About this experience
The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most spectacular hiking adventures and a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. This small-group trek takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and the Salkantay Pass to lush cloud forests on the way to Machu Picchu.
Travel with experienced local guides while enjoying well-organized logistics, including accommodation, meals, and porter support, ensuring a comfortable and memorable trekking experience.
This unforgettable journey combines high-mountain scenery, nature, and cultural immersion, making the Salkantay Trek one of the most rewarding routes to discover 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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
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 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.
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.
What is included
- Complete camping equipment
- Mules to carry gear (up to 7 kg per person, until Day 3)
- Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Private transport Cusco – trek start
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Salkantay
- Cook and kitchen equipment
- Pre-trek briefing
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco
- All meals during the trek
- Boiled water and hot water for washing
- Private transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- First aid kit, oxygen, and emergency horse
- 2 nights camping, 1 night lodge/local stay, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (one way)
Not included
- Sleeping bag (available to rent on site)
- Trekking poles (available to rent on site)
- Day 1 breakfast
- Day 5 lunch and dinner
- Hot springs entrance (optional). Available for purchase on site.
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers (optional)
- Travel insurance
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will leave Cusco early in the morning, traveling through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Rolling hills and snow capped peaks will frame our journey. In Mollepata, we’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast to start the adventure. A short drive will take us to Challacancha, where our trekking path begins.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Go Xplore Peru
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
