The Trek That Changes Everything
Five days. Two worlds. One mountain that’s been watching over the Andes for thousands of years.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Most people come to Peru for Machu Picchu. But the ones who take the Salkantay route — the ones who wake up at 4am to cross a 4,630-meter pass in the dark, who walk through cloud forest and feel the temperature shift around them — those are the ones who can’t stop talking about it.
Salkantay Horizons was built for those people.
We’re a small team of local guides based in Cusco. We know this mountain the way you know your own neighborhood — every shortcut, every weather pattern, every spot worth stopping for. We’ve been running treks on this route for years, and we still get excited every single time.
Choose Your Adventure
Classic Salkantay Trek
5 Days / 4 Nights
Camping The full experience. Cross the famous Salkantay Pass, descend through subtropical jungle, and finish at the Sun Gate looking down at Machu Picchu. This is the one people write home about.
Difficulty: Challenging
Group size: 2–12
Salkantay Express
4 Days / 3 Nights
Camping Same mountain, tighter schedule. Designed for travelers who don’t have a week to spare but refuse to skip the best trek in the Andes.
Difficulty: Challenging
Group size: 2–12
Luxury Salkantay Trek
5 Days / 4 Nights
Lodge to Lodge Real beds. Hot showers. A glass of wine with your mountain views. All the raw beauty of the Salkantay route, with none of the tent stakes.
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Group size: 2–8
Private Salkantay Trek
Flexible dates
Fully customizable Your group, your pace, your itinerary. Ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants the route without the group dynamic.
Difficulty: Flexible
Group size: 2+
Salkantay + Choquequirao
9 Days / 8 Nights
Combined Route Two of Peru’s most spectacular treks, back to back. Choquequirao is often called “the other Machu Picchu” — only without the crowds. This route is not for everyone. It’s for the ones who want more.
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Group size: 2–10
Why Salkantay Horizons
Local Guides, Real Knowledge
Every guide on our team grew up in Cusco or the surrounding communities. They know the Salkantay route not from a training manual, but from years of walking it. That difference shows — in the stories they tell, the stops they make, and the way they handle anything unexpected.
Small Groups by Design
We cap our groups at 12 people. Not because we have to, but because that's the size where everyone still gets attention, the trail doesn't feel crowded, and it actually feels like an adventure instead of a parade.
No Hidden Costs
When we give you a price, that's the price. Machu Picchu entrance, train back, gear, meals on the trail — it's all in there. We've heard too many stories about "budget" operators who leave people scrambling at the last minute. That's not how we operate.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
We follow strict Leave No Trace principles on every trek. We work with local porters, pay fair wages, and source food from Cusco markets. The Salkantay is a sacred mountain to the communities who live near it. We take that seriously.
Ready to Walk the Mountain?
Spaces on our treks fill up fast, especially between May and September. If you’re thinking about it, now is a good time to reach out. We’re happy to answer questions, help you pick the right trek, or put together a custom itinerary.
No pressure. Just good information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far in advance should I book my trek?
To guarantee your preferred departure date, especially for travel during the peak trekking season between May and August, we strongly recommend securing your booking at least four to five months in advance. The primary logistical constraint is the daily limit on Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train return seats from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. These official government permits are non-transferable and often sell out months ahead. If you plan to hike during the “shoulder season” (April, September, and October), three months is usually safe. For the wet season (November to March), six to eight weeks of lead time is generally sufficient. Remember, the earlier you book, the better we can coordinate your high-standard logistics, such as premium tent placements and optimal train schedules.
Can I book if I have never done a multi-day trek before?
Absolutely. The Salkantay Trek is a world-class route that is perfectly achievable for determined first-time trekkers. Our Classic (5-day) and Express (4-day) itineraries are designed with a gradual pace to help your body adapt to the elevation. While the trail involves steep sections and rocky terrain—particularly when crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft)—it does not require any technical mountaineering skills or previous camping experience. What we emphasize is a solid baseline of cardiovascular fitness and a positive mindset. To support you, we provide a detailed 8-Week Training Guide upon booking, covering everything from hill walking to breathing techniques. Additionally, our professional guides carry oxygen tanks and first aid kits at all times, ensuring that your first multi-day expedition is as safe as it is breathtaking.
Is the Salkantay trek suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, it is one of the best experiences for independent travelers. When you join one of our scheduled group departures, you are immediately part of a team. Solo travelers pay the standard per-person rate and are matched with a same-gender trekking partner for tent sharing (unless you opt for a private tent upgrade). Our groups are intentionally kept small (maximum 12 hikers) to ensure a personalized experience and to allow our guides to focus on everyone’s well-being. Most solo travelers tell us that the community aspect—sharing meals in our dining tents and conquering the pass together—becomes the highlight of their trip. For those seeking total privacy, we also offer the Private Salkantay Trek, which can be customized for individuals who prefer a solo journey with their own dedicated guide and support staff.
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
For most travelers from Western nations, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, entering Peru as a tourist is very straightforward. You do not need to apply for a visa in advance; instead, you will receive a Tourist Visa (TAM – Tarjeta Andina de Migración) upon arrival at the airport in Lima or at any official border crossing. This entry permit is typically valid for up to 90 or 183 days. Please ensure your passport is in good condition and has a minimum validity of six months from your date of arrival in Peru. Immigration officers may occasionally ask to see a return flight ticket or proof of onward travel. We always recommend checking with your local Peruvian consulate 30 days before your trip, as international travel regulations can be updated without prior notice.
What is the minimum age for the trek?
