Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco
Cusco, Peru

Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour

Outty Ranking 54 3.5 · 2 traveler reviews96 hoursFrom $360
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.5/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour worth booking?

Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $360 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.5/5 rating across 2 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
3.5/5 (2)
Duration
96 hours
From
$360 per person

By most argued to be the best alternative route to the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu. This beautiful but strenuous hike brings you across one of the highest and most imposing mountains of the Peruvian Andes; the sacre

What you get

  • Camping equipment and kitchen equipment
  • Transportation to Soraypampa (place where the hike starts)
  • Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Chef
  • First aid kit and oxygen kit

About this experience

By most argued to be the best alternative route to the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu. This beautiful but strenuous hike brings you across one of the highest and most imposing mountains of the Peruvian Andes; the sacred mountain of Salkantay (6271 masl). According to some authors the name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from ‘Salqa’’= ‘huraño’ or ‘wild,’ and ‘Antay’ = to produce ‘celajes’ or ‘avalanches.’ The trek offers a wide variety of magical landscapes including Quechua communities, Inca ruins, jungles with a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and overwhelming snowy mountain peaks with breath-taking sights. The trek requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, age should not be a barrier for anyone! With the highest point of 4650 masl, the most important factor is to be well-acclimatized to the high altitude. With professional guides, we guarantee a life changing experience during this tour!

What's included

Included

  • Camping equipment and kitchen equipment
  • Transportation to Soraypampa (place where the hike starts)
  • Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Chef
  • First aid kit and oxygen kit
  • Transportation back from Aguas Calientes to Cuzco
  • Horses/muleteer to carry general items and up to 5kg of personal items
  • Tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Professional, English speaking guide

Not included

  • Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (12 USD one way)
  • First breakfast and last lunch
  • Mule for carrying personal luggage more than 5kg (150 soles extra)
  • Sleeping bag (15 dollars)
  • Hot springs (25 soles)
  • Ziplining (100 soles

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers.

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 18 travelers per booking
Operated by
PaRa Travels

Know before you go

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Photos

Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco, photo 2Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco, photo 3Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco, photo 4Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco, photo 5Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco, photo 6Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour in Cusco, photo 7

Traveler reviews

2 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
1
4 star
0
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1
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miamoeller · February 2025

Misguidance

Overall had a good trip, but that was due to KB Adventures and their great guide. My experience with PaRa travel is unfortunately had some bumps. First, I was informed that I could visit the office on a scheduled day, but ended up waiting for two hours. Secondly, I did not receive the duffel bag I was expecting, nor was I informed that I should bring an extra bag for my 5 kg of luggage to be carried by the horse. I also received walking poles as an add-on, which I had not requested and ultimately did not use. Thirdly, I was also told that the tour group (4D/3N) would consist of eight people; however, only two of us did the 4D whereas the rest of the group did 5D. Hence we joined a new group and was not informed about this. Lastly, I was advised that the Machu Picchu ticket for circuit 3 included access to both the lower terrace and the viewpoint, which influenced my decision to select that circuit. Hence the main goal was to see Machu Picchu from the viewpoint. However, after speaking with our guide from KB I learned that the viewpoint was not included. Consequently, I had to purchase a new ticket for circuit 2. I was not informed that this alternative existed unless I stayed an extra night—which was not possible. Would really recommend to do the hike with KB adventures and not PaRa travel as I felt completely mislead and misguided

Response from the operator: Dear Mia, Thank you for sharing your experience. However, we find it important to clarify a few points regarding your review. You ultimately did not book your tour through PaRa Travels. Despite this, you relied on our services—receiving detailed information, guidance, and support. While we understand the desire to save money, it is misleading to hold us accountable for issues that arose when not booking through us. We took the time to carefully review your concerns internally because we work closely with our local partners. Many of the details you mentioned—such as luggage requirements, Machu Picchu circuit access, and group arrangements—were explained beforehand, yet your review tells a different story. We always schedule a specific time when meeting our local partners, but unfortunately we could not reach you to set this up. Additionally, your message to us, and the current review, also includes positive feedback about aspects of the trip (such as free walking sticks, a coffee plantage visit, etc), making it all the more surprising that you would leave such a harsh review. Your request for compensation, despite not booking through us, raises questions about your true intent. While we regret that certain aspects of your trip did not meet your expectations, we stand by the accuracy of the information and the fairness of the responses that we -and our local partners- provided. We wish you all the best in your future travels. Kind regards, PaRa Travels

via Tripadvisor

945stefk · October 2024

Salcantay trek

Trip was really nice, on demand communication was very smooth during the trip and Jose helped us out in Cusco with all our questions.

Response from the operator: We are happy that you have enjoyed your trip with!

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
96 hours
Free cancellation
Non-refundable
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$360 to $380
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
1
Verdict
Worth a Look

Why this scores 54

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
Review evidence (18% weight)18
Booking momentum (14% weight)13
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)35
Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour: questions travelers ask

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

How much does Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour cost?

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Prices start at $360 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 Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour take?

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Plan for about 96 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 Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.5/5 across 2 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 Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour?

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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 Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour?

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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 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 day tour 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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