Salkantay to Machu Picchu Route 8 Days

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative. It is especially ideal for hikers who enjoy more demanding challenges, such as higher altitudes and longer routes. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to ascend the impressive Salkantay Pass, which is 4,630 meters above sea level (15,190 feet), but don't worry, the ascent is not too strenuous or steep, as it is at the beginning of the trek.

It is really important that you adapt well to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before you start so that you can acclimatize without any problems and avoid possible difficulties due to altitude sickness during the trek.

Remember to pay your outstanding balance at least 2 days before your trek/tour to confirm your reservation. You can pay it in cash at our office in Cusco, in US dollars or local currency. You can also withdraw money at ATMs along Avenida Sol.

Another option is to pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, online or in person. Please note that a 5% fee will apply (Niubiz or PayPal). We regret that we do not accept bank or traveler's checks as a form of payment.

Before your trek, we will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your clothes for the 5 days of your Salkantay Trek. Maximum weight allowed: 7 kg / 15.4 lb. Our horses will carry the bag along with food and camping equipment.

Please note that you will not be able to access the items in the bag until the end of each day, as the riders and horses will be ahead of you. Therefore, you will need a roomy daypack to carry your personal belongings: warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, among others. A backpack of 30 to 50 liters is ideal.

Of course! We can store your main luggage safely in our office. You can arrange this during the briefing or by email. In addition, most hotels also offer free luggage storage.

We recommend that you store valuables in the hotel safe and obtain a detailed receipt. This is important for insurance purposes. It is also advisable to place credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope for peace of mind.

We will pick you up at your hotel if you are in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pick up time will be coordinated during the briefing, but remember that there may be a 30 to 45 minute variation due to traffic.

Cusco is an ancient city with narrow cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be in locations that are difficult for cars to access or with steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We recommend that you book accommodations with good access.

Returning from Machu Picchu is part of your tour and we take care of all the logistics. After your visit, you will board a comfortable bus to Aguas Calientes and then take a train to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will be waiting for you at the station to take you back to Cusco or directly to your hotel.

Note: Your tour includes a one-way bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it to go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or vice versa. If you would like a round-trip bus ticket, an additional charge of US $12.00 will apply.

In our group tours, we respect individual differences. Each person can walk at their own pace during the route, as we value that everyone has their own pace and level of fitness.

If the group wishes to make modifications to the route, the guide will consult with all participants and make a final decision on its feasibility. We always aim to provide the best experience for everyone.

Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may affect our tours. Although roads and train tracks may be blocked, we will do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even considering early departures.

In case of situations that compromise safety, tours may be cancelled. We will work closely with our operations department to find the best solution and ensure your safety.