Private Tour
5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
The Salkantay Trek To
Machu Picchu 5 Days is the most spectacular alternative trek to Machu Picchu and unlike the Classic Inca Trail, there are no permit limitations.
National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days as one for the 25 Best Treks in the World. Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days, through incredible landscapes where lowland jungle gives way to highland alpine settings and glaciated mountains, the most impressive of which is the snow peak Salkantay.
If you have missed to sign up on time for the Inca trail, the Salkantay Trek To
Machu Picchu 5 Days, is your best option
to get to Machu Picchu. There are also excellent
hot springs at the end of your trek.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please Note: Train times are subject to change depending on timetables and availability. If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the Expedition train) for an additional cost
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Salkantay Trek – Soraypampa Camp
Accommodations
camping night
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Mollepata
On day one, we pick you up at 5am and travel by bus to Mollepata. Then, we take a 3 hours hike to Cruzpata, where we have lunch with panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay (4120m/13500ft) and Salkantay (6271m/20575ft). We begin our trek by heading towards our first campsite Soraypampa, taking in the beautiful landscape along the way.
First campsite
Salkantay Trek – Mighty SALKANTAY!!
Accommodations
camping night
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Salkantay Trail
We will have breakfast at around 5:30am and begin our hike to the highest pass on this trek. It is located at 4650m/15200ft and halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the two snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here.
After a rest, we will continue our walk downhill through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay, where we will have lunch. After lunch, we will hike for approximately three hours towards the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft). We may reach the other campsites of Challway or Andenes depending on the pace of the group.
Salkantay Trek – Cloud Forest
Accommodations
camping night
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Santa Teresa
After breakfast, at 6:30am, we start trekking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River through a series of small brooks and creeks. We pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will set up camp in the warm climate of La Playa (2500m/8202ft). After a rest, we will go to the hot springs and enjoy a well-deserved soak in soothing the waters. A real treat after finishing the trek! (Optional).
Salkantay Trek – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3-star hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Mirador de Llactapata
On day four, we will have breakfast at 6:30am and then head for Llactapata, a three-hour steady climb. Llactapata is an incredible Incan fort from which we will see Machu Picchu! After some photos and rest, we will continue on a two-hour downhill hike passing a variety of plantations that produce coca, bananas, and more until we reach the Hydroelectric dam for lunch.
Aguas Calientes
Then, we will walk a couple of hours more until Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night. Optional: In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town. Entrance is 10 soles.
Salkantay Trek – Machu Picchu
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Machu Picchu
Wake up early for breakfast before our guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:40am to begin the short bus journey to the gates of Machu Picchu where you will watch the sunrise. After entering the Citadel begin a guided walking tour (approximately two hours) of the citadel complex. After this experience, enjoy some free time to explore the mysterious city as you please. Then, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch later we will board the train back to Poroy. Upon your arrival to the train station, we will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
What‘s Included
is the Expedition (to Ollantaytambo or Poroy). Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you can take is the 1pm and latest is the 9:20pm. Valencia Travel agency will organize your transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus)
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Cook.
4 man tents (per 2 people)
Pick up from hotel.
First-Aid kit.
Sleeping mattresses.
Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollantaytambo)
Assistant guide.
1 night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Extra oxygen.
Horsemen and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 5 kilos of tourists' belongings)
Professional bilingual tour guide.
Single room and tent $ 112.00
International and domestic flights
Airport departure taxes or visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Insurance of any kind
Laundry
Phone calls
Radio calls or messages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Service
Pickup included
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Tour
Explore476359,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was fantastic particularly the Peru component which took up 13 days. We had a lovely group of people on our tour and we had a fabulous tour Manager from Valencia travel named Edwardo. The tour included the Amazon rainforest, the beautiful town of Cusco, the iconic Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Edwardo and the rest of his team of drivers and guides were outstanding. Everything was well organised even with some very early starts and long distances to travel. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Life changing. Loved it. Couldn’t have asked for better.
daniellerX6458ID,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I thought I had booked a group tour with my 2 friends but it turned out to be private and we would not have wanted it any other way! This trip was life changing. The vies and experiences and people we got to meet were above any expectations I could ever have! Juan our tour guide worked tirelessly to make sure we had everything we needed at all times and handled every curve ball thrown at him with grace. Our two chefs Julio and Cesar were such a joy working hard everyday to make sure we stayed not only fed but had som of the best and most fresh food I’ve had in a long time. Them showing us Peru through foo was a treat I would have never expected! And lastly Alfredo and his two young helpers (I never got their names) made this dream a reality by being along with us every step of the way doing all the heavy lifting. Peru is absolutely stunning and the people made it so special. I cannot wait to return and when I do I will definitely use Valencia again!
