Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights worth booking?
Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $690 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (25)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $690 per person
This is a very unique version of the Classic Salkantay Trek. The first two days follow one of the common Salkantay trails, but on the 3rd day we depart the Salkantay trails to enjoy a less trodden path that connects with
What you get
- Tour guide
- Emergency oxygen bottle, medical kit and emergency satellite radio
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
About this experience
This is a very unique version of the Classic Salkantay Trek. The first two days follow one of the common Salkantay trails, but on the 3rd day we depart the Salkantay trails to enjoy a less trodden path that connects with the Inca Trail. You even get the opportunity to walk a portion of the Inca Trail on the 3rd day. The Salkantay Trek is named for Mount Salkantay (20,574 feet). This Mountain is higher than any mountain in North America. On the Salkantay trek you will see gorgeous blue lakes, stunning glaciers and rain forest. The last portion of this particular trek has the ecosystem more typical of the Inca Trail with lush green vegetation and inca ruins. This trek is a great blend of the two very popular hikes, with an incomparable variety of flora and fauna. The trek includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a B&B in Aguas Calientes.
What's included
Included
- Tour guide
- Emergency oxygen bottle, medical kit and emergency satellite radio
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking Poles
- Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks, wranglers)
- Round trip bus tickets
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Action Peru Treks
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high 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
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents (can be rented from us)
- Insect repellant (minimum 30% DEET)
- Be aware that due the newest regulations of Machu Picchu as of January 1st, 2019, your entry time to visit Machu Picchu on day 4 of the trek will start at 8 AM. Therefore, there is no way to be at Machu Picchu for sunrise, but this entry time will maximize your time to visit Machu Picchu and hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (subject to availability)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A magical way to experience the beauty of Peru and Machu Picchu
From the moment we booked the trek we were kept up to date and well informed. We originally booked the Classic Inca Trail but it was unfortunately closed due to land slides and Action Peru Treks offered us several alternatives to fit into our schedule. We chose the Salkantay Trek because it also included some trekking through Inca trails. Everything about the trek ran like clockwork and was so well organized. Our guide Eddie ( the Eagle) treated us like family and was such an encouragement especially on the days when the going was a little tougher than expected. The food was delicious and we never went hungry. You do need to be quite fit for this trek and it is essential that you give yourself time to acclimatize to the altitude before setting off. I cannot recommend Action Peru Treks highly enough. They made the experience feel even more special and personal than I could have imagined.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Breathtaking in every sense of the word! This was the best trip we’ve done in South America! The tour groups are small of up to 6 people (ours had 2 couples), which means you bond with the guides and other hikers. We had Lino as our guide who had 20 years of experience hiking Salkantay and had lots of wisdom to share with us, including the best places to spot wildlife, teaching us about the plant life and the history of the trails. The first day was tough, but Lino helped us pace ourselves and had lots of breaks, so the trek was adaptable to different levels, but be prepared to be out of breath! At the end of the second day, we went to a local hot spring to recover, which was recommended by Lino as it was quieter than the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Lino stayed with us the whole time, and also guided us through Machu Picchu sharing so much interesting historical information with such passion. You can tell he loves this job. My advice for people doing this trek is to get to know your guide. We did, and it really made our trip special. We got to learn about our guides family, education, and sense of humour, which meant we shared laughter for the entirety of the trip. Would 100% do this again. Miss you already Lino!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Everything was organised perfectly and the scenery was incredible. Our tour guide Lino was the best we could have hoped for. Day 1 was really difficult but so rewarding. Lino is so passionate about his countries history so we learn a lot from him. The whole experience couldn’t have been better we’re so glad we chose Action Peru Treks.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu with Action Peru Treks
Action Peru Treks is one of the best trekking companies to Machu Picchu. The company offers experienced guides, quality equipment, and affordable options. My wife and I did the 4-day Salkantay Trek with Action Peru Treks in September 2023. The trek starts in Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu. Along the way, we had the opportunity to see the stunning views of the Andes Mountains, meet the local people, and learn about Peruvian culture. Our guides, Pedro and Carlos, were very experienced and knowledgeable. They gave us all the information we needed throughout the hike and helped us with any problems we had. Our equipment was also very good and provided us with all the support we needed for the hike. The trek was challenging but also very rewarding. We had a lot of fun throughout the hike and will never forget the feeling we had when we arrived in Machu Picchu. I highly recommend Action Peru Treks. If you are going to Peru and want to do a trek to Machu Picchu, this company is a perfect choice.
via Tripadvisor
Action Peru Treks: An Incredible Experience
We recently joined the 4-day Salkantay Trek with Action Peru Treks, and it's hard to put into words what an amazing experience it was. We explored the stunning beauty of nature and history, met a wonderful team, and had one of the most unforgettable journeys of our lives. The trek starts in Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu. Along the way, we saw the breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, the ruins of the Inca civilization, and the cascading waterfalls. Our guides were there to help us every step of the way, and they shared Peru's rich history and culture with us. The trekking was challenging, but it was definitely worth it. Along the way, we met a wonderful team that helped us through all kinds of challenges. We supported each other and completed this challenging journey together. We highly recommend Action Peru Treks. They have a professional and experienced team, and they offer a great way to explore Peru.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 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 Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights take?
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Plan for about 96 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 Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 25 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 Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 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 Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 96-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights?
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Around 9 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 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 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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