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

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

by Salkantay Trekking

5 days
Cusco
$684$760 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
$684$760 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 4 available options

5 days
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
Cancellation terms shown at checkout.
$1,368$1,520Save 10%
2 guests × $684
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

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

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