How far in advance should I book my trek? For travel between May and August, we recommend booking at least two to three months in advance. Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited daily availability and we secure them at the time of booking. For travel in the shoulder and wet season months, four to six weeks of lead time is generally sufficient. That said, earlier is always better and there is no penalty for booking well ahead.
Can I book if I have never done a multi-day trek before? Yes. The Classic and Express routes do not require previous trekking experience. What they do require is a reasonable level of fitness and a genuine commitment to the acclimatization advice we provide before departure. Many of our trekkers are first-timers. Read our Difficulty and Fitness Guide and our 8-Week Training Plan before booking if you are unsure.
Is the Salkantay trek suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely. Solo travelers join our scheduled group departures at the standard per-person rate. Groups are small by design, with a maximum of 12 people on camping routes, and most solo trekkers find the group dynamic to be one of the better parts of the experience. If you prefer to trek alone, our Private Salkantay Trek is available at the private rate.
Do I need a visa to visit Peru? Citizens of most Western countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to enter Peru as tourists. Entry is typically granted for 90 days on arrival. Check the current entry requirements for your specific nationality before traveling as regulations can change.
What is the minimum age for the trek? The Classic and Express camping routes have a minimum age of 10 years. The Luxury Lodge route has a minimum age of 12 years. The Salkantay plus Choquequirao combined route has a minimum age of 14 years due to the length and physical demands involved. Children under 12 trekking on the camping routes with a parent or guardian receive a 15 percent discount.
Can older travelers do the Salkantay trek? Yes. We have guided trekkers in their 60s and 70s on this route. Age is less relevant than fitness level and acclimatization. If you are in good health, exercise regularly, and take the acclimatization advice seriously, the trek is accessible at most ages. If you have any specific health concerns, consult your doctor before booking and let us know when you make your reservation.
Do you offer custom or private departures? Yes. Our Private Salkantay Trek option allows you to trek on your preferred dates with a private guide and no other groups on the trail. Private departures are available for couples, families, and groups of any size. Contact us directly for private departure pricing and date availability.
How do I confirm my booking? Submit the booking form on our website with your trek selection, travel dates, and personal details including your passport number. Our team will confirm availability within 24 hours and send you a payment link via WeTravel to complete the 30 percent deposit.
What payment methods do you accept? All payments are processed securely through WeTravel, a platform designed specifically for tour operators. WeTravel accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. No payment information is stored manually by our team.
What currency are prices listed in? All prices are listed and charged in US dollars. WeTravel handles currency conversion automatically if you are paying from a non-USD account.
When is the remaining balance due? The 30 percent deposit confirms your booking. The remaining 70 percent is due before the start date of your trek. Payment can be made online through your booking link or in person at our office in Cusco on arrival.
Can I change my trek dates after booking? Yes, subject to availability. Date changes requested more than 30 days before the original start date are made at no charge. Changes requested within 30 days of departure may incur an administrative fee depending on the circumstances. Contact us directly and we will find the best solution possible.
What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations made more than 30 days before the trek start date receive a full refund including the deposit. Cancellations between 15 and 30 days before departure result in the loss of the 30 percent deposit while the balance is refunded in full. Cancellations within 15 days of departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
What happens if Salkantay Horizons needs to cancel a departure? In the rare event that we need to cancel a departure due to extreme weather, trail closure, or circumstances beyond our control, we will offer you a full refund or a transfer to an alternative date at no additional cost. We will notify you as early as possible and our team will work with you to find the best alternative.
What is the hardest part of the Salkantay trek? Day 2 is universally the most demanding day. You leave camp before sunrise in the cold and dark and climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters before beginning a long descent of more than 1,700 meters to the camp below. The combination of altitude, cold, early start, and total daily distance makes it the day that defines the trek for most people. It is also the day most people describe as the most memorable.
How cold does it get on the trek? At the first camp in Soraypampa at 3,900 meters, temperatures can drop to minus five to minus ten degrees Celsius overnight even in the dry season. At the Salkantay Pass on the morning of Day 2, wind chill can push the effective temperature well below that. A sleeping bag rated to at least minus ten degrees and a proper insulated jacket are not optional on this route.
Is there mobile signal on the trail? Mobile signal is intermittent to non-existent for the majority of the route. There is some signal in Mollepata at the start, in Santa Teresa on Day 3, and in Aguas Calientes on the final night. Between those points, expect to be largely offline. Download offline maps and any entertainment before leaving Cusco.
Are there ATMs or shops along the route? There are no ATMs or shops on the trail between Mollepata and Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa has a small market and basic facilities. Aguas Calientes has ATMs, restaurants, and shops. Bring sufficient cash in Peruvian soles before the trek begins for any personal expenses, hot spring entrance fees, and tips.
Can I leave luggage in Cusco during the trek? Yes. Most hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage for guests. We also offer luggage storage at our office in Cusco for trekkers who need it. There is no need to carry anything beyond your daypack and the main duffel bag that the porters carry.
What happens if I need to leave the trek early for health reasons? Your safety is the priority. If you need to leave the trek at any point due to illness, injury, or altitude sickness, our guides are trained to manage the evacuation process and will stay with you until you are safely transported. Emergency evacuation protocols are in place for all departures. This is one of the key reasons travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is required for all participants.
Is the Salkantay trek wheelchair accessible? No. The terrain is steep, uneven, and includes sections at very high altitude that are not accessible for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility limitations. If you have a specific mobility concern, contact us before booking and we will give you an honest assessment of whether the route is feasible for your situation.
How far in advance should I book my trek? For travel between May and August, we recommend booking at least two to three months in advance. Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited daily availability and we secure them at the time of booking. For travel in the shoulder and wet season months, four to six weeks of lead time is generally sufficient. That said, earlier is always better and there is no penalty for booking well ahead.
Can I book if I have never done a multi-day trek before? Yes. The Classic and Express routes do not require previous trekking experience. What they do require is a reasonable level of fitness and a genuine commitment to the acclimatization advice we provide before departure. Many of our trekkers are first-timers. Read our Difficulty and Fitness Guide and our 8-Week Training Plan before booking if you are unsure.
Is the Salkantay trek suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely. Solo travelers join our scheduled group departures at the standard per-person rate. Groups are small by design, with a maximum of 12 people on camping routes, and most solo trekkers find the group dynamic to be one of the better parts of the experience. If you prefer to trek alone, our Private Salkantay Trek is available at the private rate.
Do I need a visa to visit Peru? Citizens of most Western countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to enter Peru as tourists. Entry is typically granted for 90 days on arrival. Check the current entry requirements for your specific nationality before traveling as regulations can change.
What is the minimum age for the trek? The Classic and Express camping routes have a minimum age of 10 years. The Luxury Lodge route has a minimum age of 12 years. The Salkantay plus Choquequirao combined route has a minimum age of 14 years due to the length and physical demands involved. Children under 12 trekking on the camping routes with a parent or guardian receive a 15 percent discount.
Can older travelers do the Salkantay trek? Yes. We have guided trekkers in their 60s and 70s on this route. Age is less relevant than fitness level and acclimatization. If you are in good health, exercise regularly, and take the acclimatization advice seriously, the trek is accessible at most ages. If you have any specific health concerns, consult your doctor before booking and let us know when you make your reservation.
Do you offer custom or private departures? Yes. Our Private Salkantay Trek option allows you to trek on your preferred dates with a private guide and no other groups on the trail. Private departures are available for couples, families, and groups of any size. Contact us directly for private departure pricing and date availability.
How do I confirm my booking? Submit the booking form on our website with your trek selection, travel dates, and personal details including your passport number. Our team will confirm availability within 24 hours and send you a payment link via WeTravel to complete the 30 percent deposit.
What payment methods do you accept? All payments are processed securely through WeTravel, a platform designed specifically for tour operators. WeTravel accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. No payment information is stored manually by our team.
What currency are prices listed in? All prices are listed and charged in US dollars. WeTravel handles currency conversion automatically if you are paying from a non-USD account.
When is the remaining balance due? The 30 percent deposit confirms your booking. The remaining 70 percent is due before the start date of your trek. Payment can be made online through your booking link or in person at our office in Cusco on arrival.
Can I change my trek dates after booking? Yes, subject to availability. Date changes requested more than 30 days before the original start date are made at no charge. Changes requested within 30 days of departure may incur an administrative fee depending on the circumstances. Contact us directly and we will find the best solution possible.
What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations made more than 30 days before the trek start date receive a full refund including the deposit. Cancellations between 15 and 30 days before departure result in the loss of the 30 percent deposit while the balance is refunded in full. Cancellations within 15 days of departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
What happens if Salkantay Horizons needs to cancel a departure? In the rare event that we need to cancel a departure due to extreme weather, trail closure, or circumstances beyond our control, we will offer you a full refund or a transfer to an alternative date at no additional cost. We will notify you as early as possible and our team will work with you to find the best alternative.
What is the hardest part of the Salkantay trek? Day 2 is universally the most demanding day. You leave camp before sunrise in the cold and dark and climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters before beginning a long descent of more than 1,700 meters to the camp below. The combination of altitude, cold, early start, and total daily distance makes it the day that defines the trek for most people. It is also the day most people describe as the most memorable.
How cold does it get on the trek? At the first camp in Soraypampa at 3,900 meters, temperatures can drop to minus five to minus ten degrees Celsius overnight even in the dry season. At the Salkantay Pass on the morning of Day 2, wind chill can push the effective temperature well below that. A sleeping bag rated to at least minus ten degrees and a proper insulated jacket are not optional on this route.
Is there mobile signal on the trail? Mobile signal is intermittent to non-existent for the majority of the route. There is some signal in Mollepata at the start, in Santa Teresa on Day 3, and in Aguas Calientes on the final night. Between those points, expect to be largely offline. Download offline maps and any entertainment before leaving Cusco.
