5-Day All-Inclusive Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

A 5-Day All-Inclusive Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: An Authentic Adventure for Curious Travelers

This tour takes you on a five-day journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, exploring 15 ecosystems from lush rainforests to high mountain passes. Starting from Cusco, the trek follows the remote Salkantay Trail, an incredible alternative to the crowded Inca Trail, leading you past towering peaks, vibrant valleys, and ancient ruins. For a price of $699 per person, this all-inclusive experience offers a well-rounded mix of hiking, cultural encounters, and comfort, with guides, meals, entrance fees, and accommodations included.

What we love most are the small group size, ensuring personal attention from guides, and the variety of ecosystems you’ll encounter—each offering unique scenery and photo opportunities. Plus, the delicious local cuisine served during the trek adds an authentic flavor to your adventure. One possible consideration is the physical effort required—this isn’t a casual stroll, but a challenging hike with altitude changes and rugged terrain.

This experience suits travelers who thrive on adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery, and who are prepared for some physical exertion. If you’re looking for a more intimate journey that balances challenging hikes with genuine interactions with locals and history, this trek could be perfect.

Key Points

• Authentic alternative to the Inca Trail with fewer crowds
• Diverse ecosystems from rainforests to high mountain passes
• All-inclusive package covers guides, meals, entrance fees, and accommodations
• Expert guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Suitable for families and travelers with moderate fitness levels
• Challenging but rewarding with stunning vistas and cultural insights

An In-Depth Look at the Salkantay Trek Experience

Starting Point and Day 1: Cusco to Challacancha

Your adventure begins early, with a pick-up from Cusco (at 3,399 meters or 11,152 feet). The bus ride to Mollepata is scenic, giving you your first taste of Peruvian highlands. We appreciate that last-minute supplies are available at Mollepata—it’s a good opportunity to ensure you’re prepared for the trek ahead. From there, the journey continues to Challacancha, where the support team helps load gear onto mules, and the real hiking begins.

The first day’s hike offers panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain and the Apurímac Valley. The highlight is reaching Soraypampa, where you’ll enjoy a hearty Peruvian lunch. In the afternoon, the climb to Humantay Lake (4,200 meters or 13,779 feet) is a memorable highlight, with its striking mountain reflections and clear waters. Several reviews mention this as a “breathtaking” spot that makes the effort worth it.

What travelers enjoy: The chance to see the mountain peaks up close and the feeling of starting a real adventure. The logistical support means you can focus on the hiking, knowing your gear and meals are taken care of.

Day 2: Challacancha to Salkantay Pass

Day 2 is about gaining altitude and experiencing diverse landscapes. The journey continues through rugged alpine terrain, with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. The ascent toward the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters or 15,090 feet) is the day’s climax, offering panoramic vistas of the Salkantay Peak and surrounding valleys.

As one reviewer notes, “the views of Salkantay Mountain and the valleys below are truly awe-inspiring.” The trek’s high point provides a great photo opportunity and a real sense of accomplishment. The descent begins after the pass, leading into more lush environments, which keeps the scenery interesting and varied.

Why it’s valued: The combination of high-altitude challenge and majestic views is what many travelers remember most. Guides are often praised for their knowledge, making this stretch both informative and visually stunning.

Day 3: Into the Jungle and Coffee Country

This day takes you from high mountain terrain into the lush “eyebrow of the Amazon” — a misty cloud forest filled with waterfalls, exotic flora, and abundant wildlife. Expect to trek approximately five hours through this vibrant ecosystem, with chances to spot birds like the Cock of the Rock and colorful butterflies.

A highlight is lunch at Playa Sahuayaco, where the peaceful sounds of the jungle create a relaxing break. The trip continues downstream, passing coffee plantations and small farms, which offers a glimpse of local life outside the tourist trail. The day ends in Lucmabamba at 2,000 meters, a great place to see coffee growing firsthand.

What travelers love: The transition from mountain to jungle is seamless, giving a sense of discovering different worlds on one trip. Several reviews mention the surprise of seeing agricultural life, adding a human dimension to the natural beauty.

