From Cusco to Cusco in Peru

Machu Picchu via Salkantay & Cusco

Price From
798 USD
Duration
7 days
Max People
12
Min Age
14+
Tour Type
   
Reviews
4.84/5
View 2026 Dates

Trip Summary 7 days

Duration7 days / 6 nights
Trip styleActive Hiking - Salkantay Trek
Start PointCusco
End PointCusco (Trip extensions available)
HighlightsCusco Historic City Center, Humantay Lagoon, Sakantay Pass, Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
TrainMachu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
TransferAirport transfers in and out in every city.Transfer to Salkantay trek starting point & Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Accommodation3 nights in Cusco, One night by Machu Picchu Tourist class included
Price 2026fromUSD798
Trip CodeSALK7D

Complete Salkantay Experience: 7 Days from Cusco to the Ancient Citadel with local experts.

This South America Adventure Tour includes two nights of acclimatization in Cusco before the Trek, the complete 4 days Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu with an overnight by Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu Pueblo and back to Cusco for a last night.

The Cordillera Vilcabamba is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive Salkantay snowcapped mountain (6,264m) and three others over 6000m. Salkantay is an outstanding snow peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Cordillera. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently.

In order to complete this Peru Trek, you need to have a reasonable level of fitness, age shouldn't be a barrier. The most important thing is to be well acclimatized to the altitude. The maximum height above sea level along the way is 4600 m (15092 ft), that is why we include 2 days in Cusco before the trek. This period is ideal for visiting the city of Cusco, the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Salkantay 7 days Map
Salkantay 7 days Map

7-day Itinerary

Top Peru Trek Salkantay Package | 7 days Salkantay Tour with Cusco Acclimatization7 days / 6 nights
The Humantay Lagoon on the Salkantay 7 days Trail
The Humantay Lagoon on the Salkantay 7 days Trail
  • Day 1

    Cusco:

    Assistance at your arrival to Velazco Astete Airport (CUZ) and transfer to your Hotel after a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza De Armas. Overnight at your hotel.

    🏨 Hotel
    Day One Transportation between Cusco Airport (CUZ) and Cusco Hotel in downtown.
    Day One Transportation between Cusco Airport (CUZ) and Cusco Hotel in downtown.
  • Day 2

    Cusco - City Tour:

    You will have a guided city tour which includes a visit to the Cathedral, the Temple of Qoricancha, and the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. You will learn about the Inca culture as well as some aspects of the conquest of the Inca's Empire and the colony. Back at your hotel.

    🍲 Meals included: breakfast🏨 Hotel
    Cusco Altitude Acclimatization before the Salkantay Trek
    Cusco Altitude Acclimatization before the Salkantay Trek
  • Day 3

    Cusco - Challacancha - Humantay Lagoon - Soraypampa:

    We depart Cusco at around 5:00 a.m. After a three hours bus ride we arrive to the andean town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where you have the chance to get last minute supplies (e.g. toilet paper, snacks), some leg-stretching and use the restrooms before continuing to our trek starting point at Challacancha (3675 meters above sea level). At this point we will meet our support staff and load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our hike toward Soraypampa. On the way we will have a beautiful view of the majestic Salkantay, other snow-covered peaks and the Apurimac Valley. We will have a traditional Peruvian lunch at Soraypampa. After lunch, a relatively moderate hike will take us to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon. We will have time to admire the jaw-dropping landscape of the Andes. Then back to base for snacks and dinner. Buenas Noches Amigos.

