Machu Picchu Travel Forum

Some friends and I are headed to Peru in a few weeks (mid-January) and want to hike to Machu Pichu via the Salkantay Trail. Various people have said we should have booked a guided trip months ago (i.e. 3-8 months in advance), but others have suggested we just roll into a hostel when we get to Peru and book a trip there.

Just curious if anyone has had any luck booking MP trips while in Peru or if we should have scheduled something long ago... Noting that with the rainy season there will be less tourists and I also hear there is less demand for the Salkantay Trail.

Thanks!

Hi there,you have to pre book your trip.The Peruvian government limits the amount of tourist on the Inka trail to 200 per day. You booking is done using your passport number,once you have reserved your dates,it cannot be changed.You pay a $US170 non refundable deposit before your reservation is made.

You can check on the web what dates are available. Middle Jan ,might be full

You can only trek on the Inka trail with a registered agency.

The most popular seems to be Llama Path.

Heinrich

I won't be going to Peru until May so I can't speak from experience as to whether it's better to prebook or just get one from a hostel in Peru. But I can tell you what I've learned from my research. I believe the previous poster was referring to the classic Inca trail which is limited to 500 visitors per day including guides, porters, and tourists. If you're interested, you can check availability on this website.

http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/treks/inca_trail_trek_permit_availability.html

It looks like the soonest availability is January 19th, but that can change quickly. When you say hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay trail I'm guessing you mean the trail that goes Mollepata - Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu. If so, there is no limit to how many people can hike it so you should just be able to book something from your hostel. Hopefully someone who has done it this way will be able to advise you better than me. Have a wonderful trip!

For a traditional Inca Trail trek, you need to book it months (5-6 mos.) in advance as your trekking provider is required by regulations to apply for a license to the Peruvian government on your behalf. I doubt you'll be able to reserve now for a trek in April, but do check. See my general Peru page for further info on trekking availability and associated on-line link. Also, check tips re: trekking provider & walking poles. If not the traditional Inca Trail, then you'll have other trekking options via other trails with many providers to choose from. Check on-line for that & pre-book your off-the-Inca trail trekking adventure before your Peruvian arrival OR book it when you arrive in Cusco. Beware of landslides common around the time of your intended trekking adventure and be careful out there. Goodluck & enjoy beautiful Peru!

sorry...I meant to say, I doubt if you'd be able to book one now for this month of January, not April. Goodluck again!