Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group worth booking?
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $720 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $720 per person
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive trekking routes in the Cusco region, ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, less crowded experience surrounded by spectacular scenery. During this mult
What you get
- First Aid Kit
- Bilingual Professional Guide
- Travel Bag (5 kilos, For your belongings to Route.).
- Entrance fees
- Private transportation
- Meals
About this experience
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive trekking routes in the Cusco region, ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, less crowded experience surrounded by spectacular scenery. During this multi-day adventure, you’ll walk through towering mountains, including views of snowy Salkantay, turquoise lagoons like Humantay and lush cloud forests in the jungle eyebrow of the Urubamba Valley. This trek combines nature, culture and adventure in one trip, with comfortable camping, personalized attention and experienced local guides who will accompany you every step until you arrive at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. - Panoramic views of the snowy Salkantay and Humantay Lagoon - Alternative route less busy than the Inca Trail - Authentic cultural experience with local communities - Hike through various ecosystems (mountain and jungle) - Comfortable and well equipped camps Unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu.
What's included
Included
- First Aid Kit
- Bilingual Professional Guide
- Travel Bag (5 kilos, For your belongings to Route.).
- Entrance fees
- Private transportation
- Meals
- Accommodation (3 Nights in Camps and 1 night in Hotel in Aguas Calientes).
- Arriero (For the transfer of your belongings on the route).
Not included
- Gratuities
- Sleeping bag
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu Adventure
Accommodation en route: Accommodations en route are in rustic huts or domes prepared by the locals, comfortable and hot accommodations. Shared service: Shared Service. Duration: 5 days: Tour to Salkantay lasts 5 days meals and drinks included Salkantay Trek van, train, bus: Transport of 12 people maximum. Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo. Bus to Machupicchu. Pickup included
Travel to Salkantay
Accommodation: The first 3 nights of the accommodation will be in camps made by locals in the area. Salkantay 5 days: We'll have a wonderful 5 day trip to Salkantay. Shared Tour. Duration: 5 days: We will have 5 days of a beautiful excursion, towards the Salkantay and also the tour towards the imposing Machupicchu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.: Prepared by a Mountain Chef. Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu: one of the best hikes to Machupicchu along the Salkantay Trail, a unique and unforgettable adventure. Go, train, bus.: Transport of 12 people maximum. Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo. Bus to Machupicchu. Arriero: Personnel transporting the belongings of travellers. Pickup included
Additional income
Soraypampa - chaullay - Loreta Salkantay trek Duration: 5 days Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Buffet Extra income Pickup included
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guiding Cusco
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
Response from the operator: It means a lot to know that your time in Ausangate allowed you to experience the Andes not only through its landscapes, but also through the people who make each journey possible. We’re especially happy that Nazario’s cooking became such a memorable part of your days in the mountains. Preparing fresh, varied meals in such a remote and demanding environment is a real craft, and we’ll be very pleased to share your words with him. Percy will also be delighted to know that his dedication and care for the horses, equipment, and campsites were noticed and appreciated. What you said about feeling like more than just tourists is particularly meaningful to us. We believe that traveling through the Andes is about connecting with the place, its people, and the small details that make the journey truly personal. It was a pleasure to have you with us in Ausangate. We hope the mountains, the camps under the stars, and those moments around the table remain among the memories you take home from Peru.
via Tripadvisor
An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Marjorie, for your wonderful review and for making your Salkantay experience such a fantastic adventure. And thank you for choosing us as your tour operator for this amazing trip. Greetings from Cusco.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Skylea, thank you very much for your valuable review. It makes me and my team proud to continue working to provide unforgettable and authentic adventures. Greetings from Cusco.
via Tripadvisor
Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! It means a lot to us that you enjoyed the personalized atmosphere of our small groups and the support of our guides. The Salkantay Trek is an unforgettable journey, and we're so happy you could experience its breathtaking landscapes all the way to Machu Picchu. We hope to see you again on another adventure with Guiding Cusco!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your recommendation! We are proud that we exceeded your expectations and knew you thoroughly enjoyed your trip to Salkantay. We will continue creating unforgettable journeys and helping all travelers have wonderful trips like this one. We hope you return to Peru, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Greetings from Cusco. Guiding Cusco Expeditions Team.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $720 to $768
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group cost?
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Prices start at $720 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 Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group 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 Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 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 Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group?
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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 Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group 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 Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group?
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Around 5 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 Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Small Group 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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