We are a local tour operator based in Cusco, running our own departures to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail, the Inca Jungle Trail, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, the Sacred Valley and the Manu Amazon.
On our Cusco tours, the guides, cooks, drivers and muleteers who travel with you are part of our own team, hired locally and paid directly by us. That is why we can take full responsibility for how your trip runs.
On the Salkantay Trek, you sleep in our own Sky Star Domes with 360° views of the Andes. Two nights in the domes are guaranteed on our 4- and 5-day itineraries, and the 5-day trek adds a night in our panoramic cabins.
We run daily departures, keep groups small and set fair prices for the local market. We are not the cheapest, and we don’t try to be: very low prices usually mean underpaid muleteers and porters. What you pay covers a well-equipped, well-staffed trip and fair wages for the people who make it happen.
Book online anytime or message us on WhatsApp +51 974 217 700. Our office is at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, one block from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
Real feedback and ratings from guests who explored Machu Picchu and Peru with our team.
Discover the majestic Salkantay Mountain on an unforgettable journey along ancient trails to Machu Picchu. Sleep under the stars in our exclusive Sky Star Domes, with panoramic 360° views of the Andes — two nights included on our 4- and 5-day treks.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu: The Most Complete Adventure with 2 Nights in Sky Star Domes. Experience the perfect blend of adventure, nature,…
View Tour ›Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the world's most famous trek. The Inca Trail follows original stone paths through cloud forests and remarkable archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, leading you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu: All-Inclusive, Door to Door. Embark on Peru’s most iconic trekking adventure: the Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu…
View Tour ›Traveling with us is more than visiting a destination. We take care of every detail, from your first message to your last day in Peru.
Our travel advisors help you choose the right tour for your interests, fitness level and travel dates, and answer every question quickly on WhatsApp.
Professional local guides lead the way and bring Inca history, culture and traditions to life. Every challenging step is rewarded with spectacular views of the Andes.
Your guided visit helps you truly understand the Inca citadel, with free time afterward to explore at your own pace and take in the moment.
Planning more than one adventure? Combine two or more tours and enjoy special prices.
Ask our travel advisorsReach Machu Picchu the easy way. Board the train in Ollantaytambo and ride along the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by mountains, green valleys and changing Andean landscapes. Choose a full-day tour, a 2-day trip, or combine car and train to save on your journey.
Machu Picchu by Car and Train 2 Days Tour from Cusco is one of the best options for...
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour By Train From Cusco is the perfect choice for travelers with limited time...
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour from Cusco: An Immersive Inca Experience. Discover the best of...
Reach Machu Picchu the adventurous way. Ride downhill from the Abra Málaga pass, raft the Urubamba River, fly over the valley on a zipline and hike original Inca paths through the high jungle. Spend a night in our Sky Star Domes in Lucmabamba, surrounded by coffee farms and mountain views.
Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days To Machu Picchu – An Ultimate Adventure Experience: The Inca Jungle Trail 3...
Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days is one of the most complete and exciting...
Journey from the Andes into the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Explore Manu National Park, reached overland from Cusco, or the Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. Spot macaws, monkeys, caimans and giant river otters as you navigate jungle rivers and hike through the rainforest.
We are a 100% Cusco-based company committed to creating authentic, safe and unforgettable travel experiences. Direct operations, expert local guides, and fair, transparent travel created by true locals.
Machu Picchu Team is a 100% Cusco-based company with our headquarters in the historic center. Our deep regional knowledge allows us to offer attention to detail, personalized guidance, and genuine care for every traveler.
We directly operate every experience we offer. When you book with us, you travel with our own team, not through middlemen or third-party agencies. Only a limited number of companies in Cusco are true direct operators.
We are one of the very few operators that include two nights in our exclusive Sky Star Domes on our 4- and 5-day Salkantay treks, combining 360° panoramic Andean views with cozy dome accommodations and our own private zipline.
We work with highly trained, certified guides who know the history, culture, geography and traditions of every destination we visit. They speak fluent English, ensuring clear, attentive, and inspiring leadership throughout the journey.
Peruvian cuisine is recognized as one of the finest in the world. Our trail menus are carefully planned to showcase its richness, variety and authentic flavors, freshly prepared with local ingredients by our mountain chefs.
As an established direct tour operator in Cusco, our prices are fair, competitive and 100% transparent. What you see is what you pay: no hidden booking fees, no middleman commissions, and no last-minute surprises.
We offer fair, competitive wages and top-quality gear to our team, valuing the dedication of guides, cooks, porters, drivers and muleteers who are the heart of every trek while actively respecting local communities.
Backed by over 2,000 five-star reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, our bilingual travel advisors are available 24/7 to answer questions, customize your itinerary, and ensure complete peace of mind before and during your trip.
Humantay Lake
Sky Star Domes
Salkantay Zipline
Salkantay PeakBoth iconic routes lead to Machu Picchu, but they offer fundamentally different experiences. Compare altitudes, landscapes, accommodations, and logistics to choose your ideal Andean journey.
Adventure & Comfort 
The Historic Classic Explore all practical differences at a glance before confirming your booking.
| Feature / Aspect |
Salkantay Trek
High Alpine & Glaciers
Adventure · Dome Comfort · Flexible |
Classic Inca Trail
Sacred Heritage Route
Original Inca Paving · Sun Gate Arrival |
|---|---|---|
Route Concept |
Glacial peaks, turquoise lakes & cloud forest Scenic wilderness crossing diverse ecological zones, from alpine snow to sub-tropical coffee plantations. |
Sacred royal Inca pilgrimage trail Deep cultural immersion walking on the authentic 500-year-old stone path connecting ancient ruins to Machu Picchu. |
Distance & Duration |
~70 km (43.5 mi) 5 Days / 4 Nights (or 4D/3N express). Longer daily trekking hours (6–8 hrs/day). |
~42 km (26 mi) 4 Days / 3 Nights (also 2-day short option). Shorter total distance with 5–7 hrs/day. |
Max. Altitude |
4,630 m / 15,190 ft Salkantay Pass — significantly higher and colder, right beneath glacier Mount Salkantay (6,271 m). |
4,215 m / 13,828 ft Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa) — lower peak pass, but reached via steep stone stairs. |
Difficulty & Terrain |
Challenging / High Endurance Natural mountain dirt and gravel paths with gradual switchbacks. Gentler on knees than stone stairs. |
Moderate to Strenuous Thousands of steep, uneven Inca stone steps going up and down. Requires strong knee resistance. |
Citadel Arrival |
Via Aguas Calientes Town Arrives in town on Day 4 for hotel rest and shower. Enters Machu Picchu next morning via main tourist gate. |
Exclusive Sun Gate (Inti Punku) The only trek that enters directly into Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate at sunrise. |
Permits & Advance |
No trail permit quota High flexibility. Bookable weeks or days in advance (dependent only on Machu Picchu entrance tickets). |
Strict 500 permits / day Only ~200 tourists per day. Sells out 4 to 7 months in advance. 100% non-transferable and non-refundable. |
February Status |
Open Year-Round (365 days) Operates all 12 months with weather-adapted logistics and comfortable domes. |
CLOSED every February Mandatory annual closure by SERNANP for trail maintenance and rainy season safety. |
Accommodation |
Sky Star Domes & Cabins Exclusive glamping domes with panoramic 360° star views, real beds, and final night in Aguas Calientes hotel. |
Traditional Wilderness Tents Protected sanctuary campsites in mountain tents set up by porters. Shared basic park facilities. |
Support Logistics |
Mules & Horses + Valley Vehicles Pack animals carry all camping gear and duffel bags up to the pass; road access provides emergency support. |
100% Native Quechua Porters Pack animals are prohibited by law to preserve ancient stone paths. Our porters carry gear responsibly. |
Inca Ruins on Trail |
Llactapata Ruins Stunning archaeological site with an unforgettable direct panoramic view of Machu Picchu across the valley. |
6+ Exclusive Inca Sites Explore Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and spectacular Wiñay Wayna along the way. |
Scenery & Nature |
Humantay Lake & Glacial Peaks Turquoise glacial lagoon, towering Mount Salkantay, coffee & fruit orchards, waterfalls, and private zipline. |
High Paramo & Misty Cloud Forest Mountain passes, wild native orchids, hummingbirds, ancient stone tunnels, and sweeping Vilcanota valley vistas. |
Best For |
Nature, Adventure & Glamping Lovers Hikers seeking wild alpine landscapes, panoramic dome luxury, great value, and flexible booking dates. |
History Purists & Pilgrimage Seekers Travelers who prioritize authentic Inca history, ancient ruins, and the bucket-list Sun Gate sunrise arrival. |
Explore Treks | Explore Salkantay Treks → | Explore Inca Trail Treks → |
Both journeys are extraordinary. If you have limited advance planning time or love dramatic glaciated peaks with dome comfort, choose Salkantay. If walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on ancient stone stairs is on your lifetime bucket list, book the Inca Trail months ahead. Contact our local advisors for real-time permit checks and customized advice.
At Machu Picchu Team, responsible tourism is part of who we are. We work with local people, create real benefits for Andean communities, protect the land we call home and keep innovating to offer our travelers authentic, ethical experiences.
100% LocalWe work directly with native professionals from Cusco and trail communities. Our licensed guides, mountain chefs, drivers, porters and muleteers bring decades of intimate knowledge to every route.
Community AidEvery year, we reinvest part of our resources directly into high-Andean villages along our trekking routes, providing materials and tools to safeguard agricultural crops and support local livelihoods.
