Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

Outty Ranking 66 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews120 hoursFrom $595
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

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

Quick answer

Is Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days worth booking?

Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $595 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
120 hours
From
$595 per person

Enjoy an incredible Salkantay trekking with a connection to the high Andean glacier. Feel the connection with mother nature (medicinal plants, animals of the area). Appreciate the sunset and sunrise in the mountains with incredible landscapes. Enjoy the Humantay Lake the most famous lake in Cusco. Observe incredible views of mountains, lagoons, waterfalls, canyons and glaciers. Get to know the Andean wildlife. Visit the wonder of the world Machu Picchu in 5 days by a route of the Inca Trail of Salkantay.

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy an incredible Salkantay trekking with a connection to the high Andean glacier. Feel the connection with mother nature (medicinal plants, animals of the area). Appreciate the sunset and sunrise in the mountains with incredible landscapes. Enjoy the Humantay Lake the most famous lake in Cusco. Observe incredible views of mountains, lagoons, waterfalls, canyons and glaciers. Get to know the Andean wildlife. Visit the wonder of the world Machu Picchu in 5 days by a route of the Inca Trail of Salkantay.

    What's included

    Included

    • First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Duffle Bag for 4 Kilos of your personal gear(carried by the horses)
    • Breakfast
    • One way Bus Ticket to Machupicchu
    • Private Transport during your trip with a profesional tour guide
    • Train ticket to return Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo

    Not included

    • Tips for our staff

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Peruvian Culture Tours

    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

    Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Cusco, photo 2Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Cusco, photo 3Hike on the first day to the Salkantay Pass, Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in CuscoClassic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Cusco, photo 5Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Cusco, photo 6Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

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

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    cecek139 · September 2024

    Best trip of my life

    I recently finished the trek with a friend. As two young female travelers with limited trekking experience, we couldn't have imagined a better guide or more meaningful adventure than the one we had with David and Peruvian Culture Tours. We chose the classic 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This business is the definition of integrity. Unlike big companies, Peruvian Culture Tours directly helps local families and sustains local cultures. David, who founded the company with his wife, has deep roots in the region, is himself indigenous, and only hires indigenous teams from the region. He also pointed us to various local producers for where to purchase coffee/chocolate etc. He cares so deeply about using Peruvian Culture Tours to lift up his region and puts sustainability–cultural and environmental–at the heart of the business. Everything you could need is included. David carried oxygen and is trained in first aid, we had ample snacks, and were woken up each morning with a cup of coca tea! Every campsite was stunning and incredibly comfortable. The food was amazing, fresh, and abundant!! We left feeling like we had a wonderful new friend/family in our lives. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!! This is a new business and absolutely one worth supporting!! I have traveled extensively and have never met a guide like David. If you’re thinking about doing any trek to Machu Picchu, look no further than David and Peruvian Culture Tours.

    via Tripadvisor

    G2283WBisabellev · September 2024

    The Experience of a Lifetime!

    My 5 day trek on the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu was nothing short of incredible. From the very beginning, the experience was deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions, making it far more than just a physical journey. Our guide, David, a native of the Sacred Valley region, brought the mountains and their history to life through his knowledge of the region’s plants, animals, people, history and culture. He is also just an incredibly inspiring and kind person. We encountered so many different landscapes on one trek: mountains, lakes, glaciers, hills, cloud forests, and jungles. Our guide knew the terrain expertly well, and took us off the beaten path to see hidden sects of wildlife, including Llamas, toucans, and showing us medicinal plants! Peruvian culture tours supports indigenous communities in the region by employing indigenous people, guiding us to sustainable business to purchase things, as well as being run by an indigenous family. David also has a passion for helping the many stray dogs in the area, and donates part of the profits to this effort. As a female solo traveler, I felt incredibly safe, cared for and prepared. David anticipated everything, carried first aid supplies and Oxygen, and was patient with everyone’s pace. The logistics were seamless, and the lodging was very comfortable and they kindly set up the tent each night. The food was beyond delicious, the chef prepared beautiful and elaborate meals with local ingredients. And we were woken up each morning with a hot cup of Coca tea! Everything needed was included, and they didn’t miss a thing. If you're looking for an adventure that goes beyond the typical tourist experience, I can’t recommend this trek enough. It was absolutely worth every penny, and I would recommend Peruvian culture tours to absolutely everyone!

    via Tripadvisor

    Nicola B · June 2024

    Salkantay 5 day hike and Cusco 1/2 day tour highly recommend.

