Hiking the Inca Trail is not just a simple walk in the mountains. It is a unique and magical journey that takes you through old paths, hidden valleys, and amazing ruins until you finally reach the incredible wonder of Machu Picchu. Many people dream of doing this trek, but it’s not always easy. It can be tough, but it can also fill your heart with excitement, pride, and a deep respect for the past. If you are ready to step into this world, read on. I want to give you some simple, honest tips that I wish someone had given me before I put on my backpack and took my first step on this famous trail.

Understanding the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is about four days of walking in the mountains near Cuzco, Peru. During these days, you will pass by old Inca ruins, see beautiful landscapes, walk through dense forests, and climb high passes that will push your body to the limit. The highest point, called Dead Woman’s Pass, is about 4,200 meters above sea level. That’s quite high, and the air is thin, which means you will feel it in your breathing. The trail is about 42 kilometers (26 miles) long, and at the end, you arrive at the famous Sun Gate, which leads you into the hidden city of Machu Picchu.

When to Go

Dry season: Many people choose to go between May and September because it’s the dry season. This means there will be less rain and a higher chance of clear skies. But remember, this also means it will be more crowded.
Shoulder months: If you prefer fewer people, try April or October, when there might be a bit of rain, but the views can still be beautiful, and the trail less busy.
Avoid February: The trail is closed in February for maintenance, so don’t plan your trip then.

Getting Your Permit

The Inca Trail is famous, and that means you can’t just show up and start walking. You need a permit, and they sell out fast. They are often fully booked many months in advance, sometimes six months or even more. Book your spot as soon as possible, and do it through a certified travel agency. This ensures that you have a professional guide who knows the route, the history, and how to keep you safe.

Physical Preparation

The Inca Trail is not easy. You don’t have to be a super athlete, but it helps to be in good shape. Spend a few weeks or months doing some exercises like running, hiking, or even long walks in the park. If you can, train at high altitude or arrive in Cuzco a few days before starting the trek, so you can get used to the thin air. Remember, it’s normal to feel short of breath and tired at times, but the better prepared you are, the happier you’ll be on the trail.

What to Pack

• Comfortable boots: Good hiking boots with a strong grip are key. Don’t bring new shoes. Use boots you already know and trust.
• Rain jacket: Weather in the Andes can change fast. A waterproof jacket will keep you dry and warm.
• Layers of clothes: Mornings can be cold, afternoons can be hot. Wear layers so you can add or remove clothing as needed.
• Sun protection: The sun can be strong at high altitude. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Good backpack: A light but sturdy backpack is essential to carry your gear, water, and snacks.
• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial. Bring a big water bottle and refill it at safe points along the way.
• Snacks: Dried fruit, nuts, or energy bars can give you a boost when you feel tired.

Coping with Altitude

High altitude can be scary. You might feel headaches, nausea, or just very tired. To handle this, drink plenty of water, go slow, and rest when you need to. Some people chew coca leaves or drink coca tea, a traditional remedy that can help with altitude problems. Always listen to your body. It’s not a race. If you feel too sick, tell your guide. Your health and safety come first.

Respect the Rules and Environment

The Inca Trail is a protected area. We must respect it. Do not leave trash behind, do not damage the ruins, and follow your guide’s instructions. The trail is special, and we need to keep it that way. Respect the locals, respect the porters who carry heavy loads and make your journey possible, and respect the other hikers. Everyone is on their own path, facing their own challenges. A friendly smile can go a long way.

Choosing a Guide or Company

Pick a reliable tour company that cares about the environment and treats their porters well. Read reviews, ask questions, and make sure they provide good meals, proper gear, and safe conditions. A good guide can make the experience even richer by telling stories of the Incas, pointing out the best views, and helping you feel at home on the trail.

Suggested Itinerary (Narrative Style)

Day 1: You wake up early in Cuzco, a little nervous, a little excited. After a bus ride, you reach the starting point of the trail at Km 82. It’s a simple sign, nothing fancy, but your heart beats fast as you pass the checkpoint and start walking. You move through gentle fields and small villages. The air smells fresh, and you meet your team: your guide, the porters who carry heavy packs, and other hikers who share the same dream. As you walk, you begin to understand that this is more than just a hike. It’s a journey into the past.

Day 2: The hardest day. The path becomes steeper, and the altitude hits you. You push through rocky steps, feeling the thin air in your lungs. Your legs ache, but you keep going, step by step. Reaching Dead Woman’s Pass is like standing on top of the world. You look around, and all you see are mountains, clouds, and the silent whisper of history. You feel proud. You made it. That night, you sleep in a camp high in the mountains, thinking about the day’s challenge and feeling stronger than ever.

Day 3: You wake up early, feeling a bit sore but also excited. This day is full of surprises. You walk through different kinds of landscapes: high mountain passes, green forests, and hidden Inca ruins. You stop to learn about the past, to take photos, and to enjoy lunch with your team. The food tastes better than ever in the fresh air. In the evening, you reach your camp, knowing that tomorrow is the big finale.

Day 4: You rise before dawn. It’s still dark and quiet. With your headlamp on, you begin the final stretch. Your heart beats faster with every step. Finally, you reach the Sun Gate, and there it is: Machu Picchu, shining in the early morning light. You cannot hold back a smile, maybe even a tear. You made it. You are there, standing in front of one of the greatest wonders of the world, and it was all worth it.

Final Thoughts

The Inca Trail is not just another trek. It’s a life-changing experience that can make you feel closer to history, closer to nature, and closer to yourself. With good planning, the right gear, and an open mind, you can do it. Yes, you might feel tired, you might struggle with altitude, but when you stand at Machu Picchu, you will understand why so many people dream of walking these old paths. The Inca Trail is waiting for you. Go for it!

While it is true that Cusco’s climate varies throughout the year according to seasonal changes, it is also true that there are two constants that remain from January to December: if you are in the sun you will be hot – usually during the day -, and if you are in the shade you will be cold – on cloudy days and during the night.

That said, and to be more specific, the climate in Cusco and the climate in Machu Picchu are characterized by two seasons: the rainy season (December – April) and the dry season (May – November).

Rainy Season Temperature

During the day
16°C – 18°C

During the night
0°C

Temperature in dry season

Daytime
17°C – 19°C

Night time
0°C

What to wear during the rainy season in Machu Picchu?

