What Salkantay Trekking does

Salkantay Trekking is a privately held, locally owned tour operator (legally Salkantay Trekking Peru SAC, RUC 20606083182) headquartered in Cusco, Peru, founded in 2010 and specializing in guided trekking and adventure tours across the Peruvian Andes, with a particular focus on routes to Machu Picchu. The company offers a portfolio of more than 50 packaged itineraries spanning the Salkantay Trek, Classic Inca Trail, Ausangate, Choquequirao, Lares, Ancascocha, Huchuy Qosqo, Inca Jungle, Inca Quarry, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake routes, alongside day tours to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray, and the Qeswachaka Bridge. Pricing spans $40 for a half-day Cusco Walking Tour to $1,600 for a Private Inca Trail 4 Days, with optional camping equipment rentals and Inca Trail permit arrangements sold as add-ons.

The company operates a direct-to-consumer distribution model through its website (salkantaytrekking.com, with parallel Spanish and Portuguese sites), WhatsApp, a toll-free US/Canada number, and email, supplemented by a dedicated B2B travel-agency partner channel. It employs 51-100 core staff supported by a network of 200+ local collaborators including certified bilingual guides, Quechua-speaking indigenous guides, chefs, and horsemen trained in altitude safety (SAT phones, pulse oximeters, oxygen, first aid). The company reports 70,000+ clients served cumulatively and 6,000+ adventures planned, with 12,910+ TripAdvisor reviews at a 5.0 rating, 4.7 on Google Reviews, and 4.8 on Trustpilot.

Salkantay Trekking has no disclosed external investors, funding rounds, or M&A activity and operates without a proprietary technology platform, relying on standard booking systems, WhatsApp integration, and PayPal for payments. Revenue is generated almost entirely through one-time packaged tour bookings with no subscription or recurring component. The company has been consecutively recognized as Peru's and South America's Leading Tour Operator by the World Travel Awards in 2024 and 2025, holds Safe Travels (WTTC) and Tourism Quality Peru (MINCETUR) certifications, and anchors the Salkantay Foundation for community development, reforestation, and ecological campsite initiatives.

Name

Salkantay Trekking

Legal name

Salkantay Trekking Peru SAC

Website

https://salkantaytrekking.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Salkantay Trekking is a privately held Cusco, Peru-based tour operator founded in 2010 that runs guided trekking and adventure tours to Machu Picchu and Andean destinations. It serves individual adventure travelers worldwide through 50+ tour packages distributed via its multilingual website, WhatsApp, and travel agency partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Trekking & Tourism

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Hiking, Trekking & Backpacking Tour Operators (THAAADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adventure & Expedition Travel Agencies (THAKAFAB), Technical Outdoor Guiding Services (Hiking, Trekking, Mountaineering) (THAAALAA), Hiking, Trekking & Mountain Guiding (THAJABAA), Safety, Permitting & Logistics Support Services (Trip Leaders, Route Planning, Rescue Support) (THAAALAL)

Keywords

• Adventure trekking tours
• Machu Picchu tours
• Andean hiking expeditions
• Inca Trail permits
• Guided cultural tours

Headquarters

HQ city

Cusco

HQ country

Peru

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Guided Trekking Tours: The company generates revenue through packaged adventure tourism tours including treks to Salkantay, Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate, and other destinations in Peru. Tours include guide services, accommodations (camping/domes), meals, permits, and transportation.
2. Day Tours: Revenue from shorter day excursions including Cusco city tours, Sacred Valley tours, walking tours, and visits to attractions like Maras Salt Mines, Moray, and Qeswachaka Bridge.
3. Gear Rental: Optional equipment rental including camping tents and backpacks for trekking customers.
4. Tourist Tickets and Permits: Arrangement and booking of Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets as part of tour packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Salkantay Trekking is a Cusco-based adventure tour operator that sells guided multi-day and single-day trekking packages to Machu Picchu and Andean destinations in Peru, including the Salkantay route, Inca Trail, Ausangate, Choquequirao, Rainbow Mountain, and Sacred Valley. Packages bundle professional bilingual guides, permits, camping/domes accommodations, meals, transportation, entrance tickets, and altitude-safety support. Day tours and tourist ticket/permit arrangement services supplement the core trekking offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Salkantay Foundation: Social responsibility and sustainability initiative supporting vulnerable Cusco communities through sustainable and cultural projects including community support, educational initiatives, reforestation, and ecological campsites.

