About this experience
Walk into the heart of the Andes on a 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, perfect if you want adventure with comfort. Hike to bright turquoise Humantay Lake, cross the Salkantay Pass, then follow the trail down into warm green cloud forest.
Share a Pachamanca meal cooked underground, visit an organic coffee farm, and sleep in our exclusive camps: Salka Glamp at the foot of Salkantay, cozy Andean huts, and a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. This quieter alternative to the Inca Trail offers big mountain views, local culture, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Friendly local guides who know the Salkantay trek
- Stay at our private Salka Glamp campsite in comfy glamping tents
- Hike to Humantay Lake and explore Machu Picchu with your guide
- Trek through glaciers, valleys, and cloud forest in small groups
- Enjoy Pachamanca and coffee experience in Lucmabamba
- Return on the Vistadome panoramic train
- Your trip helps support local families and projects
At a glance
- Duration: 96 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 96 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
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 Train From Cusco Guide
Plan the Machu Picchu train from Cusco with clear advice on bimodal routes, entry tickets, train classes, timings, baggage, and booking order.
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
What is included
- Pre-departure briefing
- 1 night at Salka Glamp campsite (Day 1)
- Trekking chef and all meals on the trail (except last-day lunch; all diets covered)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Return on Vistadome panoramic train
- Drinking water and daily snacks
- Entry tickets for Salkantay and Machu Picchu
- Pachamanca barbecue and coffee experience
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 3)
- Cargo mules for camping equipment
- 1 night in Andean huts in Collpapampa (Day 2)
- Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho and hand towels
- All transport during the tour
- First-aid kit, satellite phone and oxygen
- Duffle bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb)
- Professional tour guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles
- Last-day lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Travelers can also meet us at Plaza Regocijo at 4:30 a.m.; please coordinate this with us the day before the tour.
- We also offer early morning pickups from Airbnbs and other locations within Cusco’s Historic Center around 4:30 a.m.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- TreXperience
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
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?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
