Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco
Cusco, Peru

Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike

Outty Ranking 88 5.0 · 5,135 traveler reviews120 hoursFrom $760
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Outty Ranking

88/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5,135 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike worth booking?

Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $760 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 5/5 rating across 5,135 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
88 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5,135)
Duration
120 hours
From
$760 per person

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering

What you get

  • All transportation necessary during the trek is guaranteed.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced Mountain Guide
  • Lunch
  • 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
  • Dinner

About this experience

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering snow-capped peaks like Humantay, make a dramatic transition to venture into the Cloud Forest, and pass a section of the Inca Path. If you want to be off the main route to Machu Picchu, close to remote towns, and Peru’s hypnotic nature, this Salkantay Trek is for you. • Join a small-group trek with the Kings of the Salkantay Trail • See Humantay Lake and beat the Salkantay Pass • Spend three nights in exclusive accommodations in the middle of the mountains • Visit an organic coffee farm in the High-jungle valleys • Explore the World best UNESCO site: Machu Picchu

What's included

Included

  • All transportation necessary during the trek is guaranteed.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced Mountain Guide
  • Lunch
  • 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
  • Dinner
  • Backpack cover
  • Breakfast
  • One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
  • Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.
  • Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the Trail
  • Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
  • Machu Picchu entrance fee(Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
  • Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
  • Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
  • Panoramic return trip on the Expedition or The Voyager train.
  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance fees to the Salkantay and Humantay Lake trails
  • Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
  • Satellite phones
  • Pre-departure briefing (One day before your trek at 17:00hrs)

Not included

  • Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
  • Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
  • Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay (Day 2)
  • Return bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Optional, paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
  • Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (alternative to walking; paid on site)
  • Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
  • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

Options you can book

  • With Huchuy Picchu Mountain

    Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

  • Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days from Cusco

    Pickup included

  • With Machu Picchu Mountain

    Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included

  • With Huayna Picchu Mountain

    Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

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 10 travelers per booking
Operated by
Salkantay Trekking

Know before you go

  • Service animals allowed
  • 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
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure spaces.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
  • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Photos

Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco, photo 2Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco, photo 3Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco, photo 4Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco, photo 5Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco, photo 6Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike in Cusco, photo 7

Good to know

Duration
120 hours
Free cancellation
Non-refundable
Minimum age to book
18+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$760 to $830
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
1,797
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 88

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
Review evidence (18% weight)100
Booking momentum (14% weight)100
Value for money (12% weight)85
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)70
Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike: questions travelers ask

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

How much does Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike cost?

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Prices start at $760 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 Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike 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 Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5,135 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike?

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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 Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. 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 Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike?

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Around 1,797 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 Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike 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, Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley. 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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