The rainy season runs from November to March. The weather at this time is characterized by the heaviest rainfall of the year. Although these do not occur throughout the day, it is important to prevent their effects with appropriate clothing. Here is what you should wear on your trip:

• Waterproof jacket.
• Waterproof vest.
• Cotton polo shirt.
• Windbreaker.
• Waterproof pants.
• Leggins (for women).
• Cotton socks.
• Trekking shoes.
• Gloves.
• It is not advisable to wear shorts or skirts due to the mosquitoes in the area.
• If you travel with children it is important to bring a baby carrier and light and warm clothes.

What to wear during the dry season in Machu Picchu?

The dry season runs from April to October. The climate is characterized by being warm, with a pleasant temperature. Rains can occur although much less frequently than the rainy season. This is the appropriate clothing to wear during this season during your visit to Machu Picchu.

• A hat or cap.
• Polo shirt or cotton blouse.
• Detachable pants.
• Leggins (for women).
• Cotton socks.
• Trekking shoes.
• It is not advisable to wear shorts or skirts due to the mosquitoes in the area.
• If you travel with children it is important to bring a baby carrier and light and warm clothes.

It is often thought that the only thing you can do in Cusco is to visit Machu Picchu. However, there are a huge number of places you can visit in this beautiful destination. The spectacular scenery of snow-capped mountains, flowering meadows, turquoise lagoons and varied flora and fauna make the Sacred Valley of the Incas the perfect place for adventure and leisure tourism in Peru.

If you have in mind to spend a quiet vacation, we recommend you to enjoy a relaxing paddle in the Piuray lagoon. If you like history and anthropological information: head to the Inkari museum. To interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyles and traditions, we suggest you visit the various communities of Lamay. Here is everything you need to know about the Sacred Valley to make your trip fantastic.

1. How to get there?

Most flights to the Sacred Valley depart and arrive from Lima. The Peruvian capital offers visitors many things to see and do, being the gateway to the rest of the country, with domestic flights to major cities, including Cusco. Keep an eye on the websites of the various airlines, as from time to time they offer discounts and promotions for travel to the Imperial City, with prices as low as $70. If you can, look for a window seat, as the view of the Andes on the way is breathtaking.

You can also travel to Cusco by car or bus. The trip takes about 22 hours. The road stretches 1100 km through increasingly rugged and isolated terrain. If you are planning to do this adventure, we recommend planning a few stops so that you can better cope with the road.

Once in Cusco, to get to the Sacred Valley you can take a bus to Ollataytambo -they leave every 15 minutes-. You can also rent a cab or share a car with other travelers going to the same destination.

2. When to travel?

The climate in the Sacred Valley does not usually vary much throughout the year. During the day, temperatures range between 20 and 25 °C, while at night they drop to approximately 5 °C, and some people feel a cold that can be intense. We recommend traveling in the dry season, between April and November. If you do not mind the rains, you can travel between December and March.

Remember to acclimatize before doing any activity that requires a high physical demand in the Sacred Valley, such as hiking or climbing. The average altitude in this site is 2850 meters above sea level and the lack of oxygen could cause you some kind of inconvenience. Bring your sunscreen, umbrella, plenty of liquid (accompanied by coca leaves) and warm clothes in case you stay in one of the villages for the night.

3. Choose your lodging wisely

From backpackers to five-star hotels, the options in the Sacred Valley are numerous and varied. In the rural areas of the Valley, there are hotels and haciendas that offer stays with attractive complementary services, such as relaxation therapies, spiritual retreats, healthy food, yoga classes, etc.

4. Plan your travel itinerary and distribute your time

The Sacred Valley has thousands of places for all tastes, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Chinchero, Yucay, Maras, Moray, Aguas Calientes, among others. Most tours offer trips by bus and train, with stops at the main archaeological complexes, visits to markets and adventure sports.

If you are going to hire a tour, make sure you have time to enjoy it all and that it combines different means of transportation such as biking and hiking with train and bus, so you can have all kinds of experiences.

5. Enjoy the exquisite local gastronomy

The gastronomic options in the Sacred Valley have grown. There are a large number of restaurants in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba and Pisac that offer all kinds of Andean dishes based on fresh, native ingredients. Dare to try the Chiri Uchu, a fried trout, a baked guinea pig, a succulent Inchicapi or a regional tuber stew called Kapchi; as you can see, the alternatives are very varied and original.

Also, be sure to visit the breweries of the Valley. These are places where you will discover the production process of the beers that are made in this place accompanied with a delicious Andean snack.

The Inca Trail may be a tortuous and windy journey, but at the same time, it carries more spectacular panoramas, places that are an enigma without explanation. Perhaps this is the reason why thousands of travelers want to explore and travel along the Inca Trail, a journey of 43 kilometers to overcome the altitude of 4200 meters above sea level and enter the citadel (Machu Picchu) by the big door “Puerta del Sol” or “Inti Punku”, certainly a dream come true for many. But before you jump in, keep in mind the following tips and recommendations to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu also find complete information on how to book, necessary documents, cost of the Inca Trail, and much more. We start with:

Documents Needed to Book the Inca Trail.

The necessary documents are the exclusive requirements for the process of purchasing access to the Inca Trail, this will be used by the Regional Directorate of Culture Cusco (Institution in charge of selling income to Inca Trail Machu Picchu) if you present such documents there may be times when you receive some discounts for example: if the reservation is for a minor (8 years to 17 years) with only present a photo of International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will receive if or if a discount, the amount it will depend on the agency that handles the Inca Trail. The necessary documents are the following.

• Passport: adult of any nationality you come from.
• DNI (National Identity Card) Adult member of the Andean community.
• DNI: Peruvian residents in other nationalities, Peruvians
• Carnet de extranjeria: Foreigners residing in Peru
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC): Foreigners underage (8 years old to 17 years old).
• Important: In no way can you do the Inca Trail on your own, but only with an agency authorized to operate this route.

Inca Trail Reservation Process

Important: The Inca Trail during the month of February is not operated, it is closed for maintenance, also note the daily limitations (500 people, including support staff).

Recommendation: Book 5 to 6 months in advance.

