Salkantay Trek Faqs 2023
The beauty and magic of Salkantay snow capped mountain will undoubtedly captivate your senses. This incredible wild mountain known as the Apu Salkantay, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Cusco, just after the Inca Trail, since both treks will take us to Machu Picchu.
We know how stressful the overwhelming questions on our minds can be, but that’s what your friends are here for, to help you.
Here we compile the frequently asked questions that you may have before your trip, and if not, no problem, we can also help you with the rest.
What is the best time to do the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu?
The best time to do the Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, with good weather, is between the months of April – October, since we have the presence of clear skies and to a lesser extent fluvial rainfall. Mainly the driest months are between June – August, which is winter in the Andes. However, it is suggested to anticipate with the type of clothing to wear during these months, because during the day you can enjoy the Sun, while at night you feel intense cold.
Why is the briefing important?
The briefing is very important because this is when you will meet your guide. During this meeting, your guide will provide you with important details about the trek, be it altitudes, distances, or data that we may not know.
Do I need to bring money for the walk?
Yeah. This is very important! We recommend you bring 300 to 400 Peruvian soles. You may not need any of this money, but in an emergency you should make sure you have enough cash. If you have difficulties en route, you can use the money to buy alternative forms of transportation such as: car, horse and train.
What size backpack do I need?
We will provide you with a duffel bag for all walks. You can carry about 7 kilograms in the duffel bag. These duffel bags will be carried by horses throughout the trek. You only need to carry a small backpack / day pack with the items you may need during the day, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, jackets or snacks.
What is the difference between the private and group tour?
If you choose to take a private tour, the tour will be tailored to you. The size of the group depends on you and only you. You can decide exactly who will be on the walk with you. This is perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends. You will have your own personal chef and guide, meaning the trek is more personalized and able to meet your personal needs.
Do I have to rent an additional horse?
If you are worried about the trek, you have the option of renting an additional horse. The cost is 120.00 soles. You will only be able to ride a horse for the first two days while walking uphill. During the last few days, you will sometimes have the opportunity to opt out and take a car or train for certain stages of the trek. Also, you should know that on the first day, you would be going a different route than those who choose to walk. You do not need to arrange this in advance.
What happens if I have altitude sickness?
Our guides are trained in case you get sick. Unfortunately, it is illegal for us to give you altitude medicine, but we do our best to help you feel better in other ways. For example, we frequently make coca tea and the guides carry oxygen bottles.
What will the weather be like on the hike?
The weather is very unpredictable, changes rapidly and varies by season. It is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter on your hike. However, in general, the first night will be quite cold. It can go down to about 5 degrees Celsius. Towards the end of your trek, you will be in the Peruvian jungle. In these sections of the walk it could be up to 25 degrees Celsius.
Is there an age limit for the walk?
No, there is actually no age limit for the walk. Many times there have been children under 10 years of age and they concluded normal, as well as very old people, however, it is advisable to know that the people who make the trip know that they are many hours walking and some sections are steep.
Are there bathrooms on the route?
Yes, there are indeed toilets you can rent along the way. These bathrooms belong to local people and for using them they have costs of 1 to 2 soles. If you don’t want to spend on it, there is also the option of the Inca bath, which is outdoors 🙂
Is the walk difficult?
The trek is considered challenging, since the second day is the steepest climb of almost 4 hours towards the Salkantay pass, therefore, we recommend having at least rested 3 days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
Do I need a permit for the Salkantay?
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay does not need permits that you must book in advance, however, if you need to reserve the ticket to Machu Picchu, we recommend that you plan it well.
How far do we walk each day?
The amount you walk each day varies. An average day is 5 to 8 hours, but on the summit night combined with the next day you can walk between 8 and 11 hours. Take a look at the itinerary for a day-to-day account.
We know that these are not the only doubts you may have, however, these are perhaps the most frequently asked questions by passengers when thinking about their walk. What are you saying? Do you have something else in mind? If so, please leave us a comment.
