
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)
Traveler rating
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No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
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 $475 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $475 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 51. At $475 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Prices and availability checked
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and considered by most to be the best alternative route (and maybe even better!). This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties. Witness with your own eyes a living, but ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever seen by foreigners! The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive mountain range extending over 260 km,. The snow-capped mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 MASL– 20574 FASL in height. It is an outstanding snowy peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and it has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952.
What you get
About this experience
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and considered by most to be the best alternative route (and maybe even better!). This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties. Witness with your own eyes a living, but ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever seen by foreigners! The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive mountain range extending over 260 km,. The snow-capped mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 MASL– 20574 FASL in height. It is an outstanding snowy peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and it has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952.
What's included
Included
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps and Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our staff
- Second day Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
- Thermarest (air mat) sleeping mat
- Transport back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
- Lunch
- Horseman, mules or porters (they just carry cooking and camping equipment) 7kgs your personal things
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Transport to Soraypampa ( trailhead)
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Entrance fee Machu Picchu
- 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carry by the horses
- Collection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
- Entrance fees to The Salkantay Trek
- Vegetarian/special diet options available
- Tourist train back to Ollantaytambo
- First Aid kit
- Entry/Admission - Salkantay Trek
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Peru Amazon Trips
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






Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
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 does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) compare to similar tours in Cusco?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 51. At $475 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Who is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) best for?
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It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 120-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $475, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) cost?
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Prices start at $475 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 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Days)?
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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 Days) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 120-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)?
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Around 0 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), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). 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.
What is included in Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)?
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Included: Bio-degradable personal hand soaps and Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our s; Second day Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth; Thermarest (air mat) sleeping mat; Transport back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco; and Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 154 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply.
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