Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu from Cusco

• Thermal base layers (essential for cold nights at high altitude)
• Quick-dry hiking pants and long-sleeve shirts
• Lightweight T-shirts, plus a fleece or down jacket for insulation
• Waterproof jacket and waterproof pants
• Sleepwear and a fresh change of clothes for each day
• Warm hat and gloves (especially for early mornings)
• Swimsuit (for hot springs)
• Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, plus camp shoes or sandals
• Multiple pairs of moisture-wicking hiking socks

• Sunscreen, lip balm (SPF 90+)
• Insect repellent
• Travel-size toiletries
• Quick-dry towel
• Personal medications
• Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes or biodegradable soap

• Daypack
• Reusable water bottle or hydration system
• Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries, for night
  walks)
• Plastic bags or dry bags (for protecting electronics and
  clothes from humidity, and potential personal rubbish)

Group Size
Maximum of 16 participants per group, ensuring a personalized and well-managed experience.

Difficulty Level
Moderate to challenging. This trek involves high-altitude conditions and extended days of hiking. A good level of physical fitness is strongly recommended.

Acclimatization
Participants are strongly advised to spend at least two (2) days in Cusco prior to the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude.

Altitude
Maximum elevation reached: 4,650 meters / 15,255 feet (Salkantay Pass).

Pick-up & Drop-off

Pick-up service is available exclusively from hostels and hotels located within Cusco’s historic center.

If your accommodation is outside this area, we will provide you with a designated meeting point in advance.

For the return, we will make every effort to drop you off as close as possible to your accommodation. In case of traffic restrictions or road closures, the final drop-off point will be Plaza Regocijo.

Base Camps

Campsite locations may vary depending on seasonal availability and operational logistics. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

Transportation

Please note that sections of the trekking route are located in remote and rugged areas with limited access for large vehicles.

As a result, smaller locally operated vehicles will be used for certain transfers. These vehicles may offer limited comfort due to regional infrastructure conditions. We kindly ask for your patience and flexibility.

No-Shows & Cancellations

• Cancellations made 48 hours prior to the activity (before 4:00 PM – Peru time) will incur a 30% administrative fee, covering operational and logistical expenses.

• Cancellations made 24 hours prior will incur a 45% administrative fee.

• Cancellations made after this period, as well as no-shows, are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

Please note that train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable, with no exceptions.

Should you require documentation for insurance purposes, we will gladly provide an official letter to support your claim for reimbursement of eligible expenses.

Regarding train tickets, any request for refund or rescheduling must be processed directly by the passenger at the corresponding train company office. Such procedures are subject to the train operator’s policies, availability, and potential fare differences or additional charges. Peru Bucket List assumes no responsibility for surcharges imposed by third-party providers.

Changes

Any request to modify the tour date must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM (Peru time), two (2) days prior to the scheduled tour date.

For cancellations or modifications, please contact:
📧 contact@perubucketlist.com

Due to varying entrance times and circuit allocations issued by the Ministry of Culture, group members may enter Machu Picchu at different times and through different circuits.

A guided tour inside the citadel is included only for participants holding Circuit #2 tickets with entry between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Participants with tickets for other circuits or entry times may hire one of the official licensed guides available at the archaeological site. The approximate additional cost ranges between USD $9–$10 per person.

Please note that the Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in the program rate, strictly subject to real-time availability for the requested date and entry time at the moment the reservation is processed.

We strongly recommend confirming and securing your booking well in advance, particularly during peak season (June through October), to avoid last-minute inconveniences caused by limited government-issued inventory.

POSSIBLE AVAILABILITY SCENARIOS

Scenario 1 – No Availability on the Requested Date

If entrance tickets are unavailable for the requested date, passengers will be required to travel to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to attempt an in-person purchase directly through the Ministry of Culture.

Please be advised that this process requires flexibility and may extend your stay.

In this case, the amount corresponding to the Machu Picchu entrance ticket previously included in the package rate (USD 50 per person) will be refunded, allowing the traveler to use those funds toward the in-person purchase.

In-Person Purchase Procedure

• The passenger must personally attend the Ministry of Culture office in Aguas Calientes and wait in line.

• The original and valid passport must be presented at the counter.

• Ministry staff will issue a notice specifying the exact date and time when the passenger must return to complete the purchase.

On the assigned purchase date:

• Payment must be made in Peruvian soles (cash only). Credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted.

• Only the circuits and entry times available at that moment may be selected.

• This constitutes a single purchase opportunity, and one of the available options must be accepted.

During peak season, this process may take up to two (2) days. Travelers are solely responsible for adjusting their itinerary accordingly.

Peru Bucket List assumes no responsibility for ticket unavailability resulting from government-controlled inventory limitations.

Scenario 2 – Availability on the Requested Date

If tickets are available at the time of booking, the entrance will be secured based on the circuits and entry times available in the Ministry of Culture’s system.

Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific circuit, route, or preferred entry time, as allocations are determined exclusively by real-time government availability.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, social or public disturbances, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Any additional expenses arising from such unforeseen situations will be the responsibility of the traveler. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation should adjustments become necessary.

Please note that sections of the trekking route are located in remote and rugged areas with limited access for large vehicles.

As a result, smaller locally operated vehicles will be used for certain transfers. These vehicles may offer limited comfort due to regional infrastructure conditions. We kindly ask for your patience and flexibility.

When securing Machu Picchu entrance tickets, travelers must carefully coordinate their return transportation arrangements to ensure compatibility with their assigned entry time.

The standard program rate includes return by bus service. The scheduled departure is 2:00 PM (Hidroelectrica to Cusco – approximately 6 hours). This route involves travel along a rocky and rugged road, as well as a 3-hour walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica following the railway tracks.

If the assigned Machu Picchu entrance time does not allow sufficient time to meet the 2:00 PM bus departure, the most suitable alternative will be return by train.

A variety of train services are available, offering different schedules and fare categories. Peru Bucket List has elected not to include return train service in the standard package due to the broad range of departure times and pricing options available.

Should train transportation be required, the selection of service category and any additional costs incurred will be the sole responsibility of the traveler.

Nevertheless, we are pleased to assist with advance train reservations upon request. Please note that this service is optional, and the cost of train tickets will be added to the published program rate.