Reservation process:

If you want to book the Inca Trail, it must necessarily be done with an authorized travel agency, one of the top operating agencies in Peru, is OUR AGENCY MACHU PICCHU RESERVATIONS, you can enter their website (Inca Trail) look for the service you want and fill out the Contact form and with the rest, the operating agency is in charge:

1. Choose the date for your trek
2. Enter your personal data in the form and send the form.
3. Your data will be validated and the payment accepted.
4. Verify your email, you will receive an email confirmation of your reservation. Please note that your reservation can be modified at any time, by you.

Cost or Price of the Inca Trail

The price of the Inca Trail will depend on the agency you choose, all the operating agencies of the Inca Trail detail their price according to the quality of service offered.

Important: Before choosing your operating agency, make sure that it is a formal agency, demand proof of payment, ask for detailed information before purchasing any tourist package. Avoid being scammed by false agencies.

Tips and Advice for the Inca Trail Before and During the Inca Trail

Before doing the Inca Trail

Choose the Season: The Inca Trail operates almost all year round, except for the month of February due to maintenance. Although according to the following seasons: Dry season (May to October) Rainy season (November to April) between these two there is a preference for tourists, you can imagine which “dry season”. But before you choose your season or time I will detail what is appreciated between these two seasons.

Dry Season: During this time the whole city of Cusco presents radiant days with clear skies, but with cold and frosty nights, although one of the most beautiful in the night especially for the stars that seem to have rekindled their fires. In addition, during the months of June and July there are big celebrations, such as the festivities of Cusco or “Inti Raymi” a unique traditional celebration that has been celebrated since the time of the Incas, national holidays big celebration throughout Peru. So go ahead and live these festivities and travel the Inca Trail.

Rainy Season: Not because it is the rainy season you can be despised by many, what they do not know is that this season can also be enjoyed to the fullest, especially if you are a lover of nature and beautiful landscapes because this season is the one that revives the city of Cusco with lush vegetation and beautiful landscapes with rainbows. If you are a nature lover I recommend visiting in the rainy season.

Book in advance: It is recommended to book 5 to 6 months in advance, although this will depend on the season you choose, if your trip is in the dry season be sure to book 6 months in advance if it is earlier the better, however, if your trip is in the rainy season book 5 months in advance.

Prepare yourself physically and mentally: The Inca Trail is 43 kilometers which will require short walks, daily of 30 minutes increasing by 10 minutes daily. If you are not used to long walks.

Acclimatization: If you have already arrived in the city of Cusco, it is advisable to adapt the body, stay in the city of Cusco for at least 2 days, because during the journey you will pass through different altitudes starting from 2,200 meters above sea level. In order not to cause a major impact it is always recommended to acclimatize.

Prepare a good backpack: Before preparing the backpack make sure that the backpack is a comfortable one, padded on the back and shoulders, also, that it has belts on the hip and chest, when you use the belts fasten them well which will help to relieve the weight of the shoulders. It is recommended not to have the maximum weight of the backpack more than 7 kilograms, because every time you advance along the demanding route, one gram becomes kilos.

During your trip along the Inca Trail

Wear appropriate clothing: For the Inca Trail, wear trekking clothes and carry extra clothing shirts, polo shirts and pants.

Take into account the shoes: Before starting the trek check your shoes, make sure they are in perfect condition. Do not wear new shoes as they may cause blisters. Keep in mind the following “wear the right shoes, because the right shoes take us to the right places”.

Walk at your own rythm: If your body asks you to pause, give it to it, don’t be smart, overexertion can end your trip.

Use all the adjusters on the backpack: Using the adjusters on the backpack will help to relieve the weight on your shoulders.

Enjoy the Group and the Moment: Enjoy the group, the people who accompany you, especially the moment and everyone around you.

Keep the Body Hydrated: The heat and the activity that is performed forces the body to experience greater sweating and this allows the expulsion of liquid, which is required to keep the body hydrated take plenty of water, if we do not hydrate the body, as a result, you will receive the following: thirst, headache, weakness, dizziness and fatigue and this will ruin your trip. Do not allow this.

Use the poles: Maybe using walking poles sounds a little strange, but for this route, it is very necessary, since the route has ups and downs, these will help relieve fatigue.

• Basic implements for the Inca Trail: the implements that you should bring for the Inca Trail tour are the following:
• Good trekking shoes (recommended already worn).
• A good amount of socks and stockings for 4 days.
• Extra clothes: T-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, and extra pants.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, and cap.
• Waterproof jacket and pants.
• Toilet paper, wet towels, cleaning bag for skin and teeth.
• Pocket flashlight with extra batteries.
• Sleeping bag.
• Extra money in soles.
• Walking sticks.
• Waterproof layer for the backpack.
• Snacks, snacks, and coca and lemon candies for the throat.
• Thermal liner for the sleeping bag.
• Sturdy camera with extra battery and enough memory.

Cheer up and get to know traveling the famous Inca Trail in a journey of 4 days and 3 nights, in case you do not get to book on time to the Classic Inca Trail, remember that you have another option, which is Short Inca Trail of 2 Days, to make this journey you have to book a month in advance.

The altitude sickness, soroche or acute mountain sickness is a disorder that responds to the lack of adaptation of the organism to the lack of oxygen due to the altitude. It usually occurs when climbing to a high altitude in a not very progressive or fast way. It usually occurs from 2,400 meters and affects, above all, people who are not used to living in areas with high altitude, usually below 900 meters above sea level. If you are going to travel to mountainous countries such as Peru, Bolivia or Nepal and you are going to visit places located at high altitude, such as Machu Picchu, the Salar de Uyuni or the Himalayas, you should be aware of altitude sickness, how to prevent and combat it and what kind of symptoms it usually presents.

At IATI Seguros we want to give you some basic information about altitude sickness, its symptoms and how you can prevent it. In any case, it is advisable that you visit a doctor before your trip and, if you have any problems, seek medical attention as soon as possible. To do this, it is essential that you take with you a reliable travel medical insurance such as those that IATI offers you.

Follow us and find out all about altitude sickness: how to prevent it, how to combat it and its symptoms.

Altitude sickness during the Salkantay Trek in Peru

Altitude sickness (MAM) can ruin your trip to Machu Picchu. Often people who want to do the Inca Trail or Salkantay are in a hurry and fly from Lima, which is at sea level. Then they find themselves in Cusco at an altitude of 3399 masl. To give you a perspective, mountaineers like to climb the so called “tres mil”, mountains at 3000 masl. You can understand that Cusco is high and from there you climb even higher because the Salkantay trek crosses the Salkantay pass (4600 m). There are some good “four thousand”.

