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!!!)
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are other paths to Machu Picchu, but none compare to the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous walking trail in the Americas. After traveling from capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days through forests and deep fog, millenary stone stairs, and finding the remnants of historic fortresses and Inca towns, all while enjoying magnificent vistas.
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.
The optimal period for visiting Machu Picchu is during the dry season, spanning from April to the conclusion of September. Come October, precipitation commences, and the site may become obscured by clouds. For those traveling in June, we suggest reserving the Inti Raymi Tour, held on June 24th, and embarking on the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, an awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain situated in the Andes.
