Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco Hotel Pickup → Mollepata → Humantay Lake Trek → Overnight at Sky Star Crystal Domes
Your Salkantay trek 5 days to Machu Picchu adventure begins early in Cusco, with hotel pickups between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. Once your guide has gathered the group, you’ll depart Cusco around 5:15 AM by car, heading to the town of Mollepata — a journey of about 2 hours. There, you’ll enjoy a hearty included breakfast at a local restaurant and have time for any last-minute supplies, with a total stop of around 1 hour.
From Mollepata, you’ll continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where you’ll meet the muleteers and horses who will carry the camping equipment and duffle bags throughout the trek. This is where the hiking begins.
The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake starts at 3,900 meters and climbs to 4,200 meters, the lake’s location. The hike takes around 2 hours total: a gradual ascent for the first hour, followed by a steeper climb during the second hour.
Once at Humantay Lake, you’ll have 1 to 1.5 hours (weather permitting) of free time to admire the stunning turquoise waters, take photos, and learn more about the area from your guide. Afterward, you’ll begin the descent toward Quiswarniyoc campsite — about 1 hour downhill followed by 45 minutes of mostly flat trail.
You’ll arrive at Quiswarniyoc around 2:00 PM, where a delicious lunch will be waiting, prepared by your cooking team. After lunch, your guide will show you to your accommodations so you can rest. The rest of the afternoon is free for short walks around the area, taking in incredible views of Salkantay Mountain rising directly in front of the campsite.
Dinner is served around 6:00 PM, after which your guide will brief you on Day 2 — the most challenging day of the trek, reaching the highest point of the entire route. Then, it’s time to relax and enjoy a magical night in the Sky Star Crystal Domes, with breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding mountains and night sky.
Day 1 Summary
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Hiking distance: 10 km (approx. 6 miles)
- Trekking duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Campsite elevation: 4,000 meters above sea level
- Weather: Cold and windy nights during the dry season (May–August), with temperatures dropping as low as -5°C
- Good to know: Day 1 is a great warm-up for acclimatization, helping you prepare for Day 2 — the most challenging day of the trek
Day 1 Inclusions
- Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
- Accommodation: Sky Star Crystal Domes with sleeping pads and pillows
- Guide for the entire trek
- Horse to carry your duffel bag (7 kg limit)
Night One: These Sky Star Domes are located in Soraypampa, at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, offering travelers a breathtaking view of glacier peaks. It’s the perfect luxury spot for photography, as well as for taking in stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Quiswarniyoc → Salkantay Pass → Chaullay → Mountain Sky Huts
Chaullay → Lucmabamba Coffee Farm → Hot Springs → Overnight at Sky Star Crystal Domes
After the demanding effort of Day 2, today offers a well-deserved change of pace. The morning begins gently with a wake-up tea at 5:30 AM, followed by time to pack before breakfast, served around 6:00 AM.
The hike sets off around 6:30 AM from Chaullay toward Lucmabamba, your third campsite. This 4-hour trek follows mostly flat terrain through the lush Santa Teresa Valley, where you’ll have the chance to spot diverse flora and fauna as the landscape transitions into cloud forest.
Upon arriving in Lucmabamba — a region famous for its high-quality coffee — you’ll visit a local family at the Coffee Park for an immersive coffee tour. They’ll walk you through the entire process, from planting and harvesting to roasting, and you’ll even get to brew and taste your own freshly made cup. For those looking for extra adventure, this is also where the optional Salkantay Zipline experience takes place, which can be enjoyed before or after lunch — your guide will help coordinate the timing.
Lunch is served at the exclusive Sky Star Crystal Domes in Lucmabamba, where you’ll also spend the night surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Santa Teresa Valley. Since trekking concludes after lunch, the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy.
In the afternoon, you can choose to unwind at the campsite or visit the rejuvenating Santa Teresa hot springs — a perfect reward after three days of trekking. This optional activity costs around 40 to 50 soles, which covers round-trip transportation (about 1 hour each way) and the 10-sole entrance fee. If you choose to go, you’ll spend around 2 hours at the hot springs before returning to camp.
Dinner is served around 7:30 PM, prepared by your cooking team. Afterward, your guide will brief you on the final stretch of the journey: the trek toward Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
Hike to Llactapata via the Inca Trail → Machu Picchu Viewpoint → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes
Today’s adventure starts at a more relaxed pace, with wake-up at 6:00 AM and breakfast at 6:30 AM, giving you time to pack before setting off around 7:00 AM from the Lucmabamba campsite toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.