Keep in mind that there are treks that go quite a bit higher than that, such as the ascent of Huayna Potosi in Bolivia, which reaches 6000 meters above sea level. However, at 3000 meters the symptoms can appear and the dangers of altitude sickness should be taken seriously. Our trekking experts always advise those interested in the Salkantay trek to spend at least one day in Cusco, ideally two days. Ideally two days, and why not? There is plenty to do. It is a big city and spending some time there will help you get used to the altitude. Our experts are well aware of the dangers of altitude sickness. They have written blog posts about MAM while trekking in Nepal and know not to rush up Mt. Kilimanjaro. There is one golden rule that applies during high altitude trekking: Listen to your body.

What is altitude sickness

Hypoxia is the name given to the lack of oxygen in the human body and is the main cause of altitude sickness or soroche. Since the atmospheric pressure decreases as the altitude increases and there is less oxygen and nitrogen, the alveoli of the lungs cannot transport as much oxygen to the blood, which can lead to dehydration, discomfort and even death due to pulmonary or cerebral edema.
Some people are more susceptible than others and there are also factors such as physical activity, the speed of the ascent or the initial altitude from which you start.

Therefore, when talking about altitude sickness, it is very important to know what symptoms we can feel, how to prevent it and how to fight it.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

In most cases, the symptoms of altitude sickness are temporary and reduce as the person acclimatizes to the altitude. In general, symptoms of altitude sickness usually appear when ascending from a low altitude to places above 2,000 meters above sea level in a sudden manner. In addition, people who are accustomed to living below 900 meters often notice symptoms a few hours after reaching high altitude, especially during the night.

In general, the symptoms of altitude sickness are:

• Dizziness or vomiting
• Weakness or tiredness
• Headache
• Lack of appetite
• Nervousness

Sleep disorders: drowsiness, insomnia or episodes of sudden nocturnal dyspnea, that is, waking up abruptly with a choking sensation.

If you are at high altitude, there may be cases of swelling of the hands, feet and face, increased heart rate or difficulty seeing or walking.

The most serious consequences of altitude sickness are altitude pulmonary edema and altitude cerebral edema. In these cases, the outcome can be fatal if you do not descend to lower altitudes quickly.

In case you feel some of these symptoms of altitude sickness that we have told you about and cannot be explained by other reasons, we encourage you to go to the section on how to combat altitude sickness or soroche.

How to prevent altitude sickness

The main way to prevent or avoid altitude sickness is acclimatization, that is, the progressive ascent to adapt slowly to the hypoxia of altitude. Even so, it is important to know that no matter how much an acclimatization schedule is followed, it is possible that symptoms of altitude sickness may occur. The International Union of Mountaineering Associations (UIAA) recommends a maximum daily altitude increase of 500 meters once you reach 3,000 meters above sea level, taking a rest day without ascending every 3 or 4 days.

A good way to prevent altitude sickness is to stay hydrated by drinking at least 4 to 5 liters of water a day and to maintain a varied diet rich in carbohydrates. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and tobacco and very large meals.

Another golden rule to prevent altitude sickness is to rest. Sleep at least 8 hours and do not try to make great physical efforts.
In the event that you are going to travel to countries where people often suffer from altitude sickness, it is not superfluous to go to the doctor to see if you can take any medication to prevent altitude sickness. Do not self-medicate, consult your doctor, especially if you have any allergies.

A natural remedy that has been used for centuries by populations such as the Peruvians are coca leaves. You can take them in mate (in tea) during breakfast or dinner, in candies or directly chewing them or leaving them to one side of the mouth until it secretes all its juice.

There is a saying: “Drink before you are thirsty, eat before you are hungry, wrap up warm before you are cold and rest before you are exhausted”. Follow it to the letter to prevent altitude sickness.

The first recommendation is to reduce the body’s pace, that is, walk more slowly, climb the steps one by one, avoiding at all times overtaxing the body, which is already in a state of crisis due to lack of oxygen.

The human body normally gets used to altitude after 2 or 3 days, this varies depending on many factors, such as age, physical condition and tolerance to lack of oxygen. This gradual process is known as acclimatization, and once the body is used to it, physical activities can be carried out normally.

Diet is a very important factor to take into account if it is the first time you travel to high altitudes such as Cusco or if you are particularly sensitive to altitude sickness. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, Andean cereals such as kiwicha and quinoa helps the body to remain stable. Avoid at all times very spicy foods or those with a high fat content because digestion at high altitudes is different.

Stay hydrated by drinking water (2 or 3 liters per day per person) to successfully overcome the acclimatization stage.

The coca leaf was considered sacred by the Inca Empire and this was not only part of their beliefs but was based on the extraordinary natural qualities of the bush. Studies conducted on the coca leaf have shown that this plant besides possessing the alkaloid known as cocaine (less than 1% of the total), also has 15 other alkaloids, many of them are natural regulators of the body’s cycles, others are stimulants for the production of certain substances, which makes the coca leaf a great alternative if you want to calm the body suffering from altitude sickness.
There are pills called ‘Sorojchi Pills’ that one can buy in any pharmacy in Cusco without a prescription and that help significantly to reduce the most uncomfortable symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, fatigue, headache).

There are also oxygen tubes that one can buy in hotels or in some pharmacies. These oxygen tubes allow you to breathe as if you were at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level.

How to combat altitude sickness

In case you notice symptoms of altitude sickness, do not continue ascending, especially to sleep. If the symptoms of soroche get worse, you should descend and rest until they disappear or go to a doctor. In the latter case, the doctor will probably perform tests such as a blood test, a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram. In many cases, they will prescribe oxygen and some medications for headache or insomnia.

Why does traveling by bus prevent altitude sickness?

There is a direct relationship between altitude sickness and the speed at which altitude changes. The sharper the change, the worse the symptoms manifest themselves. For this reason, traveling along the Andes and ascending gradually is the best way to avoid altitude sickness.
The route we propose in Peru Hop is ideal to do so because our buses travel making strategic stops in places that are hidden gems of Peru.
For example, Nazca is at 520 meters above sea level, while Arequipa is at 2,335 meters above sea level, but on our route we make a gradual ascent throughout the night and you can sleep in our comfortable buses. So, when you arrive in Arequipa you will be rested and more acclimatized to the altitude.

