Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 55 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights worth booking?
Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $1920 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 55 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (55)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $1920 per person
Experience the Salkantay Trek in the most exclusive way possible. This 5-day private journey is designed for travelers who want more than just a trek, it’s a fully personalized mountain experience with a dedicated guide,
What you get
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Dinner
About this experience
Experience the Salkantay Trek in the most exclusive way possible. This 5-day private journey is designed for travelers who want more than just a trek, it’s a fully personalized mountain experience with a dedicated guide, private service, and carefully selected premium camps. Unlike standard group departures, this experience gives you total flexibility, personalized pacing, and full attention from your team. From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass and the unique view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, every moment is crafted around you. You’ll enjoy tranquility, comfort, and seamless logistics from start to finish, including an expert guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for adventure without crowds, stress, or compromises, this is the ultimate way to experience the Andes.
What's included
Included
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Dinner
- 1 night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpack cover, and hand towel.
- All private transport and transfers during the tour
- Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm
- An emergency horse available from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
- Entry fees to Salkantay Trek, Humantay lake, and Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
- Transportation of personal belongings
- Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train (Vistadome Observatory or The Prime Machu Picchu)
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
- Personal duffel bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lb) for your travel gear
- Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Sacred Jungle Lodge)
Not included
- Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)(paid on-site to local providers)
- Clothing and personal hiking equipment
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
- Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
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
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu -5 Days / 4 Nights
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 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 55 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
55 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend this trek
I had an amazing trek with my partner! The entire Salkantay Trekking team took care of us at every step. Most appreciated was our guide Franz who was so passionate about the area and its history! Franz is the best. We also loved the food prepared by Jhojan and his assistant chef Nemesio. The trek is challenging but rewarding, especially the hike up to Salkantay Pass. But it is absolutely worth it! The accommodations and train to Aguas Calientes for the premium trek are also great and worth the extra cost!
via Tripadvisor
Great Salkantay Trekking Experience
The Salkantay trek is challenging and incredible. It’s beautiful and fun. I felt that Salkantay trekking prepared me well for it. Franz is an incredible guide. He is very knowledge and very passionate. He was the ideal guide to have for this trek because of his knowledge of history and of the trail. He took a lot of care with our group and was realistic with his expectations and helpful in his recommendations. I would highly recommend him as a guide for the Salkantay trek or for any trek around the highlands of Peru.
via Tripadvisor
An Unforgettable 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We took the Salkantay Private Premium Trek to Machu Picchu, spanning 5 days and 4 nights, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The trek was challenging, but in the best possible way. What makes the Salkantay trail so special is the constant change in landscapes — from breathtaking mountain views and snowy peaks to lush valleys and the Amazon rainforest. Every day felt completely different, and the views throughout the trek were absolutely incredible. One of the biggest highlights was the food. The meals provided by the team were simply outstanding. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were prepared to an incredibly high standard — honestly, it felt like having a five-course meal in places that are extremely difficult for most people to reach. We never expected such amazing food during a trek like this! And a special mention to our guide, Jose, who made the experience even better. He is extremely simple, down-to-earth, hardworking, and genuinely caring. He understood our group very well, including our individual pace and comfort levels. He never pushed us unnecessarily, but always knew when a little encouragement was needed. And finally, Jose has amazing photography skills! He knew exactly where to stop, how to frame the shots, and captured some of the best photos and memories of our trip. 📸 Overall, this was an incredible adventure, and we would highly recommend the Salkantay Private Premium Trek, especially with Jose as your guide. The scenery, food, organization, and personal attention made the entire 5-day journey truly special. Thank you to the entire team, and especially Jose, for giving us memories that we will never forget! ❤️🏔️
via Tripadvisor
Thank you Salkantay & Jose!
