Question 1

Which Salkantay trek tour is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Choose routes that have Machu Picchu as their destination. Our itineraries along the Salkantay Trail pass through the Sacred Valley, Salkantay Pass, and Humantay Lake before returning to Cusco. Then choose where you sleep and how much time you have. The camping route and the classic trek both take 5 days. The 8-day trip adds two nights in Cusco and a Sacred Valley day before the trek, while the lodge-to-lodge trek walks the classic route over 7 days. Each trip page lists its route, accommodation, and inclusions.

Question 2

Do all Salkantay trek tours end at Machu Picchu?

Accepted Answer

Four of our five do. On the classic route, you walk down to the Hidroeléctrica station and take a train to Aguas Calientes. On the camping route, you finish at Km 82 and ride the train from Ollantaytambo. The next morning, a bus takes you up to the citadel for a guided visit. Train seats and entrance tickets are limited; every trip that visits Machu Picchu includes both. The 3-day hike stays in the high Andes and returns to Cusco by road. Machu Picchu can be added as a paid extension, with a night in the Sacred Valley. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain always need separate permits, subject to availability.

Question 3

How long is the Salkantay trek?

Accepted Answer

The Salkantay trek distance depends on the route. The classic trail from Challacancha to the Hidroeléctrica station covers about 60 km in four days of walking. The 7-day lodge-to-lodge version spreads about 54 km over six days, with 4.9 to 13.7 km a day. The camping itinerary on the south and east sides of the mountain covers about 56 km in four days. The 3-day hike is shorter: about 6 km to the lodge on the first day, the round trip to the pass on the second, and 4.9 km to Humantay Lake and back on the third. On every route that ends at Machu Picchu, the last stretch to Aguas Calientes is by train.

Question 4

How hard is the Salkantay trek?

Accepted Answer

Moderate to challenging. The difficulty comes from altitude, not technique, and the pass day is the hardest. You do not need technical climbing skills for Salkantay trek tours, but good stamina is key. Building endurance about 12 weeks ahead, bringing trekking poles, and wearing broken-in boots will ensure a comfortable journey. An emergency horse travels alongside classic departures, while lodge-to-lodge trekkers can secure riding support the night before climbing the pass.

Question 5

What is the Salkantay trek elevation? How do I handle the altitude?

Accepted Answer

The Salkantay trek elevation ranges from ~2,040 m in Aguas Calientes to 4,636 m (15,213 ft) at Salkantay Pass. Classic treks are overnight at Soraypampa (3,870–3,900 m, often below 0°C), while camping routes reach 4,190 m on night one. To adjust to the altitude, arrive in Cusco 1–2 days early, drink 2+ liters of water daily, eat light, and hike to Humantay Lake (~4,200 m). Inform your guide immediately if symptoms occur.

Question 6

When is the best time for a Salkantay trek tour?

Accepted Answer

Plan your Salkantay trek tour for the dry season (April–October) for clear skies, dry trails, and Cusco days of 17°C–20°C. May–September offers the clearest glacier views, while the rainy season (November–March, heaviest in January–February) brings muddy paths and reduced visibility.

Question 7

Salkantay vs. Inca Trail: Which route should I hike?

Accepted Answer

The Inca Trail is the historic stone path into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. With daily entry strictly limited to 500 individuals (including all guides and porters), the trail shuts down entirely each February, and available permits are secured months in advance. The choice comes down to landscape and availability. Salkantay goes higher (4,636 m against about 4,200 m), passes under a glacier, needs no Inca Trail permit for the trek itself, and offers more choice of accommodation—though it still ends on original Inca steps at Llactapata. If you want both, our 5-day camping route on the quieter side of Salkantay joins the first stretch of the Inca Trail, with a permit included.

Question 8

Where do you sleep: tent, mountain hut, or luxury lodge?