The hike to Llactapata follows an original, well-preserved section of the Inca Trail and takes about 3 hours uphill. From this site, you’ll enjoy one of the most rewarding views of the entire trek: a unique, distant perspective of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding mountains, showing the citadel’s location within its dramatic landscape. After exploring the Llactapata ruins and taking in the views, you’ll begin the descent toward Hidroeléctrica.
This descent is the steepest of the trek, taking around 2 hours — trekking poles are especially useful here. Upon arriving at Hidroeléctrica, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant, followed by some time to rest before continuing your journey.
The final stretch of the day is a scenic 3-hour walk along the railway from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of Machu Picchu from the valley below. Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hostel, where you can rest, shower, and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner is served around 7:00 PM at a local restaurant in town. Afterward, you’ll get final details for tomorrow’s highlight: your visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 4 Summary
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Hiking distance: 24 km (approx. 15 miles)
- Trekking duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,700 meters at Llactapata
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,000 meters above sea level
- Weather: Hot
- Good to know: Day 4 combines a journey through Inca history at the Llactapata archaeological site with a scenic descent through the Amazon cloud forest, surrounded by untouched nature.
Day 4 Inclusions
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Transportation of your duffel bag (7 kg)
- Guide for the entire trek
Night Four: Tonight you’ll rest in the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) at a basic hotel featuring a private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, towel, and soap.
Machu Picchu Citadel Tour → Return to Cusco
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for: your visit to Machu Picchu. Your entry time depends on the schedule shown on your ticket, so it’s essential to arrive at the entrance gate exactly at that time. To get there from Aguas Calientes, you have two options.
If you prefer to hike (about 1.5 hours), start with a flat 30-minute walk from your hotel to Puente Ruinas, the first checkpoint, where you’ll show your passport and entrance ticket. From there, it’s roughly a 1-hour climb of around 1,700 steps up to the entrance. If your ticket is for 6:00 AM, plan to begin walking by 4:30 AM, after breakfast at your hotel.
Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus (about 30 minutes), which costs $12 USD one way. Tickets can be purchased the night before or that morning, and buses run every 5–10 minutes starting at 5:30 AM, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whichever option you choose, the goal is the same: be at the entrance at the time printed on your ticket.
Once inside, you’ll meet your professional guide for a 2-hour guided tour following the circuit assigned to your ticket. Your guide will walk you through Machu Picchu’s fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual significance, with plenty of time for photos along the way.
If you booked an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can begin that hike right after your guided tour. These hikes take around 3 hours round-trip and must be booked in advance due to limited spots.
Returning to Cusco: After your visit, you have two ways to return to Cusco.
If returning by train, head back to Aguas Calientes — either on foot (1.5 hours) or by shuttle bus (30 minutes, $12 USD). From there, board the train to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours), followed by a 2-hour drive to Cusco. Trains typically depart between 2:30 and 3:30 PM, with arrival in Cusco between 7:00 and 8:00 PM.
If returning by car via Hidroeléctrica, hike from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica (about 3 hours), arriving by 2:30 PM to catch the only car departure at 3:00 PM. The drive to Cusco takes 5 to 6 hours, with arrival between 10:00 and 10:30 PM. Keep in mind this option only works if your Machu Picchu entry time is between 6:00 and 9:00 AM — for later entry times, you’ll need to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes and return the next day, with any additional lodging or food costs covered by the traveler.
Day 5 Summary
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 meters
- Weather: Hot
- Good to know: Day 5 is the day you visit Machu Picchu, after which you return to Cusco by train or by car
Day 5 Inclusions
- Meals included: breakfast
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu Citadel
- Transportation back to Cusco, by train or by car, depending on the package chosen at the time of booking
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Pre-Trek Briefing at 7 PM at the Machu Picchu Team Office in Cusco
The day before your trek begins, you’ll attend a briefing at 7:00 PM at our office in Cusco. This is where you’ll meet your guide and the rest of your group for the first time. During this session, your guide will cover everything you need to know: technical details about the trek, exact pick-up times, and your printed train and Machu Picchu entrance tickets. You’ll also receive your duffle bag (for up to 7 kg of personal belongings to be carried by horses) and learn how to store any extra luggage with us if needed. You don’t need to bring anything except your passport for check-in. This is also the time to settle any outstanding balance on your tour or rent a sleeping bag or trekking poles if you haven’t already.