Day 4: From Cloud Forest to Machu Picchu

This day is packed with Inca history and scenic views. Starting with a gradual climb to Llactapata, an ancient Inca site with spectacular views of Machu Picchu and surrounding ruins, you’ll learn about Inca engineering and history from your guide.

After exploring Llactapata, the group descends to the Hydroelectric Station for lunch, then follows the railway tracks into Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The walk along the tracks is easy and scenic, with many travelers describing the final approach as a “sweet reward,” knowing the next day’s highlight is just ahead.

The accommodation in Aguas Calientes is a comfortable 3-star hotel, which provides a restful night before the big reveal.

Why it’s popular: The combination of Inca ruins, scenic views, and the convenience of the hotel stay makes this a balanced day. Guides are praised for their storytelling, helping bring the history alive.

Day 5: Machu Picchu and Return

The grand finale is Machu Picchu itself. An early start with a bus ride up the mountain gets you into the site before the crowds. Your guide will lead an in-depth tour of the main features—temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces—adding context to your visit.

If booked in advance, there’s an option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an extra perspective on this wonder. Afterward, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then head back to Cusco by train and private van.

What travelers rave about: The guided tour is both informative and engaging, making the experience more meaningful. Many reviews highlight the value of having the entrance fees and transportation included, removing hassle.

The True Value of This Trek

This tour offers exceptional value for the price. For $699, you receive guided hikes, all meals, entrance fees, accommodations, and transportation, which can easily add up if booked separately. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing more personal interaction and flexibility, especially with guides who are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

While the trek is challenging, most travelers with moderate fitness levels find they can manage it, especially with the support staff and well-organized logistics. The variety of ecosystems and cultural interactions add depth to the trip, making it much more than just hiking.

The food deserves a special mention—multiple reviews mention the delicious meals prepared by the chef, with some even calling it “outstanding considering they are cooked in a tent.” This makes the experience more comfortable and culturally immersive.

Some considerations include the altitude—at several points, you’ll be above 4,000 meters, so travelers should prepare for potential altitude effects and spend a few days acclimatizing beforehand. Also, this trek is physically demanding, but the stunning scenery and cultural richness make it worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Trek?

This is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking and want to see diverse landscapes—from high mountain peaks to tropical forests—without the crowds of the Inca Trail. It appeals to those who value authentic cultural experiences and are comfortable with some physical exertion. Families with moderate fitness levels, especially those seeking a meaningful challenge, find this tour appealing.

Travelers who appreciate well-organized tours with all logistics handled will find the inclusive package a huge benefit, removing much of the stress involved in planning a multi-day trek. If you’re looking for a balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural discovery, this trek hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this trek suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years, making it accessible for families with children who are comfortable with hiking and altitude.

What is included in the price?
The $699 fee covers guides, meals, entrance fees, support staff, accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and transportation from Cusco and back. Items like a sleeping bag are not included but can be rented.

How physically demanding is the trek?
It is considered challenging, especially with high-altitude passes and rugged terrain. Travelers should have moderate fitness and prepare accordingly. The reviews praise guides for their support, but you should be comfortable with sustained hiking.

Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, most meals are included—breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—cooked by professional chefs. The quality and variety are often highlighted as excellent.

Is transportation organized?
Yes, transportation from Cusco to Challacancha at the start, and from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, is included. The final day involves a bus to Machu Picchu and a train back.

What about accommodations in Aguas Calientes?
A comfortable 3-star hotel is included, providing a restful night before exploring Machu Picchu.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Salkantay Trek offers a robust blend of physical challenge and cultural richness, set against some of Peru’s most stunning scenery. With knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and an all-inclusive setup, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the authentic beauty of the Andes and the magic of Machu Picchu without the crowds.

While the trek requires good physical condition and some altitude acclimatization, the rewarding vistas, cultural insights, and sense of achievement make it a trip of a lifetime. For those seeking adventure with comfort and authentic experiences, this tour provides a well-organized, memorable journey through Peru’s most iconic landscapes.

Disclaimer: This tour is non-refundable once booked, so make sure you’re ready for the commitment. The small group size enhances the experience but also means limited availability, so early booking is advisable.