Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days | 3 Nights.

4 Days / 3 Nights
5 Stars

Tour Overview

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days | 3 Nights is one of our premier adventures. It allows you to complete the famous Salkantay route in just 4 days, including the visit to Machu Picchu. It is a concise trek designed for adventurers who love a challenge. Today, the 4-day Salkantay Trek has become the most visited alternative route for travelers seeking diverse landscapes.

Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners.

4 Days / 3 Nights
PRICE FROM $550,00 per person
Places to visit: Cusco
Trip starts in: Hotel, AirBnB, or other agreed location.
Physical Level: Difficult
Travel Style: Mixed
Group Size: 5 to 12 people
Total Distance: 62 km
Meals Included: 3 Breakfast(s), 3 Lunch(es), 3 Dinner(s)
Departures: Daily Departures

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

The tour begins with a 4:30 am pick up from your hotel and then we will drive for 2 hours in our private transportation to Mollepata, where we will have breakfast in a restaurant. As we travel through curvy roads in the Andes, we will be able to observe native villages such as Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous snow-capped mountain of Salkantay. We continue in our transport for 1 more hours until we arrive to Challacancha, the starting point for the beginning of an incomparable adventure. We get our belongings ready and send them with our muleteer, while we start the trek towards Soraypampa, place where we will have lunch. After this stop we continue with the hike to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon (4,200 masl /13,779 ft.). We arrive to Humantay, we observe and take all the pictures, listen to the information given by our guide and then we return to Soraypampa where we will camp for the night.

Meals: Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
Lodging: Local huts.
Distance: 14kms / 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2
Day 2

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

THE BEAUTIFUL SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAIN OF SALKANTAY AND THE CHANGE OF NATURE.

We wake up at 5 am, 5:30 am to enjoy an energizing tea to start our hike, from Salkantay to Machupicchu, we enjoy our breakfast to start the hike, a difficult ascent by the path of the 7 curves, until we reach the Salkantay Pass (4,630 masl / 15,190 feet). Place where we will be able to appreciate beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay (6,271 masl / 20,574 feet). The second highest mountain in the Cusco region, we will also be able to observe the Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pasajillo Mountains, after enjoying this wonderful mountain we will continue with our hike.

As we advance we will find native villages like Rayampata and Huayracmachay with an incredible nature, place where we will have lunch, after this brief stop and rest we will continue with the walk through a cloud forest and rocky path observing the change of nature, a living and unique flora. Then we will arrive to Chaullay where we will have a brief stop and then we will head to our camp in Collpapampa, place where we will spend our second night.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
Lodging: Local huts.
Distance: 21kms / 12.6 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3
Day 3

Day 3: Chaullay – Wiñaypoco – La Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Today is a very challenging day, and our mountain chef knows it and therefore wakes us up with a cup of coca tea to fill us with energy to meet this challenge. We have breakfast and continue our hike to the high jungle of our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Along our hike we will be able to observe a change of vegetation with an incredible flora and fauna which you will only see in this journey, in this path we will see coffee plantations, bananas, avocados, we can also taste the exotic fruit of the area such as the passion fruit.

We continue with our hike until we reach the last lunch prepared by our mountain chef, as well as the process of the elaboration of organic coffee since it is a grain to have an essence in our cup. We rest for a moment and then continue our hike to hydroelectric, where we will begin a walk along the train tracks surrounded by beautiful vegetation. In this journey you have the option to take the train which has an extra cost of $37.00 per person or continue along the train tracks until you reach Aguas Calientes if you are very exhausted.

After having made the decision to walk along the train tracks, the approximate time of 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu village), we will arrive at an accommodation (Hotel) where you can rest as you deserve, take a relaxing shower. In the evening, we will meet for dinner at a restaurant, place where the guide will also give indications for the next day which is the most important day, visit to Machupicchu.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner in a restaurant.
Lodging: In a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Distance: 23kms / 14 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 4
Day 4

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

This is the most important day after a 3-day trek, the day you will never forget.