Highlight of our 5 week Trip!
elyses936,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We couldn’t fault Valencia’s service during our day tours & 5 day Salkantay Trek Experience! Our guide Genrri and chef Carmelo were absolutely amazing! Along with the rest of the Valancia travel team, they made one of the most challenging treks the most memorable highlight of our 5 week trip through South America.
The coolest experience in mountain
weis2026,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the stay in Salkantay! The food is incredible. I am looking forward to meal time everyday. The cook made a cake for us at the last day. The service is good! We even received hot water bottle at the night against the cold.
A great experience that I would thoroughly recommend
markvZ3138XD,Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our main guide Claudio was excellent. Always on time and nothing was too much trouble. Our Machu Pichu guides Yendry and Carlos deserve a special mention for the care and patience they showed on the Inca trail that enabled everyone to finish. A great experience that I would thoroughly recommend.
Adventure of a lifetime
evannw2024,Oct 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing experience doing the 5 day Salkantay trek with Valencia. Our guide Victor was so fun and knowledgeable. The whole crew took very good care of our group. All of the meals prepared by chefs Guido and Climaco were delicious and extremely nutritious. Incredible views and challenging hikes. The first day is an easier hike with a total of 6 miles, but the mileage goes all the way up to 16 miles on day 4. Definitely try to arrive in Cusco at least two days before starting the hike in order to acclimate to the high altitude.
From snow capped mountains to the jungle
annikasabinec,Aug 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing and unique experience combining the great outdoors (mountains, vistas and campsites) with a sense of adventure whilst always being guided and challenged by Guido, THE Guide.
Salkantay Trek Honeymoon Experience
181mitchellb,May 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mijail was our guide and we could not have asked for a better experience. He was able to be our trekking guide, naturalist and fellow bird enthusiast, cultural interpreter and native advocate, all while keeping us safe as there were sections of the trail closed due to landslides. He pivoted plans seamlessly and allowed us to have an unforgettable week. Everything felt custom to us and we walked away feeling like family. Mario & Luís were our chefs who provided delicious and creative local dishes (and comfort food when we needed it). We had multiple courses at every meal and it was all beyond expectations. They along with our kind horsemen set up camp ahead of us every day so that we could extend our hiking and let ourselves get distracted by the beauty, nature, and wildlife without worrying about time, not to mention this was some of the most fun and inspiring hiking we’ve ever done. From the moment we landed in Cusco to returning nearly a week later, we were totally in their hands the entire time. The office team made the logistics easy, going above and beyond to accommodate our schedule after the airline canceled one of our flights and we needed to get back to Cusco earlier than anticipated. We were beyond thrilled by this experience and would absolutely book another trip with them given the chance!
Amazing Salkantay Trek with Valencia!
R3345NYmelissam,Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We could not have asked for a better experience on this trek! I did the 4-day Inca Trail trek back in 2019 and heard about the Salkantay trek at that time. I knew I had to come back and experience it, and I'm SO glad I did. Our guide, Aldo, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, personable, and had a reverence and respect for the mountain that was absolutely beautiful. The Salkantay trek is wonderfully different at every turn, and it was an honor to be along for this wild, exciting ride.
Travel with Valencia! It is a guaranteed good time.
jamesonm900,Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible trek! My wife and I did the Inca Trail with Valencia back in 2019 and just HAD to bring our friends back with us to do the Salkantay. With Aldo as our guide, we had an unforgettable time. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the land and the history of the Inca Empire. But, most importantly, he was really in touch with the needs and wants of the group. Cannot say enough good things about the experience and our guide!
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Operated by Valencia Travel Agency S.a.c.