
5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu worth booking?
5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $595 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $595 per person
Enjoy a 5 day 4 night trek to Machu Picchu. One of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, the Salkantay is a great alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. You will enjoy a unique experience and visit Machu Picchu to top-off your adventure. A professional guide and transport are included.This trek is open to everybody meaning that there are no permit limitations. We will have horses and mules to carry all your gear, and a chef and porters. It’s a beautiful trek that takes us along the highlands of the Andes into the cloud forest. This trek is located less than sixty miles northwest of Cusco in the Vilcabamba mountain range. Rising to 20,574 feet, Mount Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped by local Peruvians. Our classic Salkantay Trek is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Train ride from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo on the Vistadome trains from Peru Rail or Similar
- 3 nights camping, with all camping equipment included, except sleeping bag
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
About this experience
Enjoy a 5 day 4 night trek to Machu Picchu. One of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, the Salkantay is a great alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. You will enjoy a unique experience and visit Machu Picchu to top-off your adventure. A professional guide and transport are included.This trek is open to everybody meaning that there are no permit limitations. We will have horses and mules to carry all your gear, and a chef and porters. It’s a beautiful trek that takes us along the highlands of the Andes into the cloud forest. This trek is located less than sixty miles northwest of Cusco in the Vilcabamba mountain range. Rising to 20,574 feet, Mount Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped by local Peruvians. Our classic Salkantay Trek is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Train ride from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo on the Vistadome trains from Peru Rail or Similar
- 3 nights camping, with all camping equipment included, except sleeping bag
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- All tours stated in the itinerary are with English-speaking guides
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes hostel
- Chef during the hike, helpers, horsemen, cargo horses as well as riding horses for the passengers
- Private transportation to the beginning of the trek
Not included
- Sleeping bags for the trek
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Amazing Andean Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please provide a copy of every participants passport after confirmation so we can secure train tickets.
- Note: There are optional activities including zip line in the rainforest and hot springs on the 4th day. You can contact the local tour operator to arrange these activities
Photos




Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Amazing Adventure
This was an unforgettable experience. Breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and good food. The tour guide was wonderful at creating a great experience for hikers of all abilities and making sure slower hikers had enough time to make it each day.
Response from the operator: Thank you Natalie for writing a review. We enjoyed having you both with us on the Salkantay. We attempt to make sure all our travelers enjoy themselves, the experienced and the perhaps not so experienced. Thanks again for writing a review and for your business, we appreciate it.
via Tripadvisor
Inka trail
I had an amazing experience walking the inka trails, Juan is a great guide, super friendly. We had a 3 days walk sleeping on the mountains with breathtking views. Everything was so well organized, and even the weather was super kind to us! I can recommend to all, couples ,groups,private tours! Its not easy but really worth it to approach Machu picchu through this way! Would do it again anytime! <3
Response from the operator: Thank you Kinga, we are glad you enjoyed your trek. It was a pleasure to meet you and the group. I know you have a choice in tour companies and we appreciate your review and recommendation on Trip Advisor. Please come back to visit us anytime. Sincerely, Juan
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 7+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Price range
- $595 to $670
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu cost?
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Prices start at $595 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 to Machu Picchu 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 to Machu Picchu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 to Machu Picchu?
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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 to Machu Picchu suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 7. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 120-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?
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Around 1 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 to Machu Picchu 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 to Machu Picchu?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Train ride from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo on the Vistadome trains from Peru Rail or Si; 3 nights camping, with all camping equipment included, except sleeping bag; Lunch; and Dinner. Not included: Sleeping bags for the trek; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 306 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 to Machu Picchu?
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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.
What happens to 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 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.
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