The 6 5-Day Experiences in Peru That Earn Their Price

1.Small Group 5 Days Salkantay and Machu Picchu by Llactapata Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $593Our pick

This five-day trek links Cusco, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Lucmabamba, Llactapata, and Machu Picchu. You hike in a group of up to nine with a bilingual guide, cooks, horse support, camping gear, meals, and a private room in Aguas Calientes. Ask about guides such as Rolando, Carlos, Jainor, or Dario.

“Jainor was a gem of a tour guide. He is clearly passionate about Incan history and culture, and he conveys this well to the group. He also transitioned extremely smoothly between Spanish and English when explaining things in amazing detail and depth. He was never rushed, always taking the time to answer everyone’s questions. Lastly, he dealt well with the varying physical conditions of the group, with age ranges from 21 to 67.”

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2.5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 5 days · from $655

Spend five days hiking from Cusco through icy peaks, cloud forest, coffee country, and Llactapata. TreXperience provides guides such as Cesar, Roger, José, and Elias, hearty meals, glamping, camping, and a Vistadome or 360° train to Cusco.

“Fillo was the most amazing guide I’ve ever met! He took care of everything in every detail and helped alot with the headaches during hiking as I wasn’t used to that altitude. Amazing experience that I will never forget! Fillio, you gave us an outstanding experience during the Salkantay trek! Big up for the cook, Estevan, amazing chef and the peruvian food was top notch. And for the porters, all my respect, they are so hardworking. Totally recommend, the locations, the staff, the schedule, 10/10!”

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3.Ausangate Trek 5 Days

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $660

Trek around Ausangate from Cusco with a small group of up to 10, crossing passes as high as 5,200 meters, visiting glacial lakes and hot springs, and learning about local food and weaving from a Peruvian family. Guides include Guillermo, Urbano, and Chino.

“An epic 5 days completing the Ausengate + Raimbow Mountain Trek with the Vidal Expedition crew (Chino, Begnino, Jośe, Angel). The scenery was amazing, super friendly and knowledgable team, yummy good, and lots of fun! Would highly highly recommend!! Thanks so much for such a cool experience :)”

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4.Classic Choquequirao Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $735

Hike from Cachora through the Apurímac Canyon to Choquequirao, an Inca citadel larger than Machu Picchu. You get a small group, bilingual guide, cooks, muleteers, camping gear, meals, Saywite, and Cconoc hot springs. Expect steep climbs, long days, and basic mountain camping.

“WOW! Guido was/is a fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous guide that cannot be outdone. His passion and knowledge for the culture is obvious throughout our trip. He connected with each one of our “Team Dave” and was there to help, each of us, when we needed it.”

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5.5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu Sky Lodge Dome

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · 5 days · from $700

Take five days from Cusco to Machu Picchu by way of Humantay Lagoon and the 4,650-meter Salkantay Pass. Sleep in private-bathroom domes, learn coffee making, walk the Urubamba Valley, and finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Small groups and bilingual guides lead the trek.

“Hee goed verzorgd! Goed eten en fijne bedden, laatste hotel was ‘oke’. De domes waren top! Alleen nacht 1 zeer koud maar ik Geloof dat dit bij alle domes van alle organisaties wel zo was! Eigen douche en toilet, top! Hike zelf prachtig!”

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6.5-Day Salkantay Ultimate Trek to Machu Picchu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 days · from $669

This 5-day small-group trek takes you from Cusco over the 4,630-meter Salkantay Pass to Machu Picchu. You’ll hike to Humantay Lake, camp in the Andes and cloud forest, visit a Lucmabamba family coffee farm, and finish with a guided citadel tour.

“The trek was fantastic. Really good scenery, excellent guide and well looked after by the support team.”

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