Follow the Salkantay route past Humantay and into the Cloud Forest on the way to Machu Picchu.
Three camping nights and hotel transfers are included; a high level of fitness is required and the return bus to Aguas Calientes costs extra. 4.98 from 5,396 reviews at €692 per person for 5 days.
In our comparison: #2 of 33 in Salkantay Treks, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
4 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator. Guide languages on every option: English, Spanish.
Option
What the operator says
From, per adult
Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days from CuscoThe page price
Pickup included
€692
With Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
€765
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
€783
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
€783
Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 8 November 2026.
Included and not included
All transportation necessary during the trek is guaranteed.
Pre-departure briefing (One day before your trek at 17:00hrs)
Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay (Day 2)
Return bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Optional, paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (alternative to walking; paid on site)
Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Reviews
5.0
5,396 ratings Tripadvisor 5,391 · Viator 5
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 5,386 of 5,396
Star breakdown of all 5,396 ratings
5 stars
5,329 · 99%
4 stars
57 · 1%
3 stars
6 · 0%
2 stars
4 · 0%
1 star
0 · 0%
What reviewers say
Reviewers praise the guides, food and accommodation; adjusting to altitude makes the trek physically demanding.
Praised
Guides who share Inca history and keep the group motivated
Generous meals with a variety of dishes
Comfortable accommodation with views along the route
Well organised logistics with clear plans for each stage
Food allergies handled carefully
Complaints
Difficulty adjusting to altitude makes the early stages physically hard
Written by Guidekin from the 50 most recent English reviews on Tripadvisor (28 October 2026 to 7 November 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 8 November 2026.
Latest reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Departure
05:00 daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Operator
Salkantay Trekking; booking and payment are completed on Viator
About this tour, from the operator
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering snow-capped peaks like Humantay, make a dramatic transition to venture into the Cloud Forest, and pass a section of the Inca Path. If you want to be off the main route to Machu Picchu, close to remote towns, and Peru’s hypnotic nature, this Salkantay Trek is for you.
• Join a small-group trek with the Kings of the Salkantay Trail • See Humantay Lake and beat the Salkantay Pass • Spend three nights in exclusive accommodations in the middle of the mountains • Visit an organic coffee farm in the High-jungle valleys • Explore the World best UNESCO site: Machu Picchu
Walking, children and accessibility
The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.
Walking and health
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.
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.
Children
Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Accessibility
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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
Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Good to know
Food included Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Non-refundable no free cancellation
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days: No refund
Compared with other Salkantay Treks
Tour
Price
Duration
Rating
Group
This tour · #2 of 33
€692
5 days
4.98 (5396)
shared
Salkantay Trek 5D/4N with Glass Cabins, Sky Domes & Hobbit House
€633
5 days
4.99 (2916)
shared
Salkantay Premium Trek 5 Days: Glamping Adventure to Machu Picchu
€1157
5 days
4.98 (1491)
shared
4-Day Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Sky Camp Stay
€656
4 days
4.97 (3929)
shared
Ranked #2 of 33 in Salkantay Treks by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €246 to €1749, median €633; typical length 5 days. 2 of 33 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 33 Salkantay Treks