Overview
At Peru By Locals, we pride ourselves on our ability to create unique and challenging itineraries for our tours, providing a trekking experience a little different from the other tour companies that operate out of Cusco. Combining the Salkantay and Inca Trail treks is the perfect multi-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Of all the trails that cut their way through the majestic Andean mountains, the names of the Salkantay and Classic Inca Trails are by far the most famous, and for good reason. Each of these trails climbs to breathtaking mountain passes, stops by ancient Inca settlements, winds through remote Andean communities, and passes through unique flora and fauna only found in this terrain. From barren snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests, the ecosystems change as often as we change altitude, just one of the reasons this hike is so special!
Hiking for a week, we spend roughly more than half of this time on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, arguably one of the most famous and most popular multi-day hikes in the world. With permits now limited to roughly 200 tourists per day, the privilege of walking in the footsteps of Incan pilgrims to their spiritual citadel at Machu Picchu often requires booking up to a year in advance. Of course, the trail concludes at the jewel in the Peruvian crown, the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, named one of the “New Wonders of the World” in 2000.
But this trek is not all about Machu Picchu. Making a couple of climbs to passes above 4,900m (16,096 feet), we will be consistently rewarded with spectacular 360-degree vistas of the Andes. We will visit some of the best-preserved and most spectacular Inca ruins in the region, where our specialized guides will provide commentary on the history of the sites. We will take exciting train journeys that carve along the lush valley floor, providing yet another perspective on the mountain scenery. And we will camp in some of the most beautiful and remote locations in the area. Far from the crowds and the lights of the nearest city, the skies in the Andes are a wonder all to themselves, and the display of constellations and shooting stars is truly mesmerizing. The last night of our tour will also be spent in a comfortable hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, and we will enjoy a group dinner at the finest restaurant in town. Perfect preparation for our pre-dawn start for Machu Picchu!
This level of reward does not come without effort, though. This is a challenging multi-day hike, most of which will be at high altitudes, and we recommend it only for people with a good level of basic fitness. If you want to check in with us on your level of fitness and whether this tour is suitable, please just send us an email. We will be happy to help.
So if you are looking for a challenging, unique, spectacular adventure in Peru, then join the best trekking team at Peru By Locals for this unforgettable 7-day trek!
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SALKANTAY TREK + INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
- Trek with our passionate and professionally trained local guides who enjoy hiking as much as you do and have guided trips to Machu Picchu more than 1,000 times.
- Enjoy our premier camping equipment every night.
- Savor the Peruvian cuisine brought by our chefs to the mountains. They are trained whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or kosher, and if you have any special requests, they will be ready to make you happy with the food, all made from scratch.
- Experience the vistas of the high-altitude mountains covered in snow and the tropical jungle with coffee plantations, bananas, and more.
- Enjoy one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes town after the trek.
- Be awakened by our chef with a cup of coffee in tents.
The scenic train ride back to Cusco marks an amazing end to your trip.
Details
- Type of tour: Historical, guided trip, train ride, trekking, camping, hotel-based.
- Distance covered: 77 km (48 miles)
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Lowest elevation: 2,400 m (7,880 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,900 m (16,076 feet)
- Level of difficulty (1 to 10): 7 to 8 (10 being impossible)
Group size: Our hiking group sizes are very important to guarantee the quality of our service by providing you with personalized service. That is the reason we keep our groups with an average of 2 to 5 hikers.
Could you imagine trying to hike silently along an isolated trail, carefully not disturbing shy wildlife, with 15 or 20 other travelers? Or walking in a remote area to explore the pristine wilderness with dozens of other tourists at your side? We know meaningful nature encounters must be undertaken in small groups, which also makes the trip flexible.
Accommodation: This trek includes 3 nights in tents and one night at a hotel. If you are a solo traveler, let us know so we can accommodate someone else, or we will just bring a private tent for you upon request.
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who has been guiding treks since 2014 and has been to Machu Picchu over 1,000 times. He started as a porter on the Inca Trail, then went to university for a tourism degree. Now, Peru By Locals has a group of top guides, both men and women, who have professional degrees and receive refresher training every year. These folks are WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDERS since our treks go into the wilderness and your health is our priority on our trips. Our guides are totally trained to assist with any of your needs while you are on vacation. We invest in our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or Sacred Valley upon your request. You will need to fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete Cusco Airport, which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100%. When you book your hike or take any tour package, you go with us; we don’t rearrange tours. We depart every day, year-round, with group sizes ranging from 2 to 8 people on average, which allows us to provide you with personalized service.
We take bookings year-round, and this hike needs to be booked at least a couple of months in advance because it requires Machu Picchu permits. So, when you are ready, join us and reach out to us with any questions via our 24/7 number +51 989585967 or email us at info@perubylocals.com.
Itinerary
DAY 0: BRIEFING
At PBL, we believe it’s important that all of our clients have the opportunity to ask questions about the Salkantay + Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (the itinerary, the challenges, what to bring, etc.) before we start. At a pre-arranged time, your guide will provide a full pre-trek briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before the start of the trek. A Peru by Locals representative will also be available at the briefing to collect any outstanding cash balance for the tour.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAYPAMPA
Early morning transport to Soraypampa. Along the way, a short stop at the town called Mollepata to get last-minute supplies and sit down for a nice cup of coffee in one of the local restaurants. At about 9:00 am, we continue. Our trek begins towards the turquoise lake of Huamantay.
The trail begins with a gradual uphill for 1.5 hours to the breathtaking colored lake of Huamantay. After a good time here, we will get back down to Soraypampa for lunch. The afternoon hike is about 2 more hours on the gradual trail near the base of the tallest mountain in the area, called Salkantay, which offers us a spectacular view.
- Distance covered: 12 km (7.4 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,550 m (11,647 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,200 m (13,779 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
DAY 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – INCA CHIRISQA – CANAL INKA
Today, we will climb up to the highest pass called Inca Chiriasca for about 2 hours with amazing views of Humantay and Salkantay mountains. This climb will be slow since the trail is uphill and high. After conquering the highest point of the trek, you will have some time here to celebrate and rest at this beautiful place.
After a delicious lunch followed by a nap, we will descend for one and a half hours through the valley to our campsite at 4,000 m (13,200 feet), which is called Canal Inca.
- Distance covered: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Lowest elevation: 4,200 m (13,779 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,900 m (16,076 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
DAY 3: PAMPACAWANA – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA
Today we hike down through a lush valley for about three hours towards the first Inca site in the trek called Paucarcancha (3,150 m / 10,335 ft), where you’ll stop for a history lesson given by our guide. Then we hike further down for thirty minutes to Wayllabamba, where a delicious lunch waits for you and where we’ll also join the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Here is where we change our crew. We leave the horses and join our local guides who will carry all the equipment to the end of our trek. The last section of the trek will be two hours up towards the campsite through cloud forest.
- Distance covered: 12 km (7.4 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,000 m (9,842 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AYAPATA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – CHAQUICOCHA
The morning begins very early at 5:00 am with a nice cup of coca tea in your tent. Today is especially demanding because of the altitude and long walk. After four hours of trekking up, we will reach the Dead Woman’s Pass or WAMIWAÑUSQA (4,215 m / 13,780 ft). From here, we descend to the lunch spot at Paqaymayo (3,650 m / 11,975 ft).
In the afternoon, we have four more hours of trekking, half of the way up and half of the way down. In between, there are two Incan sites that we will have the chance to visit and learn about each of them (Runcuraqay and Sayaqmarca).
- Distance covered: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,590 m (11,778 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,200 m (13,800 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
DAY 5: CHAQUICCOCHA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today’s trek goes towards the Phuyupatamarca Incan archaeological site, where we stop for a short period of time to explore the ruins. Afterwards, we hike downhill for about three hours to WIÑAYHUAYNA, the site with the most magnificent Inca ruins along the Inca Trail and probably the most beautiful ones. After the final lunch in our trek, we only have two more hours until our adventure ends at the most sacred place that the Incas built, Machu Picchu. Here we catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night at a hotel.
- Distance covered: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2,400 m (7,874 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3,700 m (12,139 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 6: MACHU PICCHU TOUR
We will take an early bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to watch the spectacular sunrise over one of the most amazing places on Earth. Be prepared for a flood of emotions and goosebumps at the very least, as you gaze at the ancient city of Machu Picchu! We will visit the lost city of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
If you are brave and fit enough, you can hike up the steep Huayna Picchu mountain. When you are ready to leave, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes town to collect and enjoy the last lunch at a restaurant. Your trek will be capped by a great train ride back to Cusco.
