Frequently Asked Questions for Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is considered moderate to challenging. The most demanding section of the route takes place on the second day, when you ascend the imposing Salkantay Pass, located at 4,600 meters above sea level (15,092 feet). This three-hour climb is a real challenge for travelers due to the high altitude and the physical demands of the terrain.

The first afternoon also requires significant effort as you hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake, although it is a shorter walk. In contrast, days 3 and 4 are more relaxed, featuring long and gradual descents.

Keep in mind that, due to the altitude and Andean terrain, most visitors consider any hike in Cusco to be challenging.

The Salkantay Trail is suitable for people with no previous hiking experience, although having done some hikes beforehand is recommended in order to fully enjoy the experience and avoid any setbacks. During the journey, you can walk at your own pace and will have the constant support of expert guides and local muleteers.

However, it’s important to note that even though you'll be accompanied by a professional team, moderate physical preparation is advised before starting the trek. Be sure to carefully review the information under the question "How can I prepare physically for the trek?" 😉

Both the Salkantay trek and the Inca Trail present challenges, but their level of difficulty can vary depending on your personal preferences. The Salkantay trek can be more demanding in terms of terrain and altitude, while the Inca Trail may be difficult due to its length and steep steps.

The choice between the two will depend on your fitness level, although many hikers agree that the Inca Trail is slightly more difficult.

• Difficulty level: The Inca Trail is slightly more difficult due to its constant ascents and descents over stone stairways. The Salkantay route becomes more relaxed from the third day, with more downhill sections.
• Crowds: The Inca Trail is significantly more crowded, while the Salkantay trek offers a quieter experience with fewer hikers.
• Comfort: The Salkantay trek provides greater comfort, with bathrooms, showers, and pleasant accommodations. On the Inca Trail, you sleep in tents under more basic conditions.
• Final accommodation: On the Salkantay route, you sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu. On the Inca Trail, you arrive directly at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn on the final day.
• Cost: The Inca Trail is considerably more expensive due to limited permits and more complex logistics.
• Permits and availability: The Inca Trail requires a special permit with a daily limit of 500 people (including staff). The Salkantay trek only requires availability for Machu Picchu tickets and accommodations.
• Departure flexibility: A minimum of 2 people is required to confirm a group on the Inca Trail. In contrast, the Salkantay trek has departures almost every day, allowing solo travelers to easily join existing groups.
• Scenery and diversity: The Salkantay trek offers greater landscape variety, from snow-capped mountains to cloud forest. The Inca Trail focuses more on archaeological sites along an ancient path.

You’ll walk for around 7 hours per day, but the second day is longer and the most challenging. You can find the exact hiking times per day in our different itineraries, which vary depending on the trek’s duration. Still, here’s a brief summary of the distances you'll cover each morning on the classic 5-day Salkantay trek:

• DAY 1 — 10 km / 6.21 miles
• DAY 2 — 23.5 km / 14.6 miles
• DAY 3 — 17 km / 10.56 miles
• DAY 4 — 25 km / 15.53 miles
• DAY 5 — 3 km / 1.86 miles

The price of the Salkantay trek varies depending on the option you choose. Below is a summary of the costs for each travel option. Please note that the price is per person for a group tour:

• HUMANTAY LAKE & SALKANTAY PASS 2 DAYS — US$ 280
• SALKANTAY CHALLENGE 3 DAYS — US$ 550
• SALKANTAY SHORT 4 DAYS — US$ 620
• SALKANTAY CLASSIC 5 DAYS — US$ 695
• SALKANTAY PREMIUM 5 DAYS — US$ 1095
• SALKANTAY PREMIUM PRIVATE 5 DAYS — US$ 1600
• SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL 6 DAYS — US$ 1095
• SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS — US$ 1200
• SALKANTAY IMPERIAL 8 DAYS — US$ 1100
• ANDEAN EXPLORER 9 DAYS — 1200

Of course! On all our treks, we provide accommodation, and we also offer various camping items available for rent if you’d like more comfort during your adventure. All our equipment is high-quality and designed to withstand the conditions of the Andean climate, ensuring your comfort and safety during the hike.

