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Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Small Group Hike
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Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Small Group Hike

by Salkantay Trekking

5 days
Cusco
$684$760 on ViatorSave 10%/person
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5 days
Starting time
Monday 26 October 2026
Language
Cancellation terms shown at checkout.
$1,368$1,520Save 10%
2 guests × $684
All taxes and fees included

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Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$1,520
5 days
$1,368$1,520Save 10%
2 guests × $684
All taxes and fees included
5 days
$1,368$1,520Save 10%
2 guests × $684
All taxes and fees included
5 days
$1,368$1,520Save 10%
2 guests × $684
All taxes and fees included

Overview

The Salkantay trek is a well-known alternative route to the Inca Trail, offering a varied landscape over five days. The hike begins with views of snow-covered peaks such as Humantay, then moves through different ecosystems including the Cloud Forest. Along the way, trekkers follow part of the original Inca Path. This small-group hike includes three nights camping in mountain locations and one night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes. The itinerary includes a visit to an organic coffee farm in the high-jungle valleys and ends with a visit to Machu Picchu. The trek covers the Salkantay and Humantay Lake trails and crosses the Salkantay Pass. The package includes all transportation needed during the trek, hotel pickup and drop-off, meals from breakfast to dinner (except on the last day for lunch and dinner), and a professional mountain guide. Equipment such as backpack covers, camping gear including private dining tents, and safety items like walkie-talkies, oxygen, satellite phones, and first aid kits are provided. The entrance fee for Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or alternatives if unavailable) and one-way bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are included. The return trip to Cusco is by panoramic train (Expedition or The Voyager). The group is supported by an expert chef, porters, and horsemen. Optional horseback rides are available on the first and second days but are not included. Travel insurance, trekking poles, and sleeping bags must be arranged separately. Participants should arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek for altitude acclimatization. A pre-departure briefing is held the day before the hike at 5:00 PM. The trek is physically demanding and suitable for those in good health. Children aged 12 and older may join if accompanied by an adult. Vegetarian and vegan meal options can be requested in advance.

Highlights

Small-group trek on the Salkantay Trail over five days
Visit Humantay Lake and cross the Salkantay Pass
Three nights camping with private dining and kitchen facilities
One night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu entrance fee and one-way bus ticket included
Return trip by panoramic train Expedition or The Voyager

What's included

All transportation needed during the trek
Hotel pickup and drop-off service
Guidance by an experienced mountain guide
Lunch provided during trek days except last day
Three nights camping accommodation at Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes
Dinner provided during trek days except last day
Backpack cover supplied
Breakfast included each morning
One-way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times
Water, tea time, and daily snacks along the trail
Machu Picchu entrance fee for Circuit 2 with 3-month booking; if not available, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1
Personal duffel bag allowance up to 5 kg (11 lb) for travel gear
Visit to a local organic coffee farm
Support by expert chef, porters, and horsemen
Return trip on Expedition or The Voyager panoramic train
One night stay in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
Entrance fees for Salkantay and Humantay Lake trails
Private camping facilities including dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs
Satellite phones included
Pre-departure briefing held one day before trek at 17:00 hours

What's not included

Lunch and dinner on the fifth day
Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake on Day 1
Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay on Day 2
Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, paid directly on site
Train transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes as an alternative to walking, paid on site
Personal gear such as sleeping bag and trekking poles
Travel insurance recommended but not included
Optional gratuities for staff

Itinerary

1

Your adventure begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m.

120 min

2

You will travel to Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast before continuing on to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of the trek.

120 min

3

There you will meet the team before starting the hike. The trail, about three hours and 7 km (4.35 miles), follows an ancient Inca canal and offers spectacular views of the glacial valley until you reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our exclusive Sky Camp awaits you.

180 min

4

After lunch, you will take a three-hour hike (round trip) to the impressive Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) with its turquoise waters and snowy glacier backdrop, creating a dreamlike landscape.