    David from Peruvian culture tours organised my Salkantay 5 day hike extremely well. I did not have to worry about a thing. David had included in the cost hotel booking , bus and train tickets and my pre purchased Machu Picchu ticket. Which many travellers did not have on this hike which added stress to the last days of this trip. David and his wife were very helpful and extremely kind. Beautiful people I felt so grateful.

    via Tripadvisor

    jameshZ9376KQ · June 2024

    Peruvian Culture Tours with David is without a doubt the absolute best way to do Salkantay.

    No question Peruvian Culture Tours with David is the way to do Salkantay. His business is just starting to take off and there may not be a ton of reviews, but don't let that distract from the fact that David (and PCT) is an awesome professional. I met him on an Amazon expedition before he started Peruvian Culture Tours and was blown away by his genuine passion for his country and its beautiful peoples, cultures, landscapes, and nature. When my friend visited, there was no doubt in my mind we should hike the Salkantay trail with David. And man was our trust in David rewarded. Firstly, the Salkantay trail is beautiful start to finish. I've done a decent amount of backpacking/hiking, and I've never done a trail so diverse and beautiful. From the base of Salkantay to the depths of the Andean cloud forest, there was never a dull sight. And David is the perfect person to guide you and unpack everything to be experienced at every point in the trail. He knows the ins and outs of the trail, as he grew up in a small town near Cusco. He perfectly structured the days so that we were never overwhelmed with the day's route nor bored with only a small walk on any given day. He also has assembled a great family team to take care of all the logistics. Every meal was hot and fresh cooked, the tents were comfortable, and most of your gear is carried by donkey or bus to the next campsite, allowing you to enjoy the trail with minimal gear. Additionally, the price is better than any other company I could find. David is also a true expert in everything related to Salkantay. He can identify every plant and animal encountered over the various terrain. He knows the comprehensive history of the Inca Empire and Quechua people. He also has extensive knowledge of the geography and geology of the area, both past and present. Whatever you're interested in, David can cover it extensively. Finally, David lives his life with an ethical conviction that is deeply admirable. He runs a true family operation where profits help the family, not get funneled into the pockets of rich owners of the larger operations in the area. He also contributes a portion of revenue to his ongoing effort to improve the lives of the large population of stray dogs (big problem in Peru) living in and around Cusco. Bottom line - choosing Peruvian Culture Tours with David is the right decision for every possible reason.

    via Tripadvisor

    Katherine L · May 2024

    Incredible salkantay trek!!

    Incredible Salkantay trek with David. My boyfriend and I (23 years old and female) have lived in Peru for nine months and had visited Machu Picchu twice before going just now with David post-trek. I am incredibly inspired by his enthusiasm and passion for work. A private salkantay trek with David is cheaper and more individualized than any other company I had researched. Instead of being in a group of 25, left miles behind the guide on the trail, David was with my group of three every step of the way. Every day we woke up with a steaming cup of coca tea. The pace of the trek was set by you, and David was always providing insight into animals and plants which other guides were clearly skipping. On the third day we went to the thermal baths, which was also a great experience. Daily snacks were provided as well as an unlimited amount of water. We learned about quechua traditions (current and old) and ate absolutely delicious food. His english, spanish, and quechua are perfect as well. I sincerely could not recommend Peruvian Culture tours more!!

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    Price range
    $595 to $1,190
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 66

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)29
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)91
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days cost?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days take?

    +

    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 Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days?

    +

    Included: First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle; Lunch; Dinner; Duffle Bag for 4 Kilos of your personal gear(carried by the horses); and Breakfast. Not included: Tips for our staff. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 271 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days offered in?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, good for families. 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Classic Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake to Machu Picchu – 5 Days.

    Pick your date