Can I hike it alone?

Yes. Many do. It's no problem during high season.

There is a fair chance you will join up with other hikers on the same route.

Be sure to bring an emergency whistle if you do hike solo. You can alert help quickly if you sprain an ankle. Never side trip alone.

In Cuzco, post a note with your e-mail address at the South American Explorers Club to see if you can find anyone else looking to hike Salcantay.

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Should I join an organized tour? Hire a guide?

We are independent hikers. This website is designed for those who like to organize their own trip.

But no, it is not necessary to join a tour if you have any kind of multi-day hiking experience. Salcantay is not a wilderness hike.

We have seen companies offering different versions of the Salcantay Trek for US$220 - $600. Be cautious with whom you go. Some are very poor. Some do not deliver what they promise. Much depends on the guide you get.

Check the trip reports at South American Explorers for currently recommended guides. We have seen guided tours rated from 1-out-of-10 to 9-out-of-ten by SAE members.

Best to organize this hike on your own, if you can.

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Can I bring children?

Certainly. But only if they have multi-day hiking experience.

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Should I hike Inca Trail instead?

No, we recommend you do the Salcantay independently instead.

Oft heard complaints about the Inca Trail:

• too expensive
• too crowded
• over-regulated
• independent hiking not allowed
• requires 30 day advance booking
• arrives at Machu Picchu too late to see the site empty of tourists

Actually, the cost is only about double that of doing it yourself on the Salcantay. US$220, for example, is a pretty good price for a guided hike.

The 30 day advance requirement is not firm. If you go through a Cuzco tour agency, you might get a place in 7 - 14 days.

Most hikers enjoy the Inca Trail — the most popular hike in South America — despite the restrictions.

The Inca Trail is safer & has less risk of altitude sickness. (Inca Trail high point is 4200m, Salcantay 4700m.)

But Salcantay hikers are happier yet. It is more exciting, more satisfying, to arrange your own trek to Machu Picchu. We like the challenge.

If you do hike the Inca Trail, check Danbury’s guidebook, The Inca Trail, Cusco & Machu Picchu.

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Should I hike Ausangate instead?

If you are a hardcore multi-day hiker, yes.

Ausangate is a 4-6 day circuit, 70+km about 7 hours by bus S.E. of Cuzco. It is a much more spectacular, serious adventure than Salcantay or the Inca Trail.

Consider taking the train both ways to Machu Picchu, saving your hiking days for Ausangate.