Products and services

• The Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days A flagship 5-day, 4-night guided trek combining the Salkantay route with Machu Picchu, including camping accommodations, meals, guides, permits, and transportation. Targeted at active travelers seeking an alternative to the Inca Trail. From US$695 per person.
• The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days The classic 4-day guided Inca Trail trek covering Dead Woman's Pass, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu, with permits, camping, meals, guides, and transportation. From US$870 per person. Bookings must be made months in advance due to limited daily permits.
• Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek 2 Days A 2-day, 1-night guided trek visiting Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass at 4,630m elevation. From US$280 per person. Small group experience with up to 12 people.
• Salkantay Trek Challenge 3 Days A challenging 3-day, 2-night trek visiting Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Mountain Sky View, and Machu Picchu. Known as the Savage Mountain Trek, an alternative to the classic Inca Trail. From US$550 per person.
• Salkantay Trek Short 4 Days A condensed 4-day, 3-night version of the Salkantay Trek combining high-altitude trekking with visits to scenic sites en route to Machu Picchu. From US$620 per person.
• Salkantay Premium Trek 5 Days An upgraded 5-day Salkantay experience with premium accommodations, visiting Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Mountain Sky View, Cusco Rainforest, and Machu Picchu.
• Salkantay Premium Private Trek 5 Days A private, exclusive version of the 5-day premium Salkantay trek offering personalized service and itinerary for individual travelers or private groups.
• Salkantay Trek Honeymoon 5 Days A romantic 5-day Salkantay trek designed for couples, combining trekking with special honeymoon amenities and accommodations.
• Salkantay Mountain Domes Trek 5 Days A 5-day Salkantay trek featuring unique dome accommodations and visits to key Salkantay landmarks with spectacular mountain views.
• Salkantay & Short Inca Trail 6 Days A combined 6-day, 5-night trek offering both the Salkantay route and the Short Inca Trail, visiting Humantay Lake, Sky Camp, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu. From US$1,200 per person.
• Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek 7 Days A comprehensive 7-day, 6-night trek combining the full Salkantay and Inca Trail routes with visits to Humantay Lake, Dead Woman's Pass, Wiñay Wayna, and Machu Picchu. From US$1,200 per person.
• Salkantay & Rainbow Mountain Trek 7 Days A 7-day combined trek visiting both the Salkantay route and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), including Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Cusco Rainforest, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
• The Salkantay Trek Imperial 8 Days An extended 8-day itinerary featuring City Tour Cusco, Sacred Valley Tour, Salkantay Trek, and Machu Picchu visit with comprehensive Andean exploration.
• The Andean Explorer 9 Days A comprehensive 9-day tour combining City Tour, Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain, with altitude acclimatization included.
• Private Inca Trail 4 Days An exclusive private version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail with personalized service, covering Dead Woman's Pass, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupamarca, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu. From US$1,600 per person.
• Inca Trail One Day Tour A single-day hike along the Short Inca Trail from KM 104 through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Inti Punku to Machu Picchu.
• Inca Trail Short 2 Days A 2-day, 1-night abbreviated Inca Trail experience visiting KM 104, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu.
• The Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days A 5-day classic trek around Mount Ausangate, an important cultural center for Andean communities featuring diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
• Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek 7 Days An extended 7-day adventure trek connecting Ausangate with Sibinacocha Lagoon through remote Andean landscapes.
• Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days A 4-day combined trek of the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain routes offering extended high-altitude Andean exploration.
• Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 2 Days A 2-day, 1-night trek visiting Quesiuno, Puka Pass, Warmisaya, Surineqocha, Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, and Red Valley.
• Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain 3 Days A 3-day, 2-night trek visiting Upis, Arapa Pass, Hatun Pucacocha, Puka Pass, Warmisaya Pass, Surineqocha, and Rainbow Mountain.
• Ausangate 7 Lakes 1-Day Hike A single-day hiking experience visiting the seven lakes of the Ausangate region, one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region.
• The Classic Choquequirao Trek 5 Days The flagship 5-day Choquequirao trek exploring one of the largest Inca archaeological sites with spectacular views.
• Choquequirao Trek Short 4 Days A condensed 4-day trek to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, often called the sister city to Machu Picchu.
• Choquequirao Treks to Machu Picchu 7 Days A comprehensive 7-day expedition combining Choquequirao with Machu Picchu for an extended archaeological experience.
• Choquequirao Treks to Machu Picchu 8 Days An 8-day extended trek from Choquequirao through Llactapata to Machu Picchu with comprehensive Inca site visits.
• Choquequirao Treks to Machu Picchu 9 Days The most comprehensive 9-day Choquequirao-to-Machu Picchu expedition covering multiple remote Inca sites.
• The Classic Lares Trek 4 Days A 4-day cultural trek through the Lares valley featuring hot springs and rural Andean communities.
• Lares Trek & Inca Trail 5 Days A combined 5-day trek offering both the Lares cultural route and a section of the classic Inca Trail.
• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days An extended 6-day Lares Trek featuring the best of the Andes with comprehensive destination coverage.
• The Classic Inca Jungle 4 Days A thrilling 4-day adventure combining trekking, biking, and zip-lining through the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu.
• Inca Jungle Imperial 4 Days A premium version of the Inca Jungle trek with enhanced amenities and services along the adventure route.
• The Classic Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days A 4-day trek along the rarely-visited Inca Quarry Trail, an alternative route to Machu Picchu.
• The Classic Ancascocha Trek 5 Days A 5-day remote trek to Ancascocha, considered one of the most beautiful but least-visited trails in the region.
• Huchuy to Machu Picchu Trek 3 Days A 3-day remote trek from Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu through less-traveled Andean paths.
• Machu Picchu One Day Tour A full-day tour to Machu Picchu, departing from Cusco with train transportation to Aguas Calientes.
• Machu Picchu Tour by Train 2 Days A 2-day experience featuring a train trip along the Urubamba River through cloud forest to Machu Picchu.
• Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days A combined 2-day tour featuring the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu with cultural and archaeological experiences.
• Rainbow Mountain One Day Tour A full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca/Mountain of Seven Colors) featuring rainbow-colored mountain landscapes discoverable year-round. From US$100 per person.
• Sacred Valley Full Day Tour A comprehensive full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting key archaeological and cultural sites.
• City Tour Cusco Half Day Tour A half-day guided tour of Cusco's main attractions including major plazas, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
• Maras, Moray & Salt Mines Full Day A full-day tour visiting Chinchero for textile demonstrations, Maras Salt Mines with over 3,000 salt pools, and the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray. US$100 per person.
• Cusco Walking Tour Half Day A half-day walking tour covering San Pedro Market, Craft Market, Qoricancha, San Blas neighborhood, Sapantiana Colonial Aqueduct, and 7 Borreguitos Street. US$40 per person, minimum 2 guests.
• Humantay Lake Full Day Tour A day trip to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake at 5,473m elevation in the Vilcabamba Range.
• Qeswachaka Bridge One Day Tour A full-day tour to the last remaining Inca rope bridge, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, including crossing the 30-meter bridge over the Apurimac River and visiting four sacred lagoons. US$120 per person.