    🍲 Meals included: Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 13 Km.Trekking time: 5 hours📈 Height gain: +200m🏨 Marmot Tents
    Day 3 from Cusco to Challacancha trailhead, Humantay Lagoon excursion
    Day 3 from Cusco to Challacancha trailhead, Humantay Lagoon excursion
  • Day 4

    Soraypampa - Wayramachay - Chaullay:

    Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, the most difficult part of the trek awaits. We begin today's hike gradually ascending, until reaching the highest point (4630 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest peak of the Cusco region. On our way down, we will encounter semi tropical climate. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Wayramachay. After a hike of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Chaullay (2920 meters above sea level). At around 7:00 p.m., dinner will be served. Buen provecho.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 20 Km.Trekking time: 8 hours📈 Height gain: +630m📉 Descent: -1710m🏨 Marmot Tents
    Day 4 Soraypampa to Chaullay crossing Salkantay Pass at 4600 masl
    Day 4 Soraypampa to Chaullay crossing Salkantay Pass at 4600 masl
  • Day 5

    Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Machu Picchu Town:

    Around 7:30a.m., we will start our trek and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco, we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the Forest Cloudy Brow where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the 'Rooster of the Rocks'. Once at Playa Sahuayaco, we will take a local bus to drive us to Santa Teresa where we will have lunch at around 1:30p.m. After lunch, we continue to the Hydroelectric where we will start hiking towards Machu Picchu Town - Aguas Calientes (2040 meters above sea level). Check-in at the selected hotel and we will have dinner at around 7:00p.m.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 25 Km.Trekking time: 8 hours📉 Descent: -880m🏨 Hotel
    Day 5 Chaullay to Playa Sahuayaco. Continue to Machu Picchu Pueblo
    Day 5 Chaullay to Playa Sahuayaco. Continue to Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Day 6

    Machu Picchu - Cusco:

    Today, you will start early in order to be one of the first ones at the gate. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours. You will be free to explore the Citadel and take more pictures after the guided tour, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward Huayna Picchu Mountain (you will need an aditional ticket to access Huayna Picchu). At your convenience head back down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) and take the train to the Sacred Valley. From Ollantaytambo, continue with Bimodal train/bus service to Cusco.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast2 hours Machu Picchu Tour
    Day 6 Machu Picchu Tour. Back to Cusco via Bimodal Train-Bus service
    Day 6 Machu Picchu Tour. Back to Cusco via Bimodal Train-Bus service
  • Day 7

    Cusco:

    Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima. This marks the end of our services. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can be arranged.

    🍲 Meals included: breakfast🏨 Hotel
    Day 7 Cusco transfer to CUZ airport
    Day 7 Cusco transfer to CUZ airport

Salkantay 7 days Inclusions

  • Transportation
  • Pick up from the hotel
  • Transportation Cusco - Challacancha (trek starting point)
  • Transportation to Santa Teresa hot springs
  • Consettur Bus ticket Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu up and down
  • Train ticket Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo (Train upgrade available upon request)
  • Transfer Ollantaytambo train station to downtown Cusco (Bimodal service)
  • Horses and authorized mules to carry the tents and cooking equipment
  • Accommodation
  • Clean towel every morning and hot water for hygiene
  • Aguas Calientes accomodation in double or triple rooms
  • 3 Hotel nights in Cusco
  • 1 Hotel night in Machu Picchu Town
  • Personal pad (double foam)
  • Four Season Marmot Tents
  • Dining Tent, kitchen utensils
  • Meals
  • Cold boiled water to refill your bottle in the morning
  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Tea time during the journey
  • Vegetarian or vegan food available upon request with no extra charge.
  • Expert Support Team
  • Briefing / Informative presentation prior to the Salkantay Trek
  • English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
  • Mountain Cheff (Experienced cook) and cooking equipment
  • Personal Travel Advisor assigned for you to customize the rest of your Peru Trip
  • Safety equipment, radio transmitter
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle
  • Activities, Weight & Tickets
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • Salkantay Trail ticket
  • Group Guided visit to the Sacred Valley
  • Cusco group city tour including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara and Tambomachay
  • Cusco Full Boleto Turistico Pass, gives you access to 16 archaeological sites around Cusco
  • Santa Teresa Hot Springs ticket
  • Duffel Service during the trek: 7 Kilograms or 16 pounds
  • First Aid equipment
  • Emergency Oxygen Bottle
  • Important
  • Horses and mules will carry the heavy gear (tents, cooking equipment, food, etc). If you are considering bringing some photography equipment or other heavy accessories, or just simply don't want to carry anything, please request additional Duffel Service to carry up to 10kg per load, this way you will freely enjoy the hike. (This is highly recommended if you have never hiked over 10000 feet). Cooks handle all the kitchen chores.
  • Not Included:
  • Air flights (International or Domestic)
  • Special ticket to HuaynaPicchu
  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Optionals:
  • Additional Duffel Service (up to 10 kg.): USD 70.00
  • Sleeping Bag rental USD $25.00. All sleeping bags are laundered between each trek. Please request this rental in advance.
NOTE: We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons we may be forced to offer substitutes of same category. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.

