Experience the trek of a lifetime to Machu Picchu!
The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.
The Inca Trail is where those most daring choose to trek to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit unique archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot along this route and become enveloped in the stunning Andean mountain landscape and thick vegetation. You’ll be challenged along the way but will receive the most amazing reward when you enter through the Sun Gate to look over mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Additional Items
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
If you’re looking for an authentic, adventurous experience on a trek to Machu Picchu, our 4-day tour of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for small groups. Come and join like-minded travelers from across the globe on the trip of a lifetime. This package is a superb option whether you’re traveling by yourself, with a partner, or with a small group of friends.
As you set out on your 4-day adventure in the mountains and lush jungle, you’ll feel a thrill knowing that you’re going to witness some incredible sights. Your trek will start in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the quaint community of Piscacucho, around two and a half hours from Cusco. You’ll witness some interesting archaeological sites like Llactapata. You’ll head up to the highest part of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass, before descending into the tropical jungle where the marvel that is Machu Picchu is located.
Along the rest of the route, you’ll be able to observe some truly stunning local flora and fauna, including over 250 types of orchids, 450 species of birds, and perhaps the spectacled bear, who Paddington was based on! You’ll also stop off at other fascinating archaeological sites, which include Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku or Sun Gate.
On the last day, you’ll be entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, which only those who opt to hike the Inca Trail can do. Spread your arms like a condor getting ready to take flight across this incredible New Wonder of the World. Explore the ancient Inca citadel with your guide and learn its history and secrets. Take your time and relax as you soak up the magic of the Incas on this exceptional site before heading back to Cusco.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Piscacucho (KM 82) - Canabamba - Llactapata - Huayllabamba - Ayapata
Set off to the trailhead of KM 82 and begin your hike witnessing the beautiful site of Llactapata. Continue hiking through the towering mountains and snowy glaciers to the first campsite of Ayapata.
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Day 02
Ayapata | Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka - Chaquiqocha
Conquer the challenging hike to the trek's highest point, the Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmi Wañusca Pass). Enjoy the stunning summit views, visit archaeological sites, and marvel at the Andean sky at night.
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Day 03
Chaquiqocha | Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna
Witness your surroundings change as you enter the thick jungle and visit the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Enjoy an evening with your trekking team to celebrate your time together.
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Day 04
Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
The grand day! Hike to the Sun Gate and get your first glimpse of the Inca citadel. Explore Machu Picchu and learn all its mysteries and secrets.
What's it like
Highlights
- Enjoy one of South America's most popular attractions and one of the world’s most famous treks.
- Walk the Inca Trail's ancient path and visit incredible archaeological sites that’ll take you back in time.
- Witness the sheer beauty of the Andes with its towering mountains and luscious, rolling green hills.
- Discover the secrets of the Incas along the way and imagine how they lived back then.
- Spend 3 nights in the protective arms of Mother Nature in our comfortable campsites.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), a unique experience only for hikers on the Inca Trail.
- Explore the astounding Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Piscacucho (KM 82) - Canabamba - Llactapata - Huayllabamba - Ayapata
Highlight of the day: Explore archaeological sites and take in the stunning Andean landscapes.
Take Your First Steps on Ancient Paths
Start your adventure early as we pick you up at 4:30 a.m. for a quick breakfast in Ollantaytambo before heading to Piscacucho - KM 82 to start the hike. Today, you’ll enjoy spectacular sceneries and archaeological sites, including Canabamba and Llactapata. You’ll be able to feel the magic of the Incas accompanying you on their ancient trail. Your guide will tell you all about their history and the surrounding region. Spend the night in Ayapata and unwind after your day’s trekking.
Today, you’re off on the trek of a lifetime, and you’ll need to be up early so your guide and driver can pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am. If you’re in Urubamba, you’ll be collected between 5:30 and 6:00 am, and if you’re in Ollantaytambo, it’ll be between 6:30 and 7:00 am.
From Cusco, you’ll head for one hour and a half a Ollantaytambo, where we'll enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. Then, we'll head Piscacucho - KM 82, the starting point of the hike. Here, we’ll meet the whole trekking team, consisting of cooks and porters. They’ll accompany you for the entire exciting adventure, along with your guide, to ensure you have the most fantastic time and take home some unforgettable memories from the sacred mountains.
Important: Remember, you’ll need your original passport here to pass the control point and enter the trail, so don’t forget it!
The first couple hours of walking are relatively easy to help ease you into the tougher parts. We’ll stop in front of a small Inca site called Canabamba. Here, you’ll learn about the water canals and appreciate the spectacular glacier La Veronica. Then, we’ll head to Wilkarakay and see the magical archaeological site of Llactapata, whose stone walls peek out amid the lush vegetation on the other side of the Urubamba River. We’ll continue for another 20 minutes to our lunch spot in Tarayoc. You’ll be amazed at the delicacies we’ve prepared for you in the middle of the mountains!
