
Best Salkantay Trek Options in Cusco
Compare top-rated Salkantay Trek tours in Cusco and discover the ultimate Andean adventure. This iconic route to Machu Picchu traverses diverse ecosystems, from humid cloud forests to high-altitude passes like Humantay Lake. Travelers can choose from various operators to find the perfect fit for their fitness level and budget. Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, ancient Inca trails, and vibrant local communities. Whether you seek a challenging multi-day hike or a curated cultural experience, browse dozens of guided options to secure your place on one of Peru's most scenic treks.
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The Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek is popular with trekking enthusiasts. Embark on an epic 75 km trek through breathtaking mountains, visiting lakes and jungles with a local guide and nutritious food.
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most famous hikes and boasts the best alternative route to the Inca Trail. On this 5-Day adventure, you will experience the wildest range of eco-systems. Watch towering snow-capped peaks like Humantay, make a dramatic transition to venture into the...
- All transportation necessary during the trek is guaranteed.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- 3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
- Backpack cover
- One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu)
- Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the Trail
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
- Machu Picchu entrance fee(Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
- Panoramic return trip on the Expedition or The Voyager train.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fees to the Salkantay and Humantay Lake trails
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
- Satellite phones
- Pre-departure briefing (One day before your trek at 17:00hrs)
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
- Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
- Optional horseback ride from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay (Day 2)
- Return bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Optional, paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
- Train Transfer from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (alternative to walking; paid on site)
- Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
This tour is totally different than normal Salkantay trek, we specialize in designing life-time journeys and always strive to find the best and most beautiful treks in the region. In wishing to share the outstanding landscapes of the Andes. and acknowledging that such beauty should be enjoyed in the...
- Tips
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town.
- Trekking poles, sleeping bags, air mattrases
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The Humantay Laguna and Salkantay Trek Tour of 1 Day is for nature lovers who have a day off or visitors who arrive in Cusco and can not take the salkantay tour 5 days / 4 nights, during this walk you will be able to appreciate the flora and fauna in all our trip towards the Humantay Lagoon and the ...
- tour guide
- oxygen assistance
- walk sticks
- pick up from hotel
- breakfast
- lunch
- horses rent
- Entrances
- Humantay Lake
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.Across the 97 tour options we compare on booking platforms, most packages fall between $360 and $755, with a median price of around $515. While you can find some listings starting near $50 or stretching up to $1,193, the vast majority of fully guided treks sit in that mid-range band. This pricing usually reflects the multi-day nature of the experience rather than a simple day hike.
It is overwhelmingly an active adventure. 99% of the options we compare are classified as hiking, and 92% are tagged with an adventure theme. You will not find many passive bus tours here; this is a trekking experience focused on nature (95% of options). If you are looking for a gentle sightseeing walk, this specific route is likely too strenuous, as it involves significant physical effort over several days.
Because this is a multi-day expedition, most operators bundle essential services. 74% of the options include a professional guide, and 58% provide meals throughout the trek. Additionally, 51% cover entry tickets to sites like Machu Picchu, while 43% provide camping equipment. About 38% also offer hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, which simplifies logistics significantly since you do not need to arrange your own transport to the trailhead.
The duration varies by operator, but the typical range is 12 hours to 5 days, with a median length of 5 days. Most standard itineraries span four to five days to allow for proper acclimatization and to reach key landmarks like Machu Picchu. Shorter versions exist, but they are less common among the 97 options listed across platforms.
Yes, sustainability is a notable feature of this market. Roughly 47% of the tours (about 46 out of 97) are tagged as eco-friendly. These operators often emphasize low-impact practices, such as carrying out waste or supporting local communities. While these tags are applied loosely by platforms rather than indicating strict certification, choosing one of these options aligns with responsible travel if that is a priority for you.
Booking ahead is advisable because 6% of the options are flagged as likely to sell out, particularly during peak season. However, flexibility is widely available: 33% of the tours (roughly one-third) offer free cancellation, and 76% provide instant confirmation. This means you can often secure your spot immediately while retaining the option to cancel without penalty if your plans change.
Tours are available in 8 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. Review sentiment is highly positive, with an average rating of 4.63 stars across 10,576 pooled reviews. Travelers frequently describe the experience as amazing, fantastic, and beautiful, with many noting that the combination of high-altitude scenery and historical significance makes it worth booking ahead.
Acclimatize for two days, drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy exertion initially.
You must present your original passport and the specific ticket matching your entry date and time slot.
No, always drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues from local bacteria.