Classic Salkantay: Breathtaking 5-Day Machu Picchu Trek

We had an incredible time on the Salkantay Trek. Whilst sometimes it is hard physically the scenery along the way is stunning and some of the most beautiful we had ever seen. Our guide, chefs, and the whole team took very good care of us and made sure everything went well for us. The accomodations we stayed in looked like the best available compared to others we saw and each camp/location was special in its own way. I would recommend booking this tour to anyone looking at treks to Machu Picchu. Our guide Franz had so much knowledge and passion for the natural environment and Incan history, which helped us appreciate even more everything we saw on the trek and at Machu Picchu.

The 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the most fulfilling experiences of our lives. The group gelled very well and we all made friends with each other quickly. The hiking days were challenging but doable. Our guide Franz let us know exactly what to expect each day and we felt we were well prepared for what each day entailed. There was enough variation in hiking terrain and activities so that we were never bored. The inclusion of verbal lessons on local history, ecology, and culture really added context to our experience and it allowed us to appreciate it on another level. The campsites are all beautiful and one of the only cons we can think of is that the days are long so there’s never enough time to fully enjoy them. This was an awesome experience for us and we’d recommend it, especially with Franz who was caring, knowledgeable, funny, and a major part of the experience for us!

The trip was so amazing. Our guide Franz did such an amazing job guiding us through the course always providing valuable tips, interesting information and a laugh. The trek was a challenge, but doable for sure. The small group was such nice company and the views were incredible. I had such a good time. Accomodations were really special as well. Definitely worth the higher price with all the stuff included. The food was always plenty and was super delicious. Definitely less need to bring any yourself.

We loved our 5 day Salkantay trip to Machu Picchu with this company. The guide Franz and his team of chefs and Muleters were amazing. The organising of the trip from start to end was fantastic. The accommodation was all incredible and felt luxurious. Food was incredible and our group were great.

The salkantay trek was great. Franz our guide was informative and a great guy. The accommodations are amazing and the trek can be challenging but great fun

Had an amazing time in the salkantay trek with Franz, he provided a really fun experience with his team. The accommodation each night was great and the food was very good too.

We absolutely loved our time on the 5 day Salkantay trek. From the accommodation, food and guide it was a luxury experience. Franz our guide was incredible. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate, keeping us all in good spirits through the trek. We were in a group of 10 who all had similar capabilities which really added to the experience. The food was absolutely delicious with several options everyday. It’s was incredible that even in such remote campsites we ate such superb food. The accommodation was great and felt very luxury. I would highly recommend this company.

Fantastic experience start to finish. The website, organisation, food, accomodation, and best of all our guide (Franz) was absolutely fantastic. About Franz - we had a group of ten, and everyone was incredibly impressed by how he controlled every aspect of our trek to ensure we had the best experience. His organisation, knowledge, passion and care for everyone was unparalleled. I genuinely cannot imagine having a better tour guide. I hope he is well valued within Salkantay Trekking, as he is fantastic. Franz’ team, in particular his chef, assistant chef and horsemen, were also fantastic. The food was delicious, with such an impressive range, and always such a large quantity. Additionally, we were provided snacks on each individual day.

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 ☺️