Salkantay Trek Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Salkantay Trek Tours & Trips

• When is the best time to do a Salkantay Trek in Peru's Andes Mountains?

  The dry season from April to October provides the most reliable conditions for trekking around Mount Salkantay with its 6271-meter peak. Weather patterns vary dramatically across the route from freezing temperatures at high camps like Soraypampa (3900m) to mild conditions in lower cloud forests. A TourRadar traveler puts it plainly: "We experienced sweat tears rain sun hail snow and wind - the weather can change in an instant." Most operators suggest staying at places like the MamaSara Hotel in Cusco to adjust to the altitude before starting this demanding trek.

• What are the accommodation options during a Salkantay Trek?

  Travelers split their nights between mountain camping and town-based hotels with 2-3 nights spent under canvas. High-end options feature Sky Lodge Domes at Soraypampa complete with private bathrooms while budget tours provide standard camping setups. Hotels like El Mapi or Terraza de Luna in Aguas Calientes serve as base camps before Machu Picchu visits. One TourRadar guest noted: "The campsite views were incredible - sleeping beneath Salkantay Mountain surrounded by stars was unforgettable."

• What are the must-see highlights along the Salkantay Trek route?

  Key points along the trek include Humantay Lake's blue waters Salkantay Mountain rising to 6271 meters the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4650 meters and dense cloud forest valleys. The route passes through Llactapata ruins offering Machu Picchu views coffee farms in Lucmabamba and hot springs near Santa Teresa. A TourRadar traveler reflects: "Highlights were camping at 3920m in Soraypampa crossing the high pass at 4650m relaxing in hot springs and finally reaching Machu Picchu - each day brought breathtaking new vistas."

• What is included in a typical Salkantay Trek tour package?

  Standard packages cover English-speaking guides camping gear meals during the trek porters or horses for equipment transport Cusco transfers Machu Picchu entry fees and train tickets from Aguas Calientes. Camping equipment and hotel stays in towns come with most tours. One TourRadar participant shares: "Everything was extremely professional - excellent equipment great food experienced guides. They take care of all logistics so you can focus on enjoying the trek." Extra costs typically include sleeping bags staff gratuities and optional activities.

• What transportation is provided during Salkantay Trek tours?

  Tours handle all transport needs starting with Cusco hotel pickup private buses to trailheads at Mollepata or Soraypampa train rides from Hydroelectric Station or Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on Vistadome or Expedition services and returns to Cusco. A TourRadar traveler notes: "All transfers were well-organized - from early morning pickup in Cusco to scenic train rides through the Sacred Valley. The logistics ran like clockwork." Bus transport between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is usually included.

• How many days should I plan for a Salkantay Trek adventure?

  Tour lengths range from 4-8 days with 5-day programs being most common. This schedule allows for altitude adjustment in Cusco 3-4 days of hiking through varied terrain and a full day at Machu Picchu. A TourRadar participant advises: "The 5-day trek was perfect - challenging but not overwhelming. We had time to enjoy the scenery and culture while having enough rest between long hiking days." Extended itineraries often add time in Cusco and Sacred Valley locations.