There is no better way to get acquainted with the ancient Inca Empire, experience authentic Andean culture, or take on the terrain and lesser traversed trails of the Peruvian Andes than with a local Authentic Treks guide on this 8-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Starting and ending in Cusco, we will take care of all the important details on this private tour that will start with a solid introduction to the gateway of Machu Picchu and charming “archeological capital of the Americas” as well as a day trip out to see the Sacred Valley’s most sacred sights. After spending the first two days getting acclimated to the altitude and briefed on the adventure ahead, we will journey to the trek's starting point, Mollepata / Soraypampa, and begin our descent up to Salkantay, the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
The following three days will be spent trekking through the scenic trails of Salkantay and will include a visit to the famed Humantay Lake along with three tranquil nights of camping underneath the stars. At your service will be an amazing team of porters, a chef, and a local English-speaking guide, so you only need to worry about soaking in all the spectacular scenery and getting the most out of your encounter with the unique biodiversity and local culture of the Andean villages that we pass by which are some of the highest villages found in the world.
On the last leg of the incredible journey, we will make our way back down the mountain and stay in Aguas Calientes for a night before the Salkantay Trek’s grand finale: a visit to Machu Picchu in the early morning hours. This is a unique and magical time to experience the "Lost City of the Incas" as it’s before the crowds start to arrive and the sunlight is at its most divine. After a proper introduction to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by a local guide, we will enjoy the scenic train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
If you're looking for something a little shorter, try our Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail tour for one day of hiking or if you would prefer to skip the hiking, but not some of the beautiful sights, you will enjoy our Machu Picchu by Bus - 5 Day Tour or a shorter tour to see Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley in 2 days.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Day Private Tour
Duration: 8 days
Price from $ 1,179
Multi day Peru tours
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 8 Day Private Tour
How long: 8 days
Country: Peru
Price from $ 1,179
From Cusco and the Sacred Valley to the peaks of the Andes, encounter the ancient culture of the Incas and trek your way through lush and diverse landscapes on this 8-day private tour along more off-the-path trails from Salkantay to Machu Picchu.
Tour Essentials
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Tour Style
Private - Only you & your party
Getting Around
Combination of private transportation, train & trekking
Availability
March to January
Language
English-speaking guide
Difficulty
Challenging
Easy booking
Online booking and reservation
Altitude
4600 meters / 15,092 feet
Accommodation
4 nights hotel, 3 nights camping
Airfare
Not included
Bring
Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both) - Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us) - Clothes (warm/winter jacket, rain pants, hiking boots, poncho, winter hat, gloves) - Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel) - Sunblock, factor 35+ recommended - Headlamp - Sunglasses and sun hat - Camera with spare batteries - Batteries run down faster at high altitudes Binoculars - Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us) - Must have rubber tips Insect repellent – Minimum 40% DEET
Customer reviews
Tour Highlights
Ollantaytambo & Pisac
Explore the Sacred Valley's most cherished sights
Humantay Lake & Humantay Mountain
Witness the beauty of Humantay Lake & Glacier
Salkantaypampa & Salkantay Mountain
Trek through diverse nature & authentic Andean Path
Machu Picchu
Experience the 'Lost City of the Incas' without the crowds
Price Information
$1.749
1 person
Price is per person.
1 person
$1.749
2-4 people
$1.289
5-16 people
$1,179
Included
- Transfer to/from Cusco airport
- Professional English speaking tour guide (additional 2 guides for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-departure trek briefing at your hotel
- Transportation to/from your hotel in Cusco
- Four-person tent for each two persons
- Foam mattress
- Kitchen & dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent & portable toilet
- Professional Chef & assistant chef for groups of 9+ people
- Mules & horses to carry all the equipment
- Horse to transport 10 kg of your personal gear
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Meals Day 2: breakfast&lunch. Day 3: breakfast,lunch&dinner. Day 4:breakfast,lunch&dinner. Day 5:breakfast,lunch&dinner. Day 6: breakfast&lunch. Day 7: breakfast. Day 8: breakfast
- Hot water for washing up
- Daily boiled, cold water for water bottles
- Emergency oxygen bottle & medical kit
- Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Hotel in Cusco & Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Sacred Valley archeological sites
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Not Included
- Day 1:breakfast,lunch&dinner. Day 2: dinner. Day 6:dinner. Day 7:lunch&dinner. Day 8:lunch&dinner.
- Tips for the crew (guide, chef, wranglers)
- Travel /Health / Emergency insurance
- Personal camping equipment.(sleeping bag,Air mattress & others) check the list of what to bring
Bookable extras
- Sleeping bag available to rent from us ($15 for whole trek)
- Air Mattresses available to rent from us ($15 for whole trek )
- Trekking poles ($10 for 2 sticks for whole trek)
- Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (additional $ 50 USD we can arrange for you )according availability
Tour Map and Itinerary
Itinerary
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - 8 Day Private Tour
Day 1
Arrival + Cusco City Tour
Upon your arrival in Cusco, we will transfer you from the airport to your hotel in the city center. We recommend arranging a morning flight from Lima to Cusco so you can enjoy a private orientation tour the former capital of the Incan Empire and what is often referred to as the “archeological capital of the Americas.”