Professional Tour Guide for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Tour
Your trek is led by certified, professional guides with extensive experience in mountain expeditions, including Salkantay itself. They’ll accompany you throughout the entire journey and also lead your guided tour of Machu Picchu, following the circuit and schedule on your ticket. Every guide carries a first aid kit and an oxygen tank for emergencies, and all guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and a safe experience from start to finish.
Hotel Pick-Up Service Between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM
Your trek includes hotel pick-up to kick off the adventure. Pick-up times range between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, with the exact time confirmed during your briefing the day before, based on your accommodation’s location. If your hotel is near our office, you also have the option to simply meet us there at 5:00 AM. All the details will be coordinated directly with your guide.
Private Transport from Cusco to Soraypampa
Your package includes private transport in a comfortable tourist vehicle from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, giving you a relaxed and comfortable start before meeting the support team and beginning your hike.
Duffle Bag Service for 7 Kilograms
During the briefing, you’ll receive a duffle bag for up to 7 kg of personal belongings. Our horses carry these bags throughout the trek, so they’re waiting for you at each campsite — meaning you only need to hike with a small daypack for your daily essentials. After the trek, you can leave your duffle bag at our office in Cusco for safekeeping.
Meals Included: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 4 Dinners
Throughout the 5-day trek, our expert chefs travel with the group, preparing fresh, nutritious, and energizing meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners in total, plus daily snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary requirements are fully accommodated at no extra cost.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining
We offer a full range of vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options, including gluten-free, at no extra cost — simply let us know your preferences when booking.
Cooking Team for the Entire Trek
A dedicated team of chefs travels with the group, preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. They’re trained to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and other special dietary needs, ensuring every member of the group is well-fed and ready for the day ahead.
Kitchen Equipment and Utensils
All necessary cooking equipment and utensils are provided and transported to each campsite by our team, ensuring every meal is prepared and served in the best possible conditions.
Two Nights in Our Sky Star Crystal Domes
Your trek includes two nights in our exclusive Sky Star Crystal Domes, featuring panoramic transparent walls and ceilings that allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, nature, and night sky. Each dome is equipped with comfortable mattresses and pillows. You only need to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us during the pre-trek briefing. The domes are normally arranged for two guests but are spacious enough to accommodate groups of three or four who prefer to stay together.
One Night in Our Panoramic Cabins
You will also spend one night in our panoramic cabins, designed to provide comfort while keeping you connected with the natural surroundings. The cabins include mattresses and pillows and offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. A sleeping bag is required and can be brought from home or rented from our office before the trek.
One Night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Your final night is spent in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), allowing you to rest before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning. The hotel room includes a private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, towels, and basic toiletries. Rooms are normally arranged for two guests, while triple or family rooms can be provided for travelers who wish to stay together, subject to availabilit
Muleteers and Horses
A team of muleteers and horses accompanies the trek, transporting all camping equipment, food supplies, and your duffle bags (up to 7 kg per person, including sleeping bags). This support team is essential to the experience — it means you can hike with just a small daypack while everything else is moved ahead to the next campsite for you.
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket Included
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in the price. We always aim to secure Circuit 2 – Route 2-A (Classic), our top choice, which includes the iconic panoramic viewpoint and access to around 70% of the citadel. If unavailable, we’ll book Circuit 2-B (Lower Terrace), which still offers the classic viewpoint and access to about 60% of the site. To maximize your chances of getting one of these circuits, we recommend booking 3 to 4 months in advance. If neither is available, we’ll secure the best alternative circuit so you can still explore key areas of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Your package includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu lasting approximately 2.5 hours, led by one of our expert guides and tailored to your ticket’s entry time and assigned circuit. After the tour, you’ll have an additional 30 minutes of free time to take in the views at your own pace. This guide service is included for all travelers — even if you purchased your own Machu Picchu entrance ticket separately or bought it in Aguas Calientes — regardless of your ticket’s circuit or entry time.
Return Trip Options from Machu Picchu
Your return transportation to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu is included in your tour. The type of transportation depends on the option you selected when making your reservation. Whether you chose the return by train or the return by car via Hidroelectrica, your transportation back to Cusco is fully included in the tour price.
