Classic Salkantay: Breathtaking 5-Day Machu Picchu Trek

My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed the 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek — it was a truly unforgettable experience and one we’d highly recommend to anyone up for a challenge with incredible rewards. Day 1 starts with a very early pick-up and a bus ride to a breakfast stop before continuing another hour to the official start of the trek. The trek kicks off with a 100m uphill section that quickly reminds you what you’ve signed up for, but the views are absolutely worth it. The rest of the day is relatively flat until you reach the Sky Camp, where (depending on your height — I’m over 6ft!) you might have to crawl into your accommodation but lying in bed and staring up at the stars before drifting off was a perfect end to the first day. The day also includes a hike up to Humantay Lake, which is no joke — it really gets your heart going, but the stunning turquoise water makes every step worth it. Day 2 is the toughest day. We chose to take horses up to the highest point in the morning, which was a good call, followed by a challenging 16km downhill trek in the afternoon. Your knees and body will definitely feel it by the time you reach the beautiful Mountain Sky View Camp for night two. Day 3 is a bit more relaxed, with around 18km downhill walking through lush jungle scenery. The day ends with a local coffee experience and a visit to hot spring lagoons, which your body will absolutely appreciate after three intense days of hiking. Day 4 catches many people by surprise — it starts with over three hours of uphill climbing, gaining about 800m of elevation in the morning. At the summit, you’re rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in the distance. The afternoon brings an 800m descent followed by a 10km walk along train tracks before arriving at a hotel in Aguas Calientes for a much-needed hot shower and a hearty meal. Day 5 is all about Machu Picchu itself, and it’s simply breathtaking. Seeing it in person after days of trekking through mountains, jungle, and valleys is an experience that words can’t fully capture. Overall, we can’t recommend Salkantay Trekking enough. Everything ran smoothly — it’s a very well-organised operation that groups people of similar ages and fitness levels together, which made for a great atmosphere. Our guide Carlos and the team of cooks were fantastic throughout, always supportive and friendly, and the food was consistently great. If you’re looking for a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding adventure, this trek is absolutely worth it.

I did this trek with 3 friends with Julio Choque as our guide. From the meet and greet Julio was fantastic. Explaining everything in detail and putting our minds at ease. From the first day to the last Julio was informative, professional caring and attentive . Every day was fun, I felt in capable hands and enjoyed every minute. Julio’s knowledge is second to none ! I learnt so much about Peru Incan culture and history and local wildlife and plants . If you want an amazing experience book this tour! You may get very lucky and get Julio as your guide !! We did and Julio made our trip an unforgettable memory! Salkantay Trekking you are lucky to have this amazing guide on your team!! Thank you Julio I won’t ever forget this trek or you ☺️

Four friends embarking on a trip that had been a long time in the planning and we chose Salkantay because of the previous reviews, we were still a little apprehensive, but absolutely everything exceeded our expectations. The organisation was so efficient, the accommodation just stunning and the treking…….well just out of this world. Specifically want to shout out to Jesus and Neilo out chefs, how they managed to produce the amazing food along the trek, no idea. And Julio Choque our guide, absolutely made this trek the experience of a lifetime. His patience, knowledge, and humour was brilliant and I can’t think that there is a better guide. Thank you Julio 😀

This trek was one of the best experiences of my life. Salkantay Trekking handled everything perfectly. Our guide Julio Choque stayed on top of everything making sure everyone was safe and having the best time possible. Julio was so much fun and very knowledgeable teaching us about the local culture, flora, fauna and of course Incan history. He was always more than willing to help in any way shape or form. Our group felt spoiled by his kindness and professionalism. The Salkantay Trek is something I feel very proud of accomplishing and doing it with Salkantay Trekking allowed me to do it safely and with great people while being led by an awesome guide.

Julio Chique was our guide. This is the best experience I have ever had. The trek was amazing and Julio's knowledge about local plants, animals and how the Inka people lived was next level. The way he encouraged all the trekkers was perfect and you know his really passionate about the whole experience for all the trekkers. Thank you Julio Chique for your time with us 👍😁❤️

It was the most amazing trip I have ever undertaken. Honestly, I was nervous but after meeting my guide, Julio Choque on the evening before the trek started I was excited to get started. From start to finish every detail was taken care of. Everyday Julio explained in fine detail how the day would work. Everything was perfect, even the weather!

The tour is the right mix of adventure and curation. Difficult but properly paced with delicious food and wonderful people. Julio Choque is simply the best tour guide I have ever had. I would do any tour with him, anywhere in the country (or world). His love of Peru and his culture is intoxicating, genuine, and inspiring. I would recommend the company but more importantly, Julio Choque, to any friend or family thinking of exploring this amazing place. Thank you!

My experience on the 5-day Salkantay trek with Julio Choque as my guide was nothing short of phenomenal. The views, accommodations, food, and knowledge Julio shared with us were above and beyond incredible. I will never forget this trek as it tested me physically, mentally, and spiritually… and most importantly, was super fun! 10/10 would recommend, especially with Julio!

Overall, the trip was well organized—comfortable accommodation and good food. However, the schedule was sometimes too rigid and should have been adjusted to local conditions, especially the weather. It didn’t make sense to take a nap at Salkantay Base Camp in clear weather and then resume hiking in heavy afternoon rain just because the company’s timetable said so. The reason for the negative review is the bad treatment of the horses along the way. I was very shocked by the terrible treatment of the horses along the way! The animals were beaten for no reason; two scenes in particular have stuck with me: 1. At Salkantay Base Camp, one of the horsemen (definitely from Salkantay Trekking, but not “our” horseman) straps the luggage onto one of the horses. The horse doesn’t want to, takes a few steps back without hurting or endangering anyone. The responsible horseman completely loses it and kicks the horse in the belly multiple times with full force. 2. A group of horses is briefly driven through the hotel grounds at the mountain lodge. One of the horses defecates on the walkway. The horseman (definitely from Salkantay Trekking) runs after the horse like a madman and jabs and beats it with full force using a hard trekking pole. Those were just the two most drastic examples… Overall, a truly awful experience. Anyone who cares about animal welfare should organize the trek themselves, carry their own gear, and keep a wide distance from the Salkantay Trekking company—as well as from any other trekking operator.

If you want a life-changing experience, filled with comradderie and amazing accommodations, then book your trek through this company.