Salkantay 7-day Testimonials

Jason C

Portland, USA

The 7-day Salkantay package was perfect for my limited vacation time. Those two acclimatization days in Cusco were absolutely crucial, I saw other trekkers struggling who'd skipped that step. The 4-day trek hit all the highlights without feeling rushed, and our guide knew exactly when to push us and when to take breaks. Crossing Salkantay Pass was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and the cloud forest section was beautiful. The camping comfortable, and the food was surprisingly good!. Seeing Machu Picchu after such a journey made it so much more meaningful than if I'd just taken the train. Thank you Salkantay!

Eliza M

Montreal, Canada

With limited high-altitude experience, I was nervous about the Salkantay Trek. The 7 day package with proper acclimatization was exactly what I needed. Those first two days in Cusco allowed me to adjust gradually while learning about Inca history. Once on the trail, our guide monitored everyone closely and adjusted the pace. The 4 day hiking portion was challenging but never overwhelming, and the reduced group size (just 8 people) created a wonderful camaraderie. Our campsite locations offered stunning views. The final day at Machu Picchu exceeded all expectations.

Wei and Lin C

Singapore

We chose the 7-day Salkantay Trek for our honeymoon adventure and couldn't be happier with our decision. The hiking portion delivered all the spectacular scenery. The two acclimatization days in Cusco were fascinating, our guide's knowledge of Inca history brought the sites to life. On the trek itself, crossing Salkantay Pass was a memorable achievement we accomplished together. The contrast between alpine glaciers and lush cloud forest on the same trek was amazing. The comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes was perfectly timed after three nights in tents. This experience offered the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

Martin B

Stockholm, Sweden

After researching different Salkantay options, I chose the 7day package specifically for its smart acclimatization schedule and trekking route. The two preparation days in Cusco prevented the headaches and fatigue I saw other trekkers suffering from. Our guide shared fascinating insights about native plants and Andean traditions that added depth to the journey. The campsite locations were spectacular. Will recommend, thanks!

Jessica A

New York, USA

Despite being challenging and sometimes discouraging, my hike to the Machu Picchu Mountain was nothing short of amazing. The guides and cooks and horsemen were so wonderful, friendly and encouraging. At moments when I felt like turning around down the mountain, they told me I was capable and they were somehow correct. I highly recommend this trek to anyone seeking an exciting challenge that they can most likely do - even if they believe they can't. My husband and I really enjoying this journey together as we really had to be there for each other and encourage and help each other. We also met many interesting folks in our group and on the way.

Common Questions About the Top Peru Trek Salkantay Package | 7 days Salkantay Tour with Cusco Acclimatization .

Our 7-day package includes two nights in Cusco (3,400m) before beginning your Salkantay Trek. These pre-trek days allow your body to gradually adapt to high altitude while exploring Cusco's Inca and colonial heritage. We recommend gentle activities on Day 1 (arrival day), followed by our included half-day city tour on Day 2, helping you acclimatize while discovering historical sites. This gradual approach significantly reduces altitude sickness risk during the Salkantay trek, especially when reaching Salkantay Pass (4,600m). This well-paced itinerary maximizes both your safety and enjoyment of the entire Andean experience.

Your 7 days package includes three comfortable nights (two before and one after your trek) at our carefully selected hotels in Cusco's historic center. These properties feature modern amenities including private bathrooms with hot water, comfortable beds, free WiFi, and 24-hour reception, daily breakfast with both international options and local specialties like quinoa pancakes and fresh Andean fruits. Our partner hotels provide convenient services like luggage storage during your trek, and friendly English-speaking staff who can provide local recommendations.

