the challenge. Everything was organised well, the guided tour of Machu Picchu was an icing on the cake, there were not many tourists so we had plenty of time to walk around and get photos. Just on the downside, it started raining as we were almost ending the tour but the guide was quick to hand Rain Ponchos. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    Maps54081470794 · December 2025

    Well organised 5 day Salcantay Trek

    We had a fun experience at Salcantay Trek! Machu Picchu Amazon Peru organised everything for us, including Machu Picchu entrance tickets, all transportation, food and accomodation. We got a duffel bag that was carried for us and made our trip more comfortable and we could concentrate on the beautiful nature - especially Humantay Lake was a highlight! We were picked up and dropped off at our Hostel directly. Communication was easy and the owner is very friendly. I would definitely do it again.

    via Tripadvisor

    theresaoe · December 2025

    5 Day Salkantay to Machu Picchu

    I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek with a friend. Everything was organized very well, from the beginning - the owner of machu picchu amazon peru is very friendly and helpful. We were picked up from our hostel and hiked for 4 days, and on the 5th day we saw Machu Picchu! It was very cloudy at first because of rainy season but it cleared up a little later. We got walking sticks, a rain poncho, and duffel bags, which were transported for the whole trek, so we only had to carry our light daypacks. We slept every night in either a block hut or a dome! Would definitely recommend this trek! :)

    via Tripadvisor

    E2243JGcarolc · November 2025

    Highly recommend this trek

    Perfect way to visit Machu Picchu. We wanted to do the Inca Trail, however since there was no availability, Richard recommended me to do this and it was a perfect experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    JulieHennequin · June 2024

    Good trek, bad ending

    I have good and bad review about the agency. I did the salkantay trek 5 days (train + bus to come back). Good : the trek itself was great. Good guide (renee) with many explanations, the food is excellent, the view, the people I met there. Good experience for this part. Bad : I was supposed to get a come back train between 3 and 6pm in machupicchu. The agency warned me few hours before the trek started that only 9:30pm train was available (arriving at cusco at 1am). I had to cancel things last minute. They said I couldn't get any earlier train ticket. I said it was possible cause friends in my group did it (I had proof). They didn't believe me and didn't offer me the choice to pay an earlier ticket. My train got delayed and I arrived in cusco at 4am instead of 1am. He said a taxi would wait for me cause I warned him i was alone, no internet, no money left on me. No one waited for me and I didn't have the money to pay one. I had to walk 30 min to my hôtel alone girl in the night with all my bags. Super tired after 5 day trek and waiting my train for 10h then 4h drive in a train + bus. My advice : if you still want to go with this company you should know few things. Make sure you agree on everything prior booking. You can pay last minute entrances to machupicchu and train tickets directly in the town the 5th day even if they tell you that it's not possible. Do not plan anything the next day in case things go wrong. During the trek it can be very cold at night (-8°C) and the cooker won't agree to give you hot water in your plastic bottle for the night to feel warmer. The price 355 dollars is correct but you have to pay for everything: water, toilet, entrances, blankets, bus, first and last food ... at the end you need around 300 soles more. On this part, the agency warned me and was honest but they said 200 soles when it's actually more 300 s/. You can go there, but be aware of all of that.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We are glad that you enjoyed the trekking, the guide and the food. We are very sorry about the problems with the train and transportation. We take note of your advice and will work to improve communication and coordination. We appreciate your honesty!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    120 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $430 to $550
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)46
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes cost?

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    Prices start at $430 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes?

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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 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes?

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    Around 2 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes?

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    Included: Bio-degradable personal hand soaps and Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our s; Second day Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth; Transport back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco; Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables); and Lunch. Not included: Entrance fees to Huyanapicchu; and Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 175 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes?

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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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes 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 – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes 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.

    What do travelers say about 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes?

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    Across 6 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, the guide, photo opportunities. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 5 Day Salkantay Trek – Hike to Machu Picchu & Andean Landscapes.

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