My exact 4 day solo Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, with the GPX, every lodge I slept in, what I paid and everything I wish I knew.

In August 2026 I spent 12 days in Peru and trekked the Salkantay route on my own, over a 4,630 m / 15,190 ft pass and on foot into Machu Picchu. The altitude hit me hard on day one, I burned my arms on day four and I forgot water on the steepest climb of the trip. This guide is the real version, built for solo travellers.

What's inside

• 12 day itinerary, day by day, with elevation profiles for the trek days

• Route map and a GPX of my exact trek (79 km / 49 mi)

• What I actually spent, per day and per category

• Every place I slept, with exact Google Maps links

• How to book Machu Picchu, the bus, the train and the trek lodges, and in what order

• Altitude, safety, bail-out points and a full packing list

• 12 lessons learned and a one page trip sheet

Bonus

GPX file of my exact route, plus a read me on loading it into AllTrails, Gaia GPS, Komoot or your watch.

Who it's for

Fit hikers who want to do Salkantay independently or solo, without a tour, and want real costs and logistics.

Good to know

• Instant download, PDF plus GPX

• Prices from my 2026 trip and official 2026 Machu Picchu prices

• Download to your phone before you fly

Watch the full Peru hiking film on my channel, @dean_tucker.