Accepted Answer

Accommodations along the route fall into three main categories: Camping Trek: Includes two-person tents, a dedicated cook, a dining tent, and pack horses for gear. Classic 5-Day Trek: Completely tent-free, providing stays in a thatched cabana at Soraypampa, a mountain hut equipped with hot showers, and a geodesic dome with an ensuite bathroom. Lodge Experiences: For maximum comfort, the lodge-to-lodge option features mountain lodges with 6 to 12 rooms with goose-down bedding, hot showers, complimentary house drinks, and an outdoor hot tub at each stop. Alternatively, the 3-day itinerary includes a two-night stay at a single luxury Salkantay lodge. All itineraries leading to Machu Picchu wrap up with a final night’s stay in an Aguas Calientes hotel.

Question 9

What does a Salkantay trek cost? What is included?

Accepted Answer

The Salkantay trek cost depends on the number of days, where you sleep, the season, and group or private travel. On average, our itineraries range from US$ 600 to US$ 3,800. Each trip page shows its price and dates. Included: Cusco transport, trek meals, bilingual guides, luggage horses, and Machu Picchu transit/tickets. Flights, insurance, and Cusco hotels (except on the 8-day trip) are excluded. Lodge bedding is provided; sleeping bags must be rented for camping and classic routes.

Question 10

Who guides a Salkantay trek tour?

Accepted Answer

Every Salkantay trip we sell is run by our local partners in the Cusco region, with a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) for the whole trek, and a second one for larger groups. A cook travels with the group on the camping and classic routes, and horsemen handle the horses that carry your bags. You can hike alone, but a guided tour handles transport, campsites or lodges, meals, luggage, trains, and Machu Picchu tickets. Besides, having a professional by your side who knows the culture and the region makes the experience richer and safer.

Question 11

What should I pack for a Salkantay trek tour?

Accepted Answer

Layering is essential for any Salkantay trek packing list: bring quick-drying apparel, a fleece pullover, an insulated jacket, full waterproof gear, gloves, a warm beanie, a sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Be sure your hiking boots are well broken-in, and consider using trekking poles (available for purchase in Cusco). During the hike, you only need to carry a small daypack; pack horses or mules haul your main duffel (up to 6 kg on the classic itinerary). Bedding is provided at the lodges, but sleeping bags are required for camping and classic routes and can be rented during booking. Because Machu Picchu trains restrict luggage to roughly 10 kg per traveler, store any extra bags at your Cusco hotel.

Question 12

How many days should I spend in Cusco before the trek?

Accepted Answer

Two days. Since the altitude in Cusco is 3,399 m and the trail climbs to over 4,600 m, this is the recommended amount of time for your body to adjust to the altitude. Furthermore, having extra time in the city allows you to arrive at a relaxed pace and attend the orientation meeting, which takes place one day before the trek begins.

Question 13

How do I get to the start of a Salkantay trek tour?

Accepted Answer

Every Salkantay trek tour starts in Cusco. Fly into Lima (LIM) and connect to Cusco (CUZ). Flights and airport transfers are excluded, except on the 8-day trip, which includes a private driver upon arrival. Ground transport from Cusco is included, beginning with a ~3-hour drive to the trailhead. Routes reaching Machu Picchu return to Cusco via train to Ollantaytambo and vehicle; the 3-day hike returns directly by road. Extra luggage can be stored at your Cusco hotel.

Question 14

Can I join as a solo traveler or with my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solo travelers join group departures and can usually share a tent or room to avoid a single supplement. If you prefer your own, a supplement applies. The groups consist of up to 16 people, depending on the itinerary. Families are welcome on trips suited to the altitude. The lodge trips set a minimum age of 12, with 25% off for children aged 12 to 16 sharing with two adults. The camping and classic routes suit teenagers who already hike regularly. Check with your doctor before booking any high-altitude trek.

Salkantay Trek Tours in Peru

8-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley

5-day Salkantay Trek: The Classic Route to Machu Picchu

Off the Beaten Path Salkantay Trek: 5 Days to Machu Picchu

10-Day Andes Trek and Cultural Immersion in Peru

7-Day Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

What our travelers say

Salkantay trek tours: tent, mountain hut, or luxury lodge?

Frequently asked questions