We take the safety and comfort of younger trekkers very seriously. For our Classic and Express camping routes, the minimum age is 10 years old, provided the child has previous hiking experience and a high level of energy. For the Luxury Lodge route, the minimum age is 12 years, reflecting the slightly different logistics involved. The combined Salkantay + Choquequirao expedition is our most physically demanding route, requiring a minimum age of 14 years due to the intense elevation changes and long daily distances. We offer a 15% discount for children under 12 on our camping routes. If you are traveling with children, please let us know in advance so we can assign a guide who specializes in family groups and ensure we have age-appropriate equipment and meals ready.
Can older travelers do the Salkantay trek?
Experience often beats youth on the trail. We have successfully guided many trekkers in their 60s and 70s who have found the Salkantay route to be a deeply rewarding challenge. The key factors for success at any age are consistent physical activity prior to the trip and a patient approach to altitude acclimatization. If you enjoy regular hiking, walking, or swimming and are in good general health, you are a great candidate for this trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 3 days before your trek to let your body adjust to the 3,400m altitude. During the trek, our chefs prepare high-energy, nutrient-dense meals specifically designed for high-altitude digestion. We also advise consulting with your doctor before booking and sharing any medical history with us so our guides can provide personalized care, including monitoring your heart rate and oxygen saturation if necessary.
Do you offer custom or private departures?
Customization is our specialty. If you prefer to trek on specific dates that aren’t on our public schedule, or if you simply want an exclusive experience for your family or group of friends, our Private Salkantay Trek is the perfect solution. With a private departure, you get a 100% dedicated team, including a professional lead guide, a private chef to cater to your specific dietary preferences, and a logistical crew to handle the campsite. This option allows for a flexible itinerary; for example, if you want to spend an extra hour meditating at Humantay Lake or start your days earlier to avoid other groups on the trail, the choice is yours. Contact our Cusco-based office for a personalized quote and to check permit availability for your desired dates.
How do I confirm my booking?
Securing your spot on a Salkantay adventure is a simple and secure process. First, fill out the Booking Request Form on our website with your chosen trek, preferred start date, and the full names and passport details of all participants. It is crucial that the passport info is 100% accurate, as this is used to purchase your Machu Picchu circuit tickets, which are non-transferable and non-refundable. Once we verify that the permits are available for your dates (which we do within 24 hours), we will send you a confirmation email with a link to our WeTravel payment portal. To finalize your reservation, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required. This deposit allows us to immediately secure your entrance permits, specialized trekking staff, and train tickets for the return journey. The remaining 70% balance is typically due 30 days before your trek starts, giving you peace of mind that every detail is organized.
What payment methods do you accept?
For your peace of mind and total financial security, we process all payments through WeTravel, the industry-leading platform specifically built for high-end tour operators and travel agencies. This system uses advanced SSL 256-bit encryption to protect your data during every transaction. WeTravel accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), as well as Secure Bank Transfers (ACH) for travelers with US-based accounts. This method is highly transparent, providing you with an instant digital receipt and a breakdown of your payment schedule. Because we use this professional third-party processor, Salkantay Horizons never sees, handles, or stores your credit card numbers, ensuring your financial information remains 100% private and protected against fraud. If you have any questions about the payment steps, our customer support team is available via email or WhatsApp to guide you through the process.
What currency are prices listed in?
To maintain a stable and clear pricing structure for our global guests, all our rates are listed in United States Dollars (USD). When you pay through the WeTravel portal, the system will show you the exact amount in USD. If your bank account is in another currency (such as Euros, Canadian Dollars, or British Pounds), your bank or credit card provider will handle the conversion to your local currency based on that day’s international exchange rate. We recommend using a card that offers “No Foreign Transaction Fees” to save on bank charges. Once you are in Peru, while most major hotels and restaurants in Cusco accept USD, we recommend carrying some Peruvian Soles (PEN) for small trail snacks, tips, or souvenirs in the local markets.
Our Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Expert Mountain Guides & Safety Protocols At Salkantay Horizons, your safety is our absolute priority. All our lead guides are certified professionals with years of experience navigating the high-altitude terrain of the Cusco region. They are fully trained in wilderness first aid and carry essential medical equipment on every trek, including supplemental oxygen tanks and specialized pulse oximeters to monitor your acclimatization levels daily. We believe that a safe trek is a successful trek, which is why we maintain strict protocols and constant communication between our mountain crews and our main office in Cusco to manage any logistical or weather-related challenges effectively.
High-Quality Camping Gear & Logistics We understand that a good night’s rest is crucial for conquering the Salkantay Pass. That is why we invest in premium, four-season trekking tents designed to withstand the unpredictable Andean climate. Each campsite is meticulously prepared by our professional porters and horsemen before your arrival, ensuring your “home away from home” is ready for you. From comfortable sleeping mats to spacious dining tents with professional-grade kitchen equipment, our logistical setup is designed to provide a luxury camping experience in the heart of the wilderness.
Sustainable Tourism & Local Community Support Salkantay Horizons is deeply committed to preserving the pristine environment of the Salkantay Trail and supporting the local communities that make these journeys possible. We follow “Leave No Trace” principles on every expedition, ensuring that all waste is removed from the trail and disposed of properly in Cusco. Furthermore, we take pride in providing fair wages and ethical working conditions for our team of chefs, porters, and horsemen, many of whom come from the very mountain villages you will visit. By choosing to trek with us, you are directly contributing to the local economy and the conservation of Peru’s natural heritage.