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transport to and from your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals (5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners). Our meals are based on fresh vegetables, meat, fruit, and grains.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, tables, etc.).
- Chef who will be making all meals from scratch.
- Boiled drinking water. There are no places to refill bottles, so you will need to bring canteens or camelback bags for our chef to refill when you need it.
- Trekking guide, knowledgeable in history, tradition, fauna, and flora. Most importantly, they have certification in WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDERS.
- First Aid Kit, carried by your guide.
- Camping gear (sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, air mattresses).
- Duffle bag for your personal belongings to be carried by the horses. You have access to a 17-pound (8 kg) bag for the horse where you can put your personal belongings for camp, sleeping clothes, sleeping bag, etc.
- Round-trip bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town.
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
- One-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes town.
- We will have hiking snacks available every morning to pack.
- Porters for the Inca Trail section.
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Sleeping bag (can be rented for US$20). Our sleeping bags are washed after each use.
- Dinner on Day 4. Since you will be back in Cusco around 6 pm, you can pick a restaurant at your leisure.
- Gratuities for the guide, cooks, and horse riders. A recommended 15% of the total cost of the trek. More details on how it works can be provided by email or call if needed.
Packing list
- Original passport: Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be the current one. If you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both (the one you used for booking your trip and the new one). The information you provided at the time of your booking must match your tickets on the Classic Inca Trail.
- Sleeping bag: Recommended at least 5°F (If you don’t have one, you can rent from us for $20).
- Good hiking shoes: They should already be broken in. If you have acquired new ones, make sure to break them in before you come. They should be comfortable for your feet and possibly have ankle support.
- Down warm fleece: The jacket should be warm enough for the nights and windbreaker-resistant.
- Few t-shirts: Made for hiking. As you will sweat a lot, you may consider bringing at least 3 or 4 of them—one for the hike, one for the night, and one clean for Machu Picchu.
- Socks: Bring at least 3 pairs.
- Sun hat: As some days can be hot and sunny, we recommend bringing a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face.
- Light long pants: Trekking pants are the best—especially those that you can zip off the legs, plus they dry fast.
- Clothes for sleeping: Warm long underwear; you can use your fleece to sleep in, and you may consider bringing gloves, especially for the campsite.
- Head lamp: All the camps are dark, so you will need to bring headlamps for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night.
- Sunscreen: SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses:
- Trekking poles: They are very helpful and can reduce the strain on your body by up to 30%. A pair is recommended per person. If you don’t have any but want to have them on your treks, you can rent them from us as well—a pair costs US$10 for the four days of hiking.
- Camera: With spare batteries or phones to take great pictures. (Batteries run down faster at high altitudes.)
- Bug repellent: There are mosquitoes all year round, so make sure you pack your bug repellent.
- Water bottle: Machu Picchu National Park does not allow plastic bottles. Please make sure you have a Nalgene bottle or camelback bag. Before we leave the hotel in Cusco, make sure you have filled up your water bottle for the first day, then you will be able to get more from us whenever you need it.
- Toiletries:
- Prescription medicines: Please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking.
- Food restrictions: If you have any allergies or preferences, make sure you add them in the booking form.
- Book to read: You will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book or those that are about Machu Picchu that may make your journey more interesting. (The following books are recommended by us: Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie, Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams)
Important information
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day before the trek starts, your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk, so we recommend you book a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? HOW CHALLENGING IS IT?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 57 km (35.4 miles) on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections. Day 1 is the most challenging for most people because of the elevation and the rest of the trail is moderate.
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TREK?
This trek does not require an advance permit, but it includes Machu Picchu, so we recommend booking at least a month in advance. This gives us a good amount of time to put everything together for you to enjoy with no worries.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable, and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high-altitude alpine conditions to tropical jungle. During a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F). However, on the second day, the weather is very unpredictable, and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C to 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but there are also several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically, at noon, the temperatures can reach 23°C (73°F), the annual highest temperature.
WHAT DO HORSES CARRY FOR ME?
