FAQs

Useful details to review before booking and preparing for your 4-Day Salkantay Trek with Apple Travel Peru.

Is the 4-Day Salkantay Trek difficult, and how should I train?

Yes, the 4-Day Salkantay Trek is rated as challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. The itinerary covers 45 kilometers (28 miles) total. Day 2 is the most demanding section, covering 18 km (11 miles) as you ascend from 2,900 meters to the high point of the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m (15,256 ft).

• Acclimatization: We strongly recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m / 11,047 ft) before starting the trek to adjust to the elevation and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Training: Practice walking long distances—such as 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) per day on inclined terrain or stairs—in the months leading up to your trek. Consult your doctor before embarking on any demanding activity.
• Pack Weight: You do not need to carry a heavy backpack. Our support horses carry your main luggage (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs), leaving you with only a light daypack to carry on the trail.

What makes Apple Travel Peru’s Salkantay Trek different from standard budget tours?

Unlike high-volume budget operators that group 16 to 25 hikers together in basic camping tents, Apple Travel Peru delivers an exclusive, high-comfort experience:

• Strict Small Groups: Guaranteed maximum of 8 participants (typically 2 to 6 trekkers per group) for personalized attention.
• Glamping Domes & Wellness: Private glamping dome campsites in Soraypampa and Collpapampa featuring raised beds, private biochemical toilets, warm showers, and exclusive access to a mountain sauna and therapeutic hot tubs after Day 2.
• Ethical & Sustainable Operator: 100% locally owned, practicing Leave No Trace principles, eliminating single-use plastics, and paying fair, ethical wages to our Andean cooks, guides, and horsemen.

Which Machu Picchu entry circuit is included in this tour?

Your tour includes the official government-issued entrance permit for Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (or the premier equivalent established by the Ministry of Culture).

Circuit 2 is universally recognized as the most complete and desirable route through the sanctuary, granting access to the iconic upper classic viewpoint, Guardhouse, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and Intihuatana. Because Circuit 2 permits are strictly capped by the government, early booking is essential.

Do I need a trail permit for the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?

No, the Salkantay Trek itself does not require a limited daily permit. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, there are no quotas on the Salkantay trail. However, we must secure your official entrance ticket for Machu Picchu (Circuit 2) and your return train tickets. During the high season (May to September), we recommend booking at least 2 months in advance to secure Circuit 2 access and ideal train departure times.

How cold does it get on the Salkantay Trek, and what should I pack?

Because the trail crosses distinct microclimates, temperatures vary significantly:

• Days 1 & 2 (Alpine Glacial Zone): Very cold. Nighttime temperatures at Soraypampa camp (3,900 m) drop to -5°C (23°F).
• Days 3 & 4 (Subtropical Cloud Forest): Warm and humid, reaching around 20°C (68°F) at Lucmabamba and Collpapampa.
• Seasons: The dry season runs from May to October (clear skies, cold alpine nights). November to April brings cloud forest moisture and rain showers.
• Packing List: Pack in layers, thermal base layer, fleece jacket, down coat, waterproof rain jacket/pants, waterproof gloves, warm beanie, moisture-wicking shirts, and sturdy, broken-in hiking boots.

What is included in the $497 USD tour price?

Our $497 USD group price covers your complete journey with no hidden fees:

• Transport: Door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off (Cusco or Sacred Valley); private transport from Cusco to the Soraypampa trailhead; return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo; transfer from the train station back to your Cusco hotel; round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
• Accommodations: 2 nights in private panoramic glamping domes (Soraypampa & Collpapampa) with sauna and jacuzzi access; 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (e.g., Hotel Fer or equivalent with private bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi, and clean linens).
• Meals & Hydration: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners prepared fresh by our professional mountain chef; daily freshly boiled and cooled drinking water.
• Staff & Equipment: Certified English-speaking guide, 1 professional cook, horsemen team, emergency support horse, horses for carrying up to 7 kg of your personal duffel gear, biochemical toilet tent, emergency oxygen cylinders, and first-aid equipment.
• Entrances: Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2).

How does luggage transport work, and can I store my extra bags in Cusco?

• On the Trail: You only carry a light daypack (20L to 30L) containing daily essentials such as drinking water, extra layers, sunscreen, rain gear, and personal valuables.
• Horse Carry Limit: We provide a specialized duffel bag at your pre-trek briefing. Our horses carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings—including your sleeping bag and evening wear—between campsites.
• Free Luggage Storage: You can leave your main suitacase/luggage safely stored free of charge at our Cusco office (Calle Garcilaso 265, Office 201) or directly at your hotel in Cusco.

What kind of food is served, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Our professional mountain chefs prepare fresh, hot meals daily using regional Peruvian ingredients.

• Breakfasts: Fresh coffee, herbal teas, cooked eggs, pancakes, and fruit.
• Lunches & Dinners: Multi-course soups, fresh meats, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and local specialties.
• Dietary Needs: We fully accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy-restricted diets at no extra charge. Please notify us when submitting your booking form.

Is drinking water provided along the trail?

Yes. Starting from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 4, our culinary crew provides freshly boiled, filtered, and cooled mountain water at every meal stop. You must bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2-liter minimum capacity) to refill. For extra peace of mind while hiking between camps, you may bring personal water purification tablets or a filtered bottle.

How do I book the 4-Day Salkantay Trek, and what information is required?

To book your 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, click BOOK NOW on our homepage or complete our official booking form.

