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[hoierik]

Hi, we intend to walk a trail and visit Mach Picchu around 17th September. We read nice stories about the Lares trail and the Salkantay trail. Can we book these trails when we are in Cusco and what should we expect to pay? Or is it better to book at home on internet?

[starlagurl]

TripAdvisor says yes! Book ahead!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294317-...Inca.Trail.html

[mmbcross]

According to information I can find, the Inca Trail is fully booked until October. For this reason it's always wise to book ahead if you fully intend to take the most popular trails. Although not the height of the season, September is still busy, and the weather is perfect. On the other hand, you will probably pay lass when you book on site. The risk is that the hike you are planning is sold out, nevertheless there are always other hikes available. The Lares and Salcantay trails are not limited by the Inca Trail Permits, so chances are you will get space on one of these locally, but no guarantees of course.

Keep in mind that only some Inca Trail treks bring you into Machu Picchu by way of the Puerta del Sol (Lares and Salcantay do not). This is the highlight for most trekkers, so make sure you read the itinerary carefully to make sure you are getting what you expect.

http://www.incatrailperu.com/ is a non-commercial site with tons of relevant information.

[hoierik]

Thanks for your responses. We know the official inca trail is full. Is there anybody who has experencie booking the salkantay trail or lares trail locally? How much can we expect to pay?

[starlagurl]

From the link I posted above:

8.-What is the price of the trail and where to book?

Prices for the 4 day group service Inca trail trek generally range between $300 and $400 per person including entrance fees and return on train (You can almost double these figures if you buy the trek with a tour agency outside Peru even though the service is the same). This price includes Peruvian sales tax known as IGV which is currently at 19%. A $30 discount is offered to students who have valid ISIC cards and to children under 16 years old. This is the standard service offered by most tour operators in Cusco and offers the most economic way of hiking the Inca Trail as part of an organized group.

Although services can vary from operator to operator, generally speaking, the following services are included:

* Bus to the start off the trek
* bilingual guide
* assistant guide for groups of 9 and over
* entrance fees ($60 adult or $30 student)
* tent
* sleeping mattress
* cooking equipment
* cook
* meals
* porter (to carry the tents, food and cooking equipment only) and return to Cusco on the Backpackers train service (currently $46).

The following items are not usually included:

* Breakfast on day 1,
* snacks along the trail,
* tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes ($6),
* meals on the final day apart from breakfast.

A private group is generally similar to the group service but usually slightly more comfortable. Additional items such as porters to carry your personal items are usually included in this service.

Typical costs per person provided by a medium range tour operator are:

* 1 person: $1000
* 2 persons: $650
* 3 persons: $550
* 4 persons: $450
* 5 persons: $400
* 6-9 persons: $350
* 10-12 persons: $325
* 13-16 persons: $300

These costs include entrance fees and return on the basic backpackers train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Prices can vary considerably from company to company depending on the quality of the service and what is included.