Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) worth booking?
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $750 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $750 per person
A new and good alternative of trekking, for before the adventure and those people who did not find a place for the Inca Trail – classic of Machu Picchu. This alternative leads us to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu with lan
What you get
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
About this experience
A new and good alternative of trekking, for before the adventure and those people who did not find a place for the Inca Trail – classic of Machu Picchu. This alternative leads us to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu with landscapes between Lakeons, mountains like the skies of the Humantay and Salkantay, a route of our ancestors where we can appreciate a progression of the diverse ecological floors, crossing by mighty rivers, in the mountain range we visited Thermus-Natural Waters; entering the region of the eyebrow of forest of abundant tropical vegetation, appreciating flowers of different colours, birds like the Colibri and parrots of the humid forests. The last day of trekking very early we will visit the Lost City of Incas – Machu Picchu and that same day in the evening we return to Cusco.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Entrance fee to Waynapicchu
- Sleeping Bags, infaltable mattress & poles
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Happy Gringo Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
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.
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.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our 7-Day Salkantay Trek was a great experience. Love it!
Happy Gringo's 7-day Salkantay / Machu Picchu Trek was an adventure of a lifetime; in the best of ways. The booking was straight forward, and we could easily communicate via chat w/ Happy Gringo staff before we arrived. Our guide was conscientious, knowledgeable, and very supportive. OMG, the food! Our chef(s) were amazing. The porters were professional, capable and so sweet. They were always on time, found us the best camp spots, and brought us coca tea in our tents each morning. Such a treat! The trek was difficult, but the team was stellar, and I felt safe and supported. I highly recommend Happy Gringo.
Response from the operator: Hello dear Eileen Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Happy Gringo's 7-day Salkantay/Machu Picchu Trek! We're thrilled to hear that it was an adventure of a lifetime for you, and we appreciate your kind words about our booking process, guide, chef(s), and porters. It's fantastic to know that our team made you feel safe and supported throughout the trek, and we're pleased that you enjoyed the delicious food prepared by our chefs. Your recommendation means a lot to us. If you ever decide to embark on another adventure, whether in Peru or elsewhere, we'd be honored to be part of it. If you have any more feedback or questions, feel free to reach out. Wishing you many more exciting journeys ahead! Best regards, Happy Gringo Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Salkantay / Machu Picchu
We did the 7 day Salkantay / Machu Picchu route and had a wonderful time. Our guide was very knowledgeable and very patient on our challenging climbs! The food was incredible. The whole team was very supportive and efficient and helpful. I highly recommend Happy Gringo.
Response from the operator: Hello dear Sandie Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time on the 7-day Salkantay/Machu Picchu route with Happy Gringo. It's fantastic to know that our guide's knowledge and patience made the challenging climbs enjoyable for you. We're also pleased you enjoyed the incredible food and felt supported by our efficient and helpful team. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your kind words. If you ever decide to embark on another adventure, we'd happily welcome you back. Safe travels! Happy Gringo Team!!!
via Tripadvisor
Impressive ORGANIC food!
i just returned from Salkantay trek! Cant believe, how beautiful was this expedition. A lifetime experience. Thanks to the crew of Happy Gringo who looked very good after us. Our mountain guide Juan was very patient and very happy and the chef Dio prepared very delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the other hand, the camping equipments were very well than other ones. Honestly Salkantay trek was hard but i have seen many amazing landscapes. Once again thanks the crew of our guide and his team, had great adventure in Peru.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Happy Gringo Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.4.
See everything Happy Gringo Tours runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) cost?
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Prices start at $750 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 Days) 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 Days) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 to Machu Picchu (5 Days)?
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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 to Machu Picchu (5 Days) suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. 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 Days)?
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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 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) 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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