Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is an emblematic hiking route in the Peruvian Andes, renowned for its natural beauty and challenges. It traverses diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to cloud forests and crystal-clear lakes. This journey offers a unique connection to Inca culture, passing through archaeological sites and culminating in the majesty of Machu Picchu. It’s an opportunity for exploration, personal growth, and encountering history and nature.

Absolutely! The Salkantay Trek is an unmissable experience that is worth it. Along this trekking route, you’ll be amazed by spectacular landscapes, from sacred mountains to valleys with lush flora and fauna. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

The Salkantay Trek is categorized as “CHALLENGING” in terms of difficulty. The route includes daily hikes of several hours through various mountainous, rocky terrains, and varying altitudes. During the trekking, you’ll reach a maximum altitude of approximately 4,630 meters / 15,190 feet at the Salkantay Pass. While it can be a challenge, the satisfaction of completing the trek and enjoying the stunning landscapes makes it a rewarding experience.

It’s recommended to engage in regular physical training that includes hiking and cardiovascular exercises to strengthen your legs and improve your endurance. Additionally, acclimatizing to the altitude before the hike is advised; spend at least a couple of days in Cusco. It’s also important to bring proper gear, including trekking clothing and footwear, and carry a backpack with essentials such as water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medications.

The Salkantay Trek is considered a challenging trek that requires good physical condition and proper preparation. Following the guides’ instructions and taking necessary precautions make the Salkantay Trek a safe experience. However, like any outdoor activity, there are risks, such as falls, altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather changes. Choosing a reliable and experienced travel agency with trained guides that adhere to safety standards, such as Inkayni Peru Tours, is important.

During the Salkantay hike, balanced and nutritious meals with high carbohydrates are provided. Our chefs and cooks are professionally trained to offer exquisite dishes amidst the Peruvian Andes. The food includes a combination of traditional Peruvian dishes. Lunches and dinners usually consist of tortillas, pancakes, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, chicken, rice, soups, and desserts. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s important to inform our sales colleagues in advance so they can adapt the meals to your needs.

The private Salkantay trek is an option where you can exclusively reserve the trek for you and your travel companions. This provides greater privacy and flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace and adjust the route according to your preferences. On the other hand, the shared Salkantay trek is when you join a group of other trekkers who are also doing the trek on the same dates. This option can be more cost-effective and gives you the opportunity to meet and socialize with other travelers around the world during the trek.

When booking the Salkantay trek with Inkayni Peru Tours, mules are included to transport kitchen equipment, camping gear, and 7 kg of your belongings. For the backpack you’ll be carrying, it’s suggested to carry a weight between 2 to 5 kg.

If you experience the infamous “soroche” (altitude sickness) during your Salkantay trek, it’s essential to rest, stay hydrated, chew coca leaves in moderation, and communicate any needs to the guides.

The number of people in your group varies depending on the season and the chosen service (private or group). The minimum is 2 and the maximum is 10 people.

During the Salkantay trek, there are designated campsites along the route:

• First day: The campsite for the first day will be at Soyroccocha (4,600 meters / 15,091 feet).
• Second day: The campsite for the second day will be at Colpapampa (2,920 meters / 9,514 feet).
• Third day: On the third day, you’ll spend the night in accommodation in Machu Picchu town (Golden Sunrise Hotel Machu Picchu or similar).
• Fourth day: On the fourth day, you’ll be back in the beautiful city of Cusco; transportation will drop you off at your hotel.

We offer a variety of camping items that are available for rent if desired. The available items are:

• Sleeping bag ($25)
• Trekking poles ($25)

Alternatively, if you already have these items, you can bring them with you. Remember that the weight limit our agency offers for carrying is 7 kg per person. 

The Salkantay trek is a demanding and high-altitude route, so it’s recommended that children have good physical condition and are accustomed to hiking activities. Consult with the travel agency and consider your children’s capacity and willingness before deciding if it’s suitable for them.

Wi-Fi connection is limited and unstable during the first two days. On the third night, you’ll stay in a hotel in Machu Picchu town, where you’ll have access to Wi-Fi.

It’s possible to charge your electronic devices at some campsites that have charging points. However, keep in mind that these charging points may be limited. It’s advisable to bring external batteries or power banks to ensure you have enough energy for your devices throughout the trek.

Yes, there are restrooms available at some campsites along the Salkantay trek route. Note that these restrooms are usually basic and shared, with simple facilities such as latrines or portable toilets. It’s recommended to bring your own toilet paper and personal hygiene products.

Yes, you’ll find showers at all campsites. However, take note of the following:

• 1st day – Soyraccocha (4,600 meters / 15,091 feet): Cold showers
• 2nd day – Colpapampa (2,920 meters / 9,514 feet): Cold showers
• 3rd day – Hotel in Machu Picchu town (2,050 meters / 6,571 feet): Hot showers at no additional cost.
• 4th day – Hotel in Cusco (3,350 meters / 8,792 feet): Hot showers at no additional cost.

Despite everything being included and paid for within the package, yes, it’s recommended to carry extra money to cover additional expenses during the Salkantay trek. This could include last-minute purchases and tips. We recommend carrying Peruvian soles.

The amount of cash you should bring depends on your personal preferences and the additional expenses you want to cover during the hike. As a reference, it’s suggested to carry at least around 400 to 500 Peruvian soles in cash for unforeseen expenses and tips.

Tips are not obligatory; they are a show of gratitude to the team that accompanied you during the Salkantay Trek. However, I recommend that you adjust them based on your experience and level of satisfaction.

Yes, during your Salkantay Trek, the agency provides you with drinkable water. The water is filtered, boiled, and then cooled daily. This water is supplied to trekkers in canteens, bottles, and thermoses at each meal. Please remember that you’ll need to ensure you have enough water for the first 4 hours of day one.

If you want to do the Salkantay Trek, it’s recommended to book it with 3 months in advance.

The best time to visit the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is more stable, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures during the day. However, keep in mind that these months are also the peak tourist season, so the trails may be more crowded.

The cancellation and refund policies of Inkayni Peru Tours vary depending on the proximity of your trekking date. Once we receive written notification that you want to cancel your trip, the following fees will be charged: