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Tours/Cusco/Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu

Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu

4.9(39)Cusco5 days
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR4.9(37)
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
+2 photos
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu
Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu

At a glance

Duration
5 days
Price from
$797 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 39 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Small group, up to 16
Cancellation
See policy below
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant

Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Cusco

Description

Forget the Inca Trail and hike to Machu Picchu along the higher and more beautiful Salkantay Trail! Discover a different side of the great Andes mountain range and get the most amazing views of the mountains by taking this alternative route to Machu Picchu.

Tour Options

Salkantay Trek 5D-4N Regular
  • Pickup included

Highlights

Pre-departure briefing
Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Car Transfer La Playa to Santa Teresa
Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker. (This includes 3 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4 kilos of personal items.
Van Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha (starting point of trek)
Meals: 4B/4L/4D/3 snacks with typical menus
1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
Camping Accommodation during trek (including Basic Sleeping Pad & tent for 2 people)
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 4
Emergency oxygen bottle
Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

What's included

Included
Pre-departure briefing
Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Car Transfer La Playa to Santa Teresa
Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker. (This includes 3 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4 kilos of personal items.
Van Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha (starting point of trek)
Meals: 4B/4L/4D/3 snacks with typical menus
1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
Camping Accommodation during trek (including Basic Sleeping Pad & tent for 2 people)
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 4
Emergency oxygen bottle
Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Not included
Airport Pick-Up / Drop Off
Sleeping bag
Day 1 Breakfast, Day 5 Lunch, Bottled Water
Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
Optional Hot Springs Santa Teresa (20 soles)
Optional Bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Station (10 soles)
Optional Train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (28 USD)
Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
Accommodation in Cusco
Tips (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you wish to give a tip, these are our recommendations.) Guide: 40-60 soles per trekker Assistant Guide: 30-40 soles per trekker Horsemen: 60-80 soles for each horseman from the whole group Cook: 150-200 soles for the cook from the whole group
Note: In 2017, the Peruvian government may require a permit for Salkantay. If this is approved, the rates will be around: 133 Soles ($USD 41) Adult and 67 Soles ($USD 21) Student
Note: Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Pickup Locations & Times

Pick-up from accommodation in Cuzco *Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details. Meeting time: 6 PM Bamba Experience is located at: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru Emergency Contact: Ruth: +51 984 008 440 Sekwanele: +51 961805117

Traveller Ratings

4.9
39 reviews
5
36
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 7 years
  • PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING: There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 5pm, 6pm or 7pm depending on your trek. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details.
  • PRE-DEPARTURE CHECK-IN: Please make sure to check-in with your passport before your pre-departure briefing. We encourage our travellers to check-in at our offices a couple of hours before or any day prior to the briefing , that way we can give everybody personal attention and information regarding booking extras, rental equipment or questions in general. Time schedule for meetings will be: - Inca Trail and Lares 6pm - Salkantay, Inca Quarry, Machu Picchu Jungle, Ausangate, Choquequirao 7pm - Inca Trail Express, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu by Train, Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Full Day 5pm Bamba Experience is located at: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru Hours of Operation: 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00 hrs Daily Tel: +51 84 205234 Emergency Tels: Darwin +51 9984 44933 - +51 9842 85801, Anderson +51 9231 25342
  • Accommodation Options: Single travelers will share a tent/room with another traveler & couples will have a tent/room to themselves. Day 4: Single travelers will share a room with another traveler & couples will have a private room.
  • Physical Requirements: This hike is demanding, it is important to be in good physical condition. There are important temperature changes associated with altitude changes (from 4000 meters to 2000 meters).
  • Departure dates for trek: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday (Daily departures with a group of 4 or more). No Departures in January and February due to unfavorable climatic conditions.
  • Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Passport Expiry - Must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel. Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking. Please be aware that your complete and correct passport information must be provided. Absolutely no modifications can be made once your booking has been confirmed. Any changes or discrepancies in the information provided will result in a complete loss of permits and entrance tickets, for which you will be held responsible and will need to pay for again.
  • Typical Meals on the Trek On all of our Inca Trail Treks and Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu we search for the best cooks who put forth their best effort to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain. All of our cooks pride themselves on their delicious specialty menus with the freshest local ingredients available. Every meal is prepared fresh with plenty of variety and an abundant quantity of food including a vegetarian option for every meal (please advise prior to departure). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance). BREAKFASTS: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, egg omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk. LUNCH & DINNER: First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew). Deserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk. SNACKS: Boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
  • SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail. Bathing suit for hot springs in Santa Teresa Town (this activity is available at an additional price).
  • DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.
  • Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry the old passport they used to make the booking or a photocopy with them on the trip.
  • You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.
  • If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
  • As of June 11, 2022, all travelers over 18 years old must have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That means two regular doses plus a booster. Passengers from 12 to 17 years old must prove they are vaccinated with two doses. If they do not have a complete scheme, they must present the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in their country of origin.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu take?

Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu lasts about 5 days.

How much does Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu cost?

Prices start at $797 per person for this Cusco experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu for free?

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-up from accommodation in Cuzco *Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details. Meeting time: 6 PM Bamba Experience is located at: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru Emergency Contact: Ruth: +51 984 008 440 Sekwanele: +51 961805117 Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyHC5dbaKH6TouxxYxFCWZHE=.

What languages is Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu offered in?

The experience is available in EN, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 16 participants.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Salkantay 5-Day Trek To Machu Picchu worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 39 verified reviews; it is run by Bamba Travel. Most-mentioned highlights: Pre-departure briefing; Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu; Car Transfer La Playa to Santa Teresa.

Reviews(39)

M
Magnus O
November 20, 2024
Great guide, cook and beautiful trip to Machu Picchu

Me and my friend had a fantastic experience with our guide Edson and cook Wilbert. Edson was very informative and the food was really delicious

Z
Z7013UOmartab
October 12, 2024
Truly beautiful trip

This Salkantay Trek is truly beautiful. This is a much less crowded trail than the Inca trail but the sights one gets to see are very beautiful. 5 days walking and finally get to Machu Picchu was the best reward!

T
Tourist34917196546
September 27, 2024
Unforgettable trip with Bamba!

The Salkantay Trek choosing as the 5-day Inca Trail with Bamba Travel is incredible! We had a fantastic guide, Francisco who described a lot of historical features and ensured that was an excellent experience. It was amazing, the best part being, it was planned so well. Bamba Travel was phenomenal and overachieving, it was simply amazing.

G
Go12378524255
September 23, 2024
Perfect Trip

Thank you, Bamba Travel for making our Salkantay Trek Dream Come True. The tour guide was Junior and he made sure we felt protected and comfortable throughout the trip and even over came the problem of allergies. The whole team made countless memories because of Bamba’s fantastic team.

K
Kittycat_Miau
November 17, 2019
A hike through the diverse landscape of Peru

The hike was a great experience, although partly a bit strenuous for inexperienced hikers and the nights are short by getting up early, but it is quite feasible. Anderson took us through the different areas, from the cold mountains to the warm jungle and cared well for our well-being. It was very interesting to listen to his knowledge of the environment and the plants. He was always open to questions and had an open ear for our concerns. Anderson speaks very good English, is friendly, helpful and you have fun hiking. Thank you for everything Anderson, it was nice to hike with you. Carlos was responsible for the physical well-being, he provided us with food during the tour. His food was a highlight not only for the stomach, but also for the eye. Whether breakfast or dinner, he has always conjured something delicious up for me as a vegetarian. He is still learning the English language, but he is open to conversation and willing to learn the language. He is very helpful and friendly. All I can say is: La comida fue fantástica, muchas gracias Carlos. The reason for the points deduction is the hostel booked by Bamba for the night before the trip, the Milhouse Hostel Cusco is a party hostel and you have noise all night and should be ready and picked up at 05:30 in the morning. The briefing the night before at Bamba Experience takes place at 7pm and after that you may have to shop, withdraw money and pack, which also takes some time, so this time is a bit late for me. The booked and paid air mattress was not in the camp, it was offered in the camp shop to ask for replacement, but in the end the existing thin air mattress was sufficient. The last night before the Machu Picchu visit to the hotel was a welcome change from the camp, but dinner at 19:00 was too late for me, we had to be in the waiting line by the bus at 04:45 the next morning. We were in Aguas Calientes at 4pm and could have eaten earlier as our luggage did not arrive until 6pm.