This afternoon, you’ll keep hiking for another three and a half hours to our first campsite at Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Don’t worry if you forgot to pack some batteries for your camera or didn’t stock up on snacks and drinks; in this last section, we’ll pass by 2 small communities where you can buy any last-minute supplies.
We’ll get to our campsite around 5:00 pm. Here, you can rest your tired legs, relax, sip on a hot drink, and nibble on some snacks while you reflect on your first day’s hike. You’ll eat dinner around 7:30 pm and then head to bed for a good night’s rest before trekking again tomorrow.
Ayapata | Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka - Chaquiqocha
Highlight of the day: Reaching the trek's highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass and appreciating the views around you.
Enjoy Incredible Views of the Expansive Andean Mountain Range
Today is the most challenging day of trekking as you’ll be hiking to the highest part of the route, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. The hike is about 4 hours uphill, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views at the top of the towering mountains. After descending, you’ll visit the Runkurakay archaeological site and ascend to the next pass. Enjoy a small ceremony and offers before you visit the Sayaqmarka ruins. End the day’s hike by watching the sun descend on the final stretch until you reach the campsite at Chaquicocha, where you can observe the Andean night sky and Inca constellations.
You’re in for another early start when we wake you up in your tents with a hot cup of coca tea. Coca has been consumed since the age of the Incas and is a great way to start the day and get rid of any altitude tiredness you might have. There’s a challenging day ahead and the most exhausting on the route. Make sure you enjoy all that’s on offer at breakfast to fill yourself with energy.
We’ll start hiking uphill for 4 hours to the highest point on the trek, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). From here, you’ll get the most amazing views of the immense mountains, so open up all your senses and soak it all in. You’ll feel the spirit of the ancient Incas who walked these paths hundreds of years ago and were at one with nature. We’ll then descend for one and a half hours to the other side of the valley, to Pacaymayu, where we’ll find our lunch spot. Remember, at every mealtime, you can fill up your water bottles.
After a tasty lunch, we’ll ascend for around 45 minutes to the Inca site of Runkurakay. We’ll take our time and explore this little complex, where you can observe two impressive waterfalls on the mountain slopes. Then, we’ll continue uphill for another 45 minutes to the summit at Runkurakay Pass. You’ll rest here and enjoy the last beautiful views of the Andes section of the trek. This is an excellent spot to perform a small ceremony for Mother Earth and the mountains by leaving an offering.
Once we start walking again, we’ll go downhill for about an hour until we reach the next archaeological site of Sayaqmarka. It’s almost inaccessible but is well worth the visit. You’ll learn all about the site's secrets from your knowledgeable guide as the sun descends and lights up the Vilcabamba mountain range with a red hue.
From there, you only have 25 more minutes to walk to our campsite for the night in Chaquiqocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). After another fantastic meal, take the opportunity to observe the clear Andean sky and stars and learn about the constellations of the Incas. The sky at night in the mountains is truly a fantastic sight to behold.
Chaquiqocha | Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna
Highlight of the day: Transporting back in time at Wiñay Wayna and celebrating with your trekking team.
Feel the Magic of the Incas as You Visit Ancient Sites
The toughest day is done, and you’ll be rewarded today with beautiful sights. As you walk, the jungle will thicken around you, and you’ll look back to see the Salkantay glacier behind you. Panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range will amaze you. After enjoying scenes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba River, you’ll hike to your camp for the night near the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site to have lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the site and then come back to celebrate with your trekking team to thank them for all they’ve done and toast your time together. Bedhead early to wake up before sunrise.
Well done, you have overcome the most challenging day! Today a beautiful reward awaits you.
After a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up at 6:30 am giving you a bit of a lie-in. You’ll fill up on a hearty breakfast and then walk for an hour and a half. Embrace the greenery and fantastic landscape as the jungle begins to thicken. You’ll enjoy a stunning juxtaposition of the Salkantay glacier on one side and the jungle on the other. Allow yourself to be amazed at the panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
You’ll then ascend toward the final summit of the route in Phuyupatamarka (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a mystical place above the clouds. Then, you’ll descend again for two and a half hours until we reach Intipata. This is a significant agricultural place from which you can take in the impressive panoramic lookout over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Urubamba River running through the middle like a serpent.
Next is only another 30 more minutes of walking to our campsite, close to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. You’re now very close to the city of the Incas! You’ll arrive early enough to enjoy a well-deserved lunch before visiting the site. The name of the complex, Wiñay Wayna, means “forever young” and is considered one of the most impressive stops on the whole route.
You’ll explore the site for about an hour as your guide conjures images to bring it all to life. This makes it easy for you to imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago and what the site would have looked like, full of life.
