Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu SAT1
Highlights
- GO trek to one of the world's most famous archaeological sites
- GO experience the grandeur of the Andes Mountains, tackling a pass at 4,625 m. (15,174 ft.) with the impressive Nevado Salkantay Mountain towering above at 6,271 m. (20,574 ft.)
- GO experience Peru authentically by staying with local families along the route, including a family that runs their own coffee plantation
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is quickly gaining international notoriety and offers a more challenging and dramatic approach than the Inca Trail to the iconic Inca ruins. Stunning mountain views on the first couple days at high altitude in the Andes will leave hikers breathless for more than one reason. This serves as a marvelous prelude for the mystifying Amazon cloud forest and the highlight visit to Machu Picchu. This tour offers an authentic Peruvian experience, thanks to our partnership with local families along the trek. These families provide accommodation, delicious meals, transportation and transfer luggage (luggage transfer is available for most of the trek, but not all). This is a great ethical alternative to the commercially guided tours that are increasingly present along the route. This trek travels up to an altitude of 4,625 m. (15,174 ft.) and the first night is spent in a hut is at 3,867 m. (12,687 ft.). Hiking at this altitude is strenuous and is not to be underestimated. Good fitness is required and acclimatization is necessary. The families who will host along the trek speak very little, if any, English. While speaking Spanish is helpful, only a sense of adventure and a good translator app on your smartphone are necessary.
Length 5 days
Season March to November
Airport Cusco, Peru
Physical Condition
Technical Difficulty
Read more about difficulty ratings
Responsible Travel Score:
7/15 Fair Traveler
(detailed summary available in Tour Documents)
We accept bookings up to 21 days prior to the start date of the tour
Only 30% payment due at the time of booking!
Current Availability
Updated May 27th, 2025
We are currently accepting bookings for 2025 tours. We recommend providing us with a flexible date range to work with.
You can book the tour online by following the green button, “GO Book the Tour.”