Muchas gracias to Salkantay Trekking, and most of all to our guide Jose, for a trip we honestly will not stop talking about. This was one of the most beautiful places any of us have ever set foot in, and you gave us the best possible way to experience it. From day one, you could tell how much care had gone into everything. What really stood out to us was how well the trek worked for a group with different experience levels. Some of us had done a fair bit of hiking, while others were taking on something like this for the very first time. Nobody ever felt left behind or pushed too hard. Somehow, Jose always found the right balance and made sure everyone enjoyed the experience at their own pace. We went with the Private Premium Package, and if you are a couple or a small group of friends, I would recommend it without hesitation. There were four of us, two couples and longtime friends, and having the trek just for our group made the entire experience feel much more personal. Jose genuinely paid attention to how we were doing. He noticed when our energy was fading, checked in regularly, learned what each of us wanted from the trek, and adjusted things accordingly. On the tougher sections, that made all the difference. The stops along the way were incredible. Every single one offered something new. Vast mountain views, quiet places to catch our breath, and corners of the Andes we never would have discovered on our own. The scenery seemed to change constantly, and each stop felt worth taking the time to appreciate. It never felt like we were simply trying to get from one place to the next. Then there were the places we stayed. Beautiful, spotless, and comfortable in a way we did not expect in such remote locations. There were mornings when it was tempting to slow down and enjoy a little extra time there, but this was not the kind of trip for late, lazy mornings. There was always something waiting ahead, whether it was another incredible view, a new stretch of trail, or the next adventure on the route. A big thank you goes to the entire team behind the scenes, especially the porters and everyone whose hard work made this journey possible. Valentina deserves a special mention. She was incredibly warm, welcoming, and dedicated throughout the trek. The stories she shared with us gave us a deeper appreciation for the region and the people who call it home. Meeting someone who puts so much heart into what they do made a lasting impression on all of us. And Rolando, our chef, was simply amazing. After a long day on our feet, the food was exactly what we needed. Warm, filling, plentiful, and never the same thing twice. What he was able to prepare in such remote locations was genuinely impressive. Every meal felt like a well earned reward, and we found ourselves looking forward to each one. One of the things that stayed with us most was understanding how much this trek means to the local people. Meeting members of the team, hearing about their lives, and seeing the effort that goes into creating an experience like this gave the journey a deeper meaning. It felt good knowing that our adventure was helping support the people and communities who call these mountains home. And Jose, this final thank you is for you. Thank you for your patience, for noticing the little things, for staying calm when the going got tough, and for making every single day enjoyable. You did so much more than guide us through the Andes. You became an important part of the experience. The way you adapted to our needs, encouraged us when we needed it, and made sure we were always safe, comfortable, and having fun is something we will remember for a very long time. The Salkantay Trek was always going to be an unforgettable adventure. Having you and the entire Salkantay Trekking team alongside us turned it into a memory that all four of us will carry for years to come. Muchas gracias to everyone who made this trip so special. We will be back.
via Tripadvisor
Unbeatable experience on the Premium 5-Day Salkantay Trek
My wife and I’s experience on the 5-day Premium Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking was nothing short of amazing. Our guide, Güido, was incredibly professional, friendly, and supportive/accommodating to everyone in the group. From ensuring all day-to-day logistics were taken care of, to teaching us the historical and cultural significance of the sites, and finding a walking pace that fit everyone, his attention to detail and relaxed spirit made for a perfect trip. We met incredible people in our group and now have friends around the world — the company is what made the trip so special. The trek itself featured stunning scenery. From getting up close to the two massive peaks of Humantay and Salkantay, to the lush jungle environment, we got to experience a unique diversity of ecosystems in a short period of time. All of the accommodations along the way were great and the domes on nights 1-3 made for a unique experience getting to see the stars and surrounding scenery while laying in bed! The chefs made delicious (and plenty!) food and the lunch stops were equally great. While we didn’t need to use the back-up horse for the push to Salkantay pass, it was nice to have the option. All in all, my wife and I both had an amazing time and would highly recommend this experience for people who want to adventure through this beautiful part of the world.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1920 to $2015
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $1920 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 Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights 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 Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 55 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 Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 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 Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights 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 Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?
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Around 19 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 Salkantay Premium Private Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 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), 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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