Booking the Salkantay Trek may seem simple: you choose a date, an agency, and pay. But at that point, details are decided that can be difficult to change later, such as your Machu Picchu ticket, return option, or the conditions if you need to reschedule your trip. Taking some time before confirming helps you avoid issues that often arise once you are already in Cusco.
Choose the trek option based on your trip, not just the price
The Salkantay Trek is offered in versions of different lengths, and each one changes the hiking pace and the places where you sleep. Before comparing prices, determine how many days you actually have, how many you need to acclimatize before starting, and whether you want to finish with free time in Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco on the same day as your visit. Once you have that clear, choosing becomes easier and quotes are easier to compare.
Compare quotes on the same basis
Two Salkantay tours can have very different prices without offering the same service. One may include the Machu Picchu ticket, bus, and return train, while another may not. One may offer tents and another domes or cabins. Before deciding, ask each agency for the details in writing and compare what you are actually getting, not just the final price.
Be wary of prices far below average. They often leave out important parts of the trip, work with large groups, or cut back on food and equipment.
Check how you will return to Cusco
The return journey is one of the parts that varies most between tours. Some include the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then transport to Cusco; others include a hike to Hidroeléctrica and a return bus, which is cheaper but longer. Confirm which option is included in your booking, what time it departs, and how much time it leaves you after visiting the citadel.
Read the payment, change, and cancellation terms
Before paying, check how much is required as a deposit, when you must pay the remaining balance, and which payment methods are accepted. Then carefully read what happens if you need to change your date or cancel. Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets usually have stricter rules than the rest of the service, so ask specifically about them.
If your flight or the rest of your trip may still change, prioritize an agency with clear rescheduling policies.
Make sure the agency is legitimate
A reputable company has a valid tourism license, a RUC number you can verify, a physical address in Cusco, and responsive contact channels. Check recent reviews on more than one platform and pay attention to how the agency responds to negative comments.
Avoid making payments to personal accounts or through methods that do not provide proof of payment. Always request a booking confirmation with the itinerary, dates, what is included, and what is not.
Submit your details correctly
Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets are issued with your name and document number. Send your details exactly as they appear on the passport or document you will travel with, and review the confirmation as soon as you receive it. If you are traveling with a new passport, let the agency know so they use the correct number.
If you are a student, a minor, or a citizen of a country in the Andean Community, ask whether a discounted rate applies for admission to Machu Picchu and which document you need to present to access it.
When booking, let the agency know if you have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or health conditions that the team should be aware of. This way, they can prepare suitable meals and keep an eye on you during the hike. Also let them know if you are traveling with children, older adults, or if anyone in the group has little hiking experience.
Clarify the logistics for the first and last day
Ask what time and where you will be picked up in Cusco, as Salkantay departures are usually before dawn. Check whether you can leave your main luggage at your hotel or the agency office while you do the trek, and how much weight you can send with the horses.
For the last day, confirm where you will receive your tickets, how you will meet your guide in Machu Picchu, and who to contact if anything changes.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before paying for a Salkantay Trek?
What the service includes and does not include, the return option to Cusco, the payment terms, and the change and cancellation policies.
How do I know if an agency is trustworthy?
Verify its tourism license, RUC, physical address, and recent reviews from other travelers.
What details does the agency need to make a reservation?
Your full name and document number exactly as they appear on your passport, as well as your date of birth and nationality.
Are there discounts on Machu Picchu admission?
Reduced rates are available for students, minors, and citizens of some countries in the region. Ask about the requirements when booking.
Can I leave my luggage in Cusco during the trek?
Yes. Most hotels and agencies store your main luggage while you do the hike.