Camps
Accommodation
From 2 People
Group Size
4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Max. Altitude
Moderate to Challenging
Difficulty
The All-Inclusive Private Inca Trail
Dead Woman’s Pass - Runcuracay - Sayacmarca - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu
Does the sound of hiking one of the most incredible treks in the world designed exactly the way you want it to appeal to you? Then you’ll love our Private Inca Trail tour. Not only will you hike this amazing route, but you can customize it according to your needs, preferences, and hiking speed. Walk with an elite team of porters, chefs, and a tour guide just for the people in your group. This trek is ideal for couples, families with children, or a group of friends.
What can you expect? You’ll hike through the most stunning Andean landscapes and visit some of the most significant Inca sites along the way, all with your own personal trekking team. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought-after trail in Peru and makes for an excellent challenge for any type of hiker.
Starting from US$1600 per person
Moderate to Challenging
Dead Woman’s Pass - Runcuracay - Sayacmarca - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Additional Items
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Experience Highlights
- The Inca Trail is the best route in all of Peru and is considered one of the world's best treks.
- You'll see a massive variety of flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, streams, rustic bridges, wildlife, and the cloud forest as you hike through the picturesque Andean landscapes.
- Walk ancient archeological sites along the way, which you’ll be free to explore while your guide informs you of their history.
- Machu Picchu, of course, is the biggest highlight of the trip. You can take the train to this Wonder of the World, but trekking is much more rewarding. It takes on a whole new meaning when you have to sweat to get there.
- Board the Vistadome panoramic train on the way back to Cusco and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Piscacucho, KM 82 - Canabamba - Wilkaracay - Llactapata - Huayllabamba - Ayapata
Head to Piscacucho, KM 82, to start your hike and walk to Wilkaracay and Llactapata. Then, continue to the camp at Ayapata to spend time with the community, eat dinner, and get some rest.
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Day 02
Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu - Runcuracay Pass - Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha
Hike to the highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, before heading to the Runcuracay and Sayacmarca archaeological sites. Spend the night in Chaquicocha.
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Day 03
Chaquicocha | Phuyupatamarca - Inti Pata - Wiñay Wayna
Observe the stunning views and visit Phuyupatamarca archaeological site. Head to your camp and explore Wiñay Wayna with your guide before enjoying a team celebration this evening.
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Day 04
Wiñay Wayna | Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Hike to the Sun Gate for your first views of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour before catching the train to Ollantaytambo and our private vehicle to your accommodation in Cusco.
Why Travel with us
Your Safety is Our Priority
All our guides are highly trained in first aid
Expert Local Guides
Handpicked for their knowledge of our country and their dedication to creating unforgettable journeys.
Sustainable Tourism
The Salkantay Foundation supports vulnerable Cusco communities through sustainable and cultural projects.
Andean Chefs
Our trained mountain chefs cook fresh, nutritious local dishes to help you recover after trekking.
Delicious Meals
Thoughtfully prepared by Andean chefs, customized to your taste and dietary requirements.
Small Groups
Travel in groups of no more than 16, uniting solos, couples, families, and friends in authentic adventures.
Day 01
Cusco | Piscacucho, KM 82 - Canabamba - Wilkaracay - Llactapata - Huayllabamba - Ayapata
Highlight of the day: Arriving at Llactapata and enjoying the incredible views all day.
Retrace Ancient Steps as Your Adventure Begins
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Meals
Camp
Accommodation
Moderate
Difficulty
14 km / 8.7 mi
Walking Distance
6 to 7 hours
Walking Time
2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Starting Elevation
2,620 m / 8,596 ft
Min. Elevation
3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Highest Elevation
3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Campsite Elevation
Your adventure starts bright and early with a pickup and drive to Piscacucho, KM 82, to start your hike. After breakfast, you’ll pass through the checkpoint, begin the flat walk to Wilkaracay, and see the Llactapata archaeological site. We’ll then keep going to our lunch spot in Tarayoc.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue hiking to our first campsite in Ayapata. You’ll have another opportunity to buy last-minute snacks or other bits and bobs along the way. Once at camp, you’ll eat a scrumptious dinner and head to bed for the night.