After breakfast, which is included in the hotel, you can decide to walk or take the bus up to the Machupicchu Sanctuary where you will receive a 2 hour guided tour with our professional guide. After the two hours of the guided tour, you will have some free time to enjoy the wonder of the world, and if you have mountain or Huaynapicchu you can do after the guided tour of the citadel of Machupicchu. After your visit and having enjoyed every corner of this beautiful wonder you will decide to take the bus or take a short walk of 1 hour and a half to return to Aguas Calientes to their respective office and then take the train that will lead to Ollantaytambo where our transport will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in the city of Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast included at your hotel.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

  • Pre-Trek Briefing:
    • Time & Place: 5:00 PM the day before the trek at your hotel.
    • Agenda: Meet the guide and group, receive technical details, confirm pickup times.
    • Duffel Bag: You will receive a duffel bag for personal items (transported by horses). Note: See discrepancy below regarding weight.
    • Documents: Receive printed train and Machu Picchu tickets.
    • Payments & Gear: Pay outstanding balances and confirm if you have your own sleeping bag/poles or need to rent them. Luggage storage guidance provided.
  • Pickup Service:
    • Time: Between 4:15 AM and 4:30 AM.
    • Location: Directly from your Hotel or Airbnb (address required).
  • Transportation to Trailhead:
    • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa.
    • Duration: Approx. 3 hours.

Team & Support Staff

  • Professional Tour Guides:
    • Certified by Ministry of Culture/Gercetur.
    • Bilingual (English/Spanish).
    • Expertise in high mountain excursions and first aid (carry oxygen tank + kit).
  • High Mountain Chefs:
    • Professional team dedicated to preparing all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
    • Capable of handling dietary requirements (Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, etc.).
  • Mule Drivers & Horses:
    • Transport food, camping supplies, and the client's duffel bag.
  • Oxygen tank and fully stocked first-aid kit.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Meals Included:
    • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners.
    • Special activity: Cooking class in the Salkantay mountains.
    • Dietary Note: Please inform us of any allergies or restrictions in advance.
  • Accommodation:
    • Night 1  Dome or Rustic huts for  cold weather—after a strenuous hike, we deserve to rest in a comfortable, warm place (the cabins are built with natural thatch, which helps retain heat while preserving the natural environment).
    • Night  2 Hinging Nest On the second night, we'll stay in these glass structures, which include showers and bathrooms in the accommodations, with an incredible view of the Sahuayaco Valley.
    • Night 4:  Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
    • Camping Gear: Mattresses, blankets, and pillows included in camps. (Sleeping bag not included - available for rent).
    • Rooming: Double occupancy. Larger groups/couples accommodated together based on availability.

Entrances & Guided Tours

  • Entrance Fees Included:
    • Humantay Lake.
    • Salkantay Mountain (Pass).
    • Machu Picchu Citadel: Circuit 2 (Llacta / Classic Route) or Lower Terrace (subject to booking 3-4 months in advance).
  • Guided Tour: Comprehensive guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Return Logistics (Machu Picchu to Cusco)

    • Bus to Machu Picchu:
      • 2 Bus ticket included ( Aguas Calientes Town  to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes Town).
    • Train Return:
      • Route: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
      • Service: Peru Rail  (Vistadome  time 12.45 Pm Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo).
      •  Important Notes First Aid: Guides carry a main kit, but bringing a personal kit for specific conditions is advisable.
      • Luggage: Extra luggage can be stored at your Cusco accommodation or in our office.

Not Included

  • Last lunch.
  • Personal expenses during the tour.
  • Water bottles (containers).
  • Trekking poles, Sleeping bag.
  • Tips for staff: Tips are welcome based on your satisfaction. They are significant for the team taking care of your logistics and health.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose Guiding Cusco?

Discover what makes this experience unique and why travelers love it.

Why Choose Guiding Cusco?

Travel With Confidence. Experience Peru Differently.

At Guiding Cusco, we believe the best journeys are personal, meaningful, and thoughtfully designed.

Personalized Small Groups
We keep our groups small so you receive genuine, attentive service throughout your journey. Every experience is designed with your comfort, interests, and pace in mind.

Supporting Our Local Community
We work closely with local guides, cooks, drivers, families, and small businesses, helping create employment and keeping the benefits of tourism within our communities. We also support people and families with limited resources, because we believe tourism can make a positive difference beyond travel.

Licensed & Trustworthy
Guiding Cusco is a formally established and authorized Peruvian tour operator, operating in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Peruvian authorities. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are an essential part of every journey we organize.

