The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a fascinating, unforgettable adventure! First we head West on a private van from Cusco City to the Mollepata village, a wonderful little place in the middle of massive mountains.Then to equally adorable Soraypampa village, where the hike begins. The first half is fully upwards across the wilderness of Andean heights and snowies; the second half turns downwards into the border of Cusco’s Amazon jungle, until the arrival at the Machu Picchu area, the place first Inca emperor, Pachacutec, chose to be his destination for vacation and religious worship.
Next we will go through the FAQs about the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, so everybody can really enjoy and have a top experience, a top adventure walking and camping across Cusco highlands!
1) Should I book much time in advance?
No. Unlike the Classic and Short Inca Trails, the Salkantay Trek 5 Days has more availability, because it is more difficult and kind of sought by people who are more experienced on trekking. Also, many visitors do the Salkantay Trek because they couldn’t find tickets for the Classic Trail (4 days). Around 3 weeks in advance is a proper time to start talking to us and booking this trek.
2) Do I need to be in very good physical shape?
You do need to be in regular physical shape. Remember there will be stretches around 5 hours of walking in the wilderness and high elevations. The first half is the harder one; luckily, the second half is downwards (but in warmer weather). So yes, you need to be in shape. One insider tip from us is this: before coming to Cusco, do 3 or 4 hour walks in your town, preferably on uneven terrain, using the hiking boots you’ll bring down here (to avoid blistering during the actual Salkantay Trek). Better feeling out of breath at home than walking on mountain tops!
3) What about altitude sickness? How can I deal with it?
This could be an issue. It happens to some people because at higher elevations, oxygen becomes scarce and the body initially has less energy. The first tip is arriving at Cusco City some 2 or 3 days before (the town is not that expensive and there is plenty of affordable lodging) so the body will get naturally used to the rarified air. Drinking much water helps a lot. Coca leaves tea helps a lot also (ancient Andean trick to improve performance). Finally, there are over-the -counter pills based on herbs that will solve the problem.
4) What kind of clothing should I bring?
Bring serious warm clothes. Up there at 15,000 feet, the weather can be merciless. This is part of the adventure of course. Don’t forget a woolen hood, thick scarf, thick gloves, windproof, stuffed jackets and nylon pants, thick socks. But as the Salkantay Trek 5 Days enters into the jungle, you’ll have to dress lighter, so bring light clothing also (Sun hat and dark glasses are mandatory).
5) What is the Salkantay Trek age range?
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is available for people 14 years and older. It would truly be too much for younger people. Regarding the elderly, it depends on how they feel and if they’re able to walk long distances. Do some local training before.
6) Will I be able to recharge electronic devices?
Yes, it will be possible at the campsites, so don’t forget to bring the cords. Remember, electric power in Peru is 220 volts, you might need a portable transformer. Lately, portable, belt solar chargers have become available.
7) Are private tours available?
Yes. There are many advantages of booking a private tour; for example, our professional, experienced guides will focus just on you and certainly there will be more learning and enjoyment on each part of the Salkantay Trek.
8) Are sleeping bags included?
No. But they are mandatory. If you can’t bring one, we have them for rent. Upon request, we do include polar blankets, they neatly fit sleeping bags.
9) Could I continue my special diet while doing the Salkantay Trek?
Yes. Upon request and at no extra charge, we can provide vegetarian, vegan or other special diets.
10) Should I have travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it. For example, public healthcare in Peru isn’t good and private healthcare is quite expensive. A good travel insurance package can save your vacation and save a lot of money also.
11) How much should my backpack weight be?
Remember the Salkantay Trek is a 70 km approx. (43.5 miles approx.) hike, at high elevations over sea level. We recommend a maximum of 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds) weight, assuming it will get lighter throughout the trek.
12) Should I bring extra food, snacks, etc?
Our 5 Days Salkantay Trek includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners; also, every morning we give everyone a fruit and an energy bar or similar. However, why not bring more of your own, for in-betweens? You will need more carbs, proteins and fat everyday to comfortably deal with the challenging ecology, terrain and weather. Also, bring your own flask for coca leaves tea, this herb is a millenary helper for Andean people, it improves physical and mental conditions. This is why you will see here elderly people carrying heavy weights or farming; they are chewing coca leaves all the while.
13) Does a hiking pole help?
It greatly helps, giving balance and also motion energy, so you can save some of yours. If it’s not possible to bring one, we have them for rent.
14) Will we have bathroom access?
There is bathroom access at all the campsites (paid in soles) and of course at the hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu station). On route, bathrooms are almost unavailable, but there are some (also paid in soles).
15) Will we be able to take showers?
Yes, at all campsites (fee in soles) and naturally at the hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu station).
16) What are the environmental protection measures?
TOUR IN PERU is an eco-friendly travel operator. We have a complete range of guidelines for environmental safety. For the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, the most important is bringing only reusable plastics, in order to avoid this kind of waste, which has become an ecological problem.
17) Is the Huayna Picchu mountain hike included?
The amazing hike to the Huayna Picchu summit (inside the Machu Picchu citadel) is a chance most visitors don’t miss. It can be booked on the side of your Salkantay Trek, at an additional cost.
18) What happens if I have an accident and can’t continue the trek?
We have radio transmitters, so we can call the Mountain Guard and they will send personnel in an ambulance or helicopter. It’s possible to bring hikers back to Cusco City. Don’t forget to consider some travel insurance package.
19) Should I bring cash?
Yes, because you may want to buy souvenirs along the way (at the villages), or eat something else at the route’s family restaurants. Also, Aguas Calientes is a place with many stores, bars and things to do; for example, the famous, relaxing thermal baths (expenses here not included).
20) Will we have to give tips?
It is customary to give tips to porters, kitchen staff, guides as a thank you and financial help because they do the hardest work. It is not an individual tip, all hikers get an amount and donate it to each group. This is something that must be previously agreed among hikers themselves.
So this is it regarding FAQs about the quite adventurous Salkantay Trek 5 Days! The perfect alternative hike to Machu Picchu if you didn’t find Classic Inca Trail permits or want to go on a more defiant adventure!
Talk to our travel specialists and come here to Cusco range heights, leave all covid-19 worries and lockdowns behind, walk them all out at the Salkantay Trek!