Your exciting adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel. If you’re in Cusco, we’ll stop by between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.; if you’re in Urubamba, between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., and if you’re in Ollantaytambo, you can sleep a little more because we’ll pick you up between 6:30 and 7:00 am.
From wherever we pick you up, our private transport will take you to Piscacucho, KM 82, the starting point of the trek. Here, you’ll taste your first breakfast made by our chef while you organize your backpack and the last bits needed for the trek. You will also meet the entire trekking team, who will accompany you along this adventure and sacred trail. They’ll guarantee that your journey is filled with many unforgettable memories. Please, bring your original passport to enter the Inca Trail. Without it, you will not be able to access the route.
After that, we must pass through the checkpoint and start the ultimate Inca experience in Peru!
To help ease us into the trail, the first 2 hours of our hike are relatively flat. We'll traverse a picturesque valley, walking among agricultural fields of potatoes, corn, and barley. The Sacred Urubamba River and the imposing La Veronica glacier will accompany us throughout the way, providing a stunning backdrop to our stroll. That’s some pretty spectacular scenery; we think you’ll agree.
Then, we’ll head to Wilkaracay and admire the fascinating archaeological site of Llactapata, which boasts its stone constructions amid three valleys. We’ll then continue for 20 minutes to Tarayoc, our lunch spot for the day. You’ll be surprised by the delicacies our chefs have prepared for you in the middle of the mountains!
Once you’re full, we have another three-and-a-half hours until our first campsite in Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). If you need to buy a snack or drink, don't worry. In this last section, we’ll pass by two small communities where you can buy any supplies. We’ll arrive at the camp around 5:00 p.m. to relax your tired legs while enjoying a snack or sipping a hot drink. A filling dinner will be ready at 7:30 p.m., and then a well-deserved rest in nature.
Day 02
Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu - Runcuracay Pass - Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha
Highlight of the day: Reaching the trek's highest point and visiting enchanting archaeological complexes.
Take In the Amazing Views of the Andean Mountain Range
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Meals
Camp
Accommodation
Challenging
Difficulty
16 km / 9.94 mi
Walking Distance
8 - 9 hours
Walking Time
3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Starting Elevation
3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Min. Elevation
4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Highest Elevation
3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Campsite Elevation
Our next day begins early again as we set off to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the trek. You’ll take in the stunning views before we head down to the bottom of the valley and our lunch spot in Pacaymayu.
This afternoon, we’ll continue until we reach the Runcuracay archaeological site to explore and then onto the Runcuracay pass. Take this opportunity to get your last views of the snowy mountains. Next, we’ll visit the hidden Sayacmarca Inca site before heading to our camp in Chaquicocha for an excellent dinner and well-deserved rest.
We’ll wake you up early today with a hot coca tea in your tent to give you a fantastic boost for the day. Today’s the longest and most challenging day on the trail, and we’ll be off as soon as we’ve enjoyed breakfast.
You’ll start hiking uphill for 4 hours to the trek's highest point, the Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. At this point, you’ll find the perfect opportunity to open all your senses and connect your soul with those immense mountains everywhere you look. Feel the spirit of the thousands of ancient Peruvians who walked these roads in complete harmony with nature all those hundreds of years ago.
We’ll then descend for an hour and a half to the bottom of the valley to Pacaymayu, where we’ll have lunch — remember, every time we stop, you can refill your water bottle. After savoring lunch and some rest, we’ll ascend for 45 minutes to the Inca complex of Runcuracay. We’ll explore this small archaeological site and observe two stunning waterfalls on the mountain slopes, which are stronger during the rainy season.
Next, we'll continue for around 45 more minutes to reach the summit of Runcuracay Pass. You can put your backpack away because you’ll enjoy the mindblowing mountain views. This is the last section of the Andean snowy peaks you’ll see along the route. This is the perfect spot to perform a small ceremony and offering to our Mother Earth, known as Pachamama, to the locals in the Andes.
