Planning your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an exciting adventure, but we know you may have many questions before booking. Don’t worry—we’re here to help!
We have carefully compiled the most frequently asked questions about the Salkantay Trek, based on the real concerns of our travelers. From practical tips and packing advice to details about tickets, weather, altitude, and logistics, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Before sending us a general inquiry, we recommend exploring this FAQ page. It is designed to give you clear, reliable answers so you can feel confident and fully prepared for your journey.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we’re committed to making your Salkantay Trek Packages, an unforgettable experience from the very first step.
Salkantay Trek Packages:
Everything you need to know before hiking to Machu Picchu: permits, altitude, packing tips, weather & more.
Booking your Salkantay Trek 5 Days with us is simple and secure. Just click on the BOOK NOW button, select your preferred departure date, and complete the personal information form for each participant. The final step is payment, which can be made easily with a credit card or debit card.
During the booking process, you will also find optional extras, such as:
⚠️ These options must be booked in advance because Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly. On the other hand, equipment like sleeping bags and trekking poles can be rented directly in Cusco, usually two days before your trek.
Once your Machu Picchu entry tickets are secured, we will send you a confirmation, guaranteeing that everything is 100% organized. All confirmed start dates are fully guaranteed with Tunqui Expeditions.
Acclimatization is essential for enjoying your trek to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek. This extra time helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
Even if you have already traveled to high-altitude regions in Peru, we suggest allowing at least one additional day in Cusco. This way, you can adjust gradually, recover from any travel fatigue, and be fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
For the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, Tunqui Expeditions includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets with Circuit 2.
This is the most complete circuit, allowing you to:
Salkantay Mountain is the second-highest peak in the Cusco region, standing at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft. It is part of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, located about 60 km northwest of Cusco in the Peruvian Andes.
The word Salkantay means “Savage Mountain”, and since Inca times, it has been considered a sacred deity believed to control the weather and fertility of the region.
The mountain was first climbed in 1952 by a French-American expedition. Due to its steep slopes and location near the Amazon basin, Salkantay is known as a very challenging peak to climb.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous alternative treks to the Inca Trail. Thanks to its proximity to Machu Picchu and its connection to ancient Inca pathways, it has become a popular choice for adventurers worldwide.
The trek can be completed in either 4 or 5 days, reaching the spectacular Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. Along the way, trekkers experience Humantay Lake, snow-capped mountains, lush cloud forests, and coffee-growing valleys before arriving at Machu Picchu.
National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine has recognized the Salkantay Trek as one of the “25 Best Treks in the World”, making it a must-do hike in Peru.
The Salkantay Trek can be adapted to different itineraries depending on your tour operator. The most popular options are the 4-day trek and the 5-day trek.
This extended version is often considered the ultimate Salkantay Trek because it combines high mountains, jungle valleys, Inca ruins, and the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek weather varies greatly depending on the season and the altitude you are hiking at. The region has two main seasons:
Because the trek crosses different altitude zones and ecosystems, you will experience a wide range of weather conditions—from freezing nights in the high mountains to warm, humid days in the cloud forest. Expect temperatures to drop to 0°C / 32°F in the highlands and rise up to 24°C / 75°F in the jungle areas.
Yes. The coldest temperatures are experienced on the first night, near Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Peak, where temperatures often fall to 0°C / 32°F or lower. This is especially true during the Andean winter months (May – August). Warm clothes, thermal layers, and a good sleeping bag are essential.
Absolutely. Once you descend past the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) into the edge of the cloud forest, the climate becomes warmer and more humid. Daytime temperatures can reach 24°C / 75°F, and in rare cases, even up to 30°C / 86°F, especially during the rainy season.
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks to Machu Picchu. Expect long hiking days through a variety of weather conditions—sunny, cloudy, rainy, and cold. On the first night, you will camp at high altitude under freezing temperatures, with no electricity or phone service.
Fortunately, the trek gets warmer after the second day, and from the second campsite onward, you will find cell phone signal and even Wi-Fi in certain spots along the trail.
With so many options for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The most important factors to consider are:
At Tunqui Expeditions, we provide experienced local guides, expert chefs, comfortable camping equipment, and unique cultural experiences such as a Coffee Tour, Pachamanca (traditional Andean cooking), and a scenic Vistadome train ride on the last day.