Places at higher altitude in the department of Cusco:

• Nevado Ausangate, located south of Cusco. Maximum elevation 6, 384 meters above sea level.
• Nevado Salkantay, located northeast of Cusco. Maximum elevation 6,261 meters above sea level.
• Inca Trail, Warmihuañuska pass or pass. Maximum elevation 4,200 masl.
• Abra Malaga, located southeast of Cusco. Maximum elevation 4,297 meters above sea level.
• Abra Pirhuayani, located southeast of Cusco. Maximum elevation 4,725 meters above sea level.

Our Travel options with Salkantay Trek and Machupicchu

• Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
• Salkantay Hike + Humantay lake 2 Days

10 training tips for Salkantay Trekking

The Salkantay Trek or Salkantay Trekking is recognized by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful treks in the world and it has become increasingly popular to go to know the natural landscapes of Peru in a way that involves more adventure.

One of them is to walk the Inca Trail and its thousands of trails to reach Machu Picchu on foot after spending several days in the mountains. In this article I am going to give you 10 training tips for Salkantay Trek so you can enjoy this trek that offers an enormous biodiversity and will make you fall in love with every step.

Season in the salkatay Trek

The rainy season in Peru is from November to April (wild and green) and the dry season is between June and October (cold and clear). It is possible to hike the Salkantay trek in any season of the year, but if something you should not forget is your rain jacket, because even if it is dry season, it can rain.

How does the body work at high altitude?

The Salkantay trek reaches 4,630 meters above sea level at its highest point, which is located at the foot of the Salkantay mountain. It begins in Soraypampa at 3,950 meters above sea level and ends in Aguascalientes at 2,050 meters above sea level to climb Machu Picchu.

In the mountains, the strongest is not the one with the biggest muscles or the best condition, but the one who adapts more easily to change. The body works in a different way at altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases the higher you are and the air is less dense, so oxygen does not reach the brain as easily as it does on a beach at sea level. That’s why those who conquer the highest mountains in the world can spend months in a process of acclimatization on the mountain.

As part of the training to be able to climb and acclimatize properly to be at altitude, it is important that before going on the expedition, we spend a few nights at least 2,500 meters above sea level, so that, sleeping at altitude, we know the reactions of our body and it gets to know what it is to be several hours at altitude and develop more red blood cells, which are the blood particles that carry oxygen in the body.

1. Do hikings with weight

A very good tip to train and get your legs and body strong enough is to do a few weighted hikings. Leave your house to do some hiking in the mountains and load your backpack, start with little weight and as the days go by and you go strengthening your muscles, increase the weight you carry, you can even get up to 15 kgs. but that depends on each person.

Due to the amount of people who walk this trek, Salkantay has become very adapted for tourists, so thanks to this you have the fortune to choose a guided expedition with portage service, this means that the guides mount on the mules your equipment and they carry it to the next camp, allowing you to carry only a “day pack”, in which you include only what you need to walk that day as a jacket and your water and food.

If in your city it is not possible to go out to a mountain, a very good option is to climb stairs carrying a backpack. It is very likely that if you choose to do the Salkantay trekking guided, you will not have to carry more than about seven kilos, but anyway, it is recommended that you train for more.

2. Travel long distances (spend a whole day in the mountain).

It is important to get your body used to long days, since the kilometers traveled per day in Salkantay will make you spend at least seven or eight hours of travel, keep in mind that the second day takes about nine hours walking!

Try to spend a whole day on the mountain, doing treks of several kilometers that require you to spend more than seven hours on the mountain, so you can get to know how your body reacts to different circumstances.

Also, sleep in the mountain, the idea is that you have the closest experience you can to what will be your tour, but beforehand, that you know perfectly well what you are going to do. Hike and then camp, this will also help you to practice what it is to walk with weight.

We always have the motivation that after a long day we will get to take a nice bath and sleep warm at home, it is important to practice camping after hiking several hours to adapt to the fact that you will not get to sleep in your bed or at home after a day of long effort.

3. Walk slowly

We tend to want to walk fast or go ahead of everyone, you have to remember to be patient, to enjoy the moment and what nature offers us. Walk slowly, don’t speed up, because it is not the same to keep going fast for an hour than to be in constant effort for more than nine hours.

Overconfidence is a big mistake, learn to listen to your body that needs to adapt little by little, remember: “let happiness be the path, not the goal”.

4. Sleep at altitude

The first camp of the Salkantay trek is at 4,000 m.a.s.l. Do you know what the body feels when sleeping at this altitude? Sometimes we feel suffocated, short of breath, we have a headache and we struggle to sleep.

That is why as part of the training to enjoy trekking it is important to spend a few nights at least at more than 2,500 meters above sea level. This will allow you to know the reactions of your body to sleep at altitude and it will know what it is to be several hours at altitude and develop more red blood cells, which are the blood particles that carry oxygen in the body.

5. Do breathing exercises

Breathing is very important, personally I have always thought that the practice of hiking and mountain becomes a constant meditation at every moment.

When you walk, try to find a rhythm between your breathing and your steps, this will help you get less tired and coordinate your movements well.

6. Weigh your equipment before you leave

Be prepared to get rid of the luxuries! Every gram in the mountain counts, one kg. becomes three and the effort is even more demanding, sometimes we want to take the best outfit or the most beautiful things we have to look good in the photos, however, the most beautiful is not always the lightest.

We tend to believe that something as simple as a thermos “does not weigh” but that thermos better be ultra light so that you really save energy on things that are not worth wearing out. There are many stores that sell special ultra light equipment for the mountain, such as boots, jackets, backpacks, thermoses, etc., surely if you search you will find the best for you.

7. Eat properly (garlic pills, coca tea).

Food is energy and it is essential to stay active during the hikes, so don’t just take your favorite snacks, but make sure they are protein snacks or high in sugar, such as chocolates or dehydrated fruits.

Before your expedition, try to eat foods high in water, such as vegetables and fish. Green vegetables are high in iron and vitamin B, which will help you produce more red blood cells to help blood circulate better in your body.

