Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour worth booking?
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $440 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 15 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (15)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $440 per person
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular hike for high peaks, snow-capped mountain and tropical valley. The Salkantay trek is one of the 25 best new treks of whole world according to National Geographic magazine.
What you get
- Train ticket Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo
- Professional guide
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (available circuit at the moment of your reservation)
- Professional Cook, mules and muleteers, you can send 5kl. for free
- Lunch
- Pickup from your hotel, transportation Cusco to Mollepata
About this experience
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular hike for high peaks, snow-capped mountain and tropical valley. The Salkantay trek is one of the 25 best new treks of whole world according to National Geographic magazine. The Qechuas and Pre-Inca people denominated this mountain Apu Salkantay (God Protector). Salkantay is located into Vilcabamba mountain range and altitude is about 6,271 meters above sea level (20,574 feet). This is a great alternative to Inca Trail.
What's included
Included
- Train ticket Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo
- Professional guide
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (available circuit at the moment of your reservation)
- Professional Cook, mules and muleteers, you can send 5kl. for free
- Lunch
- Pickup from your hotel, transportation Cusco to Mollepata
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Tent, mattresses, kitchen and dining equipment, double tents
- Dinner
- Transportation back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Breakfast
- One night accomodation in Aguas Calientes
Not included
- First breakfast, last lunch
- Sleeping bag
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inkas Destination Tour Operator
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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- You have to bring, rain jacket, sun cream, hiking boots, t-shirts, snacks
- We need yout personal information like, full name, number of passport, age and nationality
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
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
One of the worst...
One of the worst experience ever Company lie and have hitting fee they don’t mention they say is all inclusive but is not
via Viator
Fantastic experience but poor organizing
My sister and I went for the 4days/3nights Salktanay Trek to Machu Picchu and it was beyond amazing, highly recommended. Despite of this, I still feel like I have to give an honest review as we met several complications during the trek, mostly due to lack of communication from the organizers to our guide(s), as well as a general feeling of "last minute solutions" often driven by us having to request basic stuff from our guide for it to happen - even our train back to Cusco on the final day, where we did not get the tickets before 4 hours before we had to enter Machu Picchu, and then it was booked 3h after our entrance time leaving us not enough time. I feel you could've easily walked the trek without an agency given how we still had to spend time and energy on ensuring things were OK along the way.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing both the highlights and the challenges of your Salkantay Trek experience. We’re truly happy to hear that you and your sister found the journey to Machu Picchu amazing and worth recommending — that means a lot to us. At the same time, we sincerely apologize for the communication issues and moments of uncertainty you faced. Your concerns are valid, especially regarding the ttrain ticket and the need to follow up on basic logistics. That’s not the level of service we aim to provide. Clear communication and proactive coordination are essential, and we’re taking your feedback seriously to improve our internal processes and guide briefings. Thank you again for helping us grow — and we hope to welcome you back with a more polished experience next time.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience!
The trek was amazing! A few days of the trek were very challenging, but the stunning scenery made up for it. The food and accommodations were great and our guide Jean Paul was extremely knowledgeable and made our experience very fun and exciting!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience in your salkantay Trek and with our guide Jean Paul, We're thrilled you enjoyed the food, landscapes and more. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your feedback. We hope to welcome you back soon
via Tripadvisor
Will be back!
Stunning trek!! The guide was so knowledgeable and made everything easy! A few very hard days in there but great food and accommodations! Well worth the money!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your trust in Inkas Destination, We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed yout tour with us. Our team works hard to provide the best experience possible, and it's rewarding to know we succeeded. We hope you back soon.
via Tripadvisor
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu the best with Inkas Destination
Amazing guide, amazing Salkantay Trek, would highly recommended all my friends, The hike were tough but the views and journey were amazing.
Response from the operator: Your feedback of the Salkantyay Trek means the world to us!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $440 to $461
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour cost?
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Prices start at $440 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 to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour 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 to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure 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 Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. 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 to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure Tour?
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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 to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Adventure 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, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, 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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