Challenge Salkantay Trek

At Machu Picchu by Locals We are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded from our tours. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.

INFO

At Machu Picchu by Locals, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.

What you need to pack? Important

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From our perspective, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2-3 wicking t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves
• Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don´t worry; they have a secure storage facility. Water: We supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning’s water only, as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.

• Sun hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (iPhone)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Earplugs
• Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Small towel
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SALKANTAY TREK

Here some frequently asked question about Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu tours in Cusco

BOOKING SYSTEM

At Machu Picchu by Locals, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do this trek, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that we need to book your tickets. We also need a previous deposit of $200 USD per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?

Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. There are also Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow, especially near the main square, and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs. We will send you a notification for the pick-up if it is not possible to access them with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, a night before your tour, you will meet with your tour guide, who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations, please ask Machu Picchu’s local sales team.

ALONG THE SALKANTAY TREK

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SALKANTAY TREK AND INCA TRAIL? Well, the Salkantay Trek is particularly one of the best alternative treks towards Machu Picchu, with an amazing view of Apu Salkantay, which is one of the highest mountains around Cusco region. You can also enjoy turquoise lakes, a semi-tropical area, and hot springs, which makes this trek a great alternative for people who want to get a different experience compared to the classic Inca Trail, which is just hiking the whole day.

IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TREK?

Not, because this trek is located in a remote place where there is no electricity. Some local villages located along the trek have solar panels, and your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone. We recommend that you bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains. However, for the last two days, you can find electricity on our campsite, but to use it, you need to pay extra Peruvian soles to the family who takes care of it.

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?

This trek is particularly challenging, especially for people who do not have experience hiking in the mountains. We recommend training with some exercises a few times per week to avoid problems, and it is also recommended to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segments along this trek are located over 4500 m/13123 ft.

WHAT HAPPEN IF I GOT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

No worry, our guides and team are professionally trained to solve this kind of problem. Your guide will always have a first aid kit with some medications for these frequent issues; you should trust in them. There will also be an extra emergency horse to take you to the nearest health center where you can recover in case you need it. Our team always has radio.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?

Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas and crossing some rivers, especially on day 2, some of them are slippery, now uneven, and at varying heights. The extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?

Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?

In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the trail, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you change hotels after the trek, we have storage available in the Machu Picchu by Locals office. Get more information from our office team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

The weather in Cusco and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (for yoga or hiking) are encouraged to protect against the mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in some parts of the trail.

From: USD 360.00 per person

from 4 people to more: USD 350.00:

Price returning by car: USD 320.00

* Additional single room in Aguas Calientes $60USD
*Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service( with larger windows and more confortable seats $60US per person

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

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