1

You do not need a permit for the Salkantay trail - only for the Inca Trail. We booked very close to our departure date and had no problem. We had actually tried to do the Inca Trail, but didn't realize about the permit issue so the company we used suggested Salkantay to us. It was amazing...many told us that the trek is actually more beautiful than the Inca trail. Whether it was or not, it was amazing. I wouldn't wait until you get to Cusco though because its hard to tell the good companies from the bad. Our group was amazing - but you can tell that some of the other companies on the trek do not take such good care of the hikers and are pretty terrible to their porters. We met some people on the trek that were really unhappy - they were the only english speakers in their group - they put them in a group with all Brazilian tourists and the group couldn't communicate. They began trekking most of the time with us.

Just look at different reviews - we used Alpaca Expeditions who were excellent - but there are lots of good ones. Just don't wait until Cusco.

2

One way to avoid problems with the quality of the hikes, is to set up a private hike. Many operators will do it with as few as 2 people. Should include licensed, English-speaking guide, porter service, equipment, all meals and entry fees to Machu Picchu, guided tour of the ruins and train back to Cusco.

If the price is too cheap, it may be because the porters are being underpaid or the quality of the food is cheap. Operators who do private tours, usually want their customers to be happy and exhilarated by their experience.

I set up a private hike on the Inca Trail with a few friends. It was spectacular and worth every penny.

Enjoy!

3

You wont have a problem with the Salkantay and finding a group. However, as its July and peak season for hiking and visits to Machu Picchu - tickets to the ancient city sometimes sell out. You can try to get around this by buying a ticket ahead (if you know the date you are going to be there).

Note: you also need to purchase Huayna Picchu tickets online with your M.P entry ticket. These always sell out.

4

Agree with Trent84, buy the admission ticket to Machu Picchu online @ www.machupicchu.org
You don't need to book the trek in advance, especially not during high season and paying more doesn't necessarily mean the porters will be better treated, that's complete nonsense.
A private hike will cost you much more than in a group of 10 - 15.
If you have already booked a hotel ask them to quote you the trek, you can book the Salkantay trek from around 200 USD. A friend of mine did the trek last year in October for 195 USD and everything was fine.

5

Well, everyone has different taste in services. Of course if you pay $195 you will receive that class of service. People with money want better services and not so many people around. So you get what you pay for. That is why they have cheap, middle class and high class. You choose.

6

People with money.
Whatever you pay you walk the same trail and many travel agencies charging 400 USD or even more also have groups of 10 - 15.

7

I payed 200 dollars for a Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu. A danish couple paid 500 dollars each. We all got the exact same treatment.

If you want five star luxury, sure go the SAS groups which charge that much. But even if you pay 200 USD you still get quality.

8

Thanks for all your insight! I think I will be following trent84 and InkaKola. What's luxury when your hiking, I don't even expect shower facilities :)
Just a further question. I went on the website that InkaKola recommended to purchase admission tickets but couldn't find the link on the site, only tours! If you could please narrow it down for me, I would appreciate it.
Thanks again!

9

Ignore my last question :)
Thank you so much!!

10

Also, most hostels/hotels will be able to book most tours for you too (and it will cost the same about 200 bucks). Our jungle trail, each place had a shower (2 cold, 1 hot) and toilets. You will also be amazed at the decent food and portions you receive.

Try machupicchu.gob.pe