Our 7 day package includes transportation from the airport. Our representative will greet you at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, holding a clearly visible sign with your name. This private transfer service operates regardless of your arrival time, taking you directly to your Cusco hotel (approximately 20 minutes). After completing your Salkantay Trek and enjoying your final night in Cusco, we'll coordinate your departure transfer based on your flight schedule, ensuring you arrive at the airport with the recommended 2-hour check-in buffer. This transfers service eliminates transportation stress, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying your Andean adventure.

Your tour package maximizes cultural immersion with our included half-day Cusco city tour on Day 2. This guided experience covers the magnificent Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cusco Cathedral, and the Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking the city. These pre-trek days offer perfect opportunities to visit Cusco's fascinating museums, like the Pre-Columbian Art Museum or Chocolate Museum, and sample local cuisine. Our team provides personalized recommendations for optimal acclimatization.

For Cusco (3,400m), prepare for cool, dry days (60-70°F/15-21°C) and cold nights (30-40°F/0-5°C) with layers including jeans/slacks, long-sleeve shirts, a warm sweater, and a medium-weight jacket. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, even on cooler days. For the Salkantay Trek, include moisture-wicking layers, a packable down jacket, waterproof outer shell, hiking pants, broken-in boots, and trekking poles (available for rent). As you descend from alpine highlands to cloud forests, you'll appreciate convertible pants and insect repellent. Pack one last outfit for your post-trek night in Cusco. Remember your camera, portable charger, personal medications, and small bills in Peruvian soles for purchases in remote areas.

You'll ascend to 4,600m (15,091ft) at Salkantay Pass while navigating varied terrain including steep climbs, rocky descents, and narrower sections alongside the railway approaching Aguas Calientes. We recommend good cardiovascular fitness with the ability to hike several hours on uneven terrain before arrival. The two acclimatization days in Cusco significantly enhance your body's readiness for the trek, For preparation, incorporate inclined walking/hiking, stair climbing, and leg-strengthening exercises into your routine 2-3 months before travel. Remember, our experienced guides pace the trek appropriately, and emergency horses are available for portions of the route.

Our seven days package includes ALL necessary tickets and entrance fees throughout your journey. In Cusco, you'll receive the partial tourist ticket (boleto turístico parcial) covering Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha, and the Cusco Cathedral during your included city tour. For the Salkantay Trek, we provide the Salkantay trail ticket, Machu Picchu entrance ticket with authorized 3-hour guided visit, round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, and train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with the corresponding transpoprtation to Cusco in Bimodal Service. Optional add-ons available for purchase include entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain, Mountain Machu Picchu, or Machu Picchu Museum.

Our 7days Salkantay + Cusco package serves as a foundation for a broader Peruvian adventure. Popular extensions include adding a day to explore the Sacred Valley. Many travelers add 2-3 days at mystical Lake Titicaca. Nature enthusiasts often continue to Puerto Maldonado for 3-4 days in the Amazon rainforest. The northern circuit combining Trujillo's Chan Chan and the recently discovered Kuélap fortress provides extraordinary contrast to Inca sites. Our travel specialists can integrate these extensions, arranging all transportation connections, accommodations, and guided experiences to create your perfect Peruvian itinerary

Salkantay Machu Picchu Tour 7 Days
Salkantay Machu Picchu Tour 7 Days
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2026 Package Price

Machu Picchu via Salkantay & Cusco

$809$798

Per adult double occupancy

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Machu Picchu ticket included
Student Discount-$30

Salkantay 7-day Calendar

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    Upcoming 7 days Salkantay Departures

    Explore ancient Inca ruins, stunning mountain scenery, and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture on the Salkantay to Machu Picchu 7 day tour in 2026

    Experience the perfect balance of cultural immersion and mountain adventure with our 7-day Machu Picchu via Salkantay + Cusco package. Begin with two nights in the ancient Inca capital, exploring magnificent colonial and pre-Colombian architecture while acclimatizing to the altitude. Book now to secure your sport on South America's most spectacular mountain trek!

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