About this trip
This is a five-day trek through the Andes to Machu Picchu, walking beneath Salkantay, one of the most striking peaks in the range. You camp out along the route, passing through mountain communities and lesser-visited ruins before the final approach.
The trek ends with a train to Aguas Calientes and an early start the next morning for Machu Picchu itself, timed to get you there before the bulk of the day-trippers arrive.
What you'll do
- Trek through the shadow of Salkantay mountain
- Camp out in the Andes overnight
- Meet local communities living in the Salkantay valley
- Visit ruins along the trail away from the main tourist route
- Take the train to Aguas Calientes
- Enter Machu Picchu early morning
- Multi-day trek at altitude with camping, not a soft-adventure trip
- Early start on the Machu Picchu day to beat the crowds
Worth it if you're after genuine connection with guides, small-group camaraderie, and proper physical challenge. Think twice if you need hand-holding or creature comforts.
- Named guides (Lucie, Eva) consistently went above and beyond; solo travellers felt genuinely safe and cared for throughout.
- Small group size meant no cattle-like feeling; travellers bonded across different cultures and backgrounds; food was excellent.
- Daily physical challenge actually praised as meaningful; guides provided substantial local and historical knowledge; exceptional value for money.
- This trek pushes you outside your comfort zone daily; not a leisurely stroll but a proper, demanding adventure.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Nov is cheapest — from £509, about 28% below the priciest month (Jun).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Cusco · 7 Nov – 8 Nov
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