Salkantay Trek Expedition
About this tour
Salkantay Expedition – A Premier Andean Adventure to Machu Picchu
An exclusive high-Andean journey crafted by Machupicchu Trek, specialists in authentic Peruvian adventure travel.
Embark on one of Peru’s most extraordinary experiences with Machupicchu Trek: the Salkantay Expedition, a transformative journey through vibrant cities, ancestral Inca sites, and the world-renowned Salkantay Trail. Created for travelers who seek authenticity, challenge, and natural beauty, this expedition blends cultural immersion, historical exploration, and a world-class trekking adventure that culminates in the magic of Machu Picchu.
Tour Highlights
Lima Cultural Immersion
Begin your Peruvian adventure in the capital city, exploring Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic center and the celebrated Larco Museum, home to one of the finest pre-Columbian collections on earth.
Cusco & Sacsayhuaman Discovery
Travel to Cusco, the former heart of the Inca Empire. Stroll its ancient streets and marvel at Sacsayhuaman, an impressive stone fortress overlooking the city, showcasing extraordinary Inca engineering.
Sacred Valley Experience
Explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the colorful Pisac market and the monumental terraces of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town that preserves centuries of history and culture.
The Legendary Salkantay Trek
Take on the iconic Salkantay Trail, consistently ranked among the top trekking routes in the world. Journey through diverse ecosystems—from cloud forests to high-mountain landscapes crowned by the sacred Salkantay Mountain. Experience crystalline glacier lakes, vast valleys, and star-filled skies in a route that feels remote, pristine, and unforgettable.
Machu Picchu Exploration
Reach the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of architecture and spirituality. Enjoy a guided exploration of its temples, terraces, and viewpoints as you uncover the stories behind this world wonder.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Enhance your visit with an optional ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both offering breathtaking panoramic views of the legendary citadel.
Why Travel with Machupicchu Trek
What makes the Salkantay Expedition by Machupicchu Trek truly exceptional:
Expertly curated itineraries blending culture and adventure
Deep local knowledge and professional trekking experience
Personalized service throughout your journey
Access to unique, authentic, and unforgettable Andean experiences
This is more than a trek—it’s a journey crafted with passion, designed to inspire and connect you with the essence of Peru.
Tour Itinerary
10-Day Salkantay Expedition to Machu Picchu
An exclusive, high-altitude Andean journey crafted by Machupicchu Trek.
Discover Peru through an extraordinary blend of culture, archaeology, and breathtaking nature. This premium expedition takes you from Lima’s historic treasures to Cusco’s ancient sites and through the world-renowned Salkantay Trail—one of the most spectacular trekking routes on Earth—culminating in the unforgettable wonder of Machu Picchu.
Every detail is handled by Machupicchu Trek, a direct and highly experienced local operator offering private service, high-end accommodations, expert guides, and complete meal options including vegetarian and vegan menus.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: LIMA – Arrival in the Capital
Welcome upon arrival at Lima International Airport and private transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you prepare for the journey ahead.
Elevation: 0 ft (sea level)
DAY 2: LIMA – Historic Treasures & Evening Magic
Explore Peru’s capital with a guided visit to the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Larco Museum, home to one of the most extensive pre-Columbian collections in the world.
In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Magic Water Circuit, a dazzling display of light, color, and fountains.
Elevation: 0 ft
DAY 3: CUSCO – Ancient Capital of the Incas
Fly to Cusco and explore its remarkable blend of Inca and colonial heritage.
Your city tour includes:
The archaeological complex of Puka Pukara
The monumental Saqsayhuaman Fortress, perched above the city with sweeping views
Elevation: Cusco – 11,152 ft
DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY – Markets & Living Inca Villages
Journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the Pisac Market, famous for artisan crafts, and explore the majestic archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with ancient terraces and temples.
Elevation:
Pisac – 9,751 ft
Ollantaytambo – 9,160 ft
DAY 5: SALKANTAY TRAIL – Beginning the Trek
Transfer to the Salkantay Trail entrance and begin your high-mountain journey.
Trek toward Soraypampa, surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes.
Overnight in a comfortable Andean campsite or eco-lodge (private upgrades available).
Camp Elevation: Soraypampa – 12,795 ft
Meals: Full board (vegetarian & vegan options available)
DAY 6: SALKANTAY PASS – Highest Point of the Expedition
Today you challenge the most iconic section of the trek:
A gradual ascent to the Salkantay Pass (14,750 ft), with views of the towering Salkantay Glacier.
Continue through high Andean valleys toward Huayracmachay.
Camp Elevation: Huayracmachay – approx. 12,140 ft
Meals: Full board with customized dietary options
DAY 7: CLOUD FOREST TRAIL – Rivers & Andean Life
Descend into the lush cloud forest regions, passing through:
River Cachora
Sahuayaco
Lucmabamba / Lucmachayoc, a vibrant agricultural zone known for coffee and tropical fruits
Camp Elevation: Lucmachayoc – approx. 7,550 ft
Meals: Full board (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options available)
DAY 8: LLACHTAPATA – Inca Ruins with a View
Hike to the Inca ruins of Llactapata, an archaeological site offering rare and magnificent views of Machu Picchu from the opposite ridge.
Descend along the scenic Aobamba River Valley, surrounded by orchids, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.
Overnight: Aobamba or Hydroelectric area
Elevation: approx. 5,900 ft
DAY 9: MACHU PICCHU – The Lost City of the Incas
Board the train to Aguas Calientes and ascend to Machu Picchu, where you enjoy a fully guided exploration of temples, terraces, and ceremonial plazas.
Optional hikes available with prior reservation:
Huayna Picchu – 8,835 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain – 10,111 ft
Return to Aguas Calientes and board your train back to Cusco.
DAY 10: LIMA – Farewell Peru
Fly back to Lima, concluding an unforgettable expedition through Peru’s most iconic landscapes.
Why Choose Machupicchu Trek
As a direct local operator, Machupicchu Trek guarantees:
Expert, certified mountain and cultural guides
Private & luxury service upon request
Professionally curated campsites with quality equipment
Complete meal service including vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary menus
Authentic experiences that prioritize safety, comfort, and cultural respect
What’s Included and What’s Not Included in This Tour?
Additional Info about Salkantay Trek Expedition
Tour Facts – Salkantay Expedition by Machupicchu Trek
PRICE: Starting from USD 2,690 — offering an exceptional value for a fully guided 10-day adventure featuring premium service, curated accommodations, and one of Peru’s most iconic trekking routes.
DURATION: 10 days / 9 nights, designed for an immersive exploration of Peru’s cultural heritage, natural wonders, and world-famous Salkantay Trail.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Level 3 – Moderate. Suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. Trekking at high altitude is involved, with challenging sections along the Salkantay Pass.
STARTS / ENDS: Begins in Lima and concludes in Cusco, guiding travelers from Peru’s vibrant capital to the mystical heart of the Inca civilization.
DEPARTURE DAYS: Departures available every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, offering flexibility for individual, private, or custom group arrangements.
LOCATION: A complete journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Salkantay Trail, and Machu Picchu, showcasing Peru’s landscapes, traditions, archaeology, and biodiversity.
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Passengers without Peruvian residency—both foreign travelers and Peruvians living abroad—are exempt from paying Peru’s General Sales Tax (IGV) on hotel stays.
To qualify for this exemption, passengers must:
Present their original passport
Present their Andean Migration Card (TAM) issued upon entry to Peru
Not exceed 60 days of stay in the country at the time of hotel check-in
This exemption also applies to travelers holding valid passports or national ID cards from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Chile, provided they are non-residents and within the 60-day entry period.
Please note:
The order of excursions may vary depending on operational factors, weather, or local conditions.
