Trek past Salkantay Mountain into cloud forest, with nights in Andean huts and Aguas Calientes before Machu Picchu.
Guiding, hotel transfers and a return train to Ollantaytambo are included; a high level of fitness is required. 4.98 from 129 reviews at €619 per person for 3 days.
In our comparison: #9 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
Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 daysThe page price
Pickup included
€619
With Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
€692
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included
€711
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
€711
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
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Experienced Mountain Guide
Lunch
Tourist Class Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (The voyager or Expedition)
Dinner
Backpack cover
Breakfast
Experienced cooks, horsemen and porters
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
Duffle bag for up to 5 kg/11 lb of your personal gear (carried by the horses)
One way bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
All Private Transport and transfers during the tour
Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, walkie talkies, and emergency satellite pones
All entrance fees to Salkantay Trek
Accommodations (1 night at Mountain Sky View, 1 night at a Hotel)
Optional train transfer Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the train operator)
Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
Personal Hiking Clothing and gear
Lunch and Dinner on the last day
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Tips for the staff (Optional)
Reviews
5.0
129 ratings Guidekin & Tripadvisor
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 129 of 129
Star breakdown of all 129 ratings
5 stars
126 · 98%
4 stars
3 · 2%
3 stars
0 · 0%
2 stars
0 · 0%
1 star
0 · 0%
What reviewers say
Reviewers praise supportive guides, meals and varied scenery; the trek is physically demanding, especially at altitude
Praised
Patient guides who encourage hikers and adapt to different walking speeds
Explanations of local history, culture and the landscapes along the trail
Meals that travellers find tasty and well prepared
Varied scenery across mountains, jungle and Machu Picchu
Well organised logistics that let hikers focus on the trek
Complaints
Steep climbing and altitude make the trek physically demanding
Very early starts at the beginning of the trek
Written by Guidekin from the 50 most recent English reviews on Tripadvisor (16 January 2025 to 13 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 8 November 2026.
Latest reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Departure
03:00 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 Challenge covers 49 km (31 miles) to Machu Picchu in just 3 days, offering the highlights of the classic route in a shorter timeframe. Hike past the impressive Salkantay Mountain, cross rugged Andean highlands, and descend into lush cloud forest valleys. Enjoy comfortable nights at exclusive Andean huts and in Aguas Calientes before reaching the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
• 3-day trek along the Salkantay Trail, the best alternative to the Inca Trail • Epic photo opportunities at the Salkantay Glacier Mountain • Trek from high-altitude Andes to cloud forest landscapes in just two days • Stay at exclusive campsites in small groups • Guided visit to Machu Picchu with a professional guide
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.
Accessibility
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Machu Picchu permits are limited and can sell out several months in advance. We recommend booking at least 5 months ahead for travel between May and August
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 · #9 of 33
€619
3 days
4.98 (129)
shared
Salkantay Trek 5D/4N with Glass Cabins, Sky Domes & Hobbit House
€633
5 days
4.99 (2916)
shared
Classic 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Small Group Hike
€692
5 days
4.98 (5396)
shared
Salkantay Premium Trek 5 Days: Glamping Adventure to Machu Picchu
€1157
5 days
4.98 (1491)
shared
Ranked #9 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