Garlic is said to be very beneficial in many ways, including improving blood circulation as well, so if you can, buy garlic pills or take a clove of garlic daily in the days leading up to your expedition.

In Peru, everywhere they have the famous coca tea, which is an ancient drink consumed to cure various ailments, including mountain sickness, try to drink the tea at times, it will be very good for you!

8. Train cardio

Physical condition is essential, you can start by running 5 kilometers and then 10, if you can not go to the mountain every day, go to the gym, I’m sure there is one near your home.

Spending time outdoors has many benefits, you can also choose to go to a park to run. It will help you to clear your head for a while, spend time with yourself or with a family member or friend and forget about daily stress.

9. Get a good night’s sleep

The body needs rest, after the time you have spent training, dedicate yourself to rest the days before your trip, you will need energy!

Taking flights and spending time in airports is tiring, sometimes we put pressure on ourselves the last days to train more and more, what I would recommend is that the week before your expedition you do an active rest, run 5K’s or do some cycling or whatever you like, but consider something that does not involve so much physical effort so you do not get tired.

Try to go to sleep early the days before so that you arrive in Peru with all the energy and spirit possible.

10. Hydration

Water is life! Our body needs water to function properly and when we are in the mountains, sometimes we forget to drink water, the body becomes a little slower and is slow to give us the signal that it is thirsty, this happens because of the altitude and the low amount of oxygen that reaches the brain.

We must stay hydrated during the expedition, this will save you headaches and energy expenditure. Hydrate yourself very well during your workouts as well, your body will have a better performance and you will be able to train in the best way.

The Salkantay trekking route is about 80 kilometers long, so get ready for one of the best adventures of your life! It is something that everyone can do, no matter if you do it for the love of nature or because you are a sportsman or professional athlete, if you train properly and with the necessary time, you will certainly make it.

Remember that there are several ways to get to the Inca citadel, however the Sacred Trek through Salkantay to get to Machu Picchu is the most beautiful alternative trek I have seen. I recommend you to visit to get to know this experience.

• Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
• Salkantay Hike + Humantay lake 2 Days

The Salkantay Trail is an ancient alternative trail to the Inca Trail, along the route you can appreciate beautiful landscapes with ecological diversity of flora and fauna, an excellent trekking route for travelers who love adventure.

Recommendations to do the Salkantay Trail

1. Best time to do the Salkantay Trail

The Cusco region has two types of marked climates, rainy season and dry season, so the months of May to October are considered the best dates to make this excursion since the rains stop and the road is firm; however this route can be done all year round, except for the month considered the rainiest of the year (February), so we suggest you think about it very well.

2. What the trekking offers

The route to Salkantay offers privileged views of the snowy Humantay and Salkantay, since with the thaw of these two there are lake formations, finding the most important and very visited by travelers, called Humantay lagoon, (currently visited by tourists from around the world to enjoy its beauty and leave offerings to the Pachamama, deity that represents Mother Earth in the Inca culture). In addition to the snow-capped mountains, the route shows a variety of flora and fauna as far as the region of the eyebrow of the jungle is concerned, since one is surrounded by a green and warm landscape that allows us to breathe pure air that is good for our organism.

Marvel at the vestiges and constructions that our ancestors left us as a legacy.
Enjoying magical nights with a starry sky, which makes you think and say that it was worth all the effort made.

3. Difficulty of the hike

The degree of difficulty for any hike depends a lot on the physical condition that one may have, in addition to already having experience in a similar route and if the state of health that one may have.

This route is considered by many travelers of greater effort since the degree of difficulty is “High”, thus being considered a great challenge for those people who do it.

Physical preparation

The preparation for the Salkantay Trek, begins taking into consideration the physical condition that one has, that is why specialists consider having an early preparation before making this excursion, since in that way the muscles are strengthened and generate resistance at the time of our walk to Salkantay.

So gradually your physical condition will be in better conditions, since at the time of the hike all the muscles will be prepared and in that way also our heart will pump blood more efficiently that will make us have more oxygen.

4. Altitude sickness

Also known as mountain sickness, soroche or properly speaking altitude sickness, it is a physical discomfort caused by the difficulty of adaptation to the low atmospheric pressure which generates headache, nausea, difficulty breathing due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

Usually this symptom is shown in travelers who live in countries or places that are at lower altitude, since those who live in plains or countries of similar altitude are more likely to suffer from it.

How to avoid altitude sickness

A day before your arrival, it is recommended to have a better rest, eat something light and avoid alcoholic beverages.
To avoid or make it more bearable, it is recommended to acclimatize upon arrival, take rest or not to make physical efforts that can agitate you, it is recommended in the first days upon arrival to the city of Cusco.

It is advisable to drink coca tea the day of your arrival, as a first natural remedy.

You should consider inhaling air, climb gradually, hydrate yourself continuously, avoid smoking, choose easily digestible food, keep warm and avoid taking tranquilizers.

5. What to take

Before starting our excursion, never forget our traveling companion “the backpack” (we suggest 30 liters or more).
It is always good to be prepared for all kinds of weather changes, that is why it is very necessary to take a super warm jacket, because at night during the route the temperature tends to drop and rainfall could occur.

Regarding the walking distance per day, it is essential to have an extra change of clothes in case a change of clothes is required.
For protection of our lower extremities, it is good to have removable trekking pants, since we can give them double use, shorts during the day and pants during the night; this way we reduce the weight and space in our backpack.

Main clothing are trekking shoes, which have grip capacity and are suitable for rough terrain and water resistant.

To count with accessories that help with our trekking, so we have: Water canteen, gloves, walking sticks, flashlight and binoculars in case we have the privilege of being able to observe wildlife.

Bring personal hygiene items such as: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and other necessary items.

In order not to have any inconvenience with the photographic captures, take extra batteries and an additional memory card since there will be a great variety of landscapes that you can photograph.

It is very important to have your original passport and/or identity card which will allow you to identify yourself at the checkpoints.
Carry with you health items as needed, such as personal medication in case you follow any treatment, insect repellent, sun block, hand sanitizer, tissues and others that you see fit.

It is necessary to have cash for extra expenses.

In short, this excursion will leave you breathless for everything it offers and is waiting for you when you decide to do it. Peru Grand Travel authorized operator of this trekking route invites you to discover this new adventure.

INTERESTED IN DOING THIS TREK? EXPLORE HERE ALL THE TOURS OF THE SALKANTAY TRAIL

• Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days
• Salkantay Hike + Humantay lake 2 Days

Also known as Salkantay, snowy peak of Peru located in the department of Cuzco; it is one of the main elevations of the Vilcabamba mountain range, an extension of the Eastern Cordillera, mountainous branch of the Peruvian Andes. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It has two snow-capped peaks, known as China Salkantay and Salkantay hembra, separated by a pass that opens into the Santa Ana valley in the province of Urubamba. Both the mountain pass and the river that originates there are called Salkantay. This river pours its waters into the Urubamba on its left bank.

Our travel agency offers the Salkantay Trek, a hike that will take you to Machu Picchu.

From where the name of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain comes from:
The name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from Salga = sullen or wild and Antay produce celajes or avalanches. It is usually preceded by the name Apu, which in Quechua language comes to mean lord, thus defining the great mountains that mean something sacred above the valleys. For example Apu Salkantay in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

The great white Apu. A little bit of stories between ropes and crampons:

The Salkantay is one of the highest mountains in the region of Qosco (Cusco) the highest mountain is the Gran Agusánate with 65 meters above in the Vilcanota mountain range located further south. Nevertheless and without doubt, it is the most grandiose in its splendid isolation and the grandeur of its two-headed mass, with the added bonus of being one of the mountains of this magnificent Andean region that present greater technical problems for all its slopes. This is attested to by the six routes opened to date on the different slopes of this white giant.

Its conquest dates back to 1952 by the Swiss team composed of Bronimann and Marx.

This first ascent, like so many others in the history of mountaineering, is involved in several contradictions, since a few days later it was climbed again by a French-American expedition that included the well-known and relevant mountaineer of the time, Claude Kogan.

Modern statistics give the merit of being the first woman on the summit to the Italian Consuelo Bonaldi who on August 4, 1978 climbed Cresta Este accompanied by G. Marconi, A. Mangononi, F. Nodari, S. Castellani, Augusto Zanotti and M. Quatrinni, evidently this is wrong, since Claude Kogan did it 26 years before.

The summit of Salkantay has two summits, the East and the West, formerly the West, more slender and attractive than the East was slightly higher as it was crowned by a serac. After the passage of time and the collapse of this serac, as noted by the prestigious Pyreneanist Louis Audoubert, the height is practically identical in both summits.

What happened on those two consecutive “first ascents” gave rise to the controversy of which was really the authentic first ascent.

The Swiss ascended in foggy conditions to the East summit (the lowest in those days), the Americans, however, climbed to the West, which was somewhat higher, so that statistics, always implacable, want to deny Bronimman and Marx their absolute first ascent.

As a culmination to cement its well-deserved reputation as a difficult summit, in 1953 it was climbed for the third time by the prestigious Alpine guide Lionel Terray, who together with the Dutchman T. de Booy and the Swiss Raymond Jenny conquered the summit following a route along the North spur, known today as the Terray spur.

Years later a German expedition attempted the summit following the dangerous N.E. ridge which with its overhanging cornices does not favor transit… a relevant team composed by Tony Mazenauer and Fritz Kasparrek (the latter conqueror of the North face of the Eiger) disappeared on this ridge and the expedition had to retreat.

Today there is a plaque under the Palcay pass (the usual base camp for the mountain) and on a visible rocky block, a commemorative plaque of that unfortunate event.

On August 23, 1975 it was the turn of an Australian-New Zealand expedition composed of Peter Jennings, Wayne Barton and Michael Andrews to climb the long and rugged S.E. ridge. This was the ninth ascent to the summit.

Note: There is, in my opinion, a controversy about the paternity of the first ascent of this S.E. ridge, since there is evidence of the previous performance of a powerful group of Japanese who achieved the ascent by this route. Unfortunately the only reference found about this Japanese ascent dates from a magazine Iwa to Yuki, written, of course, in Japanese, so without a translation of the text there is no concrete data.

The West ridge of Salkantay is a route that remains virgin over the years due to the complexity of its route and the remoteness of the traditional points of approach, which requires additional portages based on backpacking.

According to the prestigious Pyreneanist Louis Audoubert, who climbed the summit on the North slope in 1977, the West ridge is feasible, but it will certainly be a problem to solve at the Andean level.

This ridge was attempted in 1975 by a group of Catalan climbers from Mataró composed of Manuel Punsola y Mitjans, Miquel Sala y Roy, Xavier Varela y Pinart, Ramón Armengol y Carbó, Antoni Sors y Farre, Antoni Rosa y Olivera and Vicente Aris y Julta.

On August 5, 1975, three members of this expedition approached the ridge by an additional buttress on the North slope that had been previously recognized. They climbed for a good part of the day until they reached a point with two possibilities that seemed unfeasible. The logical one was to approach the ice ridge, which was impossible given the lack of material resources. The other option would be to flank the slopes of the ridge to look for the col between the two summits of Salkantay.

At a certain point of this great flanking, which they calculate will take a whole day, they decide to abandon because of the large number of avalanches that detach from the ridge and that evidently are an objective danger of the first order. The Catalan Andinists consider that the difficulties up to this point have not been important and not dangerous, but departing from the obvious route of the ridge, which would require greater human and material equipment, notoriously increases the risk.

Coming from Mollepata the first vision that we will have of the Salkantay is on its overwhelming south face an enormous wall that closes the bottom of the valley with its vertical seracs hanging on enormous rocky spurs, this wall could not stop attracting the attention of those that try to complicate the life a little bit for pure personal satisfaction, thus in 1970 a powerful group of Germans of the DAV of Munich composed by Walter Welsh, J. Vogt, H.Koebrich, H.Haver and M.Olzowy made a meritorious attempt on the left side of the wall leaving quite high on the ridge that descends the West summit of Salkantay.

In 1986 an English group led by J.Lowe managed a new route on this slope attacking the rocky base to the right of the German attempt in 1970. Once they gained the snow zone they continued on a slight diagonal to the right until they reached the East summit of the mountain.

