Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

• Huayna Picchu is the iconic peak behind the citadel, seen in the classic photos of Machu Picchu. It needs a separate ticket, not included in the regular Machu Picchu entrance.
• We book the time slot that best fits your itinerary, usually around 9:00 or 10:00 AM. The round-trip hike takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• The trail has steep stone steps, narrow and exposed sections. Not recommended if you are afraid of heights.
• Guide not included: you hike on your own on a clearly marked trail.
• Spots are very limited: book it with your tour. If no ticket is available for your date, we refund the full $65 USD.

• One of the highest viewpoints in the area, at 3,082 m (10,111 ft), on the opposite side of Huayna Picchu, with panoramic views of the citadel and the Urubamba Valley. Requires a separate ticket.
• We book a morning time slot whenever possible. The round-trip hike takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.
• Less steep and exposed than Huayna Picchu, but a long, continuous climb on original Inca steps.
• Guide not included: you hike on your own on the marked trail.
• Book it with your tour. If no ticket is available for your date, we refund the full $65 USD.

• Only for travelers with the Return by Train option. Your package already includes a standard train (Expedition or Voyager).
• The Vistadome has larger panoramic windows, including on the roof, for wider views of the mountains and valleys.
• Depending on the operator, it may include music, cultural shows and a light snack or drink.
• Seats are limited, especially in high season: request it when you book. Not available with the Return by Car option.

• Professional, adjustable trekking poles (one pair) for the whole trek.
• They give extra balance on steep, rocky or slippery trails and reduce strain on your knees on the descents. Recommended if you have little trekking experience.
• Add them online when you book, or rent them at our Cusco office during the 7:00 PM briefing the day before the trek.
• Trekking poles are generally not allowed inside Machu Picchu.

• Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F), ideal for the cold nights at the high campsites. Price for the whole trek.
• Cleaned and checked after every trek. A sleeping bag liner is included for extra hygiene and comfort.
• Add it online when you book, or rent it at our Cusco office during the 7:00 PM briefing the day before the trek.

• A circuit of 5 zipline cables over the valley, plus a 300-meter Tibetan-style suspension bridge, with amazing views of the mountains and the river.
• Run by trained staff, with safety instructions and all the equipment included.
• Special price with Machu Picchu Team: $25 USD (booking on site costs $35 USD).
• 100% refundable if you change your mind before starting the activity, even at the zipline base.
• Optional: if you prefer not to join, you continue with the regular itinerary.

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is challenging, but its 5-day pace makes it easier than the shorter versions. You hike about 75 km and reach 4,630 m at the Salkantay Pass on Day 2, the hardest day. We recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize.

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days costs USD 310 per adult with return by car, or USD 380 per adult with return by train. Students pay USD 290 / 360 and children USD 280 / 350. The price includes the Machu Picchu ticket, the guided tour, all lodging and the meals listed in the itinerary. A deposit of USD 180 per person confirms your booking.

Both treks visit Humantay Lake, cross the Salkantay Pass, follow the Inca path to Llactapata and end at Machu Picchu. The 5 day Salkantay trek has a more comfortable pace, a night in a panoramic cabin and time for the Santa Teresa hot springs. The Salkantay Trek 4 Days covers the same highlights in less time, with longer hiking days.

You sleep 2 nights in our Sky Star Crystal Domes in Quiswarniyoc (near Soraypampa, facing Salkantay Mountain) and Lucmabamba, 1 night in a panoramic cabin and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a private bathroom, hot shower and Wi-Fi. Our campsites have 5-inch mattresses and pillows, and are reserved only for Machu Picchu Team travelers.

Yes. The Machu Picchu entrance ticket and a 2.5-hour guided tour are included. We always book Circuit 2 · Route 2-A first, then the best circuit available. Book at least 4 months in advance for the best chances.

Yes. Bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us for USD 10 at the briefing. Mattresses and pillows are already included, and our horses carry your duffle bag (up to 7 kg).

Both are optional. The Santa Teresa hot springs cost about 40–50 soles, paid on site. The zipline costs USD 25 when booked with Machu Picchu Team, and if you decide not to do it on the day, because of fear or rain, you get a full refund.

You choose when booking. By train, you take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and our transfer to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM. By car, you walk about 3 hours to Hidroelectrica and our vehicle leaves at 3:00 PM, arriving in Cusco around 10:00 PM.

You can pay the balance online by card at any time, or at our office in Cusco (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo) in cash or by card. The last moment to pay is 10:00 PM the day before the trek.

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lake, night in Sky Star Domes (10 km). Day 2: Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) to Chaullay, night in a panoramic cabin (22 km). Day 3: Santa Teresa Valley and the Lucmabamba coffee farm, night in Sky Star Domes (15 km). Day 4: Inca path to Llactapata and Aguas Calientes, hotel night (24 km). Day 5: guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.

Yes. The 5 day Salkantay trek has no government permits, higher mountain scenery, Humantay Lake and nights in Sky Star Domes, and it also ends with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail 4 Days follows more Inca sites but needs permits booked months in advance.

No. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay route has no government quota. You only need your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is included and bought by our team as soon as you book.

We depart every day of the year. Because Machu Picchu tickets sell out, book as early as possible. If you already have your Machu Picchu ticket, or will buy it in Aguas Calientes, you can book as late as one day before departure, subject to availability.