Before the end of the day, we will share more details about the trek to Machu Picchu you will embark on in the days ahead.
Before the end of the day, we will share more details about the trek to Machu Picchu you will embark on in the days ahead.
Day 2
Cusco – Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo) - Cusco
First thing in the morning, around 7:00 am, your local Authentic Treks guide will pick you up from your hotel and the journey will begin. Heading northeast from Cusco in the direction of the Sacred Valley, we will pass several villages where you will have the opportunity to stop and experience the local Andean lifestyle while taking in some incredible views.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before heading back to your hotel in Cusco where you spend the second night.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before heading back to your hotel in Cusco where you spend the second night.
Day 3
Cusco - Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa
After a night in Cusco, we will pick you up at 6:00 am and drive for two and a half hours to the town of Mollepata / Soraypampa which is situated approximately 3,800 meters above sea level. This is where the trek will begin and you will meet the local porters or horsemen who will assist you in the days ahead. After organizing all the equipment, we will hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake, a stunning lake that is popular among travelers to visit on a full-day trip. During our hike, our talented chefs will prepare lunch so upon our return we will be able to eat and enjoy more beautiful views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. From our lunch spot in Soraypampa, we will hike another two hours until we reach the Salkantaypampa campsite (4,000 masl) and set up camp for the evening.
Day 4
Salkantaypampa – Chaullay - Collpapampa
After an evening of camping under the stars in Soraypampa, we will continue on and reach the highest point of the Salkantay Trek at 4,600 masl (15,092 ft) after hiking uphill for two and a half hours uphill. Your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Humantay and Apu Salkantay, and you will also have the option to spend some time at a stunning lagoon located near Salkantay Mountain. From this point, we will begin our descent and trek downhill to Wayracmachay (3,900 masl) which will take around two hours. Once in Wayracmachay, we will enjoy more spectacular views along with lunch and prepare for the last leg of the day’s trek to Collpapampa town. The trek downhill to the campsite at Collpapampa (3,200 masl) will take approximately three hours and will be our resting place for the evening.
Day 5
Collpapampa – Sahuayaco - Lucmabamba
The following morning, we will set off on another beautiful day in the Andean mountains with a 16 km hike to our next campsite in Lucmabamba which will take approximately seven hours. Along the way, we will hike through a gorgeous rainforest and pass through some more authentic Andean towns where we can stop and see how the local people farm a variety of crops such as coffee, corn, passionfruit, banana, and avocado. Throughout the hike, you will be able to see a diversity of flora and fauna, and your local Authentic Treks guide will share a little about the unique animals and native plant species that thrive in this area.
We will reach Lucmabamba town, the final mountain stop for our last night of camping, in the afternoon and have lunch before giving you free time to relax, visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (a 40-minute drive), or spend the rest of the day however you’d like.
We will reach Lucmabamba town, the final mountain stop for our last night of camping, in the afternoon and have lunch before giving you free time to relax, visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (a 40-minute drive), or spend the rest of the day however you’d like.
Day 6
Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
On the final day of our Salkantay Trek, we will hike approximately 11 kilometers with the first leg uphill to an ancient town of the Incas called Patallacta. From here, we will be able to see the Machu Picchu archeological site from another angle and more spectacular mountain views before trekking back downhill to Hidroelectrica town. Once in Hidroelectra, we will enjoy our final lunch with the fantastic porters and Authentic Treks crew who helped make the journey possible before we drive to Aguas Calientes and the hotel where you will stay for the night.
Day 7
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will rise early on our final day in order to take advantage of seeing Machu Picchu in the glorious morning light as this is truly the best time to view this 'Lost City of the Incas.' You will be joined by a local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and learn more interesting facts about Incan history without the pressure of a barrage of tour groups which usually arrive around midday.
After time spent exploring Machu Picchu on your own for a bit, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a van will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
After time spent exploring Machu Picchu on your own for a bit, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a van will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
Day 8
Depart Cusco
Your unforgettable adventure from Salkantay to Machu Picchu concludes on the eighth day with private transportation to Cusco's airport where we will bid you farewell. We hope you will have enjoyed this epic once-in-a-lifetime trek and will return one day to explore more of Peru.
Arrival + Cusco City Tour
Upon your arrival in Cusco, we will transfer you from the airport to your hotel in the city center. We recommend arranging a morning flight from Lima to Cusco so you can enjoy a private orientation tour the former capital of the Incan Empire and what is often referred to as the “archeological capital of the Americas.”
Before the end of the day, we will share more details about the trek to Machu Picchu you will embark on in the days ahead.
Before the end of the day, we will share more details about the trek to Machu Picchu you will embark on in the days ahead.