In spite of being a little frequented mountain in 1978 it received the visit of five expeditions in the short period of two months. On June 15, 1978 a powerful Slovenian expedition of the Planinska Zveza, composed by Libor Anderle, Zoran Breslin, Marjan Brisar, Edi Torkar, Jure Zvan and Jure Ulcar, accompanied by the doctor Borut Pirc and Matjaz Derzaj as coordinator opened in a week of exploration and climbing an intelligent route on the East face of the mountain, the Slovenian route that without detracting in difficulty is the most feasible option to try to reach the summit successfully.

The second ascent of this route was made by the Mexican Roberto Morales Puebla and a companion on June 17, 1978 and the third by the Basques from San Sebastián, Íñígo and Jesús Mª Barandiarán, José Luís Conde and Jesús Mª Rodríguez accompanied by Alberto Cabezón and José Antonio Fernández de Aranguiz on July 3 of the same year, constituting the first ascent by mountaineers from Spain.

The Salkantay has been visited by climbers from all over the world, French, Swiss, North Americans, New Zealanders, Poles, Austrians, Germans, Mexicans, Slovenians, Spaniards (Asturians, Basques, Andalusians, Catalans)… that have crossed its always steep slopes… some lived the light of the reward of the summit… others, a great majority, had to retire when the occasion of triumph escaped between the overhanging cornices.

Location of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain:

The Salkantay Route, also known as the “New Inca Trail”, is located north of the city of Cusco, following the Cusco – Limatambo – Abancay – Lima highway, making a detour past Limatambo until reaching Mollepata.

Climate of Salkantay:

It is very sunny during the day, but bitterly cold at night. The temperature drops below 0°C at night during the months of June to September. In the season from December to March it is very rainy, which is why it is not recommended to go during these dates.

The best time for the weather to do this hike is during the months of March to September.

Altitude of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain hike

This hike reaches an altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level at its highest point on the slopes of the snowy Salkantay. Enter to Ausangate Snowy Trek 5D to do this trekking.

How to get to Salkantay

The buses from Cusco to Mollepata leave very early 4 Am to 5 Am and pass through Limatambo, from Mollepata is where the hike to the snowy Salkantay begins, after going up a high pass it is possible to have an impressive pyramidal view of Salkantay, one of the most beautiful snowy peaks of Cusco.

From Mollepata itself it takes two days to descend to Huayllabamba and join the second day of the Inca Trail.

What you will see on the trail

On the way you will see herds of cattle and sheep, orchids, bears with glasses, medicinal plants of the Inca eponca, small variety of birds, fruit trees such as orange, papaya, bananas, etc..

Note: The spectacled eye to see it you have to have a little luck.

Recommendations:

It is very important that the traveler. It is very important that the traveler carries his original passport for the respective controls.

RECOMMENDED MONTHS TO TRAVEL

• March: (some rain)
• April to October: (optimal travel)
• October to November: (a little rain)
• December to February: (a lot of rain)

This ancient Inca city is one of Peru’s most precious treasures. It was built in the mid-fifteenth century and is believed to have been one of the residences of the ninth Inca of Tahuantinsuyo, Pachacutec, although it also contains the remains of a sanctuary. Its name means old mountain, and alludes to the place where it is located, about 2453 meters above sea level, in a rocky premonitory between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. It is frequent that during the ascent travelers feel altitude sickness.

Currently, this Inca jewel is one of the country’s tourist attractions. Travelers come to Aguas Calientes to start the Inca route that Hiram Bingham, the Yale professor, popularized in the early twentieth century. The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven new wonders of the modern world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU?

We can visit Machu Picchu and Cusco at any time of the year but in the rainy season there are less crowds and the visit can be more enjoyable. Keep in mind that the high season in Machu Picchu is from July to August as it has the best weather for traveling, but they are also the most expensive months.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN MACHU PICCHU

Altitude sickness or soroche, as it is popularly known, is the main problem for travelers going to Cuzco for the first time. The effects vary greatly from one person to another, and it does not matter how fit you are. It is recommended that the first day you take it easy, walk softly and slowly. Start the day drinking coca tea and take this drink whenever you can and have on hand some coca candies that are sold in the city.

CURRENCY IN PERU

The Peruvian currency is the Sol. The exchange rate is 1 dollar for 3.22 soles. You can check the current exchange rate at xe.com You can pay in many places with your credit card and they also accept dollars but they will give you the exchange rate of the day which may vary depending on the place.

SAFETY

It is advisable to walk with caution and not neglect our belongings to avoid theft.

FOOD

Food is cheap and good everywhere. If you are in Cusco be sure to visit the Central Market where you can have breakfast for less than 2 dollars and they are very good. Always check that the restaurant you are going to eat at is clean and crowded. The approximate cost per day to eat in Cusco and surroundings is from USD 10.

HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU?

Once you are in Cuzco you have to go to the citadel of Machu Picchu, to get there you will pass through Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

TRAIN

The most used and touristic option to get to Aguas Calientes is the train. There are companies like Peru Rail or Inka Rail that make the trip Cusco – Aguas Calientes in 3 or 4 hours. The round trip price is around USD 150, depending on the type of wagon and how far in advance you buy it.

INCA TRAILS

Another well-known option to get to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail. In the case of this trail, you arrive directly to the citadel, without passing through Aguas Calientes. Although the return is by train from that town. It is a road where you have to be well prepared physically because it has a duration of four days. The Inca Trail must be booked several months in advance (about 6 months) and its cost is more than USD 450.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

I know that there is a cheaper but quite tedious alternative route that I have not yet experienced so I can not detail this information but it consists of going by bus from Cusco to Santa Maria. The trip takes eight hours. From there continue by cab or combi to Santa Teresa for an hour. Then continue to the hydroelectric plant (15 minutes). And finally walk 10 km for almost 3 to 4 hours following the train track to Aguas Calientes.

ENTRANCE TO MACHU PICCHU

Prices vary depending on whether you are Peruvian, from the Andean community, student or foreigner. See all the options here. There are three different types of entrance fees:

• Citadel only
• Citadel + Huayna Picchu
• Citadel + Machu Picchu mountain

There are 2,500 tickets per day for the citadel. They can be purchased upon arrival in Cusco, in Aguas Calientes or online. Please note that the other two options that include the mountains, there are only 400 tickets per day, and they sell out quickly via internet, so buy early.

Machu Picchu Tickets are very important to book in advance especially if you are visit in the high season which is from april to september