Required Participant Details (for Machu Picchu & Train Permits):

1. Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
2. Gender
3. Passport number
4. Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
5. Nationality
6. A clear digital copy/photo of each participant’s passport

Deposit Requirement:

To confirm your reservation, we require a deposit of $211 USD per person. Deposits can be paid online via VISA or PayPal directly on our booking page.

How and when do I pay the remaining balance?

Your remaining balance is due up to 2 days prior to your trek departure. You can choose between two payment methods:

1. Cash in Cusco (No Merchant Fees): Pay in cash (US Dollars or Peruvian Soles) at our historic center office in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 265, Office 201). Multiple ATMs are located nearby for cash withdrawals.
2. Online Payment (VISA or PayPal): Pay online via VISA or PayPal. Both platforms charge a standard 5.5% service fee. To pay via PayPal, send payments to: appletravelperu@gmail.com.

Can I change my trek date after booking?

No. Once we purchase your official Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entrance ticket and return train tickets, the date cannot be changed, transferred, or refunded under Peruvian government regulations. If you need to change your departure date, new entrance and train tickets must be purchased at your own expense, subject to availability.

Do I need my original physical passport on the trek?

Yes, you must bring your original physical passport. Officials check your passport at the Machu Picchu entrance gates and train boarding stations. The passport you bring on the trail must match the passport used during booking.

If you renew your passport or change your name after booking:

• Option A: Update your permit details with us beforehand for an administrative fee of $25 USD per person (requires copies of both old and new passports).
• Option B: Bring BOTH your old physical passport and your new physical passport on the trek. Without both passports, entry will be denied by government authorities.

How do you handle altitude sickness and safety emergencies?

Altitude sickness (AMS) can affect anyone at high elevations in Cusco (3,350 m) and on the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m).

• Prevention: Rest in Cusco for 2–3 days beforehand, stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and keep a steady pace on Day 1.
• Safety Protocols: All Apple Travel Peru mountain guides are licensed Wilderness First Responder (WFR) professionals. Every group carries digital pulse oximeters, medical first aid kits, and emergency oxygen cylinders.
• Support Horse: An emergency horse is available on Day 1 and Day 2 if you require riding assistance.

What happens if I am unable to finish the Salkantay Trek?

If a health issue or severe altitude sickness prevents you from continuing:

1. Our staff will assist you to the nearest vehicle point for safe transport (typically taken to Ollantaytambo).
2. For respiratory issues, emergency medical oxygen is administered immediately. In extreme medical emergencies, helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense (comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory).
3. Once recovered in Ollantaytambo, you can continue your journey to Aguas Calientes via train (at your own expense) to rejoin the group and visit Machu Picchu as scheduled. Trek fees are non-refundable.

How many people are in a group, and how many cooks/horses support us?

Apple Travel Peru guarantees intimate small-group departures with a maximum of 8 trekkers per group (average size is 2 to 6 people).

Support Staff & Horse Ratios:

Every group is supported by 1 certified guide, 1 professional cook, and 1 lead horseman. The support horse team scales based on group size:

• 2 Trekkers: 4 horses
• 4 Trekkers: 6 horses
• 6 Trekkers: 9 horses
• 8 Trekkers: 12 horses

What are the toilet facilities like on the trek?

• Along the Trail: Community-operated toilet facilities are available along the hiking path for a small fee of 1 Peruvian Sol (please carry loose change).
• At Campsites: Apple Travel Peru provides a private, hygienic biochemical toilet set up inside a dedicated toilet tent at a comfortable distance from your sleeping domes.

What is the difference between the 4-Day and 5-Day Salkantay Trek?

• 4-Day Salkantay Trek: Shorter and faster. On Day 3, you hike from Collpapampa to Lucmabamba, visit the Llactapata Inca ruins, and take the train to Aguas Calientes on the same day.
• 5-Day Salkantay Trek via Llactapata: More relaxed pacing. Day 3 is dedicated to Collpapampa to Lucmabamba with an organic coffee farm tour and relaxation at the Cocalmayo hot springs. Day 4 covers the hike to Llactapata ruins and the jungle walk to Hidroelectrica/Aguas Calientes. Day 5 is dedicated to Machu Picchu.

Are hotel pick-ups and drop-offs included?

Yes! Door-to-door hotel transport is fully included. We pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley on Day 1 and return you directly to your hotel door at the end of Day 4.

What time does the train depart from Aguas Calientes?

Train schedules depend on seasonal availability, but we prioritize giving you maximum time at Machu Picchu and scenic daylight views on the return journey. We typically reserve return train departures at 14:55 or 15:20.

How much is the Vistadome Train upgrade, and what is included?

You can upgrade your return train trip to the Vistadome Panoramic Train for $67 USD per person.

• Vistadome Experience: Features leather seats, panoramic side windows, overhead glass ceiling panels, a light gourmet snack, and an onboard live cultural performance (Saqra Andean dance) with an alpaca fashion show.
• Route: Runs from Aguas Calientes to Poroy station, where our private driver transfers you directly back to your Cusco hotel (approx. 25-minute drive). Please request this upgrade at the time of booking.

What is your tipping policy?

Tipping is completely voluntary and strictly based on the quality of service you receive. While not customary in every country, tipping is an integral part of the tourism industry in Peru and inspires our guides, cooks, and horsemen to deliver exceptional service. Tipping amounts are entirely at your discretion.

How does Apple Travel Peru practice sustainable tourism?

Apple Travel Peru is committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility. We follow strict Leave No Trace principles, eliminate single-use plastic bottles on the trail by boiling water for guests, extensively train our local staff, and ensure our highland cooks and horsemen receive fair, above-market wages.