R
R-0-b-0-0-0-0
November 13, 2019
Amazing Salkantay trek!

Great experience to do the 5 day trekking! Salkantay trek has amazing views and continuously changing surroundings! The guide Anderson knows so much about the wildlife, history and culture that it was a big addition to our experience. So big shout out to him for the awesome time he gave us! Also Carlos was amazing with his delicious cooking skills, which resulted in a 3 meal course for lunch and dinner with local products! Overall very good trip, which is more that worth your time and everything well arranged!

J
jludwig1304
October 2, 2019
Fantastic Trek with our guide Anderson!

We had a fantastic trip in a small group consisting of 3 participants, our guide Anderson and our chef Jorge. It was a tiring but equally impressive trip. The whole tour was very well planned and everything worked smoothly. Our guide Anderson told us a lot about the flora and fauna along the way, the history of the inca and the life in peru today. He always paid attention to all team members. The food in the trip was always delicious. We saw so many beautiful landscapes on this Trek. And at the last day we were one of the first in the morning (6 p.m.) arriving at Machu Picchu, without many tourists and a beautiful sunrise - an unforgettable experience. Thanks to our tour-operator Bamba and especially to our Guide Anderson and our chef Jorge.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this amazing review, we are thrilled to hear that enjoyed this awesome experience. We are so glad you like Anderson's work! We’ll pass along the kind words to him and his team. We hope you think of us as your first option for your next adventure, we will be glad to help. Best regards, Pedro Ferraez

D
Desihg
October 2, 2019
5-Day Salkantay Trek with Anderson - Bamba Experience

We did the 5-day trek to Machu Picchu. It was a wonderful and unforgetable experience in a small group of 3 persons + guide, cook and horseman. Our guide Anderson showed us so much of flora and fauna, explained us the life of the inca, peruanian history, culture and lifestyle until today and was always caring for our group-members. Also our cook jorge made us happy after long terms of walking with great tasting local and healthy food. We had a great time together, eventhough it was sometimes exhausting to walk that far in this altitude. Never will forget this trip, always would do it again. Thanks to Anderson and the other group-members.

Operator response

Hello! We are incredibly grateful that you took the time out to leave us this review. Our company values put customer satisfaction as top priority and we are committed to our customers. Its customers like you that make our job wonderful. Your kind comments will be forwarded to Anderson and his team, this motivates them to keep doing a great job. We look forward to serving you again. Best regards, Pedro Ferraez

R
Rosi_87_berlin
October 1, 2019
Spirit of pachamama and the Andes 🇵🇪

It was our first time in Peru and we loved it. The people and landscape are very colorful and lovely. The 5day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu was one of the best experience we had. It was powerful, emotional, amazing and enjoyable. Bamba experience Cusco was very well organized, especially our Guide Junior made this Trek unforgettable. He told us many things about the country, nature, culture and the spirit of „pachamama“. Junior was very kind and not pushing us by walking in this high altitude. The food on the trek was great. We loved it and we highly recommend him and bamba experience cusco for everyone who will learn something about the Andes and the culture. We will take the spirit with us! Thanks a lot to junior and bamba for this adventure! Vicky & Christian

Operator response

Hello! We are so grateful for your kind words. Thanks for sharing your review with us and the community. We are thrilled that you loved your experience; our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. So thanks for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again. We wish you the best, Pedro Ferraez

T
thomasdI6598AB
September 27, 2019
Great service

Excellent service with a small group and guide was full of knowledge about the local area, food was also fantastic

Operator response

Hello Thomas! Thank you for leaving a review, this will definitely help future travelers to do this amazing trek. We hope to hear from you soon and help you to arrange your future adventures. We wish you the best. Sincerely, Pedro Ferraez

$797/ person
4.9(39)
Duration5 days
LanguagesEN, ES
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
Travellers1–16 pax
ConfirmationInstant
OperatorBamba Travel
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