I will be going to Machu Picchu this summer and would like to take the Salkantay trek. Many websites now say that this trail has been put under the strict guidelines of the Inca Trail...
So do I now need to get a permit for the Salkantay trail? Many websites that haven't been updated in a while say no, but others seem to suggest that permits are now needed
Also, has anyone done the Salkantay trek to MP? Can u give me the name of a good tour company? Do I need to book this well in advance like the Inca Trail?
Thanks for the help!
Reply to this I did the Salkantay in April 2008. At the end of Day 1, some guy took our passport details and names. Also, on Day 4, before we arrived in Aguas Calientes, another official took our names and passports.
My feeling is that you could walk in on your own and they would let you through, but I can't be certain. It's probably safer if you take a guide. We paid 180 USD each for the trip with Hiking Peru, and it was excellent value as it included all meals, mules to carry our stuff, tents, the guide, one night in a hotel in AC, entrance to MP and the train back to Cusco. Even travelling independently you would struggle to beat that price.
However, i've met others who paid twice of three times as much as that. If you want to keep it cheap don't book till you get to Cusco. You'll need a few days anyway to acclimatise so use the time to see the city and visit a few agencies - you should be able to negotiate a good deal. Unlike the inca trail, there are no limits in terms of daily numbers on the Salkantay trail, while there are so many agencies you'll easily find a tour.
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