A More Meaningful Way to Travel
When you travel with Guiding Cusco, you experience Peru with a local team that genuinely cares about its people, culture, and landscapes.

Personal attention. Local connection. Meaningful experiences.

Local Passionate Experts

Our team is made up of passionate local professionals who know Peru beyond the guidebooks. With years of experience and a genuine love for our culture, history, and landscapes, we create meaningful travel experiences that connect you with the authentic spirit of Cusco and its surrounding regions while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Licensed & Secure

Travel with confidence knowing that Guiding Cusco is a fully licensed Peru tour operator committed to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and service. From carefully selected guides and transportation to well-planned itineraries and secure operations, every aspect of your journey is designed to provide peace of mind and a worry-free experience.

Bespoke & 24/7 Support

Every traveler is unique, which is why we create personalized itineraries tailored to your interests, travel style, and schedule. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, luxury, or a combination of experiences, our team is available before, during, and after your trip with dedicated 24/7 support to ensure a seamless and memorable journey.

Packing List

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following items:

Essentials & Documents

Local money

Local money

Medical kit

Medical kit

Passport

Passport

Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Water

Water

Clothing & Footwear

Cap and hat

Cap and hat

Tennis and boots

Tennis and boots

Waterproof

Waterproof

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof jacket

Equipment & Gear

Camera and cell phone

Camera and cell phone

Portable charger

Portable charger

Small backpack

Small backpack

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Recommended Extras

Gel alcohol

Gel alcohol

Lanches snacks

Lanches snacks

Lip balm

Lip balm

Tour Map

Want to take this map with you?
Download PDF Map

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Essential Travel Info

Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.

It is highly recommended to bring warm clothing and rain gear, as the weather is unpredictable and rain can occur at any moment.

Optional Upgrades

Customize Your Experience

Enhance your trip with these optional upgrades available upon request.

Expedition Train upgrades, Cooking Classes.

Book This Tour

Price per person $550.00
EXCELLENT
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Based on 28 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek11142408297 profile picture
Trek11142408297
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
zuverlässige und individuelle Betreuung Wir hatten von Anfang an direkten Kontakt mit unserem Guide und waren mit seiner Betreuung rundum sehr zufrieden. Er war ausgesprochen zuvorkommend, flexibel und ist jederzeit auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Besonders hilfreich war seine Beratung bei der Auswahl der Tour: Aufgrund seiner Erfahrung hat er uns eine Route empfohlen, auf der deutlich weniger Menschen unterwegs waren und die sehr gut zu uns gepasst hat. Auch während der Tour selbst haben wir uns bei ihm bestens aufgehoben gefühlt. Er hat uns mit viel Erfahrung und Umsicht den Berg hinauf und wieder sicher hinunter begleitet. Insgesamt war die gesamte Dienstleistung – von der Planung über die persönliche Betreuung bis zur Durchführung – mehr als zufriedenstellend.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marjorie Ocampos profile picture
Marjorie Ocampos
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
An amazing Salkantay Trek experience I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Skyle A profile picture
Skyle A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing 5 day Trek. We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Arnaldo g profile picture
Arnaldo g
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Five days of hiking in Cusco.! Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Cosmopolitan382563 profile picture
Cosmopolitan382563
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide! We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
H B profile picture
H B
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
onialias profile picture
onialias
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ali profile picture
ali
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Rainbow mountain and Machu-Picchu experience was great. Amazing experience. Lisbet and Edwin were great.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
travelover100000 profile picture
travelover100000
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Macchu Picchu and rainbow mountain I can’t recommend our guides Lisbet and Edwin from the Cusco team highly enough! Despite our last-minute planning and Machu Picchu’s popular circuits being fully booked, they came up with an out-of-the-box solution that let us explore two circuits anyway. We squeezed in both Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu in just two days—Lisbet and Edwin even met us at 7:30 PM to brief us on the tours, so we could hit the ground running without any stress. The logistics were seamless: pickup at 4:30 AM for Rainbow Mountain, then a smooth handoff to Olantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, with another team member waiting right at the train station. Their care, responsibility, and attention to every detail made the whole experience mind-blowing. Thank you, Lisbet, Edwin, and the entire team—you’re absolute stars!
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Kane S profile picture
Kane S
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Experience of lifetime We did the four-day Salkantay trek with this company and were extremely pleased with the overall experience. Everything was very well organized, from transportation and accommodations to meals and daily logistics, which made the hike feel smooth and stress-free. Our guide, Edwin, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, calm, attentive, and clearly very experienced. He kept a close eye on everyone, shared insight into the landscape and local culture, and struck a great balance between professionalism and warmth. His steady presence made a challenging trek feel both safe and enjoyable. We would happily recommend this company to anyone considering the Salkantay hike.
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Salkantay 5-Day and 4-Day Trek?