Back at camp, you’ll be spoiled with a small celebration with all your trekking team of guides, porters, and cooks. Take time to think about all they’ve done for you along the route. These guys work extremely hard to make you feel comfortable and relaxed daily. This is also the perfect opportunity to thank them with a tip as a sign of appreciation. You’ll also say goodbye to your porters here.
Afterward, it’s time to get to bed early to rest well, as you’ll be up at dawn the next day. Relax and contemplate all the amazing efforts you’ve made until now. Tomorrow you’ll visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We always like to arrive as early as possible so you can see the sunlight up the site as it rises, a magical spectacle sure to captivate your heart.
Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Exploring the legendary Machu Picchu and learning all its secrets.
Visit the Magical Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
Finally, the day you’ve been waiting for is here! You need to wake at 3:30 a.m. to reach the Inca citadel before other trekkers. First, you’ll arrive at the exclusive Inca trail entrance to Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate. From here, you can enjoy the first astounding views of the archaeological site. Then, you’ll go down to the lost city for a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour of all the important areas. Later, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
All your efforts over the last few days will be rewarded with the most amazing prize today. You’ll need to wake up today at 3:30 a.m. to ensure you get to the Sun Gate early to watch the sunrise. At 4:00 a.m., we’ll provide you with water and a boxed breakfast, and you’ll be on your way. We’ll be one of the first groups to cross the control point and walk an hour or so to the Sun Gate. Prepare yourself because once we’re there, you’ll get your first views of the incredible Inca architecture and engineering marvel.
Congratulations, you finally made it to Machu Picchu! Surrender to the sacred site that patiently awaited your arrival and will change something inside you. We will have a two-hour guided tour of the most remarkable points while your guide explains the fascinating history of the Incas and their mysteries.
As you wander around this creation, you’ll feel the intimate connection between humans and nature. You’ll see immense stones connecting harmoniously to form temples, alleys, houses, and aqueducts that still work over 5 centuries later. Machu Picchu was built in an inaccessible location to resist any attack and remind modern men that we can fully exist only in true communion with Mother Earth, Pachamama.
After the tour, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu Mountain with pre-booked tickets. Then, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch in a restaurant of your choice and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. Tickets are usually booked for 14:55 hours, depending on availability, and you need to be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Once you’re at your final train stop, our transport will be waiting for you to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
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 Inca Trail
As soon as we receive your complete information and the deposit that secures your reservation, we’ll buy all the necessary permits (subject to availability). These permits are issued for a specific date and will be in your name. They cannot be changed under any circumstances. Change of passport number is only allowed for renewal reasons. In that case, you must bring both your old and new passport.
Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 3)
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your tour guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our porters will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
- Tents: Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
- Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
- A Portable Travel Toilet
- Sleeping Pad
All equipment will be carried by our horses.
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 6 kg / 13.2 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
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.
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Satellite Phone
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.
Accommodation
3 Nights Accommodation in Tents
Salkantay Trekking uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g., Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents).
Meals
4 Breakfasts, 3 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 allergies or 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
From the first lunch to the last breakfast, Salkantay Trekking will provide you with all the water you need. We will provide boiled water, filtered, and cooled. You need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters. You’ll be able to fill your bottles during each meal.
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
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
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
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transfers
- 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: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
PeruRail Expedition Service
Porters Team
During the Inca Trail, our porters (Kallpa Team) will carry all our camping equipment, from the personal tents, clothing, and sleeping bags, until extra dining and kitchen tents, food, water, tables, chairs, and a gas bottle stove. We will include the personal service of a porter responsible for carrying your duffel bag and personal items.
What Is Not Included?
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
US$ 20.00 per person
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
US$ 20.00 per person
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is customary on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering their hard work. Generally, group participants pool their tips and distribute them among the porters and cooks.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
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.
Vistadome Train
All our tours include the PeruRail Expedition train. This train leaves Aguas Calientes at 2:55 pm. The Vistadome train is a higher category service that offers more comfortable seats, a panoramic design that will allow you to see through the roof, as well as an entertainment show on board. The Vistadome train leaves Aguas Calientes at 2:55 pm as well (subject to availability), and goes to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we’ll take you on our transport to your hotel in Cusco.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 70.00 per person.
Rental Equipment for Inca Trail
All our travelers need a sleeping bag to camp. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. Likewise, inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with Salkantay Trekking:
- Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
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 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, 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 from Machu Picchu 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
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
"The Classic Inca Trail" 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.
Price 2023
Group Price: US$ 780.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 380.00 (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.
Extra Equipment
Additional items you can rent for this trip:
- Sleeping bag:: US$ 20.00
- Trekking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
Add-ons & Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo): US$ 70.00
Extensions & Deals
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
- Cusco City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Queswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
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 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru
