Salkantay & Inca Trail Guided Trek - FAQS

The Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek is an unforgettable multi-day journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, combining the dramatic landscapes of the Salkantay Pass with the ancient pathways of the Inca Trail.

Highlights include towering snow-capped peaks, high-altitude passes, lush cloud forests, and the chance to explore lesser-known Inca ruins along the way. This trek blends raw natural beauty with cultural discovery, ultimately culminating at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

For those seeking a challenging and truly rewarding Andean adventure, the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek is a must-do.

View our Map & Route Guides page.

Salkantay & Inca Trail Grading – GRADE 4: TOUGHEST

These treks are the toughest treks and an excellent level of fitness needed before you arrive. Sustained trekking carrying day sac plus more for serial seven-hour days at higher altitudes on mixed terrain. No options for rest days. One of our toughest trekking challenges. Definitely not an off-the-couch activity!

Our itinerary includes 11 nights, with 8 days of trekking through the Peruvian Andes. In addition to the trek we’ve built in time to explore Cusco & the Sacred Valley where your local guide will share insights into the region’s rich history and vibrant culture.

The most physically demanding aspect of the Salkantay & Inca Trail trek will be the high altitude. Proper acclimatization is essential, so arriving in Cusco a few days early is highly recommended. We will follow a steady and well-paced itinerary, allowing time each day to adjust gradually to the elevation. Our experienced guides and support team are well-versed in managing high-altitude conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

If, for any reason, you feel unable to complete the trek, it may be necessary to return to Cusco. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll assist with all necessary arrangements to ensure you return comfortably and can rest and recover.

A guided trek offers expert navigation, in-depth local knowledge, group camaraderie, and an added layer of safety. All our treks are led by qualified one of MBT’s UIMLA mountain professionals alongside experienced local guides who know the trails intimately. They prioritize your safety throughout the journey while enriching your experience with insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and cultural history along the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek.

All of our worldwide treks are limited to a maximum of 8 clients, ensuring a more personal, supportive, and experience. The Salkantay & Inca Trail guided trek is led by a highly qualified MBT UIMLA-certified guide, accompanied by an experienced local guide. A dedicated team of porters provides additional support, helping to carry your belongings so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

If you would like to check who else is booked on a guided trek, please just contact us. We can tell you the make-up of your group, the ratio of males to females and give you an idea of the group’s age profile.

Our guides are very experienced, fully qualified Mountain Leaders who live and work in the Alps all year round. They also work in other mountainous areas in the world and support our worldwide treks alongside the local guide.

UIMLA Qualification

The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) was founded in November 2004 and is an internationally recognised qualification that sets standards for mountain leaders all over the world.

Mountain Leader Associations

Mont Blanc Treks are affiliated to SNAM & BAIML, the French & English Mountain Leader Association who are full members of the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). They look after the professional interests of International Mountain Leaders in Europe & around the world.

UIMLA: Union of International Mountain Leader Associations

BAIML: British Association of International Mountain Leaders

SNAM: Accompagnateur en Montagne European

All our guides are certified in Wilderness and High Altitude First Aid, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle emergencies in remote and challenging environments.

You won’t need to carry all your gear during the guided trek, as we provide a horse porter service with a maximum weight allowance of 7 kg per person. You'll need a suitable daypack to carry your daily essentials, such as clothing, snacks, water, and any personal items you want with you on the trail. At the trek briefing, you'll receive a waterproof sack to pack your essential items and extra clothing for the horse service to carry.

Accommodation is provided on a shared basis in twin rooms, meaning you will likely share with another guest of the same sex unless you choose to pay a single supplement. If no suitable roommate is available, a single supplement will be applied at a later date once final group arrangements have been confirmed.

On our Salkantay & Inca Trail guided trek, we use carefully selected, tried-and-tested refuges that provide comfort, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere after a rewarding day in the mountains. We only work with places that we’d be happy to stay in ourselves.

View our Where to Stay page.

Breakfast
Typically includes pancakes & syrup, oatmeal with apple, milk or yoghurt, bread with butter and jam, Andean Chuta bread, Omelets with peppers, celery, carrots, radishes and cheese, fruit and tea, coffee, or fruit juice.

Lunch
A substantial picnic lunch will be provided and will consist of soup, salads, potato chili with rice & spinach cake.

Afternoon tea

Hot chocolate, coffee, tea and biscuits are provided on arrival at our camp.

Dinner
Evening meals are hearty traditional Peruvian cuisine. Soups, Meat, fish and vegetarian options are available, followed by dessert.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking, as meals will be preordered based on your preferences.

View our What to Eat page.

Essentials include:

• Hiking boots with ankle support or good trail shoes 

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Warm layers (fleece, lightweight & thicker down jacket)

• Shorts, trekking trousers and t-shirts

• Trekking poles

• Daypack (approx 25L)

• Hydration system (water bottles or hydration pack)

• Head torch, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves

View our What to Bring and Kit List page for more detailed information.

Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended for stability and reducing strain on the knees when descending.

We advise you to carry the basics, including plasters for blisters and pain killers for aches and muscle strains. (Don’t forget any of your usual medication). Your guide will carry a more substantial first aid kit.

Once you have decided on your trek all you have to do is fill out our booking form, once received, we will process your booking and send you a payment link for the deposit. You can then make the payment and get ready for an experience of a lifetime!

It is essential that you fill in all the relevant sections on our booking form, so we have all the necessary information at the time of booking.

Once we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you further information about the trek. If you have any queries while booking your trek, do not hesitate to get in touch with us in Chamonix.

We recommend you take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking your trek. Should you need to cancel you will need to inform Mont Blanc Treks Ltd by email. If you cancel your trek the following conditions apply: 

• More than 16 weeks before trek start date - loss of deposit. 

• 12 – 16 weeks before trek start date - loss of 50% of the trek fee. 

• Less than 12 weeks before trek start date loss of 100% of the trek fee.

Yes, travel insurance covering trekking activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations is required.

Medical

Your own insurance is crucial. If you are on a guided tour, your guide will do their utmost to ensure your safety, but accidents can happen and even trivial accidents can result in a hefty bill of evacuation off the mountain or transport is involved. If you are unsure of your insurance cover, please ask us before the trek, rather than at the time when you may require assistance.

Possessions

Equipment can easily be lost or left behind on a trek and Mont Blanc Treks cannot be held responsible for your private possessions. During transfers, bags are left for collection and again after delivery, in some relatively public places within the hotels we use. Please make sure possessions, bags and equipment are adequately insured and kept safe. Suggestions for trekking insurance companies that have been used by previous clients are:

For residents worldwide: World Nomads, TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak', True Traveller

For residents in the UK: British Mountaineering Council, World first

For UK and EU residents: Globelink

For residents in the USA: TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak'

For residents in Australia: I nsure4less

The easiest way to travel to Cusco we suggest taking a look at the travel comparison websites such as Skyscanner to see flight options from your start point.

Once at Cusco airport, taxi transfer to the hotel will be the best option. Although we don’t organise your travel to the start point of the trek we can give you advice so please feel free to ask.

Travel from the airport to your start hotel is up to you to arrange. There are various options available, which include private taxi or public transport. The cost is not included in your holiday. Please ask for further information.