Booking the Salkantay Trek requires fewer documents than you might expect. Unlike the Inca Trail, this route does not have a limited-capacity government permit, so the trek itself does not require prior paperwork. What does require accurate documentation is what comes at the end: entry to Machu Picchu and the return train. A mistyped passport number or an expired document can leave you at the gate. This guide explains which documents you will be asked for, what each one is for, and which mistakes to avoid when submitting them.
Why the Salkantay Trek requires less paperwork than the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail operates with named permits issued by the government, with a daily quota and the passenger’s name registered from the start. That is why it must be booked months in advance and does not allow name changes.
The Salkantay Trek does not have that system. The route crosses community lands and is traveled without a named entry permit, so you can book with less advance notice and the agency needs less information to secure your departure.
That does not mean they will not ask for documents. It means that almost all the information they request is linked to two things that do have limited availability and are issued in your name: the Machu Picchu ticket and the train from Aguas Calientes.
Documents required to book
Valid passport
This is the key document for your booking. It is used to issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket and train ticket, both of which are linked to your passport number.
The agency will ask for a photo or scan of the information page, showing your full name, nationality, date of birth, number, and expiration date. Send it clearly, without glare and with all four corners visible.
If you are Peruvian or a citizen of a country in the Andean Community, you can book with your national ID instead of a passport, as long as it is the same document you will present at entry.
Personal details for Machu Picchu and the train
Along with your passport, the agency needs the following details written exactly as they appear on the document:
- Full first and last names
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
The detail that causes the most problems is the order and format of names. If your passport has two first names and two surnames, the ticket must include all four. A missing surname or one incorrect letter may cause issues at the entry checkpoint.
Student ID for the reduced fare
Machu Picchu offers a student fare, and the price difference is considerable. To qualify, you need a valid student ID, which for international students is usually an international student card, and you must meet the age limit set for the fare.
Send your student ID together with your passport when booking, not afterward. The fare is set when the ticket is purchased and cannot be changed once issued.
Bring the physical student ID on the trek. It is checked at the entrance to Machu Picchu, and if you do not present it, you may be denied entry even if you have paid.
Documents for minors
Minors need their own passport or identity document, just like adults. Their details are registered separately because tickets are individual.
If the minor is traveling with only one parent or with another adult, check your country’s and Peru’s immigration regulations regarding travel authorization. The agency does not require this to make the booking, but it may be requested by immigration authorities.
Additional information requested by the agency
These details are not official documents, but they are part of any serious booking for a multi-day trek.
Medical form and dietary restrictions
The route passes through the Salkantay Pass, at more than 4 600 m a. s. l. That is why the agency will ask about relevant medical conditions, regular medication, and allergies.
Answer accurately. The guide receives this information and uses it to make decisions on the route if something goes wrong.
The same form will ask about your dietary restrictions. Vegetarians, vegans, people with celiac disease, or food intolerances can be accommodated without issue, as long as they are reported in advance, because food is purchased and packed before departure.
Emergency contact
The name, relationship, and phone number of someone who is not traveling with you. Make sure that person knows you listed them.
Travel insurance
It is not a legal requirement for the Salkantay Trek, but many agencies request it before departure. It makes sense: the route is far from medical centers, and part of it has no vehicle access.
What matters is that the policy covers activities above 4 600 m a. s. l. and mountain rescue. Many standard policies exclude high altitude or overnight trekking, so check the terms and conditions before sending the proof of coverage.
Arrival details in Cusco
The name and address of the hotel where you will be picked up in the early morning of departure. If you do not have it when booking, you can send it later, but it must be confirmed at least one day in advance.
Documents to carry during the trek
When packing, keep these papers in a waterproof bag inside your daypack, not in the duffel bag carried by the mules:
- Original passport, the same one used for your booking
- Physical student ID, if you requested that fare
- Machu Picchu ticket, printed or on your phone
- Train ticket, if the agency gives it to you in advance
- Insurance policy with the assistance number written down on paper
- Some cash in soles for entrance fees and purchases along the route
Your passport is checked at the entrance to Machu Picchu and on the train. Without the original, you will not be allowed through either one, even if you have a photo or copy.
Common mistakes when submitting documents
Renewing your passport after booking
This is the most common and most complicated mistake. If you renew your passport after submitting your details, the Machu Picchu and train tickets will be issued with your old number.
At the entry checkpoint, they compare the ticket number with the document you present. If they do not match, you may have trouble getting in.
If you are planning to renew it, do so before booking. If you have already booked and have no other option, notify the agency immediately and bring both passports on the trip: the expired one and the new one.
Sending illegible photos
A blurry photo forces the agency to request it again and delays ticket purchase. During high season, that delay may mean losing the entry time you wanted.
Writing your name as you use it rather than as it appears on the document
If your passport says María Fernanda López García and you enter María López on the form, the ticket will have a different name from the document. Copy the details letter by letter.
Booking a student fare without a valid student ID
If your student ID expires before your entry date, you lose the fare. Check the expiration date before requesting the discount.
How far in advance to send your documents
Since the trek has no government quota, the timeline is determined by Machu Picchu and train availability.
Between May and September, it is best to book one to three months in advance. The most sought-after entry times and conveniently timed return trains sell out first.
Outside high season, you can book weeks or even days ahead. Still, send your documents on the same day you confirm the booking. The agency cannot purchase any ticket without them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special permit to do the Salkantay Trek?
No. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek does not require a named entry permit issued by the government. The documents requested are for the Machu Picchu ticket and the train, which are issued in your name.
Can I book with a copy of my passport?
Yes, a clear photo or scan of the information page is enough for booking. However, you need the original passport during the trip. Copies are not accepted at Machu Picchu or on the train.
What happens if my passport expires during the trip?
It should not happen. To enter Peru, your passport must have sufficient validity, and the airline checks this requirement before boarding. If your passport expires in the coming months, renew it before booking the trek.
Can I change the booking name to another person?
The trek usually allows changes according to the agency’s policy, but the Machu Picchu ticket is issued in a specific name and does not allow a change of holder. In practice, changing the passenger means buying a new ticket if availability exists.
Does the Salkantay Trek without Machu Picchu also require a passport?
Yes, although with fewer requirements. The agency records your details for safety and passenger tracking along the route. But if you do not include entry to Machu Picchu or the train, the risk of errors on named tickets disappears.