
Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights worth booking?
Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights is a 192-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $1,310 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 192 hours
- From
- $1,310 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 55. At $1,310 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Prices and availability checked
Experience the best of Cusco and the Salkantay route in a comprehensive 8-day experience. Begin with ideal acclimatization by visiting Inca temples, viewpoints, and the Sacred Valley before hiking to Machu Picchu on one of the most spectacular routes in the world. Enjoy exclusive accommodations, changing landscapes, and unique cultural moments until you reach the Inca Citadel. - Premium City Tour with Cusco Cathedral. - Explore the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and panoramic viewpoints. - Conquer the Salkantay Pass and visit the spectacular Humantay Lake. - Exclusive accommodations: Sky Domes and Super Jungle Domes surrounded by nature. - Early entrance to Machu Picchu with a complete guided tour.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the best of Cusco and the Salkantay route in a comprehensive 8-day experience. Begin with ideal acclimatization by visiting Inca temples, viewpoints, and the Sacred Valley before hiking to Machu Picchu on one of the most spectacular routes in the world. Enjoy exclusive accommodations, changing landscapes, and unique cultural moments until you reach the Inca Citadel. - Premium City Tour with Cusco Cathedral. - Explore the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and panoramic viewpoints. - Conquer the Salkantay Pass and visit the spectacular Humantay Lake. - Exclusive accommodations: Sky Domes and Super Jungle Domes surrounded by nature. - Early entrance to Machu Picchu with a complete guided tour.
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Gear: Sleeping bag and trekking poles
- Backpack cover and rain poncho
- Lunch
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
- Dinner
- 1 night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast
- Train ticket (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo)
- Cusco tourist ticket
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
- 3 nights in a hotel at Cusco
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.
- Transportation of personal belongings.
- All private transport and transfers during the tour
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
- Entrance tickets to the Salkantay route and Humantay Lake
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
- Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
- Entrance to Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
Not included
- Personal Hiking clothing
- 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
The Imperial Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 8 days
Pickup included
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
With Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets 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 12 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.
- 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful experience
This was an excellent tour, the first two day trips were a good way of acclimatising ahead of starting the trek. The Salkantay trek itself was wonderful, very well organised, good food and lovely accommodation. We struck gold with the weather, our group and our guide Alex. Alex was extremely experienced, funny and passionate about his country and its culture. The trek should not be underestimated, it is tough, but we had loads of laughs along the way and it is an experience I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending with Salkantay Trekking.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing and well organized Trekking
I did the Salkantay Imperial Trek (8 days/7 nights). It was an amazing experience. The trek was perfectly organized, and the guide of our group, Fredy Apaza, did a great job. He took care of every detail, helped the older and slower participants (like me), and explained and pointed out the countless highlights of this trek. I can 100% recommend to do this trek with the Salkantay Trekking Company. Peter, Switzerland 🇨🇭
via Tripadvisor
Imperial 8 days Salkantay Trek
Perfect organised trek ! A great adventure that I enjoyed and recommend. Great hiking trails, stunning views and exceptional sleeping accommodations. Anthony is the best guide you can wish. So helpful and always with a smile.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Imperial 8-Day Salkantay Trek. It’s wonderful to know that you loved the hiking trails, stunning views, and exceptional accommodations along the way. Anthony will be delighted to hear your kind words—his helpfulness and positive attitude truly make a difference! We appreciate your recommendation and would love to welcome you back on another incredible adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 192 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,310 to $1,500
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How does Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights compare to similar tours in Cusco?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 55. At $1,310 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Who is Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights best for?
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It suits families and couples best, based on its 192-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $1,310, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $1,310 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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights take?
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Plan for about 192 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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights?
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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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 192-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights?
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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 192-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights 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), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). 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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights?
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Included: Pre-departure briefing; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Experienced Mountain Guide; Gear: Sleeping bag and trekking poles; and Backpack cover and rain poncho. Not included: Personal Hiking clothing; Travel Insurance (Recommended); and Gratuities for the staff (Optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 186 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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights 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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights?
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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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights 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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights if the weather is bad?
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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 Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. 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.
What booking options are available for Imperial Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Days / 7 Nights?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including The Imperial Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 8 days, With Huayna Picchu Mountain, With Machu Picchu Mountain, With Huchuy Picchu Mountain. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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