Later, we’ll descend for 1 hour to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca, nestled in a difficult but worth-exploring location. We’ll take a break here to discover its secrets in the company of our knowledgeable guide. You’ll love how passionate our guides are and how they bring mountains to life while evoking images of ancient cultures. Little by little, the Incas’ mysteries will be revealed as the sun sets and casts a red glow over the Vilcabamba mountain range.
From there, we’re just 25 minutes until our second campsite in Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). After another tasty dinner made by our chefs, you’ll be able to observe the stars and learn a little more about the constellations in the Andean skies, far away from the nearest city.
Day 03
Chaquicocha | Phuyupatamarca - Inti Pata - Wiñay Wayna
Highlight of the day: Exploring the truly fascinating Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
Travel Back Hundreds of Years at Incan Archaeological Sites
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Meals
Camp
Accommodation
Moderate
Difficulty
9 km / 5.6 mi
Walking Distance
4 - 5 hours
Walking Time
3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Starting Elevation
2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Min. Elevation
3,650 m / 11,975 ft
Highest Elevation
2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Campsite Elevation
After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll head to the last summit of the hike at Phuyupatamarca. You’ll soak in the Sacred Valley's amazing landscapes before visiting the same name's archaeological site. We’ll then continue to our camp by the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site to have lunch.
This afternoon, we’ll take a tour of the Wiñay Wayna complex and learn all about its history. You’ll visit all the significant sectors before returning to camp. At sunset, you’ll enjoy a celebration with the team before saying your goodbyes to the cooks and porters who’ll leave us early in the morning. You’ll need to head to bed early to be up before sunrise.
Congratulations, you’ve conquered the most challenging day! And a beautiful reward awaits you.
After resting and enjoying breakfast, we’ll begin our day at 6:30 a.m. Make sure to look to the left side of the valley to see the majestic glacier of Salkantay on top of the Aobamba Valley before we continue with our trek.
We’ll walk for an hour and a half to the last summit of the path, Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m / 11,975 ft). From here, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, accompanied by plenty of lush vegetation, trees, bamboo, and a blanket of clouds that cover the mountains.
Next, we’ll visit the Phuyupatamarca site, from where you’ll glimpse Machu Picchu Mountain, surrounded by the Urubamba mountain range. Among the expansive vegetation and bird song, we’ll descend for two-and-a-half hours until Inti Pata, a unique agricultural setting with large terraces. You’ll get the most beautiful, panoramic Sacred Valley views from here and the Urubamba River, which runs through the valley like a snake.
Thirty minutes more hiking awaits us until we reach our campsite near the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Its name means “forever young,” and is considered the most impressive in the entire route, not counting Machu Picchu, and is what many hikers look forward to on this route. We’ll arrive at camp around 1:00 p.m. for a tasty lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided visit to Wiñay Wayna. Once again, our guide’s explanation will bring the site to life and recall what life was like hundreds of years ago. You'll see water sources, sacred places dedicated to the natural deities like Rainbow Temple, and incredible agricultural platforms. Wiñay Wayna is an excellent place to unravel the fascinating history of the Incas.
Before your day ends, we’ll enjoy a small toast with the team who’s accompanied us along the way: porters and cooks. They’ve worked hard to ensure you feel comfortable and safe during the trip. By spending this time together, we thank them for all their care and affection. Naturally, you can also thank them with some tips, which is a custom. Here we’ll say goodbye to our cooks and porters.
After that, we recommend you sleep as we'll start the next day extremely early. The Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, awaits us in all its glory.
Day 04
Wiñay Wayna | Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Without a doubt, exploring the incredible archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.
Explore the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Breakfast, Buffet Lunch
Meals
Moderate
Difficulty
5 km / 3.1 mi
Walking Distance
2 to 3 hours
Walking Time
2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Starting Elevation
2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Sun Gate Elevation
2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Machu Picchu Inca Town Elevation
2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Aguas Calientes Elevation
We’ll be up long before sunrise today to beat the crowds at Machu Picchu. We’ll begin with a hike to the Sun Gate, where you’ll get your first incredible views over the Inca citadel. We’ll hike another hour to enter the complex and enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour of all the important areas.