- By train: Your train departure is typically scheduled for 2:30 PM, 2:55 PM, or 3:20 PM, depending on availability. Before boarding, you’ll have time to explore Aguas Calientes, grab lunch, and relax — just be sure to reach the train station at least 30 minutes before departure (a 1-hour walk or a $12 USD bus ride). The train to Ollantaytambo takes about 1.5 hours, where a Machu Picchu Team transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco by car (about 2 hours), arriving around 6:30 PM at Plaza Regocijo.
- By car (via Hidroeléctrica): This option starts with a 3-hour hike from Machu Picchu to the hydroelectric station, departing no later than 11:00 AM. The hike includes a 30–40 minute descent followed by 1.5 to 2 hours of flat walking along the train tracks. You’ll need to arrive at the hydroelectric station by 2:30 PM to catch the 3:00 PM car back to Cusco, a journey of 6 to 7 hours, arriving around 10:00 PM at Plaza Regocijo.
Free Luggage Storage
If you’re doing the Salkantay Trek with Machu Picchu Team, our main office — located one block from the Plaza de Armas — offers free storage for any luggage you won’t be taking on the trek. You can drop it off the day before or the same day the trek begins, since the vehicle that takes you to the trailhead stops by the office to collect bags.
Emergency Provisions
For your safety, every guide carries an oxygen bottle and a fully stocked first aid kit, ready to provide immediate assistance whenever needed.
End of Tour: Drop-off at the Machu Picchu Team Office
To pick up your luggage, you can do so directly at our office, since the tour ends there in Cusco. Our storage room is open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, and you can drop off or pick up your luggage within these hours. The space is secure and your belongings will be well cared for. The tour ends at our office in Cusco. At the conclusion of the 5-day Salkantay Trek, you’ll be dropped off at the Machu Picchu Team office, where you can pick up the luggage you left in storage. If returning by car, you’ll arrive in Cusco between 9:00 and 10:00 PM; if returning by train, you’ll arrive in Cusco around 7:00 PM.
Not Included
Humantay Lake Entrance Ticket
On Day 1, you’ll visit the stunning Humantay Lake, which requires an entrance fee paid to the local Mollepata municipality. This costs 20 soles (approx. $6 USD) for international visitors and 10 soles (approx. $3 USD) for Peruvians. This fee must be paid in cash, in soles, directly at the lake’s entrance.
Sleeping Bag Rental
If you don’t have suitable cold-weather sleeping gear, we offer rentals for the full trip. Our sleeping bags are designed to handle temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), which is essential for the cold nights at higher altitudes. Rental costs $15 USD for the entire trek.
Trekking Poles
We also offer professional, adjustable trekking poles for rent. These provide valuable support across different terrain types, especially on steep ascents and descents, helping reduce strain on your knees and improve stability. Rental costs $15 USD for the entire trek.
Santa Teresa Hot Springs
On Day 3, trekking typically wraps up around 11 AM, leaving the afternoon free. Many travelers choose to visit the Santa Teresa hot springs, about an hour by vehicle from the Lucmabamba campsite. This optional activity costs roughly 40 to 50 soles in total, covering round-trip transportation (15–20 soles each way) and the hot springs entrance fee (10 soles), paid directly on-site. If you’d rather rest and prepare for Day 4 — one of the most significant days of the trek — staying at the campsite is a great alternative.
Drinking Water Refills
While hot and cold beverages are provided at every meal, bottled or refilled drinking water is not included. Along the trail, you’ll find small local shops roughly every 4 hours selling 2.5-liter bottles of mineral water for 10–15 soles. Alternatively, you can bring your own water filter or purification tablets to refill from natural water sources along the way.
Internet Access
There’s no cellular signal from around 9 AM on Day 1 until you reach the second campsite, where Wi-Fi is available for 10 soles. From Day 3 onward, cellular signal and internet connectivity are generally available again.
Shower and Restroom Facilities
Restrooms at campsites are free to use, though some local facilities along the trail may charge 1 sol. Showers vary by location: the second camp offers hot showers for 10 soles, with cold showers available at no cost. On Day 3, you can use the hot springs, and on Day 4, hot showers are available at your hostel in Aguas Calientes. Due to the cold temperatures, there are generally no shower facilities at the first campsite.
Gratuities
Tipping is entirely optional and at your discretion. While it’s common practice across the tourism industry in Cusco, and trekking staff often appreciate it, no one is obligated to tip. At Machu Picchu Team, all staff receive fair wages — often higher than what other companies pay for similar treks — so tipping is a way to show appreciation, never a requirement.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the trek. We strongly recommend purchasing coverage before your trip, ideally from your home country, as arranging insurance once in Peru can be difficult.