The Salkantay Trek is accessible to anyone with moderate fitness. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but some preparation will make the experience more enjoyable.
Yes, altitude sickness (soroche) can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Here are some tips to minimize the risk:
Since Machu Picchu has limited daily entry tickets and the trains and hotels in Aguas Calientes fill up quickly, it’s essential to book your Salkantay Trek in advance.
Booking early allows us to secure:
The best time for the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season (April – November).
We understand that travelers often compare prices when booking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. At first glance, our price may seem higher, but there are important reasons why our tours offer better value and a more responsible travel experience:
Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance. Machu Picchu entrance tickets and the best trekking circuits sell out quickly, especially during the high season (May–September). Early booking ensures we can secure your preferred dates and train schedules.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require a special trekking permit. However, we do require a deposit in order to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and return train tickets, which are subject to availability.
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is considered a moderately difficult trek. Expect long hiking days with both steep ascents and descents at high altitude. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, a good level of physical fitness is essential to fully enjoy and successfully complete the trek.
Yes! A visit to the stunning Humantay Lake is included in our itinerary. You will hike to the lake on the first day of the trek, usually around midday.
Yes. During your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you can safely store your extra luggage at our Cusco office. We recommend bringing only what you will need for the trek.
The outstanding balance must be paid at least 2 days before your trek at our Cusco office. Payments can be made:
⚠️ Please note: Cash payments must be completed 2 days before departure to confirm your trek.
Yes, student discounts are available according to Peruvian law. Discounts apply as follows:
📌 Important: University students (18–24 years old) must send us a copy of their passport and valid student ID at the time of booking. The student ID must:
Yes, it is possible to change your departure date. However, we must purchase a new Machu Picchu entrance ticket and pay a penalty fee to change the train ticket. For this reason, the extra cost is $100 USD per person.
⚠️ Important: Any change is subject to availability on your new preferred date. If there are no tickets available, the change cannot be made.
Yes! You must bring your original passport, and it must be the same passport you used at the time of booking. Your passport will be checked at least three times during your trip:
Without your passport, entry will not be allowed, so please make sure to carry it with you at all times.
If you add the Huayna Picchu hike to your Salkantay Trek 5 Days, we always reserve the 9:00–10:00 a.m. time slot for you.
For the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, we typically book return trains at either 14:55 p.m. or 15:20 p.m. on the final day. This schedule allows you to return to Cusco around 7:30 p.m., giving you enough time to rest and prepare for other tours such as Rainbow Mountain Hike the following day.
Yes, it is possible to stay in the Sacred Valley. However, we do not recommend it because:
For convenience, we recommend staying in Cusco before the trek.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Please note:
We understand that unexpected situations can arise. That’s why we always aim to be as flexible and fair as possible, only charging for expenses that have already been made.
Our groups typically arrive at Machu Picchu by 6:00 a.m. This early arrival allows you to enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu and explore the site before the large crowds arrive.
Yes. On Day 1, you should purchase 2 liters of water before the trek begins. Starting from Day 2, we will provide you with boiled, filtered water three times a day—after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There is no official age limit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. However, we recommend a minimum age of 8 years old, as certain sections of the trail are steep and can be challenging for younger children.
We rent high-quality mummy-style sleeping bags (brand: Mountain Hardwear) with a temperature rating of -15°C / 5°F. These are warm and suitable for the freezing temperatures you may experience at higher campsites.
Yes! Since our groups arrive at Machu Picchu at 6:00 a.m., you will have the chance to witness the sunrise over the citadel, a truly magical experience.
Walking sticks are highly recommended, even for experienced hikers. They help by:
If you are an experienced hiker and prefer not to use them, it’s optional. However, for most travelers, they make the trek much easier.
Unfortunately, no. If someone cancels, their Machu Picchu ticket does not return to the online system for resale. Once tickets are sold out, they cannot be transferred, refunded, or reassigned. This is why we recommend booking your trek well in advance.
Yes, it is possible. Your Machu Picchu ticket, bus ticket to Aguas Calientes, hotel in Aguas Calientes, train ticket, and return transportation are all included in your package and can still be used.
However:
