About this experience
Discover Peru’s most scenic alternative to the Inca Trail on this 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with South Adventure Peru Tours. Hike beneath the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain, passing through cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and traditional Quechua communities. Enjoy breathtaking views, freshly prepared meals, and rich cultural encounters each day. With moderate to challenging hikes and small group sizes, this off-the-beaten-path journey ends with a guided tour of Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking nature, history, and fewer crowds.
- Explore stunning landscapes from cloud forests to high mountains.
- Enjoy local cuisine prepared by experienced cooks during the trek.
- Small group sizes for a more intimate and personalized experience.
- Includes all necessary permits, meals, and accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
At a glance
- Duration: 120 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 120 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
- Private transport from Poroy train station to hotel in Cusco
- Experienced cook and all cooking equipment
- 4-person capacity tents (used by 2 travelers per tent for extra space)
- Pre-information session the night before your hike
- Lunch
- All buffet meals during the trek (vegetarian options available)
- Dinner
- Sleeping mattress (Therm-a-Rest style)
- Breakfast
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (must be booked months in advance)
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (3-star, hot shower & private bathroom)
- English-speaking guide (2 guides provided for groups over 8 people)
- Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead
- Boiled water provided after every meal
- 3 nights of camping along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Expedition or Inca Rail)
- Daily teatime (coffee, tea, popcorn, biscuits)
Not included
- Meals on Day 5: Lunch and dinner not included, but we’ll gladly recommend great restaurant options
- Sleeping bag (rated to -20°C) for the trip. Can be rented from us
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We offer pick-up from hotels, Airbnbs, and other accommodations within Cusco City and the Sacred Valley. Please enter your exact address or hotel name in the search bar during booking. The guide will be waiting in the agreed location, holding a sign with your name so you can easily identify them.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- South Adventure Peru Tours
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
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 Sacred Valley.
Please enter your exact address or hotel name in the search bar during booking.
The guide will be waiting in the agreed location, holding a sign with your name so you can easily identify them.
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
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