What to Pack
What to Pack
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU – PACKING LIST
Before your trek, you’ll be provided with a duffle bag at the briefing, which holds up to 7 kg of personal belongings and is carried by our horses throughout the journey — including your sleeping bag. Everything else you’ll need during the day goes in your daypack, which you’ll carry yourself.
Essentials – Always Carry With You
- Your passport (original, valid for the duration of your trip) — required at every checkpoint along the route
- If you booked with a student discount: your valid ISIC-approved student ID
- Daypack: a compact, ergonomic bag of around 25 to 30 liters, ideal for carrying your daily essentials
- Water bottle or hydration system with 1.5–2L capacity
- Comfortable, already broken-in hiking boots with good grip
- Headlamp — essential for early starts, late arrivals at camp, or nighttime bathroom trips
For Your Duffle Bag (Max 7 kg, Carried by Horses)
Clothing
- 2–3 breathable, moisture-wicking t-shirts
- 2–3 pairs of quick-dry hiking pants
- 3 sets of underwear
- 3 pairs of cushioned hiking socks
- Warm fleece and an insulated down jacket, for cold nights
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants, since mountain weather can change quickly
- Sun hat for daytime
- Beanie or wool hat for the evenings
- Comfortable camp shoes to wear after a day of hiking
Gear and Extras
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves work well)
- Rain poncho for heavy downpours
- Quick-dry towel
- Travel-sized soap
- Portable charger — highly recommended, since electricity is limited along the trail
- Large plastic bags or dry sacks, to keep your gear organized and protected from moisture
- Sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C (14°F) — rentals available if you don’t have one suitable for these temperatures
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Sunscreen and moisturizer — essential due to high UV exposure at altitude
- Bug repellent for warmer areas
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes, for quick cleanups
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper, with a resealable bag to carry out used paper
- Personal medication, along with a basic first aid kit
Inside Your Daypack (What to Carry With You Each Day)
Note: bags larger than 25L are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, so anything bigger will need to be stored.
- Enough water for the first morning of hiking (local shops along the trail sell bottled water roughly every few hours; rivers and natural springs are also available, but you’ll need water purification tablets if you plan to refill from them)
- Rain gear and fleece, kept easily accessible rather than packed in your duffel bag, since mountain weather can change quickly
- Camera or smartphone, to capture the experience
- Headphones, if you’d like music or audio entertainment
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper, with a small bag for waste
- Extra cash, for tips and personal purchases
- Earplugs, for better rest in shared accommodations or noisy areas
Additional Tips
- Pack everything in dry bags or plastic liners, since weather along the route can be unpredictable. Wear hiking boots you’ve already broken in to avoid blisters, and use packing cubes or compartments to keep your essentials organized and easy to access throughout the trek.
Prices
Pricing
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU — 2026 AND 2027 SEASON PRICES
The price of the Salkantay trek 5 days to Machu Picchu depends on two factors: your return option to Cusco (by car or by train) and your traveler category (adult, child, or student). Returning by car is the more affordable option, while returning by train includes the scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley, which adds to the overall cost.
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU – CAR RETURN | More info
- Adult: $310 USD per person
- Student: $290 USD per person (Valid student ID required)
- Child (Minor): $290 USD per person (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU – TRAIN RETURN | More info
- Adult: $380 USD per person
- Student: $360 USD per person (Valid student ID required)
- Child (Minor): $360 USD per person (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
Group Size
For the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu, our groups usually consist of 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16 participants. Groups are made up of travelers from different countries who book the same departure date. You can book for your preferred date whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with a larger group. You will join one of the groups we form for that day. When a group has between 14 and 16 participants, we assign two guides: one lead guide and one assistant guide.
Student Price
The student price for the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu is available to travelers who: Are 25 years old or younger, Have a valid, original student ID issued by their university. When booking, you must send us a clear photo of both sides of your student ID by email or WhatsApp. For additional requirements and details, please click here. Check student price requirements
Daily Guaranteed Departures
We offer daily guaranteed departures for the Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu. As a tour operator specializing in this route, we form groups every day with travelers who book the same departure date. You do not need to organize your own group. You can book as a solo traveler or with companions, and we will add you to the group departing on your selected date. If you already have your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, or if you plan to purchase it directly in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), you may book the tour even one day before departure, subject to operational availability.
