The Salkantay Hike goes through the most impressive landscapes of Peru. Salkantay means "wild mountain". With an altitude of 6271 meters (20 573 ft) it is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range and one of the highest in the Andes.
This hike starts at the base of Salkantay at 3,883 meters or 12,740 feet and then down 5 of the ecological zones to Machu Picchu that is 2,450 meters above sea level or 8,040 feet, giving you the opportunity to pass through mountains, cloud forests, and the jungle. The excursion to Salkantay is a trek open all year round, without limitation of spaces and that connects the city of Cusco with the famous citadel of Machu Picchu.
On the 4 day Salkantay Trek, we will walk through the same beautiful and scenic landscapes as the 5 day Trek. The difference is that we will climb to the Salkantay Pass on the first day of the trek instead of the morning of the 2nd day. We will also stay in different campsites along the trail than the 5 day Trek. We recommend this trek to people who have less available time in Cusco but still want to experience the amazing scenery of the Salkantay Trek.
On the 5 day Salkantay Trek, you will have more time to relax and take things a bit more slowly than the 4 day trek. This trek is recommended if you have more time and do not want to hike during the first few days of the trek.
The Salkantay Trail Machu Picchu does not require permits, so there is always availability. Unlike the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour, this walk is not regulated by the Ministry of Culture, therefore, the quotas are not very restricted, you can always find the spaces for the dates you want.
The Salkantay Trek does not have a regulation spaces like Inca Trail 4 day trek. However, their trek includes the income to Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu regulated with a maximum capacity of 400 people per day, divided into two shifts. If we wish to ensure the ascent to Huaynapicchu, it is advisable to book 4 to 5 months in advance, especially in the high season (from May to September).
Since this route is not restricted by the Ministry of Culture, the information you provide to the agency serves to reserve your entrance to Machu Picchu and the mountain Huayna PIcchu or Machu Picchu in case you request it.
To book the Salkantay Trek you must provide your full name, passport number (current), sex and date of birth. All the information provided to Salkantay Trek book must be exact; Any error in the passport number or the name could cause them to prevent you from entering the Machu Picchu citadel. "If after reserving the Salkantay Trek you change your passport, you must bring both passports with you, the old and the new."
You can see the Salkantay Trek availability 2024-2025 on many travel agencies. However, it is best that this is verified by the Agency with which you contract the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, since the amount of available income may vary between the time you check availability and choose the travel agency. Contact us if you wish to enter Machu Picchu by the Salkantay Trek.
The best way to do the 5 day Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu is to hire the services of a tourism agency authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Booking is only possible with the internet. These companies organize and offer their services in different qualities. It is for this reason that the prices vary according to each travel agency.
Salkantay Trek Prices
* Rates are approximate. Each tourism agency has its own prices.
The price includes the entrance to Salkantay and Machu Picchu citadel, transportation by bus, train, food, professional guide, cooks, porters (carry luggage) and camping equipment (personal double tents, sleeping bag and term-a-rest-mattress).
The Cheap Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an option for people with little money. Prices vary according to each tourist agency.
Cheap Salkantay Trek Prices
* Each tourism agency manages its own rate. These are approximate prices.
The price includes tickets to Salkantay and Machu Picchu citadel, tents, meals, professional bilingual tour guide, horses to carry equipment, food and 5 kg of each passenger's stuff. tourist train back to Cusco, first aid kit, transportation. If you want additional equipment (mats, sleeping bag, cane), a better train service or an extra carrier, you must pay an additional price.
Do you want to visit Huayna Picchu after the Inca Trail? The additional cost is approximately $ 25 per person.
The best way to trek the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is through an authorized travel agency. We have years of experience operating the fantastic Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. To reserve a space, contact us.
To book the Salkantay Trail you will need the complete information of your passport. Permits are non-transferable and do not allow changes to the date. Before you can enter to Machu Picchu citadel, your passport will be verified with the data of your reservation, so there can be no errors.
You must bring the passport with which you made the reservation. If you have changed your passport after making your reservation, you must bring both passports with you.
Booking the Salkantay Trek 2024-2025 is easy and safe. You should only look for availability in an online travel agency. Payment is by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard).
In the network there are several agencies dedicated to offering the Salkantay Trail. Choose the one that seems most reliable. The website must have an Internet security system that protects your personal information. All agencies must be authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
After choosing the tourism agency go to the section 'availability'. Remember that the reservation is made approximately 4 months before. Find the day and month in which you want to do the Salkantay Trek. If you found availability, click on 'Reserve'.
To book the Salkantay Trail you must provide personal information such as names, identity document number (passport), email, among others. In addition, you must indicate some extra special requirement as to carrier, vegetarian food, dogs, etc.
Payment is through various payment methods. Currently the most used is PayPal because it accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Some agencies ask for an advance payment and then complete the transaction in the city of Cusco.