Salkantay Trek with Domes and Cabins – 5 Days

As early as possible, ideally 3 to 5 months ahead, especially in high season (April to October). The route is in high demand and Machu Picchu tickets are assigned by time slots, with limited daily spots. We suggest booking as soon as your dates and flights are confirmed.

The Andes have two seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March, when rain, sun and clouds can alternate in a single day. The best time is the dry season, with better hiking conditions and clearer views, although the tour runs all year round.

Yes, including February and March, always subject to the weather. In those months rains are more frequent and intense, so the itinerary may be modified, rerouted or even cancelled if there is a risk to travelers’ safety.

It is one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu, ideal for couples, groups of friends and families with an adventurous spirit. It requires good fitness and being ready to hike several hours a day over different terrain and altitudes. We recommend training before the trip and acclimatizing well in Cusco.

We recommend it for children from 8 years old who are used to hiking and outdoor activities. For adults there is no maximum age: many travelers aged 60 to 65 or older complete the route successfully, always with good fitness, a prior medical check-up and travel insurance. For children and older adults we suggest the private service, with a more flexible pace.

Departures are guaranteed from 2 people. If you are traveling solo, you can join a shared group, subject to availability. Ask your sales executive or write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com.

Yes. We arrange your ticket based on circuit availability for your date, always prioritizing Circuit 2; if there are no spots, one of the other two circuits is assigned. We recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance to get the best time slots.

On the fifth day you will explore Machu Picchu with your guide for about 2 to 3 hours, learning about the history, mysteries and secrets of this wonder of the world.

• The Inca Trail requires limited permits and mandatory advance booking, which makes it a more exclusive route.
• The Salkantay Trek does not require special permits, so it offers more availability and flexibility.
• On the Salkantay you spend the last night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes; on the Inca Trail you reach Machu Picchu directly from the campsite.
• Both routes require good fitness and acclimatization in Cusco.

It is a challenging hike. The second day is the hardest, due to the climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m a.s.l. With good acclimatization and a steady pace, most travelers complete the route without problems.

The full route covers about 64 km (40 miles):

• Day 1: 10 km / 6 miles, 5 to 6 hours.
• Day 2: 22 km / 14 miles, 10 to 11 hours.
• Day 3: 12 km / 7.5 miles, 5 to 6 hours.
• Day 4: 20 km / 12.4 miles, about 9 hours.
• Day 5: guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Times depend on the group’s pace, the weather and the stops to rest and visit the sights.

The hike starts in Challacancha, at 3,800 m a.s.l. (12,467 ft), and the highest point is the Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 m a.s.l. (15,190 ft), reached on the second day. Along the route the landscape changes dramatically, from the high Andean mountains to the cloud forests leading to Machu Picchu.

We recommend arriving at least 2 days in advance. During that time we can help you organize acclimatization activities, such as a half-day City Tour or a trip to the Sacred Valley. If you are arriving from another high-altitude area of Peru, 1 full day in Cusco will be enough.

At meals we provide boiled and filtered water that is safe to drink. Because the route crosses remote mountain areas, water for the whole hike is not included, but you can buy bottled water at some campsites. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle and a portable filter, as you will find several refill points along the way.

The Salkantay Trek is a safe route and highly recommended for adventure travelers. To enjoy it most, we advise doing it in the dry season, when the weather is more stable; in the rainy season there may be frequent rain and occasional landslides.

The guide will immediately assess any discomfort due to altitude, exhaustion or other situations and provide the necessary assistance, coordinating whatever is needed according to your condition and where you are.

If the first day was harder than expected, you can rent a horse for the second day, the most challenging stage, for about US$ 65, subject to availability.

We have domes for 2, 3 and 4 people. If you are two travelers and would like a dome to yourselves, let us know when booking. Single accommodation is also available on prior request, at an additional cost.

Yes, there are basic toilets at the campsites and rest stops. Some campsites have cold showers and some locals offer hot showers for an extra fee. In addition, every morning our staff provides hot water for washing up.

They are highly recommended: they ease the pressure on your knees on steep descents and help on the climbs. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips. If you do not have any, you can rent them from us or buy them in Cusco.

There is connection up to Mollepata, on the morning of the first day. After that, signal is limited or non-existent along most of the route; at campsites such as Colpapampa there may be Wi-Fi for an extra fee. The connection improves as you descend toward Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes.

There are no charging points during the hike, so we recommend bringing a fully charged power bank for the days until Aguas Calientes.

External factors such as strikes, protests or blockades may force changes. Our team monitors them constantly and offers alternatives such as schedule or route adjustments or rescheduling. That is why we recommend travel insurance that covers these unforeseen events.

We strongly recommend it for your peace of mind and safety, as it can assist you in case of lost luggage, cancellations, strikes, natural disasters or other unforeseen events.

Only with a copy of both the new and the old passport. If you no longer have the old one, any official ID with the same name is accepted. Also make sure your passport does not expire within the six months before or during your trip.

Most travelers arrive by plane. Cusco airport only receives domestic flights: if you are coming from abroad via Lima, you must collect your luggage in Lima and check it in again for the flight to Cusco. LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART fly Lima – Cusco with similar schedules; we recommend LATAM because it responds better to unexpected cancellations or delays.

Yes. One day before departure you will receive detailed information from your guide, in a group or privately at your hotel.

1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.

2. Traveler details: To arrange the Machu Picchu ticket and the tour services we need, exactly as shown on the passport, the full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.

3. Deposit and confirmation: Once we have the completed forms, we request a deposit of US$ 200 per person to buy the tickets. Book in advance, as spots sell out quickly.

4. Final confirmation: Once the tickets are secured, you will receive the official invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.

In cash, in US dollars or soles, at the briefing in Cusco or a few days before.

Once the booking is confirmed, the Machu Picchu ticket cannot be cancelled or refunded, since it is purchased immediately to secure your spot. Date changes are subject to availability and the program’s conditions. We recommend reviewing the cancellation policies with your sales executive.

Yes. During the trip, your main luggage can stay free of charge at our office or at your hotel.

Tips are part of the tradition of treks to Machu Picchu. Our whole team is paid well, but any extra amount is always appreciated. It is not mandatory and you should never feel pressured.

Contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.