The base rate for the 5-day Salkantay Trek is $450 USD. This covers professional guiding, horsemen and pack horses, campsite rentals, all meals, a hotel night in Aguas Calientes, train transfers, and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, with optional gear rentals available.
Price Breakdown and Inclusions
Planning your budget for the Salkantay Trek requires understanding exactly what is included in the tour price and what personal expenses you will need to cover along the trail.
| Included Services (Premium $450) | Excluded / Extra Costs |
|---|---|
| Professional bilingual guide and first-aid kits | Sleeping bag rental ($25 USD per trek) |
| Private transport to Challacancha trailhead | Trekking poles rental ($20 USD per pair) |
| Pack horses and horsemen (7 kg personal gear limit) | Inflatable air mattress rental ($15 USD) |
| Double-walled tents, dining tent, kitchen tent | First day breakfast & final day lunch |
| All meals prepared by professional trekking chef | Machu Picchu hot springs fee (20 PEN) |
| 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes & return train | Voluntary tips for guides, horsemen, and chefs |
The Real Value of Premium Operations
Low-cost operators often cut corners by underpaying local staff, renting sub-standard camping gear, or not providing emergency oxygen. Paying a premium $450 USD rate guarantees that horsemen and guides receive fair wages under local regulations, and that safety standards are strictly maintained at high altitudes.
Tips Etiquette and Guidelines
Tipping is completely voluntary and discretionary on the Salkantay Trek. It is a personal gesture of appreciation for the hard work of your guiding team, chef, and horsemen. We recommend handing tips directly to each crew member during the final dinner or morning gathering, rather than pooling them, to support transparent distribution.
“Our support crew—especially the horsemen and chefs—makes the Salkantay experience possible. They manage all the logistics and camping setups ahead of us. When budgeting, consider that tipping represents a direct way to support their local families and communities.”
— Sylwia, Wilderness Equipment & Trail Logistics Specialist
To check availability and book your hike, visit our main page Salkantay Trek 5 Days, where you can secure your Machu Picchu tickets and train schedule in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the base price of the Salkantay Trek?
The base rate of $450 USD includes all transport from Cusco, camping equipment, all meals on the trail, pack horses, 1 night in a hotel, return Expedition train, and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Are tips included in the Salkantay Trek cost?
No, tips are not included in the tour price. Tipping is entirely voluntary and is paid directly to the guides, horsemen, and chefs at the end of their respective service on the trail.
Is there a single supplement fee?
If you are traveling alone and wish to have a private tent and a private hotel room in Aguas Calientes, a single supplement fee of $50 USD applies. Otherwise, you will share with a trekker of the same gender.