10,000+ Native Trees We actively protect the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. So far, we have planted over 10,000 native queuña trees, and continue planting around 2,000 more every year to restore critical Andean watersheds.
Youth SportWe proudly sponsor a youth high-mountain cycling club in Cusco, equipping and training talented young local athletes to compete regionally and pursue their dreams with discipline and pride.
PioneeringFrom introducing private Sky Star Domes and our own mountain zipline on the Salkantay Trek to opening exclusive paths like Llactapata and Pallay Punchu, we continuously elevate your journey.
Law 29408In strict compliance with Peruvian Law No. 29408, we reject and proactively prevent any form of sexual exploitation of minors in tourism activities.
Read our Code of Conduct →
Machu Picchu Team is a licensed tour operator officially accredited by the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco (GERCETUR) and registered in the National Registry of Tourism Providers under D.S. N° 005-2015-MINCETUR. When you travel with us, your reservation is direct, secure, fully insured, and legally protected.
We never stop improving. Our team is constantly exploring new trails and experiences, like the Llactapata Trek and the Pallay Punchu tour, so you can discover unique places beyond the usual routes.
Our team comes from Cusco and the communities along our routes, and many are native Quechua speakers. Their deep connection to the land and its traditions makes every tour more authentic.
We care for every trail we walk. Our team follows responsible practices to reduce waste, respect the paths and protect the plants and wildlife of each route.
Stories, Tips & Insider Guides
Inca Trail Travel Guide
The 1-Day Trek Alternative Through Water Altars and Cloud Forest. For travelers who cannot commit to 4 days of camping or missing out on permits, the Short Inca…
Inca Trail Travel Guide
The Forever Young Agricultural Wonder Near the Sun Gate. Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) is arguably the most breathtaking archaeological complex on the Inca Trail, rivaling Machu Picchu itself.…
Inca Trail Travel Guide
The Sacred Hydro-Engineering of the Six Fountains. Rising out of the mist at 3,670 meters, Phuyupatamarca lives up to its Quechua name: ‘Town in the Clouds’. Its defining…
Cusco Travel Guide
The Monumental Adobe and Volcanic Columns of South Cusco. Located 118 km south of Cusco in the Vilcanota Valley, Raqch’i boasts the Temple of Wiracocha — the largest…
Cusco Travel Guide
Ancient Remedies, Sacred Roots and Highland Shamanic Botanicals. Tucked away in the eastern wing of Cusco’s bustling San Pedro Market lies the traditional medicine aisle (sección medicina natural).…
Cusco Travel Guide
Walking the Subterranean Canals of Saphy and Tullumayo. Beneath the colonial streets of modern Cusco flows an invisible engineering masterpiece: the vaulted Inca canal systems of the Saphy…
Choquequirao & Hidden Peru
The Ultimate Wilderness Expedition Across the Vilcabamba. Often called the greatest trek in the Andes, the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu traverse connects the two imperial citadels across 115…
Choquequirao & Hidden Peru
The Dense Jungle Capital Where the Last Inca Fell. While Hiram Bingham mistakenly believed Machu Picchu was the ‘Lost City of the Incas,’ historical reality points 100 miles…
Choquequirao & Hidden Peru
The Last Rebel Stronghold of Manco Inca in Vilcabamba. Deep in the remote Vilcabamba valley northwest of Machu Picchu lies Rosaspata-Vitcos and the sacred carved monolith of Yurac…
Amazon Rainforest & Wildlife
The Glowing Micro-World of the Primary Amazon Night. When the sun sets over the primary rainforest of Tambopata, turning off your headlamp reveals an eerie, magical phenomenon: the…
Amazon Rainforest & Wildlife
Dawn Courtship Dances of Peru’s Scarlet National Bird. In the steep, mist-shrouded cloud forests of the Kosñipata Valley along the Manu Road lies the San Pedro lek. Here,…
Amazon Rainforest & Wildlife
Night Boat Safaris on Madre de Dios’s Pristine Oxbow Lagoon. Tucked inside the Tambopata National Reserve, Lake Sandoval is a horseshoe-shaped oxbow lake ringed by towering aguaje palm…
Travel Resources & Planning
Counterfeit Soles, ATM Fees and Ethical Porter Tipping. Navigating currency, ATMs, and tipping in Peru can be a minefield for unprepared travelers. Many foreign ATMs charge excessive hidden…
Travel Resources & Planning
Conquering the Strict Porter Scales at SERNANP Checkpoints. Before stepping onto the Inca Trail at Kilometer 82, every licensed agency must weigh their trekkers’ duffel bags on official…
Travel Resources & Planning
How to Maximize the 16 Archaeological Sites on One Ticket. The Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC) is the mandatory ticket required to visit 16 of the most famous…
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