About this experience
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering snow-capped peaks like Humantay, make a dramatic transition to venture into the Cloud Forest, and pass a section of the Inca Path. If you want to be off the main route to Machu Picchu, close to remote towns, and Peru’s hypnotic nature, this Salkantay Trek is for you.
• Join a small-group trek with the Kings of the Salkantay Trail
• See Humantay Lake and beat the Salkantay Pass
• Spend three nights in exclusive accommodations in the middle of the mountains
• Visit an organic coffee farm in the High-jungle valleys
• Explore the World best UNESCO site: Machu Picchu
At a glance
- Duration: 120 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 120 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
Local guides to help you plan
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits Guide
Choose the right Machu Picchu circuit, understand the 2026 ticket system, and avoid common booking mistakes with this practical guide to routes, identification, seasonal access, and last-minute entry.
What is included
- All transportation necessary during the trek is guaranteed.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
- Dinner
- Backpack cover
- Breakfast
- One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the Trail
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
- Machu Picchu entrance fee(Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
- Panoramic return trip on the Expedition or The Voyager train.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fees to the Salkantay and Humantay Lake trails
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
- Satellite phones
- Pre-departure briefing (One day before your trek at 17:00hrs)
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
- Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
- Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay (Day 2)
- Return bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Optional, paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
- Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (alternative to walking; paid on site)
- Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco. The pickup time is between 04:30 and 05:00 am.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Guide
- English — Written
- Spanish — Audio
- Spanish — Guide
- Spanish — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Salkantay Trekking
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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 a high level of physical fitness
- It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure spaces.
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
- Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
The pickup time is between 04:30 and 05:00 am.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