Addons & Upgrades
Addons & Upgrades
Personalize your Salkantay trek 5 days by adding optional activities and services to your booking. These have an additional cost not included in the package price. Our team will carefully coordinate each selected option with your itinerary, scheduling it at the most convenient time without affecting the main trek program. If you wish to add Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, or a Vistadome train excursion, you must do so at the time of booking.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry – $65 USD
Climb the peak behind Machu Picchu for panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valleys, passing ancient Inca ruins along the way. Limited to 400 visitors/day across 4 time slots (7:00–10:00 AM); we typically secure the 9:00 or 10:00 AM slot. Unguided round trip, 2–2.5 hours, with steep sections not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Advance booking recommended — we handle the reservation for you.
Machu Picchu Mountain Entry – $65 USD
At 3,080 m, this separate peak offers spectacular panoramic views of the citadel from a different angle than Huayna Picchu. Limited to 400 spots/day across two time slots; we usually secure 8:00–9:00 AM, right after your guided tour. Round trip takes 3–3.5 hours along original Inca stone pathways. Advance booking strongly recommended.
Vistadome Train Upgrade – $45 USD
Upgrade your one-way return trip (Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo) to the panoramic Vistadome train, featuring large windows, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment with live music and traditional dance — a memorable close to your journey.
Trekking Pole Rental – $15 USD
Adjustable, professional trekking poles for the entire trek, providing stability and reducing knee strain on steep terrain. Note: poles aren’t permitted inside Machu Picchu or during the optional mountain hikes. Reserve in advance or rent at our Cusco office.
Sleeping Bag Rental – $15 USD
Premium sleeping bags rated to -10°C with thermal liners, for a comfortable night’s rest even on the coldest evenings. Reserve when booking or rent upon arrival in Cusco.
Zipline Adventure (Day 3) – $25 USD
Add adrenaline to Day 3 in Lucmabamba with Cusco’s longest zipline system: 5 cables (700 m–1 km) soaring over the Salkantay River, plus a 300-meter Tibetan bridge suspended 500 meters above the ground. Professionally operated with full safety protocols — pre-booking recommended.
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU
Booking your Salkantay trek 5 days to Machu Picchu is simple and straightforward. You can do it online from anywhere in the world through our booking platform, or in person at our office in Cusco. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred departure date and the best available Machu Picchu circuit.
TWO WAYS TO BOOK
BOOK ONLINE: Use our secure booking platform to reserve your spot from anywhere, at any time. You can pay by credit or debit card (a 3.99% processing fee applies, covered by the client) or by direct bank transfer at no extra cost.
BOOK IN PERSON: If you’re already in Cusco, visit our office at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, in the heart of the city, where our team will guide you through the booking process professionally and personally.
Step 1 – Choose Your Date and Package
Click the “Book Online” button to access our availability calendar. Select your preferred start date for the Salkantay Trek. Once you choose a date, you’ll be prompted to select your package: return by car or return by train, followed by your traveler category (adult, student, or child), each already set at its corresponding price. Finally, choose whether to pay a deposit of $180 USD per person to secure your booking, or pay the full amount upfront. Then click “Continue.”
Step 2 – Fill In Your Details
Enter the details of the person making the booking and the information required for each participant. Review and accept the terms and conditions of your reservation, sign digitally, and click “Continue.”
Step 3 – Add Optional Extras
At this stage, you can customize your trek by adding optional extras: sleeping bag rental, trekking pole rental, zipline adventure in Lucmabamba, or an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, confirmed immediately upon request). Please note you can only choose one mountain per date — Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, not both on the same day. If you selected the train return option, you can also upgrade from the Expedition train to the Vistadome. This upgrade is not available for the car return option. Once you’ve made your selections, click “Continue.”
Step 4 – Travel Insurance (Optional)
You’ll be offered the option to add travel insurance to your booking. Review the available options and choose what suits you best, or click “Continue” to proceed without insurance.
Step 5 – Payment and Confirmation
Enter your payment details — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or digital wallet — and click “Confirm Booking.” Your reservation will be confirmed immediately. You’ll receive a payment confirmation email at the address provided, and our team will contact you right away via WhatsApp or email to verify your booking, confirm all the details of your trek, and notify you of the availability of any optional mountain hikes. If a mountain you selected (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) is not available, the corresponding amount will be fully refunded. We’ll then send you a final confirmation with all the details of your reservation.
confirmation with all the details of your reservation.
