How difficult is the Salkantay?

For an average traveller or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Plus, all trekkers should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco before the trek, to get acclimatized. Being extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.

The entire hike is approximately 72 kilometers (approximately 45 miles), and this hiking takes place during 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.

What's the most challenging section of the hike?

The Salkantay Pass, at 14,760123 feet above sea level, is the most difficult section in the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, bitter cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.

Is the altitude a problem?

The altitude is something that effects everyone differently. We had been at high altitude for a while, and this wasn’t as high for us–so we had no problems :) If you haven’t had experience at this altitude, give yourself 2-3 days of time in Cusco to adapt. Drink lots of water, chew cocoa leaves, and you can even take medicine if it’s really bad. Probably though, the worst you’re going to feel is breathlessness while hiking and headaches and a little nausea.

Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?

Weather conditions during the rainy season makes the Salkantay trek into a risky decision. Therefore we cannot guarantee the availability of the Salkantay treks from mid-march to the end of February. If the weather is good, we will give the OK for a trek to start. If we think the safety of our porters and clients is being threatened, we will cancel the trek.

Can I make the Salkantay trek without guide?

Yes, it is possible for a single traveller or a small group to hike the trek by themself, without guides or porters. However, the trail is not clearly marked at all points, which makes getting lost a high possibility. This is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a tour agency like Mystic Salkantay. Our guides know the route very well.

Can I do the Salkantay with kids?

Children under 14 years old are not allowed to do the trek, and children who are over 14 years old should be in good physical shape and used to hiking long distances.

Before to hike to Salkantay, Where could I stay in Cusco?

You can choose your hotel by yourself, our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek and He or She will pick you up from there.

How many days did you walk from Mollepata to Machu Picchu? How many kilometers is Salkantay Trek per day?

4 nights and 5 days with the 5th night in Machu Picchu. you will go up to Machu Picchu the 5th day and is back in Cusco by 4th night. A very rough estimate is 60 km overall so maybe 12 km on average per day. (Some days are more than others though).

Why do I need to make a deposit?

We recommend to make your reservation in advance and we will guarantee your Spaces for this hike. Each reservation needs 30% of deposit as first payment. The final balance(70%) will be paid in Cusco (Briefing Day). About Payment you must choose where would you like to make the deposit: Payment system online ,

VISA card

Western Union, Money Gram

Peruvian Banking Account

We use the money from your deposit to make several important purchases, including the entrance fee to Salkantay, the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and train tickets. In addition, making a deposit assures us that you will be coming on the trek, and are unlikely to cancel at the last minute. This helps us with knowing how much food to buy, how many of our guides to use for the trek, etc. The deposit is non-refundable once we receive it, because we will immediately use it to purchase the tickets mentioned above.

How to book the Salkantay Trek?

Please, it is very much important to fill out in the blanks on the attached booking form we email you with a true and updated information so we can make your bookings with the right and appropriate information, as in case of a missing passport or wrong numbers, or name misspelling, we are not able to make any corrections on the official government documents, so you then are not able to get into the park.

Salkantay Trek Booking:

It is very important to book this trek in advance!!!

Contact with us, if you would like see the spots available for the Salkantay Trek

Do you need to book the Salkantay Trek in advance?

YES! It is recommended that you make a reservation for the Salkantay Trek and pay for your entrance fee well in advance.

Is it possible to enter with different name?

No, you need to carry your valid ID (passport) to enter the trek park. Make sure you carry your passport with you and get the Machu Picchu stamp at the entrance.

Are there alternative routes to the Salkantay Trek?

Yes, you also have the following: