Booking the Salkantay Trek is not complicated, but there is one detail that makes it different from booking a hotel or flight: the tour includes services booked under your name, such as the Machu Picchu entry ticket and the return train. That is why, more than the payment itself, what secures your spot is providing the correct information at the right time. Here, we explain how the process works, which documents you need, and why your details must match your passport exactly.
Step-by-step guide to booking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The first step is to choose your dates. Rather than having one exact day, it is best to have a range of two or three possible days to begin the hike. This allows the agency to find a date when the trek departure, Machu Picchu entry, and return train all align.
With those dates, contact the agency and indicate how many people are traveling, their nationalities and ages, the trek option you are interested in, and whether anyone is a student. These details affect availability and the price of the citadel entry ticket.
The agency will send you a quote and confirm availability. Check that it includes the Machu Picchu circuit, entry time, type of accommodation along the route, and return to Cusco. If everything is clear, the next step is to send your personal details and those of each traveler.
Then you pay the deposit. With that payment, the agency purchases your Machu Picchu ticket and train ticket in your name, then sends you a confirmation with the itinerary. Save this document and check that your details are correctly written on every ticket you receive.
The remaining balance is usually paid before the trek begins, often in Cusco. Most agencies hold an information meeting the day before departure, where you meet your guide, check your equipment, and resolve any last-minute questions.
When should you book a Salkantay tour to avoid availability issues?
The hike itself has no visitor limit, but Machu Picchu tickets do, and that determines when you should book. During high season, from June to October and on long holiday weekends, it is best to book several months in advance, especially if you want Circuit 2 or to hike a mountain. During the regular season, there is more flexibility.
The most important thing is the order: first secure the trek with Machu Picchu entry, then buy your flights. If you purchase non-refundable flights before your ticket is confirmed, you could be tied to a date with no available entry.
What documents do I need to book the Salkantay Trek?
To book, the main document is your valid passport, which must be the same one you will use to enter Peru and travel with during the tour. If you are Peruvian, your DNI is sufficient. Citizens of Andean Community countries can travel with their national identity document, but they must use the same document for the booking and on the day of the visit.
In addition to your document, the agency will ask for:
- Full name, exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Document number, nationality, and date of birth.
- Email address and a contact number with WhatsApp.
- Hotel details in Cusco for pickup.
- Dietary restrictions or health conditions the team should know about.
- An emergency contact.
If you are a student and want to access the reduced Machu Picchu rate, you will need your valid student ID. Check with the agency which type of ID is accepted, as not all are valid, and bring it with you on the day of your visit.
The most practical option is to send a clear photo of your passport information page. This allows the agency to copy the information directly and reduces writing errors.
Why must passport details match the tour booking?
The Machu Picchu ticket is personal and non-transferable. It is issued with your name and document number, and on the day of the visit, staff compare the ticket with the document you present. If the details do not match, you may be denied entry. The same applies to the train: tickets are also issued in your name and checked when boarding.
Correcting an already issued ticket is not always possible. In many cases, the only solution is to buy a new one, and during high season there may no longer be availability for that day. An error of one letter or number could cost you your visit to Machu Picchu after four or five days of hiking.
The most common mistakes are:
- Providing the number of an expired passport or a previous passport instead of the one you will use for the trip.
- Leaving out your second surname or middle name.
- Reversing the order of first names and surnames.
- Booking with one document and traveling with another, for example, booking with a DNI and then bringing a passport.
If you renew your passport after booking, notify the agency immediately with the new number. When you receive your tickets, carefully review every detail before considering your booking finalized.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to book the Salkantay Trek?
A range of dates, your valid passport, and the details of each traveler. With this information, the agency confirms availability and issues the tickets.
Can I book the Salkantay Trek without a passport?
Peruvians can book with their DNI, and citizens of the Andean Community can use their identity document. All other travelers need their passport.
What happens if my name is misspelled on the ticket?
You may be denied entry to Machu Picchu. Notify the agency immediately to try to correct it before the date.
When is the remaining tour balance paid?
Generally before the trek begins, often in Cusco during the information meeting.
Do I need to carry my physical passport during the trek?
Yes. You need it to enter Machu Picchu and board the return train.