BOOKING POLICY & TERMS AND CONDITIONS – SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU
We believe in full transparency from the very beginning. Please read the following terms carefully before making your reservation, so you can book with complete confidence and peace of mind.
1. Booking Deposit
To confirm your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $180 USD per person is required. This deposit is used to secure your spot on the trek and to immediately purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and, when applicable, your train tickets. Once paid, this deposit is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances, regardless of how far in advance you cancel.
2. Payment of Remaining Balance
If you paid only the deposit at the time of booking, the remaining balance must be paid no later than 48 hours before the start of the tour. Failure to complete payment within this window may result in automatic cancellation of your reservation without any refund.
You can pay the remaining balance in the following ways:
- In person at our Cusco office, by credit card, debit card, or cash (Peruvian soles or US dollars)
- Online through our booking platform
Please note that if the balance has not been settled within the 48-hour window, our booking platform is authorized to charge the outstanding amount to the same card or account used for the initial deposit.
3. Machu Picchu & Additional Mountain Tickets
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are issued directly by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and are strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-modifiable. No date changes or name changes are permitted once tickets are issued — this is a regulation set by the Peruvian Government, not by Machu Picchu Team. The same policy applies to optional mountain tickets (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), which are subject to limited availability and carry an additional cost. We purchase all tickets immediately upon confirmation of your booking and send them to you by email. For this reason, these costs cannot be reimbursed under any circumstances.
Important: you may only add one mountain per date — either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, not both on the same day.
4. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to our official email address. The following penalties apply:
- Cancellation more than 48 hours before departure: loss of the $180 USD non-refundable deposit per person
- Cancellation within 48 hours of the tour start date: loss of 100% of the total amount paid, with no refund
If you paid the full tour amount and choose to cancel, you will receive a partial refund of the remaining balance after deducting the non-refundable deposit ($180 USD per person), the cost of any entrance tickets already purchased (Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain), and any non-refundable additional services confirmed in your booking (such as the Vistadome train upgrade). Bank processing fees are also non-refundable. If you paid only the deposit and choose to cancel, no refund will be issued. Please note that any tickets already purchased in your name can still be used by you personally on their original date if you decide to visit Machu Picchu independently, since all tickets are issued with each participant’s name and cannot be transferred.
5. Train Tickets
When your package includes train service, tickets are subject to the policies of Peru Rail or Inca Rail. These tickets are non-refundable, and any date changes are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
6. Passenger Responsibilities
You are responsible for providing accurate personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. Any errors in names, passport numbers, or other details may result in denied entry to Machu Picchu, additional costs, or loss of services — without the right to a refund. All required documents — particularly your passport and, for students, a valid university ID — must be submitted immediately after booking. Delays in sending these documents may result in unavailability of tickets, for which no refund will be provided.
7. Itinerary Changes and Force Majeure
Machu Picchu Team reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel any part of the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control, including severe weather, strikes, road closures, government restrictions, or train service disruptions. In such cases, no refund or compensation is guaranteed, though we will always make every effort to offer a suitable alternative.
8. Risk Assumption
By booking this tour, you voluntarily acknowledge that high-altitude mountain trekking involves inherent risks, including altitude sickness, sudden weather changes, physical exhaustion, and limited access to immediate medical services. Machu Picchu Team limits its liability except in cases of proven negligence or willful misconduct on our part.
9. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip, covering medical emergencies, evacuation, cancellations, lost luggage, and repatriation. This is best arranged in your home country before traveling to Peru.
10. Passenger Conduct
All participants are expected to behave respectfully toward fellow travelers, staff, and the natural and cultural heritage along the route. Machu Picchu Team reserves the right to remove any participant whose conduct endangers the group, staff, or the environment. In such cases, no refund will be issued for any amount paid.
11. Claims and Complaints
Any complaints or claims must be raised during the tour itself or within a maximum of 3 calendar days after its completion. After this period, the service will be considered accepted as satisfactory.
12. Legal Jurisdiction
This agreement is governed by the laws of Peru. In the event of any dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through conciliation in the city of Cusco. If no agreement is reached, the matter will be submitted to the competent courts of Cusco, Peru.
Gallery
Photo Gallery
WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU TEAM FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?
Choosing Machu Picchu Team means enjoying a more comfortable, better organized, and truly different experience on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We do not just offer a tour — we offer a complete adventure with better campsites, better views, greater comfort, and a service designed to help you enjoy every day of the journey to the fullest.
