5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu worth booking?
5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $500 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (11)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $500 per person
Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in Cusco and is undoubtedly the best
What you get
- Dinner
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes Town
- cook, assistant cook and muleteer
- Entrances to Salkantay and Machupicchu
- Camping equipment, inflatable mats, dining tent, cooking tent
- Breakfast
About this experience
Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in Cusco and is undoubtedly the best alternative trek to experience the original Inca Trails. This trek takes you through many different types of landscapes. You will have the best opportunity to see the typical Andean landscape up to the snowy mountains, the tropical forests and, finally, venture into the dense Inca jungle. If you are thinking of taking a trekking trip to Machu Picchu and want to be off the beaten treks, near the Andean communities and appreciate the beautiful and diverse nature of Peru, the Salkantay Trek is highly recommended
What's included
Included
- Dinner
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes Town
- cook, assistant cook and muleteer
- Entrances to Salkantay and Machupicchu
- Camping equipment, inflatable mats, dining tent, cooking tent
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- 3 nights Andean huts Camp site
- Bilingual tour guide
- Trains tickets , to return to Cusco
- Tourist transport
Not included
- 1st breakfast and the last lunch after the tour of Machu Picchu
- Tickets bus roundtrip in Machu Picchu
- sleeping bag, walking stick
- tips
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
We will be waiting with a blue flag
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
near to the main plaza de armas Cusco
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Peru Adventure Trek
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for 5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
We had a great experience with Peru Adventure Trek. The meeting the night before leaving made everything clear. They handed us our train tickets and Machu Picchu tickets too. They booked us the circuit 2 without us having to ask which we really appreciated (it’s the best circuit). They explained the trek more in detail and now, after finishing the trek, we can confirm that the information we were given was really accurate. The pickup was easy, someone came to get us at our hotel. The communication was easy via WhatsApp. At the end of the 5th day, someone was waiting for us to bring us back to Cusco after our train ride which was nice (we didn’t have to pay extra for bus tickets). Overall I really had a great experience with this company!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We are truly happy to hear that you had such a great experience with Peru Adventure Trek. It was a pleasure to organize your trek and make sure everything was clear and well coordinated from the beginning, from the pre-trek briefing and tickets to your transportation back to Cusco. We are especially glad that the information provided before the trek was accurate and helpful throughout your journey. Thank you for trusting us and for taking the time to share your experience. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in Peru for another unforgettable adventure! Warm regards, Peru Adventure Trek Team
via Tripadvisor
Super Salkantay Experience
I came to this company on the recommendation of a friend, from the moment I contacted the agency they were very attentive, they answered all my questions and everything on the route was well organized, the guide and the cooks were excellent, I am taking away a super experience from this beautiful hike and I 100% recommend Peru Adventure Trek.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por su excelente reseña y por confiar en Peru Adventure Trek! 😊 Nos alegra saber que llegó a nosotros por recomendación y que, desde el primer contacto, pudo sentirse bien atendido. Nuestro compromiso es brindar un servicio de calidad antes, durante y después de cada aventura. Nos llena de orgullo que haya disfrutado de la organización del trek, así como del trabajo de nuestro guía y de nuestros cocineros de alta montaña. Compartiremos sus palabras con todo el equipo; sin duda serán una gran motivación para seguir dando lo mejor. Gracias por recomendarnos al 100%. Esperamos tener el placer de acompañarlo nuevamente en una próxima aventura por los maravillosos paisajes del Perú. ¡Hasta pronto y buenos caminos! ⛰️ **El equipo de Peru Adventure Trek**
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Spaniards in the Andean mountains.
A completely recommendable experience. Great welcome from the beginning to the end, with high-altitude chefs who cooked for us as if we were at a Michelin star restaurant. Not to mention our guide Smith, who made it possible to explore those spectacular trails and mountains, always taking care of us and ensuring we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. We liked it so much that we also booked Pallaypunchu with them, a little-known but wonderful mountain. Definitely worth repeating! Thank you for making it possible! A little piece of us has stayed at over 4500m.a.s.l.!
Response from the operator: Antes que nada, ¡muchísimas gracias por compartir una reseña tan especial! ¡Muchísimas gracias por sus hermosas palabras! 😊 Nos llena de alegría saber que disfrutaron de esta gran aventura junto a nosotros. Comentarios como el suyo son la mayor recompensa para todo nuestro equipo. Nos alegra especialmente que hayan destacado el trabajo de nuestro chef de alta montaña y de nuestro guía Smith, quien estará muy feliz de saber que contribuyó a que esta experiencia fuera inolvidable. También nos emociona saber que decidieron acompañarnos a descubrir Pallay Punchu, una joya poco conocida de los Andes. Esperamos que los recuerdos de estas montañas los acompañen siempre. Será un verdadero placer recibirlos nuevamente en Perú para seguir compartiendo nuevas aventuras. ¡Gracias por confiar en Peru Adventure Trek y por dejarnos un pedacito de su corazón en nuestras montañas! ⛰️❤️ ¡Hasta la próxima aventura! El equipo de Peru Adventure Trek
via Tripadvisor (translated)
The best trip of our lives
My friend and I (24 years old) went, and it was undoubtedly the trip of our lives! Everything was very organized, attention to detail in everything, the food was SPECTACULAR, with many things included. The guides did an incredible job. Freddy was great! I will recommend it!
Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por sus palabras! 😊 Nos llena de alegría saber que fue el viaje de sus vidas y que disfrutaron cada momento junto a nosotros. Gracias por confiar en nuestro equipo y permitirnos ser parte de esta aventura tan especial. Nos motiva mucho saber que valoraron la organización, la comida, el trabajo de nuestros guías y la atención en cada detalle. Todo el staff trabaja con mucho cariño para crear experiencias inolvidables. hasta la proxima !!!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Nice Experience!!! Humantay
Despite the bad weather the organization was excellent, the food the Guide took care of us throughout the route made it possible for us to reach the Humantay lagoon and get a nice experience, highly recommended 🙂
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $500 to $550
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 5 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu cost?
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Prices start at $500 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 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu 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 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 11 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 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu?
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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 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. 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 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu?
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Around 4 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 Days Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu 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, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, 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.
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