About this experience
The Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu is rated by National Geographic as one of the 25 best treks in the world, and is one of the best alternatives to reach the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
The route combines beautiful mountain landscapes with incredible panoramic views, views of the Nevado Salkantay and exuberant forests, a subtropical jungle with a splendid natural environment.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu let yourself be captivated by the magic and charm of this wonderful place and admire the sumptuous temples, agricultural terraces, canals and water sources that have made this place one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
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 at least a moderate 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 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
- Return transportation from Ollantaytambo Train Station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Tourist transport from the City of Cusco to Challacancha (Starting Point of the Walk)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen balloon that will be carried by the guide.
- Hop-on, hop-off bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Professional Tour Guide who speaks English
- Transportation from the village of Challway to Sahuayaco (Eco-Lodge Sky Domes).
- Cook and kitchen assistant for the preparation of all meals
- We will carry up to 7 kg. / 15 pounds of your luggage, so you will only carry your small backpack and water
- 1st Night: Cabaña Andina (Eco-Lodge Mamá Andrea) in the Soraypampa area.
- Ticket to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, Circuit 2 or Circuit 3 - depending on availability
- Pick up from your hotel located in the City of Cusco. We also pick up from hotels in the Sacred Valley
- 2nd Night: Luxury Wood and Glass Dome (Eco Lodge Majestic Sky Domes) in the Sahuayaco area.
- Entrance ticket to the Salkantay route and the Humantay Lagoon
- 3rd night: Room with private bathroom (Hotel) located in the Town of Aguas Calientes.
- Excellent Food All Inclusive: 4 Breakfasts / 4 Lunches / 3 Dinners
- Vehicle transportation from the Lodge Mejestic Sky Domes to the start of the hike to Llactapata.
- Meeting and preparation talk with the Guide, 1 day before the tour in our Office located in Cusco
- We serve and prepare vegetarian, vegan and special diet meals according to your requirement
- Guided tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
- 03 Nights of Accommodation:
- All the necessary equipment for the tour that you will use
- Expedition Tourist Train Ticket to Return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo for the 4th day
- Luggage storage for your belongings in our Cusco Office while you make your trek
Not included
- Not Included: Personal items such as backpack, clothes and shoes.
- Optional tip. If you wish, you can give a voluntary tip to the Service Staff: Guide and Cook
- Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Additional cost:
- No need to carry a sleeping bag.
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- The pick-up is directly at your accommodation located in the City of Cusco. Write us and tell us the name of your hotel.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Incredible Peru Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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