1. The only company on the route offering 2 nights in Sky Star Crystal Domes
We are the only company on the Salkantay Trek route that offers 2 nights in Sky Star Crystal Domes. Our crystal domes provide 360-degree panoramic views, allowing you to rest while enjoying the stunning Andean landscape around you. At the first campsite in particular, you will have a privileged view of the impressive Salkantay Mountain right from your accommodation.
2. Private campsites in exclusive locations such as Quiswarniyoc and Lucmabamba
Our campsites are located in private and privileged areas, away from the crowded zones used by most other companies.
Our first campsite, in Quiswarniyoc, is set in an elevated location with panoramic views of the Salkantay Valley and the surrounding scenery. Unlike many operators that camp next to several other groups, we offer a quieter, more exclusive setting with much better views.
Our campsite in Lucmabamba is also exclusive, spacious, and of a higher standard, allowing you to rest more comfortably in the middle of nature.
3. Privileged views of Salkantay Mountain
One of the most special moments of the entire route is admiring Salkantay Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. One of our campsites is located almost at the foot of this majestic mountain, allowing you to enjoy an incredibly close and spectacular view during the afternoon, evening, and the following morning.
You will have time to relax, take photos from different angles, and enjoy both the sunrise and sunset reflecting on the mountain.
4. Waterproof duffle bag carried by horses throughout the trek
Machu Picchu Team provides you with a waterproof duffle bag, specially designed to be carried by horses throughout the entire trek. In this bag, you can pack up to 7 kilos of personal belongings, and our team will transport it from the beginning to the end of the trek.
You will not need to carry it at any point, and you will have access to your bag at each campsite. This allows you to hike with only a light daypack and enjoy the trek much more comfortably.
Unlike other companies that only transport the luggage on certain sections and then require the passenger to carry it or pay extra, in our case we take full responsibility for transporting your duffle bag during the entire trek.
5. Two return options after visiting Machu Picchu: by train or by car
We are one of the few companies that allows you to choose how to return after your guided visit to Machu Picchu: you can return by train or by car, depending on your budget and preference.
The train return usually costs between 70 and 90 dollars more than the car return, so we offer both options to adapt to the needs of each traveler.
This way, you can choose the option that suits you best, and we will organize it professionally for you.
6. Domes and cabins with 5-inch mattresses and pillows
Both our crystal domes and our panoramic cabins are equipped with comfortable 5-inch mattresses and pillows, so you can rest better and recover your energy each night.
This means you do not need to worry about bringing extra sleeping equipment, making your experience much more comfortable.
7. Full meals served buffet style
During the itinerary, we include full meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and 3 tea times, all prepared by our chefs specialized in adventure cuisine.
Meals are served buffet style, which means you will have a variety of options and can serve yourself according to your preferences. We also offer vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options for travelers with food restrictions.
Unlike other companies, we do include breakfast on the first day. This is important because many agencies do not include it and end up charging passengers extra.
8. Safety: guides equipped with first aid kits and oxygen
The safety of our travelers is a priority. Our guides are tourism professionals with specialized training, high-altitude first aid certification, and advanced English skills, ensuring clear communication in any situation.
Each guide carries a first aid kit and an oxygen tank along the route. In addition, at our highest campsite in Quiswarniyoc, we have extra oxygen and stretchers available to respond quickly to any emergency or altitude-related issue.
9. Free Salkantay Survivor T-shirt at the end of the trek
When you complete the Salkantay Trek, you will receive an exclusive Salkantay Survivor T-shirt as a souvenir. It is a special way to celebrate your successful completion of this adventure of approximately 75 kilometers and to take home a unique memory of your experience.
10. Local, experienced guides with advanced English
The guides who accompany you on the Salkantay Trek route are local, highly experienced, and have an advanced spoken English level, allowing them to communicate fluently with international travelers.
They also speak Spanish perfectly and also Quechua, the ancestral language of the Incas. Because they are local, they have deep knowledge of the culture, history, traditions, and every part of the route, making your experience much more authentic and enriching.
The Machu Picchu Team difference
At Machu Picchu Team, we do not just take you to Machu Picchu. We offer you a more complete, more comfortable, and better organized experience, with private campsites, better views, better rest, good food, safety on the route, and flexible options adapted to your needs. If you are looking to experience the Salkantay Trek in a truly special way, Machu Picchu Team is one of the best choices.
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