Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Tough
26 people
5 Days
47 mi
Overview
The original route to Machu Picchu, walked since long before any road existed — stone steps, cloud forest, and Inca ruins along the way, climbing to a high mountain pass before descending into the Sacred Valley.Permits are limited and issued months in advance, so this isn't a spontaneous booking — but it's the only way to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot, through the Sun Gate, as the sun comes up over the ruins.
What's Included
Expert local guide
Meals included
Airport transfers
Accommodation
Permits & paperwork
Insurance coverage
Gallery
Hike Schedule
Day 1 — Drive from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, trek to first camp
Day 2 — Climb to the trail's highest mountain pass, descend to camp
Day 3 — Cloud forest trekking past remote Inca ruins, final camp near Machu Picchu
Day 4 — Pre-dawn walk to the Sun Gate for sunrise over Machu Picchu, guided tour of the ruins
Cusco, Peru
Starting Point
Machu Picchu, Peru
Ending Point
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FAQ
Good to Know Before You Go
What age group usually comes?
Most people who join us are between 21 and 38, but there’s no set age range. Everyone is welcome. If an adventure has a specific age requirement, we’ll make that clear in the event details.
Can I come by myself?
Absolutely. A lot of people come to their first Real Adventures event without knowing anyone. You don’t need to bring a friend or already know someone in the group to join us.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily. We welcome all paces and experience levels, but every hike is different. Check the distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and event details before signing up to make sure the hike is within your ability.
What should I bring?
What you need depends on the adventure, so always check the event details first. For most Arizona hikes, come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and proper footwear. We typically recommend around 3 liters of water for longer hikes.
How do meetups and carpools work?
After signing up, you’ll get the details for where and when to meet. We often coordinate carpools in the group chat, or you can meet everyone directly at the trailhead.