All schedules in this itinerary are referential; final schedules will be confirmed by Machupicchu Trek’s local operations team.
Any personal expenses at the destination are the responsibility of the passenger.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY – MACHUPICCHU TREK
As a direct local operator, Machupicchu Trek provides transparent and traveler-focused policies. Due to the highly coordinated nature of the Salkantay Expedition, permits, hotels, and transportation services are secured well in advance.
General Services
Up to 91 days prior to the travel date:
35% penalty due to administrative and operational expenses.Between 90 and 31 days prior to travel:
50% penalty of the total payment.Between 30 days and the travel date:
100% penalty. No refunds apply.
Once the package is confirmed and paid, any modification (date change, name change, or itinerary alterations) is subject to:
A 35% administrative fee,
Plus any fare difference or price variation based on the new travel date.
Please note:
Some services may be interrupted or canceled due to weather, strikes, force majeure, or situations beyond the control of Machupicchu Trek or its partners.
In these cases, refunds do not apply. However, our operations team will always assist with alternatives when available.
Transportation Providers (Air, Train, Bus, Cruises)
Refunds, changes of names, or rescheduling are subject to the specific policies of each provider (airlines, train companies, bus lines, cruises, etc.).
Some providers—especially those handling group travel—may apply stricter conditions.
Important:
For Salkantay programs, many logistical components are prepaid and non-refundable. Therefore, 100% penalty applies from the moment the reservation and payment are completed.
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Tour Price
$2,690.00
$2,690.00
per person
Salkantay Trek Expedition Tour Information
Tour Location
Peru
Languages Support
Spanish & English
Packing list
Sleeping bag
Insect repellent
Cash & cards
Medications & first‑aid
Toiletries
Headlamp
Hat & gloves
Snacks
Water bottle
Sun protection
Rain gear
Layered clothing
Comfortable hiking boots
Travel insurance
Passport & ID
Your trusted tour operator in Machu Picchu
At Machu Picchu Trek, we bring a local touch to every adventure. Our company is 100% Peruvian-owned. This unique perspective ensures ethical treatment of our staff and a deep connection to the culture and history of the region.
Our Machu Picchu team is equipped with satellite phones for 24/7 emergency support. Safety is our top priority, and we provide oxygen tanks and first aid kits on every trek. You can trust our experienced guides to lead you with care and expertise.
We offer seamless service, including hotel-to-hotel pickups and drop-offs in Cusco. Every detail is designed to make your trek comfortable and stress-free.
Choosing Machu Picchu Trek means supporting a company with an industry-leading safety record and a commitment to excellence. Let our team show you the beauty of Machu Picchu while ensuring your journey is unforgettable.
Machu Picchu experience
Amazing experience from the first beginning the communication was great and the activities were well explained. One of the best trips I’ve ever experienced.
I loved it
I loved it! Everything is very organized, amazing schedules for activities, too much fun!
An Unforgettable Experience at Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu Trek made my trip an absolutely incredible experience. From the first contact, their team was professional, friendly, and attentive to every detail. The planning was flawless, and the guides were exceptional, sharing their deep knowledge about the history and culture of this magical place.The tour was perfectly organized, striking an ideal balance between adventure and comfort. I loved how much they cared about our safety and the environment. Every moment was special, from the breathtaking views to the delicious meals prepared during the tour.I highly recommend Machu Picchu Trek to anyone looking to explore this unique destination with a reliable and passionate company. Thank you for making this dream come true!
