Born in the Andes, Guardians of the Ancient Inca Trail
Since 2006, Inca Trail Peru has led ethical, sustainable, and unforgettable trekking expeditions along the Qhapaq Ñan to the sacred sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Years Guiding the Inca Trail
Daily Permits Managed
Native Quechua Staff
TripAdvisor Excellence Rating
The Qhapaq Ñan Is in Our Blood
Growing up in the sacred valleys and high mountain passes surrounding Cusco and Machu Picchu, our families have walked these stone trails for generations. We began as humble trail assistants and porters, learning the ancient paths, listening to the legends of the Apus (mountain spirits), and mastering the demanding Andean geography.
In 2006, we founded Inca Trail Peru with a firm mission: to eliminate foreign intermediaries, guarantee fair living conditions and high-quality mountain gear for our porters, and offer international travelers an authentic, direct, and deeply respectful cultural immersion on the historic Inca Trail.
Today, as an officially licensed operator authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP, we take pride in leading safe, eco-conscious, small-group expeditions that connect travelers with the living spirit of the Andes.
Our Purpose & Commitment
Our Mission
To deliver authentic, safe, and culturally enriching trekking expeditions to Machu Picchu that honor our Quechua heritage, actively preserve the historic Inca trail network, and set the highest industry benchmark for porter welfare and environmental sustainability in Peru.
Our Vision & Aspiration
Our Vision
To be recognized globally as the premier native-owned trekking operator in the Peruvian Andes, celebrated for our unwavering dedication to porter dignity, world-class wilderness safety, authentic Andean cuisine, and meaningful community impact.
What We Offer to Every Trekker
At Inca Trail Peru, every detail of your trek is designed for maximum safety, cultural authenticity, and comfort. Here are the pillars included in our expeditions:
- Official Government Permits: Licensed direct registration with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP.
- Native Quechua Historian Guides: Professional, university-graduated guides fluent in Quechua, English, and Spanish with Wilderness First Responder certification.
- Gourmet High-Altitude Trail Feasts: 3-course freshly prepared organic buffet meals cooked daily by professional trail chefs, accommodating vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
- Complete Medical Safety Gear: Emergency oxygen tanks, digital pulse oximeters, satellite communication, and first-aid kits on every departure.
- High-End Camping Equipment: Heavy-duty Eureka four-season tents, comfortable foam mattresses, dining tents with back-supported chairs, and private chemical toilet facilities.
- Ethical Porter Welfare: Fair living wages, medical insurance, technical uniforms, warm sleeping bags, and strict adherence to government weight limits.
Why Travelers Choose Salkantay Treks Peru
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety, cultural respect, and traveler satisfaction in the Andes.
100% Direct Local Operator
No foreign brokers or intermediaries. From your initial permit inquiry to the Sun Gate, you interact directly with our local Cusco team.
Certified Native Quechua Guides
University-educated mountain historians born along Andean trails, fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua with certified Wilderness First Responder skills.
Gourmet High-Altitude Cuisine
Freshly prepared 3-course organic buffet feasts cooked on the trail daily, accommodating vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and custom dietary needs.
Uncompromising Mountain Safety
Medical oxygen tanks, digital pulse oximeters, satellite emergency communications, and comprehensive medical kits on every departure.
Ethical Porter Dignity & Welfare
Fair living wages, warm technical uniforms, high-altitude insurance, and strict enforcement of government weight regulations for all our trail staff.
Leave No Trace Ecological Stewardship
Committed to preserving the Qhapaq Ñan: zero single-use plastics, biodegradable campsite hygiene, and active trail conservation initiatives.
Meet Your Mountain Family
Our licensed guides, master trail chefs, and logistics experts were born in these mountains and love sharing their home with you.
Rolando Huamán
Over 16 years leading the classic Inca Trail and high-altitude routes. Native Quechua speaker with deep knowledge of Incan cosmology, botany, and archaeology.
Edwin Quispe
Certified WFR mountain leader with 12+ years on sacred Andean trails. Renowned for patient pacing, altitude acclimatization expertise, and storytelling.
Justina Mendoza
Crafting culinary marvels at 3,600 meters for over 14 years. Specialist in organic Peruvian superfoods, quinoa creations, and delicious plant-based menus.
Santos Ccahuana
Born in the high Andean community of Huilloc, Santos oversees campsite setup, environmental stewardship, and porter safety with unwavering dedication.
Porter Welfare & Andean Community Empowerment
Our porters are the true heroes of the Inca Trail. A significant portion of every expedition fee goes directly into community welfare funds in highland villages such as Huilloc, Patacancha, and Mollepata. We provide education materials, warm winter gear, clean water systems, and fair year-round employment.
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Highland School Supplies: Annual donations of books, warm footwear, and school supplies to children in Mollepata and Chaullay.
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Native Reforestation: Planting native Queñua trees along Salkantay watershed corridors to restore vulnerable alpine ecosystems.
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Local Farmer Sourcing: 100% of our vegetables, Andean grains, and coffee are purchased directly from local family farms along the trail.
Trusted by Trekkers Worldwide
Rated 5 Stars on TripAdvisor. Here is what hikers say about their adventure with Salkantay Treks Peru.
"The Sky Lodge Domes at Soraypampa were unbelievable. Sleeping warm while looking at Mount Salkantay under millions of stars was the highlight of our entire trip to Peru."
"Booking directly with this local Quechua team was the best decision. Our guide Rolando treated us like family, and the food prepared by the chef surpassed 5-star restaurants in Lima."
"They carried medical oxygen and checked our pulse oximeter readings twice daily. We felt completely safe every single kilometer up to the 4,630m pass. Outstanding team!"
Ready to Walk with the True Masters of the Andes?
Lock in your official Machu Picchu permits, secure your private sky dome bed, and travel with Cusco's most trusted native Quechua team.