4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Small Group Experience

To provide a more personalized and enjoyable adventure, each departure is limited to a maximum of 16 participants.

Trek Difficulty

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is considered moderate to challenging, featuring long hiking days, steep ascents, and high-altitude terrain. A good level of physical fitness is strongly recommended.

Altitude & Acclimatization

The highest point of the trek is Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). For the best experience, we strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before departure to acclimatize to the altitude.

Hotel Pick-up & Return to Cusco

Complimentary pick-up is available from hotels and hostels located within Cusco’s Historic Center. If you’re staying outside this area, we will provide a convenient meeting point in advance.

The standard return is by bus to Cusco, with drop-off as close as possible to your accommodation. In cases of traffic restrictions or road closures, the final drop-off location will be Plaza Regocijo. Optional train upgrades are available.

Campsites

Overnight camps may vary depending on seasonal conditions and operational logistics, while always maintaining the quality and safety standards of the experience.

Transportation

Some sections of the route pass through remote mountain areas where access for large vehicles is limited. For these transfers, smaller local vehicles may be used to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

Weather Conditions

Mountain weather can change rapidly. We recommend packing layers, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, and warm clothing for early mornings and evenings.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

Entrance to Machu Picchu is subject to government availability and should be reserved as early as possible. We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during the high season, to secure your preferred entry circuit.

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Cancellations

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure (before 4:00 PM Peru time) are subject to a 30% administrative fee to cover operational and reservation costs.
• Cancellations made 24–48 hours before departure will incur a 45% administrative fee.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour, as well as no-shows, are 100% non-refundable.

Machu Picchu Tickets & Train Tickets

Please note that Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets (when applicable) are issued under strict government and operator policies and are non-refundable and non-transferable once confirmed.

If you require documentation for travel insurance purposes, we will be happy to provide an official letter to support your claim.

Train Ticket Changes

Requests to modify or reschedule train tickets must be handled directly with the corresponding train operator and are subject to their policies, availability, and any applicable fare differences or additional charges. Peru Bucket List is not responsible for fees imposed by third-party providers.

Tour Date Changes

Requests to change the departure date must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance, no later than 5:00 PM (Peru time), and are subject to availability and any costs associated with third-party services.

Contact Us

For cancellations, date changes, or assistance with your booking, please contact us at:

contact@perubucketlist.com

Please note that Machu Picchu entrance times and circuits are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on real-time availability. As a result, members of the same booking may occasionally receive different entry times or circuits.

Included Guided Tour

A professional guided tour inside Machu Picchu is included for travelers holding Circuit 2 tickets with entry times scheduled between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Other Circuits or Entry Times

If you receive a different circuit or entry time, you can still explore Machu Picchu independently or hire one of the official licensed guides available at the entrance.

The approximate cost for an on-site guide is USD $10 per person (subject to change).

Important: Circuit assignments and entry times are determined exclusively by the Ministry of Culture and cannot be guaranteed or modified by Peru Bucket List.

The Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in the tour price, subject to real-time government availability at the moment your reservation is confirmed.

Due to the limited number of daily tickets issued by the Peruvian government, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible, especially during the high season (June–October).

If Tickets Are Available

If entrance tickets are available when your booking is processed, we will secure your visit using the best circuit and entry time available in the official Ministry of Culture system.

Please note that specific circuits, routes, and entry times cannot be guaranteed, as they depend entirely on government-controlled availability.

If Tickets Are Sold Out

If no tickets are available for your requested date, travelers may choose to purchase a ticket in person in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) through the Ministry of Culture, subject to local availability.

In this situation:

• We will refund USD 50 per person, corresponding to the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included in the package price.
• The purchase must be completed personally by the traveler at the Ministry of Culture office.
• A valid original passport is required.
• Payment is accepted only in Peruvian soles (cash).
• Available circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry and cannot be selected in advance.
• During peak travel periods, obtaining an in-person ticket may require additional waiting time or an extended stay in Aguas Calientes.

Important Notice

Peru Bucket List is not responsible for ticket shortages or availability restrictions imposed by the Peruvian government. We will always make every reasonable effort to secure your entrance and assist you throughout the booking process.

We highly recommend booking your Salkantay Trek at least 4–8 weeks in advance during the high season to maximize the chances of securing your preferred Machu Picchu entry date and circuit.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, social or public disturbances, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Any additional expenses arising from such unforeseen situations will be the responsibility of the traveler. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation should adjustments become necessary.

Some sections of the Salkantay Trek pass through remote mountain areas where road access is limited. To ensure safe and efficient transfers, certain portions of the journey are operated using smaller local vehicles specifically suited to these routes.

While comfort levels may vary due to the region’s rugged terrain and infrastructure, all transportation is carefully selected to provide a reliable and authentic travel experience.

The standard Salkantay Trek includes return transportation to Cusco by bus via Hidroelectrica.

To use this return service, travelers should begin their visit to Machu Picchu early in the morning and start walking from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica by approximately 11:00 AM. This timing is essential to complete the 3-hour self-guided walk and arrive in time for the scheduled 2:00 PM bus departure to Cusco.

Please note that the route between Aguas Calientes and Hidroelectrica is completed independently and is not accompanied by a guide. Upon arrival in Hidroelectrica, our transportation team will be waiting to welcome you and provide your return transfer to Cusco.

Optional Train Upgrade

If your assigned Machu Picchu entry time does not allow enough time to begin the walk by 11:00 AM, or if you prefer a more comfortable return, you may choose to upgrade to a train service from Aguas Calientes.

Peru Bucket List is happy to assist with advance train reservations upon request. Train upgrades are optional, subject to availability, and the additional cost is not included in the standard tour price.

Important: Machu Picchu entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on real-time availability. We recommend planning your visit accordingly to ensure a smooth and stress-free return to Cusco.