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Hikers crossing the Salkantay Pass on Day 3 of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights, surrounded by snowy peaks and stunning Andean landscapes.

Salkantay Trek for 5 Days and 4 Nights

Accommodation
Dome
Group Size
15 People
Max Altitude
4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Physical Level
Moderate

Soraypamapa | Humantay | Salkantay Pass | Santa Teresa | Machu Picchu

We are your dedicated local operators. This Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the most rewarding way to get there. Over five intense days, our expert team ensures you hike right alongside the impressive Salkantay Glacier, earning spectacular views.

Our route includes the unique Llactapata Trek your exclusive first look at Machu Picchu. If you want a genuine challenge that pays off big, trust the local experts to manage your adventure flawlessly.

Challenge yourself on one of South America’s most spectacular trekking adventures unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek offers incredible natural diversity without requiring an Inca Trail permit. During the journey you’ll hike beneath the towering Salkantay Mountain, cross the highest point of the route at over 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) explore traditional coffee-growing communities, and gradually descend from the high Andes into the cloud forest before arriving at Machu Picchu.

Important: Although the Salkantay Trek doesn’t require a permit like the Inca Trail, tickets to Machu Picchu and return train schedules are subject to official availability. During peak season, tickets often sell out months in advance, so booking well in advance is recommended.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the most rewarding alternative to the Inca Trail. Our expert team ensures this 5 day adventure pulls you into a dramatic geological spectrum from massive snowy peaks to the lush Amazonian cloud forest. You get five intense days of genuine adventure with the highest quality logistical support.

One of the World’s Most Spectacular Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek has earned international recognition as one of the best alternative routes to Machu Picchu thanks to its extraordinary variety of landscapes and rewarding hiking experience. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll travel through changing ecosystems that range from glacial mountain passes and alpine meadows to warm cloud forests and tropical valleys, offering scenery unlike any other trek in Peru.

Carefully organized logistics, experienced mountain guides, comfortable campsites, and freshly prepared meals allow you to focus on enjoying every step of the adventure. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or looking for an unforgettable challenge, this trek delivers the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and the unforgettable reward of arriving at Machu Picchu.

Tour Highlights

  • Complete the famous five-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
  • Visit the spectacular turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
  • Cross the impressive Salkantay Pass at over 4,600 meters.
  • Experience dramatic glaciers, cloud forests, and tropical valleys.
  • Visit local coffee plantations in the Santa Teresa Valley.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu from Llaqtapata.
  • Spend the night in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
  • Professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Return comfortably by train and private transportation.

Reviews

5.0 Based on 88+ reviews

Gloria P

Gloria P

August 2026

★★★★★

Una empresa muy seria y increíble me permitieron realizar mi sueño

Excelente tanto desde los conductores, guías y Oliver todos fueron excelentes los tures increíbles y muy recomendables muchas gracias por la magnífica experiencia

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Susi c

Susi c

August 2026

★★★★★

Hola! Mi nombre es Azucena,

Hola! Mi nombre es Azucena, viaje sola en esta agencia y mi experiencia fue increíble, disfrute cada uno de los lugares y el precio fue muy accesible. La recomiendo ampliamente.

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Daniella F

Daniella F

August 2026

★★★★★

Machu Pichu

We did the machu pichu with them and they were super helpful and available. Would recommend!

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Luz P

Luz P

June 2026

★★★★★

Luz P

Was a mágic experiencia which make us get love more of Perú

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Angie B

Angie B

June 2026

★★★★★

Angie B

Excellent service at all times!! This agency truly met all my expectations.

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David Durango

David Durango

May 2026

★★★★★

The best experience in Peru 🤩

We came eager to explore and leave happy for everything we experienced; the agency surprised us from start to finish. Everything was always on time, everything excellent, better than specified in the proforma. We heard several people during the tour having problems with other agencies, but we did not have a single issue; everything exceeded our expectations. Thank you very much for making this experience memorable.

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Stefano S

Stefano S

April 2026

★★★★★

Dream fulfilled

Since my childhood, I have wanted to know the surroundings of Cusco and Machupicchu and this agency made it possible in the best way It is to admire their seriousness, their kindness and their dedication to the people, of course we will return to know more and I would like to count on them again to guide us Excellent service

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Diego P

Diego P

April 2026

★★★★★

Experiencia Perú

Una experiencia espectacular, la agencia, la logística completa (transporte, comida, hospedaje) todo muy muy organizado y carismático desde el inicio hasta el retorno a casa estuvieron muy atentos y pendientes de nosotros…

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Stefano S

Stefano S

April 2026

★★★★★

Sueño cumplido

Desde mi infancia, he deseado conocer los alrededores de Cusco y Machupicchu y esta agencia lo hizo posible de la mejor manera Es de admirar su seriedad, su amabilidad y su entrega con la gente, por supuesto que regresaremos para conocer más y quisiera volver a contar con ellos para guiarnos Excelente servicio

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Pedro G

Pedro G

April 2026

★★★★★

Totalmente recomendado.

Muy buena experiencia con la agencia, su personal sumamente atento, cubriendo todas tus necesidades. Los tour son muy buenos y lo que dicen, lo cumplen.

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Ready to hike the Inca Trail?

Permits sell out months in advance. Reserve your place now and we will take care of the details.