Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trail connects Cusco to the Citadel of Machu Picchu and runs approximately 89 km/55 miles through high Andean peaks, cloud forest, and steamy jungle. The hike starts at the village of Mollepata, a few miles from Cusco.

The Salkantay Peak - Savage Mountain - is located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, to the northwest of Cusco. Salkantay is one of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Andes (6,271m/20,574ft).

National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named the Salkantay trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World.

 

How difficult is the hike?

The entire hike is approximately 72 km/45 miles for the 4d/3n and 89 km/55 miles for the 5d/4n trek. The distances traveled each day are long. In order to hike the Salkantay you need to be used to hiking or exercise. Also, acclimatization is needed for this hike.

 

What's the most difficult section?

The Salkantay Pass, at 14,760123 feet above sea level, is the most difficult section in the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed.

 

Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?

Yes and no. There are not legal constrains against hiking the Salkantay Trek at any time during the year. The only requirement to start the trek is to purchase your entrance fee, which we will take of. However, during the rainy season (from the end of November to the end of March) it is not safe to hike the trek due to the abundant rain.

 

Can I make the trek by myself?

Yes, you are able to hike the trek by yourself, but the route is not clearly set at some points and there is a high possibility of getting lost. It is recommended that you hire a company and a tour guide who is familiar with the area.

 

Can I bring children?

Children under 12 years old should not be at this trek. Also, children should be used to hiking long distances.

 

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay?

The dry season is the best time to do the trek. The dry season runs from April to November, while the wet season runs from December to March. Even during rainy season it doesn’t usually rain all day long. However, temperatures can fall below freezing at night near Salkantay Pass.

June to September are the most popular months for treks. May and October offer the nicest weather.

 

What is the weather like?

Weather is not a major concern except on the Salkantay Pass area. At Soraypampa camp, temperatures can fall below freezing at night. The annual maximum temperature varies from 20° to 27° Celsius (68º to 81º Fahrenheit) and minimum temperatures range between -5° to 11° Celsius (20º to 52º Fahrenheit). The other camps are much warmer.

 

What should I bring to the trek?

Mainly comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, a good waterproof jacket, scarf, gloves, raincoat, hat, thermal pants and socks for the cold nights, sunglasses, a good sleeping bag for cold weather (We can rent you one.), mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water purification pills, toilet paper, flashlight, hand sanitizer, a small first aid kit, some coca leaf candies, and off course a camera.

 

Can I hike the Salkantay the next day that I arrive at Cusco?

We do not recommend it. The main effects of altitude sickness show the first or second day. For that reason, we highly recommend that you hike the Salkantay a couple of days after arriving in Cusco.

 

Do all the tour operators provide the same service?

No. Make sure you are hiring a professionally run tour operator that will take proper care of you and the environment. If you see prices that are too low, be careful! Some companies have hidden extra charges or fees. Many companies won’t provide all the services they advertise!

 

Why do I have to make a deposit?

To secure your reservation, we need to purchase in advance many of the services that will be offered, such as the entrance fee to Salkantay, Machu Picchu and train/bus tickets. If you only complete the booking form, without making the deposit, we won’t be able to make your reservations. However, we will contact you when we receive your booking form.

The security deposit is non-refundable once the entrance fee to Salkantay, Machu Picchu and train/bus tickets have been purchased.

 

What happens after I make the security deposit?

First, you will receive an e-mail confirming the payment. Second, you will receive an e-mail or call from a Latika Adventure’s representative. That person will be in charge of your account. In addition, we will offer you different hotel/hostel options in Cusco.

Two weeks before your departure date, you will receive an e-mail including a link to our secure server for your final payment, and we will ask you for your hotel/hostel information in Cusco so that we are able to arrange your briefing (night before the hike) and transfers to head of the trail head.

After the final payment is received, we will e-mail you a voucher with important contact information and details of all services that will be provided to you in Peru.

 

Does Latika Adventures give refunds for cancellations?

It depends. Please refer to our “Terms and Conditions.”

 

Can I change my starting date for the Salkantay?

Once we have acquired your entrance to Machu Picchu and train tickets, you can not change the starting date without incurring an additional cost (50% of your security deposit). The entrance tickets and transportation tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time to acclimatize to the change in altitude. (Two days minimum is recommended). Try to avoid alcohol, and make sure you eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Make sure to stay hydrated, walk slowly and take frequent breaks. Drinking coca leaf tea always helps. It is widely available, and your hotel in Cusco will probably offer it as well.

 

What should I do if I get altitude sickness?

Drink plenty of liquids, (coca leaf tea will definitely help), take a nap and try to rest. If you are in the middle of the trail and start feeling dizzy, extremely tired, nauseated, and have a headache, ask for advice from your guide. Guides have plenty of experience in this matter.

 

Do you provide water during the trek?

Yes. We provide treated water every morning and at every meal. At meal times, we will also provide tea or coffee. During the trek, you will be able to refill your bottle in small streams or mountain springs. Water should be safe to drink, but we recommend using water purification pills. The purification tablets can be bought in most pharmacies in Cusco. Water can also be bought in Mollepata or Santa Teresa.

Please give your trash to you porters at the end of the day. Help us keep the trail and the ecosystem as clean as possible.

 

Are there bathrooms during the trek?

The first night you will be able to use our portable toilets only. The rest of the nights you will find basic toilets. Once at your hotel you will have a good room with a private bathroom and hot water all day long.

 

What is the food like on the Salkantay?

A cook accompanies every group on the Salkantay. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hearty snacks are provided for your hike. Meals are a mix of local specialties and international favorites. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request.

 

What are the guides like?

Latika Adventure’s guides are among the very best and most experienced guides anywhere. They are from the surrounding Cusco - Sacred Valley area and speak fluent English. Most have plenty of years of experience leading hikes and all have training in the history, culture, ecology and spirituality of the area.