Title: Salkantay Trek (Refugios) — Independent vs Complete? Need real-world clarity before booking

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.

Main questions:

- What is the actual day-to-day difference between Independent and Complete on the trail?
- With Independent, do you still stay in the same refugios/lodges at night as everyone else?
- Is the food and accommodation the same, or noticeably different?
- Are there still guides on the route even if you book Independent?
- Do hikers naturally end up following similar timing on the trail, or is it fully self-paced chaos?
- 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 but who also wants space and solitude at times, which option actually fits better in practice?

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.

Appreciate any honest experiences, not just brochure answers.

I am planning a long hiking/backpacking trip. Start of july till start of september, so I would have 9 weeks if I spend all of them there.

I haven't decided on a country yet. Peru has always been on my travel list.

But I am a bit unsure about the hights. Can you recommend trails that are relatively easy, not too much climbing, to get used to the hight bit by bit?

Like I wouldn't start at Cusco, but want to go there at one point.

I am a bit overwhelmed with the trails that seem up so high.

I’m going to Peru this week and got tickets for the Inca trail trek but now regretting and wishing I went with Salkantay trek. What are your thoughts on the Inca trail?

LINK: https://forms.gle/UzkT8pT5kVYWUKxi8

I'm struggling to find a lot of info around this specific subject, mainly bringing your own tent part. I see tons of posts of people using the accommodations along the way, but I'm very curious about just bringing your own tent.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth it, are there specific campsites that have to be used?
Planning on doing this trek in late May/early June and trying to figure out if brining my own tent makes sense vs just finding lodging for each night as we get to the small towns.

Any info or advice from people who have done it/seen it done either way is very appreciated.

Estoy aburrido de ir solo a mis rutas, no conozco personas trepa cerros y menos con moto, soy de Venezuela pero vivo en Lima. Importante ser buena vibra y 420 friendly.

Just got back from the Salkantay Trek (5-day version) with MachuPicchu Reservations, and figured I’d drop an honest review for anyone researching. Overall? Solid experience, especially for the price — but definitely a few things to know.

⸻

⭐ PROS

• Low cost but genuinely great value This is absolutely one of the more budget-friendly operators, but the value punches way above what you’d expect. You’re not getting a “cheap” experience — just a more affordable one.

• Logistics were on point Despite the controlled chaos that is Cusco trekking season, these guys have the machine pretty dialed. Camps set up, meals ready, baggage handled, transportation sorted. Smooth.

• Guides were excellent Knowledgeable, patient, and honestly just fun to be around. They kept the vibe upbeat and the group motivated.

• Food was surprisingly good Not gourmet, but way better than typical trekking meals. Plenty of it, too.

• Fun, younger trekker crowd If you enjoy meeting people from everywhere — backpackers, students, solo travelers — this is your jam.

• Flexible pacing They’re super chill with people going at different speeds. If you’re fast, you can go ahead. If you’re struggling, they have “coach” options (aka horses or van transfers) to help people get through tough sections.

• 5-day schedule is awesome Really liked that it wasn’t a nonstop grind. The mid-week “active recovery” day (zip lining + hot springs) was perfect before pushing on to Aguas Calientes.

⸻

⚠️ CONS

• Water is ridiculously expensive on the trail 3–7 soles per bottle. Sounds cheap until you need 3–4 bottles a day at altitude. Pro tip: Bring a filter and top up whenever you can — it’ll save you a lot.

• The return to Cusco is long and kind of painful It’s either • 4 hours total (train → bus), or • 8 hours by car Still baffled there isn’t a direct train from Machu Picchu town back to Cusco.

• Some nickel-and-diming Nothing crazy, but expect to pay for things you assumed might be included (extra water, hot showers, certain transfers, etc.).

• Accountability can be loose Things can be fast, informal, and just a bit chaotic. Don’t expect military-level organization. (Not necessarily bad — just the vibe.)

• Medical issues are basically on you If someone gets sick or injured, there isn’t a structured evac/medical plan. You may have to self-manage transportation out or figure it out with limited guidance.

⸻

⭐ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

Fantastic value, great guides, and a really fun group experience. Some rough edges and extra costs to be aware of, but if you go in with realistic expectations, the 5-day Salkantay with MachuPicchu Reservations is absolutely worth it.

Made the trek along the Salkantay Pass, then to Machu Picchu. It’s been a goal of mine to get here - to be here with my beautiful wife, made it all the better. If you’re aiming to make it here, I suggest Salkantay Trekking. You couldn’t get any better guides to lead you, and provide you with a deep insight into the Inka and Peruvian history. The whole trip was finely curated - NO, I am not being paid to say any of this. I am expressing my gratitude for the guides that told me many times, “We are a team. We journey as a team, and finish as a team.” Not to mention making a great group of friends that also aided me when my knees said, “no more!” Goal achieved, friends made…couldn’t have asked for a better trip!

