---
title: "Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike"
lang: en
type: tour
city: Cusco
country: Peru
price: 692
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.98
reviews: 5396
duration_minutes: 7200
languages: [en, es]
rank_in_category: 2 of 33 (Salkantay Treks)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-08
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/peru/cusco/tours/classic-5-day-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu-small-group-hike/
---

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

**Guidekin's take:** 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 5396 reviews at €692 per person for 5 days.

In our comparison: #2 of 33 in Salkantay Treks, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

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

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: no car needed
- Entry ticket included: skip the ticket desk
- Starts 05:00: one departure a day
- Food included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Non-refundable: no free cancellation

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup included

## Key facts

- Price: from €692 per person for the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days from Cusco option; other options up to €783
- Duration: 5 days
- Rating: 4.98/5 from 5396 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Operator: Salkantay Trekking
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English, Spanish
- Tickets: Admission included
- Start times: 05:00
- Booking: Confirmation within 48 hours, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08

## Reviews

4.98 from 5396 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 5386 of 5396.

- 5 stars: 5329 (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 (2026-10-28 to 2026-11-07); last checked 2026-11-08.

## Tour options

Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page.

| Option | Price | Guide languages | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days from Cusco | €692 / person | English, Spanish | Pickup included |
| With Huchuy Picchu Mountain | €765 / person | English, Spanish | Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included |
| With Huayna Picchu Mountain | €783 / person | English, Spanish | Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included |
| With Machu Picchu Mountain | €783 / person | English, Spanish | Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included |

## What's included

- All transportation necessary during the trek is guaranteed.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
- Dinner
- Backpack cover
- Breakfast
- One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.

## Not included

- 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)

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 05:00
- Schedule last checked: 2026-11-08
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

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

## Good to know

- 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.
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- 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

## 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](/peru/cusco/tours/salkantay-trek-5d-4n-with-glass-cabins-sky-domes-hobbit-house/?format=md) | €633 | 5 days | 4.99 (2916) | shared |
| [Salkantay Premium Trek 5 Days: Glamping Adventure to Machu Picchu](/peru/cusco/tours/salkantay-premium-trek-5-days-glamping-adventure-to-machu-picchu/?format=md) | €1157 | 5 days | 4.98 (1491) | shared |
| [4-Day Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Sky Camp Stay](/peru/cusco/tours/4-day-short-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu-with-sky-camp-stay/?format=md) | €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.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/peru/cusco/salkantay-trek/?format=md

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