At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and worry-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Please read the following information carefully—it will help you understand our services better and prepare for your adventure.
Still have questions? Just contact us—we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Is the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Day Right for Me?
The Ausangate Trek via Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu is an extraordinary adventure designed for intrepid travelers seeking raw mountain wilderness, striking glacial scenery, and deep cultural immersion far from the crowded tourist trails.
Compared to standard routes like the Inca Trail or Salkantay, Ausangate is a true high-altitude expedition. You will hike across elevated mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 ft)—including Warmisaya Pass—and sleep at remote wilderness camps where nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.
While the daily distances are manageable for active hikers, the sustained altitude demands solid physical conditioning, mental endurance, and proper acclimatization (we strongly recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco prior to departure).
How many days should I acclimate in Cusco before the Ausangate Trek 5 Days?
Altitude acclimatization is key. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Even if you’ve already visited other high-altitude areas in Peru, we still suggest taking at least one full day in Cusco to rest and enjoy the city before the hike.
Recommended activities around Cusco before your Salkantay Trek 5 Days:
- 🏞️ Sacred Highlands Hike To Pisac: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
- 🏛️ Cusco Ruins Hike: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
- 🎒 Authentic Andean Experience: US$ 180.00 → Special offer: US$ 150.00
- 🥾 Chinchero to Urquillos Inca Trail Adventure: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
- 🦙 Scenic Day Hike with Llamas: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are held at 5:00 PM the day before your trek at our main office in Cusco—or your hotel, if arranged. Each session lasts around 30 to 45 minutes.
If you can’t attend, please contact us by email, phone, or by visiting our office to arrange an alternative time.
Payment of Balance (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before the trek. Failure to do so will result in your tour not being confirmed.
We greatly appreciate cash payments in US dollars or Peruvian soles at our Cusco office. You’ll find multiple ATMs along Avenida El Sol that dispense both currencies.
Alternatively, you may pay using a credit/debit card or PayPal—either online or in person—but please note: a 5.5% service fee is added by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PayPal.
Checks or traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Duffel Bag
You’ll receive a duffel bag during your briefing, which will be carried by our muleteers and handed to you at each campsite. The bag size is 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
You’re allowed up to 8 kg / 15.4 lbs, including your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Absolutely! You may safely store your main luggage in our office or at your hotel while you’re on the trek—free of charge.
Any items not needed on the trail can stay at your accommodation. Most hotels offer luggage storage, but we strongly recommend keeping valuables in your hotel’s safe, and asking for a detailed receipt (often required by insurance in case of loss). For added peace of mind, seal sensitive items like credit cards in a signed envelope.
Hotel Pick-Up
We offer hotel pick-up from any location within Cusco’s Historic Center.
Your guide will confirm the exact time during the briefing, but note that delays of 30–45 minutes may occur due to traffic.
Important: Many hotels and Airbnbs are located on steep, narrow, or car-inaccessible streets. We recommend choosing accommodations with easy vehicle access to ensure smooth logistics.
Group Treks – What to Expect
Group treks include participants of all ages and fitness levels. By joining, you agree that some may walk faster or slower than you, and everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace.
If any changes to the itinerary are requested, your guide will make the final decision, consulting with the group when necessary.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Returning to Cusco involves multiple steps—but don’t worry, everything is included in your tour!
- Take the Consettur bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (25 minutes).
- Board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes). Your guide will provide your train ticket with the scheduled time.
- Our team will meet you at the Ollantaytambo train station, identified by their Tunqui Expeditions uniform, and drive you to your hotel in Cusco (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Depending on your hotel’s location, we may use a Hyundai H1 or Sprinter van for faster drop-off.
Strikes & Protests in Peru
Protests and road blockades are fairly common in Peru and may disrupt some tours. Roadways and railways may be temporarily closed. We’ll do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if that means leaving a night early.
If your tour is affected, our Operations Team will coordinate all changes with you. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll act accordingly.
Lost & Found
Please keep track of your belongings throughout the trek. Once you exit any vehicle, campsite, or restaurant, remember to take everything with you.
Tunqui Expeditions is not responsible for lost items.