• A sleeping bag for -15°C and a sleeping bag liner.
• Adjustable walking sticks.

Of course, if you already have this gear, you’re welcome to bring it with you. Just remember to consider the weight limit (5 kg per person), as your heavier luggage will be carried by our porters and muleteers.

Trekking poles during the Salkantay Trek is optional and depends on your personal preferences. However, we recommend bringing a pair to provide additional stability and reduce the impact on your knees while ascending and descending on uneven terrain.

Yes. You’ll need to ensure you have enough water to last the first morning, but after this, we’ll provide boiled water at every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The water is clean and safe to drink, so you don’t need to worry about that.

You will need to bring your own water bottle or Camelbak to refill. We don’t recommend plastic bottles, as we believe in sustainable tourism and take great care of the route.

If you need extra water at any stage or any other drink, you’ll find the occasional shop or kiosk along the way that sells them and snacks.

Our professional chefs are experts in creating delicious dishes that make food one of the highlights of your Salkantay Trek journey. With careful nutritional planning, we have crafted an exceptional menu that will provide you with the necessary energy throughout the route.

Each meal offers various options with fresh, local ingredients, covering all food groups. If you have allergies or dietary preferences, don't worry. If you inform us in advance, we will ensure that you enjoy meals tailored to your needs.

Additionally, we will provide you with a cloth bag to fill with snacks each day. During the "tea time" around 5 pm, you can enjoy hot beverages and appetizers at all the campsites, keeping you active until dinner. You can rest assured that you won't go hungry and will have the opportunity to taste many typical Peruvian dishes during this unforgettable experience.

Although everything is included and paid in advance, you must bring extra money. We suggest 200 or 300 Peruvian soles. This is because, in rural areas of the country, there will not be the option of paying in dollars.

You will likely not need this money, or not all of it. However, it is always better to carry cash in an emergency.

Except for the Salkantay routes that are combined with the Inca Trail, the Salkantay treks do not require a special permit. Generally, there is an entrance fee of 20 soles at the start of the trek, but if you book with us, this fee is already included in your package.

Yes, it is possible to do the Salkantay Trek with young children. However, we recommend consulting a doctor before undertaking the trek with kids, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.

It is also essential to consider the pace and needs of the children during the journey. They may require frequent breaks and proper hydration to maintain their energy levels. During the first two days of the route, you can find locals offering horseback services, which can greatly help the more challenging sections of the Salkantay Trek.

The Salkantay Trek is relatively challenging. Therefore, we suggest a minimum age of 12 years, with good health, physical preparation, and at least three days of acclimatization to successfully complete the journey.

At Salkantay Trekking, we offer different campsites for each night during the Salkantay Trek. If you choose to do the classic trek, you will have the opportunity to spend the night at:

• Sky Camp in Soraypampa: On the first night, you’ll sleep in our dome-shaped glass-roofed igloos. They’re located in front of two sacred mountains: Humantay and Salkantay.
• Base Camp in Soraypampa: This alternative allows you to connect with nature on another level. You’ll sleep in spacious and comfortable tents, surrounded by mountains and under a starry sky, while listening to the soothing sounds of the river and wind.
• Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa: Here you’ll enjoy glamping comfort. The rooms offer a panoramic view of the landscape through large windows. Each lodge has a private bathroom and hot shower—perfect for relaxing after a long day.
• Jungle Domes in Lucmabamba: Located at the entrance to the Peruvian jungle, the domes are surrounded by lush vegetation and designed to blend into the environment. They provide perfect insulation, maintaining a pleasant temperature while keeping insects and mosquitoes out.
• Super Jungle Domes in Lucmabamba: These combine luxury, comfort, and connection with nature, offering spacious beds, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and spectacular views. Surrounded by tropical rainforest and greenery, they provide an immersive experience with the comfort of a 5-star hotel.

Salkantay Trekking offers the most incredible and exclusive campsites to relax after a long day of hiking.

We regret to inform you that we do not offer accommodation services separately. Each of them is designed as part of complete itineraries that has a minimum duration of two days. If you would like more information about any of our itineraries, please contact us; we will be happy to provide you with additional details.

The main difference between the 4-day and 5-day Salkantay treks lies in the duration and variation of the trail and route. Both options are very popular among hikers who want to experience the majesty of the Andes and the natural beauty of the region, but there’s a key point of divergence on day 3. Below are the main differences between the two:

If you’re hoping to contact friends and family back home, you’ll find we have WiFi available on the second and third nights of the Salkantay Trail. Please note that the service costs an additional cost of 10 soles.

The fourth night will be spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll also have access to WiFi.

If you want to get in touch with your friends and family back home, you’ll find hourly Wi-Fi available at our Salkantay Trek campsites. On the fourth night, you'll stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you'll also have access to Wi-Fi.

Yes. At each campsite, we have bathroom facilities. You’ll also find the occasional bathroom along the trek and at each lunch stop.

Yes, it’s possible to shower along the Salkantay route, but not all campsites have showers available.

• Soraypampa (1st campsite): No showers available.
• Collpapampa (2nd Campsite): Hot showers are available at no extra cost.
• Lucmabamba (3rd Campsite): Hot showers are available at no extra cost.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (4th Night): Hot showers are available at no extra cost.

If you're concerned about the hike's difficulty or the impact of altitude, we offer you the option to rent a horse at an additional cost.

• If you wish to rent a horse on the first day of the hike (from Soraypampa Humantay Lake), the approximate cost is 80 soles.
• If you wish to rent a horse on the second day of the hike (from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass), the approximate cost is 120 soles.

There’s no need to reserve the additional horse in advance. If you decide to take advantage of this option, you can do so at the time without any problem.

The answer to this question varies according to your preferences. If you want to visit Cusco during the dry season, then it is best to arrive between May and October. The rest of the year it rains most days and we can never be sure of a rain-free trip. June and July are the busiest months, so you should book well in advance. Also, at this time of year it gets cold at night.

On the other hand, you might not be too worried about the weather and would prefer to enjoy the trek without many other visitors. In this case, traveling during the wet season means there aren’t many people on the trail. Do keep in mind, though, that it’s closed during February.

Overall, the best time of year to come is in May or October. The crowds aren’t too big, and the weather is generally lovely. This way, you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Yes, you can! Solo travelers join us almost daily for our treks. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely have to share the accommodation with another solo traveler of the same sex, of course. If you prefer to have a single hotel room, we can arrange it for you for an extra.

The weather in Cusco and its surrounding areas can be unpredictable, making it difficult to know exactly what kind of weather you’ll encounter during the trek. You’ll start in the high Andes and gradually descend into the cloud forest, passing through various microclimates along the way.

However, we can assure you that the first night will be very cold, with temperatures potentially dropping to 0°C (32°F), so it's essential to bring warm clothing suitable for low nighttime temperatures. As you descend to lower altitudes and enter the Peruvian jungle, the climate becomes considerably warmer and more humid, with pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). In these areas, you’ll be surrounded by tropical vegetation, and the weather tends to feel milder—but also more prone to rain.

The rainy season in Peru generally lasts from late October to April, though rain is always a possibility. Therefore, we recommend bringing a rain jacket or poncho for protection.

Yes, it is possible to do the Salkantay Trek in reverse, from Machu Picchu to Soraypampa. However, it is important to note that this option is less common and less popular than the traditional route from Soraypampa to Machu Picchu. If you are interested in doing the Salkantay Trek in the reverse direction, we recommend consulting in advance to plan your trip and ensure you have an unforgettable experience.