How to book the Salkantay trek to Inca Trail

If you like to do the 7 day Salkantay to Inca Trail, please first check an availability of Inca Trail on our website. Go to the section “Inca Trail Avalaibility” and choose month when you like to do the tour. Please note: the Inca Trail starts on the fourth day of the Salkantay trek to Inca Trail tour! (For example, if you like to start the tour on the 10th of July, you need to check Inca Trail availability of the day 13th of July!) If there is still availability of the Inca Trail on your date requested in the time of your booking, the booking of the 7 day Salkantay Inca Trail Tour will be confirmed firstly by our Reservation Department via e-mail. Then your full personal details wil be required as well as a deposit in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit. (Please note that an Inca Trail booking is valid only for 1 hour!! If it is not paid within this time, it expires!!!)

How long time in advance to book the Salkantay to Inca Trail

It is very important to book this trek a good time in advance!!! As there are only 500 permits (Trekkers, Tour Guides, Porters and Cooks including) issued per day for the Inca Trail!!

If you would like to hike the Salkantay and Inca Trail, below we recommend on how long time in advance to book is:

• December, January, March and May: 4-6 weeks in advance
• April, October or November: 5-4 months in advance
• September: 3-4 months in advance
• June, July or August: 4-5 months in advance

The Salkantay Trek is a popular trekking route in Peru that takes you through stunning landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and the iconic Salkantay Peak. It’s often considered an alternative to the Inca Trail for reaching the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

Best Time to Go Salkantay Trek

The dry season (May to September) is generally considered the best time to do the Salkantay Trek, as the weather is more stable and the trails are less muddy. However, be prepared for cold temperatures at night, regardless of the season.

Remember that conditions and services might change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with reliable sources or tour operators for the most up-to-date information before planning your Salkantay Trek adventure.

Why Choose the Salkantay Trek?

There are several compelling reasons why many people choose the Salkantay Trek over other trekking options, especially the traditional Inca Trail, when visiting Peru. Here are some of the key reasons:

1. Scenic Diversity: The Salkantay Trek offers a wide range of breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems. You’ll experience everything from high mountain passes to cloud forests, lush valleys, glacial lakes, and stunning views of the Salkantay Mountain. This variety makes the trek visually captivating and allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes.
2. Less Crowded: Unlike the Inca Trail, which has a limited number of permits and can get quite crowded, the Salkantay Trek doesn’t have the same permit restrictions. This means you’ll likely encounter fewer fellow trekkers on the trail, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience.
3. Cultural Interaction: The Salkantay Trek takes you through several local communities where you can interact with indigenous people and learn about their way of life. This cultural aspect adds depth to the trek and offers opportunities to engage with the local Andean culture.
4. Flexibility: The Salkantay Trek is relatively flexible when it comes to planning and booking. You can often find available spots on guided tours with shorter notice compared to the Inca Trail, which can require booking many months in advance.
5. Challenging Adventure: The trek’s varied terrain, high mountain passes, and changing weather conditions provide a challenging and adventurous experience. For those seeking a physically demanding trek with rewarding views, the Salkantay Trek fits the bill.
6. Scenic Views of Machu Picchu: The trek offers unique vantage points to view Machu Picchu from a distance before you finally reach the ancient city itself. This gradual build-up to the main attraction adds a sense of anticipation and excitement.
7. Connection with Nature: The Salkantay Trek allows you to disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in nature. With limited access to technology and stunning natural surroundings, it’s an opportunity to unwind and appreciate the world around you.
8. Less Bureaucracy: While the Inca Trail requires permits and often involves more bureaucratic processes, the Salkantay Trek is generally more straightforward to arrange. This can be appealing for those who prefer a simpler planning process.
9. Support Local Communities: By choosing the Salkantay Trek, you’re contributing to the local economy and supporting communities along the route, as many tours and accommodations are operated by local people.
10. Personal Achievement: Completing the Salkantay Trek and reaching Machu Picchu is a significant personal achievement. The sense of accomplishment and the memories you create along the way can be incredibly rewarding.

During the Salkantay Trek, it's important to:

• Maintain a steady and consistent pace in your hike. Avoid rushing at the beginning, as you'll tire out quickly. Instead, adjust your speed to maintain a steady pace and conserve energy throughout the trek.
• Pay attention to your body's signals. If you feel fatigue, dizziness, or pain, take the necessary time to rest. You can also take short breaks to stretch, hydrate, and recharge. Additionally, remember that the team of guides will be at your disposal to assist you if your discomfort persists.
• Follow the guides' instructions at all times. They will guide you safely along the trail. Be sure to respect the safety guidelines established for the trek, such as using proper equipment and being cautious in challenging terrain.
• Staying hydrated is crucial during the Salkantay Trek, especially due to the altitude and physical effort. Carry a water bottle with you and drink regularly throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help you maintain energy, prevent altitude sickness, and keep you in good physical condition.
• You'll be exposed to intense sun rays along the trek, even in cold or cloudy weather. Make sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin, including your face, arms, and legs.

What to Bring on the Salkantay Trek?

When packing for the Salkantay Trek, make sure to include the following items:

1. Trekking backpack: A sturdy and comfortable backpack with enough capacity to carry your essentials.
2. Appropriate clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes. Bring breathable clothing like long-sleeved shirts, trekking pants, technical socks, a waterproof jacket, and a warm coat for chilly nights.
3. Proper footwear: This is the most important item for your adventure. Your shoes should be durable, comfortable, and provide good support and traction on varied terrain.
4. Personal hygiene items: Include toilet paper, wet wipes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other essential personal care items.
5. Water bottle: Another essential item for the Salkantay Trek. Be sure to keep it full to stay hydrated during the hike.
6. Snacks and energy foods: Bring energy-boosting foods like granola bars, nuts, lemon candies, chocolate, or dried fruits to keep your energy levels up during the trek.
7. Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect your skin from the sun and insects by using broad-spectrum sunscreen and insect repellent.

Alternative Treks to Salkantay Trail

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.

When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?

The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.