One of the advantages of the Salkantay is that you do not need a permit to hike it, which gives you much more flexibility than other routes. But the trip does not end with the trek: on the last day, you enter Machu Picchu, take a train back, and in most cases, stay in accommodations with limited availability. That is why the time you need to book in advance is determined not by the trek itself, but by everything around it.
What determines how far ahead to book
The part that most affects your booking is the Machu Picchu ticket, especially if you want circuit 2, which is the most sought-after. By mid-2026, this circuit was already reported as unavailable online through August. If you also want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, availability is even more limited.
Next come the return train from Aguas Calientes, where the most convenient schedules sell out first, and accommodation during the trek. If you want to sleep in domes or cabins instead of a tent, those spaces are also limited. Finally, each agency organizes groups with a maximum number of travelers, and during the busiest months, departures fill up several days in advance.
If you travel during high season
Between June and October, and on dates such as Holy Week, year-end holidays, or the long Fiestas Patrias weekends, demand is concentrated. It is best to book four to 6 months in advance, especially if you want circuit 2 or a mountain hike. With two months’ notice, it is still possible to find availability, but with fewer circuit and schedule options.
Pay special attention to June, as it coincides with Inti Raymi in Cusco, and late July, when international travelers and domestic tourism overlap due to the midyear holidays and Fiestas Patrias.
If you travel during the regular season
From November to May, demand drops considerably. On most dates, four to six weeks in advance is enough to secure the trek and entry to Machu Picchu. The exceptions are Holy Week, Christmas, and New Year’s, which behave like high season.
If you are already in Cusco or have only a few days
It is possible to book the Salkantay with one or two weeks’ notice, and even less during the regular season. The risk is the citadel ticket: you may only find a different circuit or time slot than the one you wanted, or you may need to move the trek start by one or two days so that entry matches the final day.
If that is your situation, the most practical option is to contact an agency directly with your date range rather than a fixed date. That way, they can look for a day when the trek, ticket, and train are all available at the same time.
If you are traveling next year
Machu Picchu ticket sales for each year open months in advance. For 2027, the Ministry of Culture will open advance purchases from November 2026. If you already have dates for next year, you can book your trek with an agency now and have your ticket ready as soon as sales open.
In what order to secure your trip
Once you have a tentative date, it is best to follow this order:
- Set the trek start date and, based on that, the day you will enter Machu Picchu.
- Secure your citadel ticket for that day, with the circuit you prefer.
- Confirm your trek departure and the type of accommodation along the route.
- Book the return train with a schedule that gives you enough time after your visit.
- Only then should you buy your flights to Cusco, leaving extra days to acclimatize before you start hiking.
If you travel with an agency, steps 2, 3, and 4 are usually handled in a single booking. The important thing is not to buy non-refundable flights before knowing that you have entry to Machu Picchu for your date.
Book early without losing flexibility
Booking in advance does not mean locking yourself into a date with no way out. Before paying, review the agency’s change and cancellation policies. Keep in mind that the Machu Picchu ticket is issued in your name and for a fixed date, so it is the least flexible part of the trip. Generally, the trek and accommodation are easier to adjust than entry to the citadel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book the Salkantay Trek one week in advance?
Yes, especially during the regular season. During high season, it is possible, but with fewer circuit and schedule options at Machu Picchu.
What sells out first on the Salkantay Trek?
The Machu Picchu ticket, especially circuit 2 and the mountain hikes. Then come train schedules and the more comfortable accommodations along the route.
How far in advance should I book if I want to hike Huayna Picchu?
During high season, at least three to four months in advance, because it has far fewer spaces than general admission.
Should I buy flights before booking the trek?
No. First secure your entry to Machu Picchu and your trek departure, then buy your flights.
Does the Salkantay have departures in February?
Yes. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay operates year-round.