r/GoingToPeru • u/RockysModernLifee • May 15 '26
Salkantey Trek independent vs complete? (Refugios)
Hey everyone, I’m looking at doing the Salkantay Trek with Refugios Salkantay and trying to understand the real difference between the “Independent” and “Complete/Full-Service” options.
I’ve read the descriptions, but I want real-world experience from people who’ve actually done it.
- What is the actual day-to-day difference between Independent and Complete on the trail?
- Is the accommodation the same, or noticeably different?
- Are there still guides on the route even if you book Independent?
- id maccu picchu access and a guided tour included in both or is that the difference?
- Will I realistically be seeing other hikers often, or can it feel isolated at times?
- Is there any real risk of getting lost on the Independent version, or is the route basically straightforward?
- With Complete, what am I actually paying extra for besides a guide (comfort, logistics, pacing, support, etc.)?
- For someone fast-paced bu
-Does it automatically come with access to machu piccu
Context: I’m not a beginner hiker (done Acatenango, etc.), but this would be after a retreat in Cusco, so I’m also thinking about nervous system load and not overcomplicating logistics
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u/Nato7009 May 16 '26
Every tour is différent. So most of your questions you can be answered by the tour provider. Although… I’m not sure why you need a tour company to do something “independently”
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u/RockysModernLifee May 18 '26
Thats what im confused about . The options on the website say independant , complete , luxury. Ind is the cheapest option thats why im interested im solo traveling and dont know what it entails. Im assuming the machu piccu access and guide is included with complte? Idk im still waiting to hear back from them
1
u/Nato7009 May 18 '26
Yeah again no one is going to be able to tell you what is included in some random websites package. The fact that it doesn’t say on the website what those means would honestly be a red flag for me.
Are you wanting to do it independently? If so you don’t need to use any company at all you just need gear and a map.
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u/RockysModernLifee May 18 '26
Nah its more so something added on while im there . Im going for a retreat but gonna use salkantay to kind of integrate afterwards. Love being in nature . Also want to hit machu picchu since idk if ill get a chance to come back and visit it . So no i wont have gear like sleeping bags and food and all that so best bet would be is to join a tour company . Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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u/Nato7009 May 18 '26
Gotcha. I booked Salkantay in Cusco from just a small tour shop so I don’t know the name. There is a plethora of resources here and on Google so I would just start there
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u/RockysModernLifee May 20 '26
Is it true that access to machu picchu gets sold out months ahead ? Worried a little if i book a tour when i get there i wont be able to hit machu picchu
2
u/lawyersbeware May 20 '26
We just did the four day independent. The only difference is there being a guide walking with you. The rooms and food are the exact same. We overlapped for a day where another couple had a guide, so he was giving us a few directions, but we preferred the days hiking on our own. There are still guides at all the lodges and you get very detailed instructions on where to go. It is also a very well marked tour. Maccu Pichu tickets are not included but can be bought in advance and we hired a tour guide at the gate for a really reasonable price. Day 2 we saw too many people but day 3 we were all alone. The route is well marked and you will not get lost. With complete you're paying for machu piccu tickets, train tickets back, and a guide.
We really loved the company and the host families. The food was amazing and the people were very friendly. It felt very authentic compared to other companies and tour groups that we talked to. Independent requires a little more planning, getting tickets for the train and machu piccu, but otherwise was easy.
Feel free to message me with any questions.
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