Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days And 4 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days And 4 Nights worth booking?
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days And 4 Nights is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $690 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 53 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (53)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $690 per person
This trek runs beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (20,569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Andes. The Salkantay Trek was recently named on the National Geographic Ultimate Adventure bucket list – d
What you get
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Four-person tent for each two persons
- Breakfast
- Toilet tent with portable toilet
About this experience
This trek runs beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (20,569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Andes. The Salkantay Trek was recently named on the National Geographic Ultimate Adventure bucket list – defined as “The 20 most extreme, hair-raising, legendary adventures on the planet.” It is a trek open to everybody, and the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail trek. This offers 4 days of trekking through various landscapes including highlands, cloud forest, rain forest and dry mountain. Throughout the trek you have amazing views of Apu Salkantay, Pumasillo Mountain and Humantay Mountain, three of the most stunning peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain range. Our trek includes the services of lodging in a very nice hotel on the fourth night of the trek, a very unique coffee plantation tour in the afternoon of day 3, and dinner at great local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
What's included
Included
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Four-person tent for each two persons
- Breakfast
- Toilet tent with portable toilet
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
- Mattress and pillow
- Hot water for washing.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soraypampa on day 1
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- Coffee plantation tour in the afternoon of day 3
- Kitchen tent
- Horse to carry 8 kg of your personal belongings
- Expert chef and assistant chef
- Duffle bag to pack your personal belongings
- Lodging in Aguas Calientes on night 4 of the trek (double occupancy)
Not included
- Sleeping bag
- Day 5 lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
- Hiking poles
- Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 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
- Action Peru Treks
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- 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
- What to bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 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.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
53 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days And 4 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best adventure in Peru guided by locals
Our experience with Action Peru Treks was phenomenal. Starting with Roxner, who was super attentive from the very beginning and provided great tips on what to do while in Cusco. Special mention to “El Profe” Christian, our guide, who was very knowledgeable about the history and every aspect of nature we encountered during our trip. Beyond that, he always made sure we were having the best experience, taking care of every detail and making our trip memorable. We’re also very grateful to our cooks and porters, Andres and Fernando, wonderful local people who cooked for us in the middle of nature while still creating a restaurant-like experience, and lastly to our wrangler, Cornelio, who carried our duffle bags throughout the trek. Overall, the staff made this experience very unique, together with the astonishing nature around us. We’re very grateful to the entire team for making this such a memorable trip. Thanks again! Oriana & Tommaso
via Tripadvisor
Salkantay trek, private group
Everything was well organised, all went smoothly and we learned a lot from Lino, our guide. He seemed to have a lot of experience and to know the ins and outs of every place. Also, the food prepared by Andres was simply amazing !! The accomodations were comfortable. We had a lot of fun with the teams, it made for a meaningful experience to have the chance to exhange with locals, the visits were great and the views were splendid. Thanks Roxner for organising such a great trip for us!
via Tripadvisor
Life-changing adventure with an unforgettable guide and breathtaking experiences.
Writing A life-changing adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable memories, and an incredible guide.
via Tripadvisor
Best everrr!
Completed the 5d/4n Classic Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek. We had a wonderful experience. Our guide Lino was wonderful, his passion for sharing stories and knowledge of the area was inspiring. Our chefs Andre and Ronald were phenomenal, smiles and food a plenty. Felt very well taken care of throughout the trek. An amazing experience and would absolutely recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Great Salkantay trek experience
Great trek and better people. Couldn’t ask for more from our guide (Lino) and cook (Albert). Genuinely great people to do the trek with! Great communication and they were willing to update our route based on rapidly changing weather conditions!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days And 4 Nights: 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 And 4 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $690 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 And 4 Nights 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 And 4 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 53 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 And 4 Nights?
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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 And 4 Nights suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. 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 And 4 Nights?
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Around 19 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 And 4 Nights 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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