Around midday, you’ll board the bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. You’ll then head to the train station for a trip on the Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo. There, our private transport will take you to your accommodation in Cusco.
Today, all your efforts over the last few days will give you the greatest reward. We’ll wake up at 3:30 a.m. for enough time to organize our backpacks and get to Machu Picchu. We’ll provide you with a nourishing box breakfast and water for your bottle to help you on your way at this early hour.
At 4:00 a.m., we’ll head to the checkpoint to ensure we’re among the first groups to enter the Inca citadel. We’ll walk for around 1 hour to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Get ready because from there, you’ll see this marvel of Inca architecture and engineering for the first time. You’ll feel goosebumps as you marvel at the sight below.
Congrats, you made it! You’re already inside Machu Picchu. Bow down to this holy place that’s quietly waiting for your visit to change something that’s hidden deep within you. We have another hour of walking until we enter Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. We’ll arrive at the last control point and enjoy a brief rest to recover energy. You’ll then enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour of this marvel and all the significant areas.
The intimate connection between human beings and nature is revealed powerfully in Machu Picchu. Immense stones harmoniously link to form temples, passages, houses, and aqueducts that still function after five centuries. Machu Picchu was built in an inaccessible place to resist the fierce attack of oppression and remind modern men that we can fully exist only in true communion with Pachamama, our Mother Earth.
Once you’re ready, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and meet your guide, where you’ll enjoy your last lunch in a local restaurant. Your guide will then give you your tickets for the exclusive Vistadome Panoramic Train and any last information you need to return to Cusco. Please ensure you are at the platform at least 30 minutes before your train's departure.
You’ll arrive at Ollantaytambo train station. A representative of Salkantay Trekking will be waiting for you to take you on our private transport to the door of your hotel.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Permits and Ticket for the Inca Trail
We will process all necessary permits once we receive your complete information and reservation deposit. Permits are subject to availability and are issued for a specific date under your name. They cannot be modified under any circumstances. Passport number changes are only allowed for renewal purposes, in which case you must provide both your old and new passports.
Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site – Circuit 1, Route 1-C (Day 4)
Walk through the upper platforms of Machu Picchu and enjoy the world-famous postcard viewpoint. This is the route followed by all Inca Trail hikers and offers the best panoramic introduction to the citadel—perfect for unforgettable photos and a complete first impression of the site.
Circuit 1Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site – Circuit 3, Route 3-B (Day 4)
Explore the heart of Machu Picchu’s sacred lower sector, home to the most refined Inca architecture. This route takes you to iconic spots such as the Temple of the Sun, the Twelve Niches, agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Condor, and the ceremonial reflecting pools—an intimate and cultural way to experience the citadel.
Circuit 3
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure briefing
The day before your trip, you’ll meet your guide at 5:00 p.m. at our main office in Cusco. If you prefer, we’ll be happy to meet you at your hotel instead. During this briefing, you'll receive your duffle bag and all the final details about your departure — ensuring you're fully prepared for your adventure.
If you're unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can arrange an alternative time or location, or provide all the necessary information via a detailed WhatsApp call.
Experienced Tour Guide - All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.
Our official tour guides are professionally trained and certified in safety and quality service, fluent in English and Spanish. Selected for their experience, responsibility, and passion for exploration, they share deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, flora, and fauna. With their guidance, you’ll stay informed, safe, and comfortable—ensuring a worry-free and unforgettable adventure.
Private Camping Equipment
- Tents: Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
- Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
- Portable Travel Toilet
- Sleeping Pads (Foam Mattresses)
- Inflatable Matresses
All equipment will be carried by our team of porters.
One Duffle Bag
For the trek, you’ll receive a duffel bag to pack your personal belongings, with a maximum weight limit of 5 kg (11 lb), which will be carried by our staff.
Sleeping Bag
Our sleeping bags are durable and designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They feature a mummy shape and include a sleeping liner for added warmth. Each bag is thoroughly cleaned and carefully maintained after every use.
Trekking Poles with rubber tips
Trekking poles with rubber tips provide extra grip, reduce noise, and protect surfaces. They enhance stability on hard terrain while minimizing impact on joints.