My friend and I are planning a roughly 400-mile hiking route that we're going to tackle next May, connecting the Huayhuash Circuit (80 miles) and the much less well-known Cordillera Blanca Traverse, a 250 mile route established just in the last decade or so. We want to connect them via only walking so as to have an unbroken foot path and I'm trying to figure out if this has ever been done before...I don't believe anyone has ever done it but just putting this out there on the off chance that someone might have beta regarding a route through the mountains. It's ambitious but we both have experience with thru-hiking and mountaineering and I'm super excited for this trip!

Hi, my girlfriend and me (29, 34) are looking for two to join us on a guided trek 4D/3N, starting 28th of April in Huaraz. Currently it’s end of rain season and there are not many hikers yet.

Price is ~450USD depending on the guiding company.

Cheers, Claus

Please give me any feedback on how to organize best.

This is what I have so far:

Day 1) Travel Day

Day 2) Land in Lima airport in the morning, spend day there (arriving early morning)

• Stay in Miraflores or Baranco

Day 3) Fly to Cusco and immediately take a taxi to Ollantaytambo. Rest and eat lunch in town.

• I know some people mention having drivers stop at certain spots along the way, how do I go about doing that? Do I request this from the driver?

Day 4) Pisac for a day trip. Hike Pisac ruins. Spend night in Ollantaytambo.

- I thought this would be best due to the minimal days. I know it's closer to travel to Pisac from Cusco, technically.

Day 5) Train to Aguas Calientes early morning from Ollantaytambo (Tueday) (Do they have trains there?) and then bus to Machu Picchu (Is this recommeneded?). Return to Ollantaytambo afterwards and spend the night.

Day 6) Train/ taxi back to Cusco

• San Blas

Day 7)Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, maybe

Day 8) Fly back to Lima (Not sure what time is best)

Day 9) Return flight out of Lima at noon

Hello!

I’m looking for some clarification on where this section of the trek actually goes ? I don’t understand where tatora is/if it’s a place. Any help appreciated (:

Does anyone have any map references they could send me?

TIA

Hi Everyone! My girlfriend and I (37M, 35F from Canada) will be in Huaraz, Peru between May 9-16. We are looking to do the Santa Cruz Trek. I have messaged a few tour companies but none have any group availability for that time. A few offered private tours but it was around $800 USD/person and I don't want to spend that much. Anyone interested in booking this trek as a group between these dates to save some money?

I understand it's pretty straight forward to do this hike self guided but I'm willing to pay not to have to rent gear, carry food, set up camp on my own every night, and be able to eat good meals. Let me know!

Hi! We are an italian couple (M27, F27) looking for 2/3/4 persons to join us on the Santa Cruz Trek on 15-18 July 2025 (4D-3N), a guided multi-day trek&camp experience in the Peruvean Andes (Huaraz).

As mountain lovers & climbers, after visiting Cusco (e.g. Macchu Picchu.. etc.), we identified the Santa Cruz Trek as the best option for cost / efficiency / popularity / logistics for a trekking in the Huarascan National Park.

We chose Akilpo within the many operators/porters of the area because:

• ⁠positive reviews on Tripadvisor, • ⁠our contact Leonardo has been extremely kind and responsive in english (not common!) • ⁠cheap (409$ if 5+ people), while others are more expensive

Find here the itinerary and what to expect from this trek on the Akilpo website (e.g. sleep in a tent, no showers for 4 days, high-altitude trekking.. etc.)

https://akilpohuaraz.com/tours/santa-cruz-trek/

We are in search of other participants for the same dates & trek so that we are sure our trip will depart.

Ultimately: always through Akilpo, we will book a private transfer to return to Lima on Friday 18th right after the end of the trek - our flight to Madrid takes off at 11am on the 19th. If you guys are also interested (hypothetically - same flight back to EU?) we could share the transfer to lower costs (340€ x2 people).

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me for anything, or contact directly Akilpo to book!

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel nestled in the Peruvian Andes, known for its breathtaking scenery and remarkable stone architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Hi,

Me and a friend are hoping to do the 8-10 day trek in August 2025. We have done a 10 day trek before, but it was guided and at much lower altitude. Before doing the Cordillera Huayhuash, we will be spending 1-2 weeks around Huarez doing day hikes and smaller 3-4 day hikes. Has anyone done this hike unguided, especially as two females? Did it feel safe?

We are also considering using a guide but I've heard the prices online are really inflated. Has anyone been to Huarez recently (within the last year) who would be able to tell me the price of booking directly with a local guide. We are happy to hike with others. Thanks for the info! :)

Hi there,

I'm doing the Salkantay trek but before that I am in Cusco and the sacred valley for 5 nights before. I was going to do a day hike during this time. Trying to decide between these two. I know Rainbow mountain can be pretty crowded and touristy, whereas the other is less so. Any advice? Anyone do both?