• Pallay Punchu One Day Trek A day hike to Pallay Punchu, a newly accessible rainbow mountain location offering colorful Andean landscapes.
• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Tour A day tour to Palccoyo, an alternative Rainbow Mountain location often less crowded than Vinicunca.
• Waqrapukara One Day Trek A single-day trek to Waqrapukara, a remote Inca archaeological site with dramatic mountain settings.
• Camping Equipment Rental Equipment rental service offering camping tents and backpacks for trekkers, providing gear for adventure tours.
• Excursion to Machu Picchu 2 Days A 2-day excursion to Machu Picchu combining travel and sightseeing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12,910+ TripAdvisor reviews with 5.0/5 star rating
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ATTA - Adventure Travel Trade AssociationminorOthersMember of Adventure Travel Trade Association, the leading trade organization for adventure tourism companies worldwide.
• AATC - Asociación de Agencias de Turismo de CuscominorOthersMember of Cusco Tourism Agencies Association for local tourism industry collaboration.
• CALTUR - Plan Nacional de Calidad TurísticaminorOthersParticipant in Peru's National Tourism Quality Plan administered by MINCETUR.
• DIRCETUR - Dirección Regional de Comercio Exterior y Turismo CuscominorOthersRegistered with Cusco's regional tourism directorate for tourism operations.
• SERNANP - Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el EstadominorOthersOperates tours in protected natural areas under SERNANP authorization and environmental guidelines.
• ESNNA Code PartnerscoreOthersCommitted to ESNNA (Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents) Code of Conduct per Law 28251 and MINCETUR guidelines. Includes all service providers in compliance requirements.
• PERU BRANDminorOthersLicensed user of Peru Brand designation from Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Llama Path: Local Cusco operator specializing in Salkantay, Inca Trail, Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain treks. Competes on the same routes with similar small-group positioning and DTC booking model.
• Valencia Travel Cusco: Cusco-based operator with comparable Salkantay, Inca Trail, and Rainbow Mountain trek packages plus Machu Picchu extensions. Direct overlap on core routes and customer demographic.
• SAS Travel Peru: Peruvian tour operator offering Salkantay, Inca Trail, Choquequirao, and Rainbow Mountain treks with similar multi-day adventure itineraries and small-group format.
• Inkayni Peru Tours: Cusco-headquartered adventure tour operator running Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, and Choquequirao treks. Highly comparable product mix, customer profile, and distribution approach to Salkantay Trekking.
• Andean Life Adventures: Cusco adventure tour operator focused on Salkantay, Inca Trail, Choquequirao, and Ausangate treks. Direct competitor with overlapping product portfolio and customer base.
• Machu Picchu Reservations: Specialist Machu Picchu and trekking tour aggregator/operator in Cusco. Comparable focus on permit-constrained Inca Trail products and alternative routes.
• Alpaca Expeditions: Cusco-based Peru trekking operator offering Salkantay, Inca Trail, and alternative-route packages to Machu Picchu. Direct competitor in the same niche with overlapping itineraries and a similar small-group DTC model.

Broad incumbents

• Intrepid Travel: Global adventure travel incumbent with a Peru program covering Salkantay, Inca Trail, and Amazon extensions. Comparable on adventure-trekking product but with vastly broader geographic footprint and B2C scale.
• G Adventures: Large global small-group adventure operator with Peru itineraries that include Inca Trail, Salkantay, and Andean trekking. Overlaps in customer profile but operates as a broad multi-destination incumbent.

Regional players

• Adventure Life: US-based Peru specialist selling multi-day Salkantay and Inca Trail treks through travel advisors. Comparable Peru product and audience but functions primarily as a North American reseller rather than on-the-ground operator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=BYSl9apKfiY
• Xx.com/salkantayperu
• Facebookfacebook.com/about
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/salkantaytrekking

Compliance15 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Salkantay Trekking