A Truly Unforgettable Experience – Salkantay Trek (6 Days / 5 Nights)
We were incredibly lucky to be the very first guests of 2025 with Machupicchu Trek — and what an unforgettable experience it was. From start to finish, this trek was thoughtfully planned, deeply personal, and absolutely seamless. We did the 6-day/5-night Salkantay Trek and felt like we were treated to a private, custom-curated experience unlike anything we’ve seen other companies provide.Our guide George made the trip extraordinary — his deep knowledge, energy, spirit, and genuine care turned our trek into something truly meaningful. He didn’t just lead us; he brought the entire experience to life. Every moment felt intentional and special, and by the end of the trip, George felt like family. We already miss him!Our amazing chef Santiago prepared incredible meals for us every single day. I’m someone who gets sick easily while traveling, and my cousin has multiple food allergies — but neither of us had even the slightest issue. Santiago’s food was delicious, nourishing, and prepared with great care and attention to detail. It truly added to our sense of well-being on the trail.Gladys, our warm and welcoming coordinator, greeted us at the Marriott when we arrived and ensured everything ran smoothly. The entire team — including our fantastic porters — were professional, kind, and full of fun and good energy. They worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure everything was perfect, and it absolutely was.Because of this team’s knowledge and dedication, we experienced Machu Picchu in a way most travelers never get to. If you’re considering this journey, do not hesitate — this is the company to choose. They pour their hearts into every detail and it shows. Thank you, Alexis, George, Santiago, Gladys, Juan, and the whole team — you’ve given us memories we’ll carry for a lifetime.With deepest gratitude, Karen & Alexandra
Highly recommend Juan
Highly recommend Juan! He is an excellent guide and we learned so much. My family of 6 loved the tours and would love to come back. Thank you, Juan! We will be sharing your business information with our friends.
Amazing 6 day private tour of Cusco area with our group of 13
Amazing 6 day private tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley and Macchu Picchu with Juan from Macchupicchutrek. Our group of 13 had a great time visiting sites and also the best restaurants! Very flexible and we learned so much about this beautiful country. Highly recommend!!!
Amazing tour exploring all parts of…
Amazing tour exploring all parts of Peru 🇵🇪. Our tour guide Juan from Machupicchutrek was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and accommodating, especially considering we were a group of 13 people. Just when you thought a site or destination couldn’t get better, it did! Surpassed all our expectations (especially difficult for a family with different interests who LOVE to travel throughout the world)! Recommend 100000%
ciertamente Juan es el mejor guía…
ciertamente Juan es el mejor guía turístico, tiene el mayor conocimiento en la historia de Perú, es exageradamente amable, honesto y paciente, es bilingüe. 100% recomendando 5⭐️ Juan estamos agradecido con tu excelente servicio.
El mejor guía que encontrarán.
Sumamente responsable, vasto conocimientos y siempre dispuesto a complacer nuestros gustos y deseos.
Una experiencia única
Una experiencia única. El guía muy atento amable, explica las historias al detalle. 100% lo recomiendo.💕🇵🇪
El mejor guía de todo Perú!!
El mejor guía de todo Perú!!! Añai 🙏🏼
Juan es un excelente guía
Juan es un excelente guía , amable y honesto Excelente servicio🥇
The best option for traveling
My experience with MachuPicchuTrek on the Salkantay Premium Private Trek tour was simply exceptional. From the moment we began our adventure, the punctuality and dedication of the operators were evident. Every detail was carefully planned to give me an unforgettable experience.The landscapes that unfolded before my eyes were simply breathtaking.The level of personalized attention I received throughout the tour was unparalleled. The guides were always willing to share their knowledge and passion for the region, which further enriched my experience.In summary, the Salkantay Premium Private Trek tour with MachuPicchuTrek not only met, but exceeded all my expectations. "I definitely recommend this experience to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most incredible places in the world.
Efficient and fair price
I usually don't leave reviews, but I gotta say that this company is just amazing. From the beginning of my booking, until I departed from Cusco, they were so attentive. Alex, who is the owner of Machupicchutrek was on top of everything. He was texting us, promptly answering my calls as needed. I traveled with my child 5 years old and they gave me a piece of mind as he was able to get me a babysitter, who assisted me in this journey. Thank you all for your dedication and care for my family. I will recommend you to all my friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
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