The main difference is the pace. The 5-day version allows you to see everything calmly, including the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, a detailed organic coffee and cocoa tour, and a mild hike to the Llactapata viewpoint. While Llactapata can technically be done on the 4-day tour, it requires extra cost and depends heavily on your physical condition.

Why should I choose the Salkantay Trek over the Inca Trail?

The Salkantay Trek is recognized globally as one of the best hikes, often surpassing the classic 4-Day Inca Trail in terms of scenery. It is increasingly popular and offers a significant challenge for energetic travelers looking for high-altitude adventure and stunning mountain views without the permit limitations of the Inca Trail.

What is the weather like on the Salkantay route?

The weather in Cusco and the Andes is very changeable; it can rain at any time. It is essential to be equipped for cold, rain, and even snow. From May to July, the weather is colder (friaje), and snow is common on the route, so waterproof and warm clothing is mandatory.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

EXCELLENT
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Based on 28 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek11142408297 profile picture
Trek11142408297
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
zuverlässige und individuelle Betreuung Wir hatten von Anfang an direkten Kontakt mit unserem Guide und waren mit seiner Betreuung rundum sehr zufrieden. Er war ausgesprochen zuvorkommend, flexibel und ist jederzeit auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Besonders hilfreich war seine Beratung bei der Auswahl der Tour: Aufgrund seiner Erfahrung hat er uns eine Route empfohlen, auf der deutlich weniger Menschen unterwegs waren und die sehr gut zu uns gepasst hat. Auch während der Tour selbst haben wir uns bei ihm bestens aufgehoben gefühlt. Er hat uns mit viel Erfahrung und Umsicht den Berg hinauf und wieder sicher hinunter begleitet. Insgesamt war die gesamte Dienstleistung – von der Planung über die persönliche Betreuung bis zur Durchführung – mehr als zufriedenstellend.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marjorie Ocampos profile picture
Marjorie Ocampos
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
An amazing Salkantay Trek experience I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Skyle A profile picture
Skyle A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing 5 day Trek. We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Arnaldo g profile picture
Arnaldo g
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Five days of hiking in Cusco.! Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Cosmopolitan382563 profile picture
Cosmopolitan382563
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide! We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
H B profile picture
H B
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
onialias profile picture
onialias
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ali profile picture
ali
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Rainbow mountain and Machu-Picchu experience was great. Amazing experience. Lisbet and Edwin were great.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
travelover100000 profile picture
travelover100000
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Macchu Picchu and rainbow mountain I can’t recommend our guides Lisbet and Edwin from the Cusco team highly enough! Despite our last-minute planning and Machu Picchu’s popular circuits being fully booked, they came up with an out-of-the-box solution that let us explore two circuits anyway. We squeezed in both Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu in just two days—Lisbet and Edwin even met us at 7:30 PM to brief us on the tours, so we could hit the ground running without any stress. The logistics were seamless: pickup at 4:30 AM for Rainbow Mountain, then a smooth handoff to Olantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, with another team member waiting right at the train station. Their care, responsibility, and attention to every detail made the whole experience mind-blowing. Thank you, Lisbet, Edwin, and the entire team—you’re absolute stars!
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Kane S
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Experience of lifetime We did the four-day Salkantay trek with this company and were extremely pleased with the overall experience. Everything was very well organized, from transportation and accommodations to meals and daily logistics, which made the hike feel smooth and stress-free. Our guide, Edwin, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, calm, attentive, and clearly very experienced. He kept a close eye on everyone, shared insight into the landscape and local culture, and struck a great balance between professionalism and warmth. His steady presence made a challenging trek feel both safe and enjoyable. We would happily recommend this company to anyone considering the Salkantay hike.












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