180 min

5

Upon your return, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and a magical night under the stars in your panoramic dome, with direct views of the imposing Apu Salkantay.

600 min

6

Wake up to a view of Apu Salkantay while enjoying coca tea and an energy-packed breakfast to start the hike to the highest point of the trek, Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft).

60 min

7

This three-hour, 7 km (4.35 mile) ascent takes us along the “path of the seven snakes.” At the summit, take in the majestic views of the Andes and feel the sacred energy of Apu Salkantay.

180 min

8

Then, you will descend for about three hours to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) to enjoy a hearty lunch surrounded by beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, you will continue to the cloud forest, where the climate becomes warmer and the vegetation more lush. Along the trail, you will observe tropical flora, birds, and waterfalls until you reach Collpapampa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft).

180 min

9

At the end of the day, a hearty dinner and a well-deserved rest await you at our Mountain Sky View Camp, surrounded by nature.

600 min

10

The day begins around 6:00 a.m. with hot mate tea and breakfast before starting the hike through the beautiful Santa Teresa Valley.

60 min

11

The trail descends gently between rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and banana, coffee, and avocado plantations, offering a tropical and relaxing atmosphere. You will walk with the possibility of spotting the Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird, until you reach Zona Propiedad, where a vehicle will be waiting to take us to La Playa.

240 min

12

Once there, you will visit an organic coffee farm to learn about the Andean coffee process and taste its unique flavor.

120 min

13

After the activity, we will continue to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) to enjoy a typical lunch and settle into our exclusive Super Jungle Domes. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings. You will end the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable rest, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

600 min

14

After breakfast, you will begin your last day of hiking towards Aguas Calientes.

60 min

15

In the morning, you will follow an original section of the Inca Trail, ascending for two hours until you reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site with unique views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Here, your guide will tell you the secrets of the Inca civilization while you enjoy free time to take photos and explore.

180 min

16

Then, you will descend for an hour and a half to Ahobamba, where you will stop for lunch. You will continue walking for another half hour to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), passing by the impressive 250-meter artificial waterfall, a source of energy for the entire city of Cusco.

120 min

17

At Hidroeléctrica, you can choose between taking the train to Aguas Calientes (optional) or continuing the three-hour hike along the tracks, enjoying the warm jungle environment. Along the way, you will see the Intihuatana, an ancient Inca solar stone related to agricultural cycles.

180 min

18

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, dinner at a local restaurant and a night's rest in a comfortable hotel await you.

600 min

19

Today you will experience the most anticipated moment of the trip: a visit to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Very early in the morning, you will climb up to the archaeological site to enjoy the magic of sunrise before the crowds arrive.

120 min

20

During a two-hour guided tour, you will explore the most emblematic places of the citadel: temples, houses, terraces, and water channels. You will be amazed by the advanced engineering of the Incas, who built this jewel on the side of a mountain without modern tools, creating a hydraulic system that still amazes experts. After the tour, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, with advance reservation) to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views.

120 min

21

Then, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the scenic train to Ollantaytambo.

120 min

22

Finally, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco, where this Andean adventure will end.

Languages

English (audio)English (guide)English (written)Spanish (audio)Spanish (guide)Spanish (written)

Cancellation policy

  • All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Additional info

1–10 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Service animals are welcome
Not advised for anyone with back or spinal problems
Not advised during pregnancy
Not advised for anyone with a heart condition
A good level of fitness is needed
Arrival in Cusco at least two days before the trek is recommended for altitude adjustment
Machu Picchu permits sell out quickly; booking at least five months ahead is advised
Full passport details required at booking for all participants
Passports must be valid and ready for travel on the departure day
Children aged 12 and older may join if accompanied by a responsible adult
Solo travelers can join shared groups; most departures are guaranteed with no minimum participants
The trek is physically challenging and requires good health and fitness
Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available if requested at booking
Total
$1,368Save 10% vs Viator