About this experience
Experience the Salkantay Trek in the most exclusive way possible. This 5-day private journey is designed for travelers who want more than just a trek, it’s a fully personalized mountain experience with a dedicated guide, private service, and carefully selected premium camps.
Unlike standard group departures, this experience gives you total flexibility, personalized pacing, and full attention from your team. From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass and the unique view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, every moment is crafted around you.
You’ll enjoy tranquility, comfort, and seamless logistics from start to finish, including an expert guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for adventure without crowds, stress, or compromises, this is the ultimate way to experience the Andes.
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
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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
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Dinner
- 1 night in a superior 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpack cover, and hand towel.
- All private transport and transfers during the tour
- Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm
- An emergency horse available from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
- Entry fees to Salkantay Trek, Humantay lake, and Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
- Transportation of personal belongings
- Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo tourist train (Vistadome Observatory or The Prime Machu Picchu)
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
- Personal duffel bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lb) for your travel gear
- Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Sacred Jungle Lodge)
Not included
- Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)(paid on-site to local providers)
- Clothing and personal hiking equipment
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
- Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
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. We pick up all travelers from their hotels 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.
- 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?
We pick up all travelers from their hotels 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
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