A Complete, Strategic, and Detailed Guide to Planning a Perfect Trip
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu. However, unlike the Inca Trail, it doesn’t automatically include entrance to the citadel or the return train. Therefore, if you don’t plan carefully, you could end up with conflicting schedules or no available spots.
In this comprehensive guide, I explain everything you need to know: how to choose the right route, how to coordinate schedules with the train, what mistakes to avoid, and how to create a perfectly synchronized plan.
1️⃣ Understanding the Real Logistics of Salkantay
Most Salkantay itineraries (4 or 5 days) work like this:
- Final day: You arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- You spend the night there.
- The next day, you visit Machu Picchu.
- Then you descend to town.
- You take the train back.
- From Ollantaytambo, you continue to Cusco by road.
In other words:
The Salkantay Trek ends in Aguas Calientes, not in Machu Picchu.
The entrance fee and the train are separate bookings.
This point is key.
2️⃣ How to choose the right Machu Picchu entrance ticket 🎟️
The Machu Picchu entrance fee is not a one-size-fits-all. There are specific circuits, each offering different routes within the archaeological site.
📍 Step 1: Choosing the right circuit
Currently, access is organized into predefined circuits that determine:
- Which viewpoints you’ll see
- Whether you get the classic panoramic photo
- Whether you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- How long the trek lasts
Strategic tip:
If you do the Salkantay Trek, you’ll usually be physically tired.
Therefore, it’s best to choose:
- A traditional panoramic circuit (for the classic photo)
- Or a complete circuit, but without adding extra mountain access if you’re unsure of your energy levels.
Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain requires additional effort.
📍 Step 2: Choose your entry time
Entry has a fixed time. It’s not open to everyone.
Common times:
- Very early
- Mid-morning
- Noon
- Afternoon
Which is best if you’re doing the Salkantay Trek?
It depends on your arrival time:
- If you arrive early the day before → early entry is ideal.
- If you arrive very tired or late → mid-morning entry is better.
- If you want to sleep in and not rush → a mid-morning time.
Most importantly:
Your entry time must coordinate with your return train.
3️⃣ How to Calculate Your Real Time Inside Machu Picchu ⏳
Many travelers make the mistake of thinking they’ll only have “2 hours.” In reality, you should consider:
- Time within the circuit
- Time for photos
- Time to descend to the town
- Waiting for the bus
- Collecting luggage from the hotel
- Lunch
- Arriving early for the train
Plan for a minimum of:
- 3 to 4 hours total for the visit + descent
Never book the train too close to the deadline.
4️⃣ Getting to Machu Picchu: Bus or Hike 🚌🥾
From Aguas Calientes, you have two options:
🚌 Official Bus
- Approximately 25 minutes
- Additional cost
- There are lines during peak hours
- More comfortable after the trek
Ideal if you’re tired from the Salkantay Trek.
🥾 Stair Hike
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Very demanding
- Free
- Involves a steep incline
Only recommended if you have good energy and want to save money.
⚠️ If you choose to hike, you must factor in this extra time so you don’t miss your entry time.
5️⃣ How to book your return train correctly 🚆
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train.
The main arrival stations are:
- Ollantaytambo (the most common)
- Cusco (during specific seasons or for specific services)
Generally, the most practical option is:
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → ground transfer to Cusco
📍 How to choose your train schedule
Here’s the crucial part.
You should calculate:
- Entrance time to Machu Picchu
- Duration of the circuit
- Descent (bus or hike)
- Time for lunch and luggage
- Arrive 30 minutes before the train
Wise recommendation:
Allow at least 2 hours between your estimated departure from Machu Picchu and the train departure.
It’s better to wait in town than to miss your train.
6️⃣ Special scenario: Route via the Hydroelectric Plant ⚡
Some Salkantay itineraries end with a hike to the Hydroelectric Plant and then:
- You hike along the railway to Aguas Calientes
- Or take a short train if available
If you arrive late that day, it’s advisable to:
- Sleep in Aguas Calientes
- Visit Machu Picchu the next day
- Return by train
Doing everything in the same day can be too tiring.
7️⃣ Complete Comparison Table (No Years)
| Aspect | Early Entry | Mid-Morning Entry | Early Train | Late Train | Bus Ascent | Hiking Ascent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy required | High | Medium | Medium | Low pressure | Low | High |
| Stress level | Low if you arrived early | Very balanced | Tight schedule | Relaxed | Comfortable | Demanding |
| Free time in Aguas Calientes | Later in the day | Balanced | Limited | More flexible | More rest | More fatigue |
| Ideal for | Photography with fewer crowds | Balanced trip | Returning quickly | Enjoying without rush | Less physical effort | Strong adventurers |
| Risk of missing connection | Low | Low | Medium if poorly timed | Low | Low |
8️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Buying tickets without checking train availability.
- Booking trains too early.
- Not verifying the exact names on the document.
- Not allowing extra time.
- Underestimating fatigue after the trek.
- Not factoring in bus wait times.
- Not checking the train’s arrival station.
9️⃣ Recommended Strategy for Most Travelers 🧭✨
Balanced Plan:
- Arrive in Aguas Calientes the day before.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Entrance mid-morning.
- Bus ride up to the site.
- Relaxed visit.
- Light lunch.
- Train to Ollantaytambo at midday.
- Transfer to Cusco.
This is the safest combination of enjoyment and efficient logistics.
🔟 Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
During peak season, the earlier the better. Spaces on certain tours sell out quickly.
Is the train mandatory?
Yes, unless you hike back to Hidroeléctrica and take ground transportation (which is longer and more strenuous).
Can I buy the train ticket later?
It’s possible, but risky during peak season.
Is it worth climbing Huayna Picchu after Salkantay?
Only if you’re in excellent physical condition and want an extra intense experience.
Conclusion 🏔️
Booking Machu Picchu and the train while doing Salkantay isn’t complicated, but it does require strategic planning.
The key is to consider:
- Physical energy levels
- Actual schedules
- Safety margins
- The type of experience you want
Good planning transforms the end of Salkantay into an epic and stress-free experience.
