
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure worth booking?
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $515 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $515 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 58. At $515 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Prices and availability checked
The Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, leading you to the iconic Machu Picchu. This 5-day trek combines stunning views, including the turquoise waters of Laguna Humantay and the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters. Experience the shift from highland to lush cloud forests while enjoying a blend of nature and Inca culture. With a professional bilingual guide and comfortable camping facilities, this trek is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. - Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights - Moderate to difficult trekking, with max elevation of 4,650m - Explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour and free time - Small group sizes (8-10 people) for a personalized experience
What you get
About this experience
The Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, leading you to the iconic Machu Picchu. This 5-day trek combines stunning views, including the turquoise waters of Laguna Humantay and the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters. Experience the shift from highland to lush cloud forests while enjoying a blend of nature and Inca culture. With a professional bilingual guide and comfortable camping facilities, this trek is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. - Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights - Moderate to difficult trekking, with max elevation of 4,650m - Explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour and free time - Small group sizes (8-10 people) for a personalized experience
What's included
Included
- Entry to the hot springs in Santa Teresa
- Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trek (Challacancha).
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners during the trek.
- Chef and kitchen staff to prepare meals during the trek.
- One night hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
- Cooking equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, and utensils.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to Ollantaytambo.
- Round-trip bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Horsemen and pack horses to carry camping equipment and personal belongings(up to 7 kg per traveler)
- Camping equipment: comfortable tents with sleeping mats.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English), specialized in trekking.
- Private vehicle transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Not included
- Snacks and additional drinks not included in the itinerary (optional).
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
- Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen (optional)
- Travel and medical insurance (recommended, but not included).
- Personal expenses and services not mentioned.
- Sleeping bag (available for rent if needed)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
We will contact you to coordinate a specific pickup point. If pickup at your hotel is not possible, the meeting point will be the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, where you can meet our guide.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
All tours end at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the historic heart of the city. From this location, travelers have easy access to various transportation options, restaurants, and accommodations.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cusco Aventura
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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great booking experience
Very clear and friendly booking. Very accessible to contact and all for a good price!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re happy to hear that you found our booking process easy, our team friendly and accessible, and our prices reasonable. We always strive to provide excellent service from the very first contact. We hope to welcome you again for another adventure with Cusco Aventura!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible 5 day trek with Cusco adventura
Had an amazing time with Cusco adventura, the 5 days flew by because we had such an great time. Our guide was extremely passionate and caring, always made sure everyone was having an good time!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time with Cusco Aventura and that your 5-day adventure was unforgettable. We’re especially happy that our guide’s passion and care made your experience even more special. Your kind words mean a lot to our team! We hope to see you again in Cusco for more incredible adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Salkantay Tour!
Incredible guide, couldn’t recommend highly enough! Great value for money and a fantastic trek with great information - thank you so much!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trek, learned so much from your guide, and felt it was great value for money. Your recommendation means a lot to our team! We hope to welcome you back to Cusco for more unforgettable adventures with Cusco Aventura!
via Tripadvisor
Salkantay
Great service and value getting us to Salkantay, highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re glad our transportation service to Salkantay met your expectations and offered great value. It was a pleasure helping you start your adventure smoothly. We hope to welcome you back to Cusco for another unforgettable experience with Cusco Aventura!
via Tripadvisor
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
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- 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 Days of Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure 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 58. At $515 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Who is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure best for?
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It suits families and couples best, based on its 120-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $515, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $515 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 of Adventure 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 of Adventure 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 (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure?
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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 of Adventure 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 of Adventure?
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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 of Adventure 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 of Adventure?
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Included: Entry to the hot springs in Santa Teresa; Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trek (Challacancha); Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners during the trek; and Chef and kitchen staff to prepare meals during the trek. Not included: Snacks and additional drinks not included in the itinerary (optional); Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day; Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen (optional); and Travel and medical insurance (recommended, but not included). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 329 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure 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 of Adventure?
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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 of Adventure 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 of Adventure 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.
What do travelers say about Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days of Adventure?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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