You only carry a day-pack with everything you may need for a day’s hike (water bottle, rain gear, cameras, snacks). Horses carry the rest of your extra baggage and will meet you upon arrival at the next stop. You will be allowed to put up to 8 kg (17 pounds), which may include a sleeping bag (1.5 kg / 3.3 pounds), a sleeping pad (1 kg / 2 pounds), and extra clothes for the night such as long warm underwear, warm fleece, and others.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET INJURED OR GET SICK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TREK?
In cases of emergencies or medical problems, we follow a detailed medical protocol. All our guides have Wilderness First Aid certifications and carry a first aid kit, portable oxygen, and radios at all times. If you get sick, for example, with altitude sickness that does not allow you to continue, you may need to return with one of our porters to the beginning of the trek and take the train to Machu Picchu, where you can meet us for the tour.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICAL SITUATION?
There is no electricity while you are on the trek – that is why we recommend that you bring extra batteries for your camera if you are considering taking lots of pictures, or bring an extra portable charger if you plan to use your phone a lot. Additionally, all the camps are dark, so you will need to bring headlamps for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night.
WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT ON THE TREK?
Our meals are based on organic food, and we pack fresh vegetables from the beginning.
Your lunch will be based on quinoa, pasta, vegetable soup, and the main course usually includes a small version of a buffet with rice, potatoes, white or red meat, and salad such as avocado.
Dinner is usually similar but comes with dessert.
Breakfast is based on eggs, omelets, pancakes, bread, cereals, oatmeal, and drinks. You will be very well-fed and may just want to pack very few snacks with you because we will even give you snacks such as fruit and a cookie for the way.
Note: We have options for vegetarians or vegans too – at the time of your booking, please advise us so we know what to make for you on the trek.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE TREK TO ADJUST TO THE ALTITUDE?
The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes one to three days at any given altitude. Cusco is at an elevation of 3,400 meters / 11,154 feet, so spending at least two days before any trek will help you a lot. You may also consider taking altitude pills. We often recommend DIAMOX or Acetazolamide to our clients, which are used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headaches, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet / 3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations when you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to prevent altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours during the climb to allow the body to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy during the first 1 to 2 days. (Regarding any specific medications, please check about side effects, precautions, interactions, or overdose, or ask for advice from your doctor.)
DO I NEED TO BRING MONEY ON THE TREK?
You should consider bringing money, as you may want to buy bottled water, snacks, Gatorade, beer, etc., from locals that live along the way, especially on day one. Additionally, if you are thinking of giving appreciations or tips to the porters and guides.
The last lunch at Aguas Calientes is not included, so you will need money for that as well. We recommend you bring soles rather than dollars; there are banks and exchange offices in Cusco where you can change any type of currency.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN MEDICINE OR FIRST AID?
Your guide will have a first aid kit at all times while you are on the trek, which includes some painkillers, bandages, small bandages to prevent blisters, an oxygen tank, pills for the case of diarrhea, and similar items. At any time during the trek, please feel free to ask for anything you may need. However, if you need any special medication or have a special medical condition, please contact your doctor to get the best advice before the trek.
CAN I RENT A SLEEPING BAG FROM YOU? WHAT TYPE SHOULD I BRING?
We rent sleeping bags that are specially designed for cold temperatures on the treks, and we offer sleeping bags for up to 5 °F = -15 °C. At the time you book your trek with us, you should request a sleeping bag if you need one, as it won’t be possible to rent one on-site.
If you have one, make sure it is down-filled and rated for temperatures up to 5 °F = -15 °C, or even better, made for colder temperatures than that – you don’t want to be cold.
HOW BIG WILL MY GROUP BE?
We are specialized in both small and large groups, but we prefer small groups because that way our clients get personalized service, especially when you encounter lots of things on treks, such as Incan sites, flowers, flora, and fauna. Your guide spends ample time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our groups on treks to up to 8 people.
Of course, if any situation requires more than 8 people in a group, that is not a problem for us at all. For example, a group of friends or family that is more than 8, we are happy to have them in a single group.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE TREK?
You will be provided with boiled drinking water from day 1 to the end of your trek. However, make sure you have enough water for the first day (you can also purchase it on the way to the beginning of your trek). People usually drink about one and a half liters of water per day, some even more, so you need to bring water bottles for the first day to refill them. We recommend you bring Nalgene water bottles or camelback bags so that we can reduce waste. You will encounter locals selling bottled water along the way, but not everyone is responsible; many people litter, which is sad. We need to take care of our home and nature – that is why we recommend you refill your bottles when you can. Thank you for being part of our green home.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
On the Inca Trail, there is no minimum age or limit. Any person who is prepared for trekking can do it. The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, so there is a requirement to be fit. That is why everyone considering trekking the Inca Trail should have a certain level of fitness – you don’t want to give up in the middle of the trek, as the Inca Trail is not like walking in a park, but it is also not impossible.
WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?
You will be back in Cusco around 5 pm after the trek. If for any reason you have to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please advise us at the time of your booking or at least one month before your trek begins, as we have to buy you the train ticket for the specified trains.
SHOULD I HAVE TO BOOK WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN IN ADVANCE?
The Wayna Picchu mountain has a limit of permits up to 400 per day, which is divided into two groups – the first group from 7 am to 8 am and the second one from 10 am to 11 am. We recommend that you book it in advance, especially for the dry season or high season that runs from April to August. Consider booking it 2 or 3 months in advance and email us for availability.
WHAT IS THE TOILET SITUATION LIKE ON THE TREK? SHOULD I BRING MY OWN TOILET PAPER?
We will provide you with a portable private toilet tent, especially for day one, since there are no public toilets. Afterwards, you will be able to use proper toilets. In the case of toilet paper, you will need to bring your own. We recommend one roll for every two people, but in case you need extra, your cook will have additional rolls for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask for them, as we are always prepared for any emergency.
DO I NEED WALKING POLES?
Walking poles are recommended for everybody; they will help you a lot both downhill and uphill. Our expert guides say that they can reduce the strain on your body by up to 30%, and a pair of them is recommended per person.
If you don’t have any but want to have them on your treks, you can rent them from us as well—a pair costs US$15 for the four days.
HOW BIG SHOULD MY DAY BACKPACK BE?
A 30-liter backpack will be big enough to carry your belongings such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes.
HOW BIG ARE THE SLEEPING TENTS? HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN THEM?
Our tents are for 4 seasons and each one is designed for 3 people, but we use them for 2 (2.30 m length / 0.90 m width).
Please email us if you are a solo traveler, whether you want to share a tent or have a tent to yourself.
IS THERE ANY PLACE TO WASH MYSELF? ARE THERE SHOWERS?
This does not offer showers, but on nights 2 and 3, you will have a chance to return to hot showers at the campsites we will be staying at, as they belong to local families.
IS THERE A PHONE SIGNAL?
There is a signal on day one until noon and on day four from lunch.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE WITH A CREDIT CARD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We take the remaining balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees. Of course, you can use PayPal or a credit card, but you will need to pay fees that are usually over 4.5%.
On the day of your briefing when your guide meets you, one of the representatives will also meet you to collect the remaining balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian Sol is the currency of Peru and usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 Soles to 1 US Dollar.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru, and about 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (the Inca language). Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours, and we cater to your interests when we plan your tour.
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members who have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff at Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protecting our environment.
- We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and school equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of those in need.
- Our trips are carefully designed to meet your needs, and we create diverse and unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks, and all the tours. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes worry-free trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru Small Group Specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, and like history or photography for all ages, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family.
Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Price
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Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail 6D/5N | Peru by Locals

At Peru By Locals, we pride ourselves on our ability to create unique and challenging itineraries for our tours, providing a trekking experience a little different from the other tour companies that operate out of Cusco. Combining the Salkantay and Inca Trail treks is the perfect multi-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Product Brand: Peru by Locals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 1230
Product In Stock: InStock
5
GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important. We run tours with 2 to 8 people per group, and we open any tour dates with 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences, so you can take advantage of your valid time.
Accommodations
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To ensure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the remaining balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date probably won’t be changed later.
- This is a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as the private service.
- If for any reason one of you or others can’t continue the tour, the tour will go as planned from the beginning to the end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service can start from 1 person up to any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels.
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To ensure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the remaining balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater to your needs with flexibility.
- Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
- This is a great option to spend time with your parents, family, and friends, or to travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.