Are there ATMs or shops along the route? There are no ATMs or shops on the trail between Mollepata and Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa has a small market and basic facilities. Aguas Calientes has ATMs, restaurants, and shops. Bring sufficient cash in Peruvian soles before the trek begins for any personal expenses, hot spring entrance fees, and tips.
Can I leave luggage in Cusco during the trek? Yes. Most hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage for guests. We also offer luggage storage at our office in Cusco for trekkers who need it. There is no need to carry anything beyond your daypack and the main duffel bag that the porters carry.
What happens if I need to leave the trek early for health reasons? Your safety is the priority. If you need to leave the trek at any point due to illness, injury, or altitude sickness, our guides are trained to manage the evacuation process and will stay with you until you are safely transported. Emergency evacuation protocols are in place for all departures. This is one of the key reasons travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is required for all participants.
Is the Salkantay trek wheelchair accessible? No. The terrain is steep, uneven, and includes sections at very high altitude that are not accessible for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility limitations. If you have a specific mobility concern, contact us before booking and we will give you an honest assessment of whether the route is feasible for your situation.
Do I need to acclimatize before the trek? Yes. We require a minimum of two nights in Cusco before the trek begins. Cusco sits at 3,400 meters and acclimatization at this altitude before ascending further significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness on the trail. Spend your days in Cusco moving at a reduced pace, staying well hydrated, and avoiding alcohol.
What is altitude sickness and will I get it? Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness, occurs when you ascend to high altitude faster than your body can adapt to the reduced oxygen availability. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Mild symptoms are common in the first day or two at altitude and are not usually a cause for concern. Symptoms that worsen rather than improve require descent. Read our full Altitude Guide before booking.
Should I take Diamox? Diamox, or acetazolamide, is a prescription medication that accelerates acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. It is effective and widely used by trekkers on this route. Consult your doctor before traveling if you are considering it. It is not suitable for everyone and has side effects that your doctor can advise you on.
What medical equipment do guides carry on the trail? Every Salkantay Horizons guide carries a complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen on all departures above 4,000 meters. All guides hold current wilderness first aid certification. Every guide also carries a satellite communication device for emergency contact in areas without mobile signal.
Can I trek if I am pregnant? We do not recommend the Salkantay trek during pregnancy due to the altitude, physical demands, and distance from medical facilities. Consult your doctor if you have specific questions about altitude and pregnancy.
Is a sleeping bag included in the price? No. A sleeping bag is not included in any of our trek packages but is available to rent through us or from gear shops in Cusco. We recommend a bag rated to at least minus ten degrees Celsius. This is the single most important item to get right on this route.
Are trekking poles included? Trekking poles are not included but are available to rent through us or in Cusco. We strongly recommend them for the descent from the Salkantay Pass, which involves a long and steep downhill section that is significantly more comfortable with pole support.
What size bag do I need for the porter to carry? Your main bag, which the porters carry, should be a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. Maximum weight is 7 kilograms. Everything beyond your daypack essentials goes in this bag. We provide a full packing list with your booking confirmation.
Can I rent gear in Cusco if I do not have everything? Yes. Cusco has a well-developed gear rental market with multiple shops near the Plaza de Armas offering sleeping bags, trekking poles, waterproof jackets, and gaiters. We can also arrange rental directly through us at the time of booking.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included in the trek price? Yes. Machu Picchu entrance tickets are included in the price of all our treks and are purchased by us on your behalf at the time of booking. Your passport number is required when booking for this reason.
Do I need to book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain separately? Yes. These are optional add-ons that require separate tickets purchased in addition to the main citadel entrance. Both are strictly limited and sell out weeks or months in advance during high season. If you want either, add them at the time of booking rather than after.
Can I visit Machu Picchu more than once during my trip? Each Machu Picchu entrance ticket is valid for a single entry on the specified date. If you want to visit a second time, a separate ticket is required. Tickets are linked to your passport number and cannot be transferred or used on a different date.
What circuit does the guided tour follow? Our guided tour follows Circuit 2, which covers the heart of the citadel including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Sacred Plaza, and the residential quarters. After the guided section you have free time to explore independently or hike to the Sun Gate.
How does Salkantay Horizons treat its porters? Our porters are paid above the legal minimum wage, provided with appropriate cold-weather gear and footwear, and fed the same meals as the trekking group. We follow the Peruvian Porter Protection Law without exception and go beyond it in several areas. The maximum porter carry weight on our treks is 7 kilograms of group equipment per porter.
What is your Leave No Trace policy? All waste generated on our treks is carried out of the mountain. Fires are not permitted at campsites where they are not already established. Water sources are treated with respect and no waste is deposited near water. Campsite selection follows established sites only. Every guide and porter on our team is trained on and held accountable to these standards.
Can I offset the carbon emissions from my flight to Peru? We encourage all our trekkers to offset the carbon emissions from their international flights. Several reputable carbon offset platforms are available online. While we do not operate our own offset program, we support the practice and are happy to point you toward reliable options if you ask.
Have a question that is not answered here? Contact us directly via WhatsApp or email and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Local trekking company based in Cusco, specializing in small‑group, sustainable Salkantay & Inca Trail expeditions.
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