Extras Included in Our Service
Besides everything already included in the trek, we also provide small but essential items to make your experience more comfortable: a sleeping pillow, foam mattress, and a protective cover for your backpack.
Satellite Phone - Each of our guides has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of emergency.
Your tranquility is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital, or a friend can make you feel more secure. For that reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide carries a satellite phone to call any location worldwide and from anywhere on the mountain.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit - Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Accommodation
3 Three Nights of Comfortable Tent Accommodation
At Salkantay Trekking, we use top-quality 3-season and 4-season camping tents from trusted brands such as Eureka Timberline, Mountain Hardwear, Doite, and The North Face—or other high-quality alternatives—carefully selected based on the demands of each route to ensure your safety and comfort. While the tents are designed for four people, they are shared by only two, providing you with extra space, added comfort, and greater privacy.
Meals
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets: vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost, so let us know if you have any particular restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail - You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle for us to give you boiled, filtered and refrigerated water.
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your bed so that you’re warmed from the inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour - Every evening, before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, tea, hot water, etc.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily - You will receive a bag with cookies, fruit and more, to be refilled each morning.
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
Before starting any tour, we’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks—perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout your journeys!
Products for hygiene
We'll provide you with a small towel and soap to clean your hands before each meal.
Transportation
Private Transport
- Day 1: You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in our transportation to Piscacucho (KM 82), the starting point of the trek.
- Day 4: Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Private Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 4: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail Vistadome Observatory Service)
Vistadome Observatory by PeruRail or The 360° by Inca Rail (train options and schedules subject to availability).Porters (Kallpa Team)
During the trekking days, our team of porters will carry all camping equipment and your allowed luggage (max. 5 kg / 11 lb) to each campsite.
What Is Not Included?
Dinner in Cusco Day 4
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
While our team receives fair salaries, any additional gesture is always appreciated in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Participants often choose to pool their tips and present them directly to the hiking team or through their guide.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
This includes the occurrence of events such as landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illnesses, pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, force majeure, and similar situations.
In most cases, we guarantee your tickets and full logistics in advance—paying ahead for permits, schedules, accommodations, supplies, and even staff mobilization to ensure everything is ready. Therefore, any additional costs that arise due to such unforeseen events must be covered by you, as we must also reorganize several aspects on our side.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these circumstances.
Here we leave you with a brief list of extras that you can enjoy during this package.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu and which can be climbed in 45 minutes. Although this excursion is up to you, our guide will take you to the place of entry. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can assure for you if we have enough time in advance.
Your entry ticket will be purchased to coincide with the dates of your excursion on the Inca Trail. The entry can be done in two shifts: from 7:00 am to 8:00 am or from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. We buy the tickets in the second shift so that our clients can fully enjoy their guided tour of Machu Picchu. Remember, the shifts only indicate the time of entry. You can go up and down Huayna Picchu without haste.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers even more incredible views than Huayna Picchu, but it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can assure for you if we have time in advance.
The excursion entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is open in two shifts as well, the first from 7:00 am to 8:00 am, and the second from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain costs US$ 60.00 per person.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
The Inca Trail Without Plastics
Join us on this journey towards a plastic-free Inca Trail, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, let's pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry them along the route and give them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 5 kg / 11 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave your transport, accommodations, or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
CLOTHING
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Shorts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Neck gaiter or buff
Sunglasses with UV protection
EQUIPMENT
Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
RECOMMENDED
Camera and charger
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Bathing suit
Towel
Flashlight
"Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2026 Land Cost
Private Price: US$ 1600.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 800.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 800.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal and Niubiz charge a 5% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.
Add-ons & Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$ 75.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 75.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
Extensions & Deals
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure. The promotional prices only apply to confirmed departures, otherwise the normal price will be applied. You can enhance your Peru Adventure with a variety of optional extensions. Please note that promotional prices are valid only for confirmed departures. For any other dates or changes, the regular price will apply.
- Cusco City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Queswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$ 20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 392, Office 212 (2nd Floor), Cusco, Peru
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