Cusco – Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo) - Cusco
First thing in the morning, around 7:00 am, your local Authentic Treks guide will pick you up from your hotel and the journey will begin. Heading northeast from Cusco in the direction of the Sacred Valley, we will pass several villages where you will have the opportunity to stop and experience the local Andean lifestyle while taking in some incredible views.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before heading back to your hotel in Cusco where you spend the second night.
Continuing on, we will provide insight into the fascinating aspects of the area’s history and you will understand why the Sacred Valley was so sacred to the Incan empire. Once used as a religious center and agrarian laboratory to experiment with growing crops imported from the empire’s distant regions, we’ll show you two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant archeological sites and explain how its fertile soil and warm climate have enabled the indigenous population here to develop and sustain itself for centuries.
The first site we will stop at is the 600-year-old ruins of Pisac where we will see amazing works of stone art and impressive terraced mountainsides used for farming which give a glimpse into what Peru was like before it was colonized by Spain. After exploring and enjoying incredible views of the Andean towns below, we will drive back to the center of town and visit Pisac’s bustling market where you will have time to walk around and purchase some traditional handicrafts. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local Andean restaurant and enjoy some traditional Peruvian fare before heading off to another archeological treasure of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo.
Built during the height of the Incan empire, the fortress of Ollantaytambo was built for the native people to defend themselves against Spanish invaders and is one of the only sites they were able to successfully defeat them which is why it's such an important place for Indigenous people to this day. We’ll visit the fortress as well as the unique rock formations representing the Incan god Wiracocha before heading back to your hotel in Cusco where you spend the second night.
Cusco - Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa
After a night in Cusco, we will pick you up at 6:00 am and drive for two and a half hours to the town of Mollepata / Soraypampa which is situated approximately 3,800 meters above sea level. This is where the trek will begin and you will meet the local porters or horsemen who will assist you in the days ahead. After organizing all the equipment, we will hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake, a stunning lake that is popular among travelers to visit on a full-day trip. During our hike, our talented chefs will prepare lunch so upon our return we will be able to eat and enjoy more beautiful views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. From our lunch spot in Soraypampa, we will hike another two hours until we reach the Salkantaypampa campsite (4,000 masl) and set up camp for the evening.
Salkantaypampa – Chaullay - Collpapampa
After an evening of camping under the stars in Soraypampa, we will continue on and reach the highest point of the Salkantay Trek at 4,600 masl (15,092 ft) after hiking uphill for two and a half hours uphill. Your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Humantay and Apu Salkantay, and you will also have the option to spend some time at a stunning lagoon located near Salkantay Mountain. From this point, we will begin our descent and trek downhill to Wayracmachay (3,900 masl) which will take around two hours. Once in Wayracmachay, we will enjoy more spectacular views along with lunch and prepare for the last leg of the day’s trek to Collpapampa town. The trek downhill to the campsite at Collpapampa (3,200 masl) will take approximately three hours and will be our resting place for the evening.
Collpapampa – Sahuayaco - Lucmabamba
The following morning, we will set off on another beautiful day in the Andean mountains with a 16 km hike to our next campsite in Lucmabamba which will take approximately seven hours. Along the way, we will hike through a gorgeous rainforest and pass through some more authentic Andean towns where we can stop and see how the local people farm a variety of crops such as coffee, corn, passionfruit, banana, and avocado. Throughout the hike, you will be able to see a diversity of flora and fauna, and your local Authentic Treks guide will share a little about the unique animals and native plant species that thrive in this area.
We will reach Lucmabamba town, the final mountain stop for our last night of camping, in the afternoon and have lunch before giving you free time to relax, visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (a 40-minute drive), or spend the rest of the day however you’d like.
We will reach Lucmabamba town, the final mountain stop for our last night of camping, in the afternoon and have lunch before giving you free time to relax, visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (a 40-minute drive), or spend the rest of the day however you’d like.
Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
On the final day of our Salkantay Trek, we will hike approximately 11 kilometers with the first leg uphill to an ancient town of the Incas called Patallacta. From here, we will be able to see the Machu Picchu archeological site from another angle and more spectacular mountain views before trekking back downhill to Hidroelectrica town. Once in Hidroelectra, we will enjoy our final lunch with the fantastic porters and Authentic Treks crew who helped make the journey possible before we drive to Aguas Calientes and the hotel where you will stay for the night.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will rise early on our final day in order to take advantage of seeing Machu Picchu in the glorious morning light as this is truly the best time to view this 'Lost City of the Incas.' You will be joined by a local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and learn more interesting facts about Incan history without the pressure of a barrage of tour groups which usually arrive around midday.
After time spent exploring Machu Picchu on your own for a bit, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a van will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
After time spent exploring Machu Picchu on your own for a bit, we will drive back to Aguas Calientes where you will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a van will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving sometime in the evening.
Depart Cusco
Your unforgettable adventure from Salkantay to Machu Picchu concludes on the eighth day with private transportation to Cusco's airport where we will bid you farewell. We hope you will have enjoyed this epic once-in-a-lifetime trek and will return one day to explore more of Peru.