IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR 4-DAY SALKANTAY TRIP.
Please read all instructions from Guiding Cusco carefully before booking; this will greatly assist you with your trip to Cusco and Salkantay.
ACCLIMATIZATION
To undertake the Salkantay trek, it is necessary to spend at least two days in the city of Cusco to better adjust to the altitude.
BRIEFING
A Guiding Cusco staff member (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to provide clear, precise information about your Salkantay trip, including weather details and the size of your group. This meeting is crucial, as it covers the final important details before you embark on your mountain adventure.
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE?
Regarding your travel luggage: in Cusco—a major tourist hub—all accommodations and hotels are familiar with these multi-day excursions and will store your belongings while you are away. If you are changing hotels, you may leave your luggage at our office, and we will keep it safe for you during your excursion.
CAN I CHANGE MY TRIP DATE?
Unfortunately, NO. The Salkantay trek is a multi-day trip that requires advance organization. This is particularly critical regarding Machu Picchu entry tickets, which are tied to specific dates; changing a ticket is not feasible, as many travelers are waiting for tickets, and altering yours would result in its loss.
HOW DO I BOOK MY TRIP?
To book the 4-day/3-night Salkantay trek, we require specific information from you via the booking form. Guiding Cusco Expeditions needs details for every traveler in your party.
We cannot purchase tickets that might later be rejected or go unused. To make a reservation, we need:
- Full name(s) of the traveler(s) exactly as it appears in their passport(s)
- Passport number(s)
- Date(s) of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
Secondly, we require a deposit of $275.00 USD per person to secure the necessary permits for Salkantay and Machu Picchu and to organize the trip. Payments can be made securely and reliably via interbank transfer, online payment, OpenPay, or through our website.
THE WEATHER AT SALKANTAY
Weather conditions at Salkantay are unpredictable; rain can occur at any moment, so bringing a rain jacket or poncho is essential—especially given the changeable climate of the Peruvian Andes.
WHAT TO BRING FOR SALKANTAY
Bring clothing suitable for all four seasons. During the first few days, you will be exposed to cold temperatures and a chance of rain, so warm layers and rain gear are necessary. However, the temperature shifts over the next two days; it becomes hot rather than cold, and you may even want to wear shorts. Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be plentiful during these final days, so please bring insect repellent.
WHERE WILL WE BE DROPPED OFF AFTER THE SALKANTAY EXCURSION?
Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby location). At the end of the excursion, we drop you off at your hotel if vehicle access is available; if not, we will drop you off as close as possible.
WHAT KIND OF MEALS ARE PROVIDED?
Our mountain meals consist of Peruvian cuisine adapted to each traveler's dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), including vegetables, rice, potatoes, meat, etc.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE SALKANTAY TREK?
For travelers who hike regularly, the Salkantay trek will not be very difficult—unless you struggle with altitude. For those not accustomed to multi-day hikes, there are options to ride horses without missing out on the scenery.
SHOULD I BRING EXTRA MONEY?
Yes! It is a good idea to bring extra money for emergencies or for little treats along the way (such as coffee tastings, fruit, or extra activities like ziplining or the Cocalmayo hot springs).
IS TIPPING THE STAFF NECESSARY?
For this type of service, after several days of care, it is customary to show appreciation to our staff. Although they receive fair wages, a financial token of appreciation motivates them to continue working with great enthusiasm (suggested amount: 10%).
