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Salkantay Trek Regulations

 

As of today, the Peruvian goverment has not implemented a set of rules to access the Salkantay trail; therefore, anyboby is allowed to access it. The only regulated portions of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu are the hike to the archaeological site of Llactapata and the visit to Machu Picchu. Due to the heavy amount of travelers accessing the trail, and the environmental degratation of it caused by excess of trash produced by tour operators and improper constructions, the Peruvian goverment has started to monitor the trail.

 

When hiking the Salkantay trek, it is important to make sure trash is not left behind since nobody cleans this trail. If hiring the service of a tour operator, you must look for a company which cares about the enviroment so the trail is kept well maintain and clean for the enjoyment of upcoming travelers. If your tour operator does not care about the environment and leaves trash behind, you must complain.

 

Also, keep in mind that this is a moderate to difficult trek and it is important to know that your body should be used to exercise and adjusted to the high altitude of the area. If both of these conditions are met, this will be an incredible experience to remember for the rest of your life. National Geographic once rated this trek among the best 25 treks around the world.

• Salkantay Trek Regulations

Salkantay Trek Tips & FAQs

 

The Salkantay Trek is probably the most traveled treks in Peru. This trek started to gain fame after National Geographic listed it among the best 25 treks around the globe. This is indeed a beautiful hike and it connects the Andean town of Mollepata (Cusco) with39.75 the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. From Mollepata, a traveler can connect both locations after hiking a total distance of 98 kms / 61 miles by foot. Our Off Beaten Path Salkantay trek cover a portion of the trail for a total length of 63 kms / 39.75 mi.

 

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 / 20,574 ft).

 

How difficult is the trek?
The entire Off Beaten Path Salkantay is 63 kms / 39.75 mi. long. The first day and fourth days are the easiest of the trek while the second and third are the hardest ones due to the high altitude gained and the distance covered, respectively.This is considered a moderate to difficult hike.

 

Should I be in good physical shape to trek the Off Beaten Path Salkantay trek?
Yes. This is a demanding trek thus it is important to be in good physical shape and used to high altitude before starting the trek. It is recommended to take part of 2 to 3 hours treks a few times before starting the trek. Also, it is highly recommended to spend a couple of full days in a high altitude city such as Cusco.

 

What's the most difficult section?
The section that goes from Salkantaypampa to the Salkantay Pass is the most difficult section of the trail. This section will consume an important amount of energy. For this portion of the trek expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will alleviate as lower elevation is gained. Our itinerary has been designed to break this section in two in order to allow you to get used to the altitude.

 

Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?
Yes, but at some times of the year it is not recommendable. There are not legal constrains against hiking the Salkantay Trek at any time during the year. However, during the rainy season (from December to mid-March) it is not safe to hike the trek due to the abundant rain which generates mud slides.

 

Does the Salkantay Trek end in Machu Picchu by foot only?
Yes, if you follow this route: Soraymapmpa - Challway – Playa Sahuayaco – Llactapata – Hydroelectric (Santa Teresa Train Station) – Aguas Calientes – Machu Pichu Site. All these areas are connected by a trail path and it usually takes 5 days to trek it. Most tour operators do not include  Llactapata in their itineraries because of the high cost of this excursion.

 

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 Off Beaten Path Salkantay Trek?
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. Temperatures can fall below freezing at night at the campsites near Salkantay Pass at any time of the year.
June to September are the most popular months for treks. May and October offer the nicest weather.

 

What is the weather like?
During the dry season, 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, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water purification pills, toilet paper, flashlight, hand sanitizer, a small first aid kit, some coca leaf candies, bathing suit and off course a camera.

 

Can I hike the Salkantay Trek 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 of being in a high altitude City. For that reason, we highly recommend that you hike the Salkantay a couple of days after arriving in Cusco.

 

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.

 

Is water available along the trail?
Yes. On the way, there will be several creeks, small water channels, natural deposits of water and small rivers. This water should not be drunk before filtering it with a reliable water filter.

 

Are there bathrooms during the trek?
Most campsites have basic bathrooms. Once at your hotel you will have a good room with a private bathroom and hot water all day long.

 

Are there small shops along the trail?
Most overnight campsites offer small items for sale such as beverages, cookies, candies, among other similar items. The small town of Playa Sahuayaco will offer more options. Prices at these places will be significantly higher than in Cusco City.

 

Are mosquitos and flies an issue in this trek?
Once Challway is reached, the presence of mosquitos will be quite common along the remaining of the trek, therefore it is important to regularly apply insect repellent (preferable a repellent containing DEET between 15% and 25%).

 

Are there thermal pools along the trek?
Yes, there are 2 of them. The first one is known as Collpapampa and the second one is known as Santa Teresa. The second one is better prepared to welcome visitors and the pools are bigger. We include a vist to the second one know as Santa Teresa hot springs.

 

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!
When you book this trek with GoTrekPeru.com you can be confident you will get what you are paying for.

 

Can I trek this route 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 chance of getting lost (Spanish will be needed to get by.) It is recommended that you hire a company and a tour guide who is familiar with the area.  
• Salkantay Trek Tips & FAQs

Salkantay Trek Weather

 
• Salkantay Trek Weather

What to Bring to the Salkantay Trek

 

Below there is a suggested checking list for the Salkantay Trek:

 

• Original passport and ISIC student ID Card in case you requested student discount. You will need your passport to access Machu Picchu
• Sleeping bag designed for low temperatures at least as low as 15ºF
• Well broken in waterproof boots
• Tennis shoes or sandals to be around campsites
• Long raincoat
• Waterproof jacket. Preferable made from Gore-Tex
• Fleece top or light jacket to be put on under your waterproof jacket
• Light long sleeves
• T-shirts
• Hiking pants / short pants
• Underwear (cotton made preferably. Avoid synthetic underwear)
• Wool hat and gloves
• Thick socks
• Bathing suit
• Small towel
• Head flashlight with extra batteries
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Sun block
• Insect repellent (some sites suggest the use of an insect repellent containing between 15% and 25% DEET)
• Camera with extra battery
• Small first aid kit (include band aids, alcohol wipes, sterile gauze, antiseptic and antihistamine creams, ibuprofen, aspirin, small scissor, lighter, altitude sickness and diarrhea pills, and re-hydrating powders)
• Personal medicine
• Pocket knife
• Water purification pills, toothpaste, tooth brush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sanitary towels, lip balm, and small soap
• Bottle of water (water filters can be used but it needs to be a high quality filter)
• What to Bring to the Salkantay Trek

WHY CHOOSE OUR OFF BEATEN PATH SALKANTAY

 

This is a list of reasons to book the Off Beaten Path Salkantay Trek with GoTrekPeru.com:

 

1. We have designed an itinerary not offered by any other tour provider in Cusco while maintaining competitive prices. Our price, service, and comfortable inclusions are incomparable.
 
2. We provide 2 walking poles (black diamond) for the duration of the excursion.
These walking poles will be of great help while hiking from the campsite of Soraypampa to the ancient site of Machu Picchu. Our competitors do not include them in their price.
 
3. We include an organic coffee taste experience and a visit to the Llactapata Inca site from where you will observe Machu Picchu from far. You will spend the night at Llactapata.
 
4. We include a visit to the hot springs of Santa Teresa and lunch at the Cola de Mono campsite. This campsite offers ziplines and you will have enough time to take part of this adventure (cost of the zipline tour is not included in our tour package).
 
5. Our Off Beaten Path Salkantay Trek includes a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes for the 4th night of the trek (double accommodation).
We will book a comfortable hotel with a nice room and a clean private bathrrom. It is important to know that Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu town) is a small town with limited accomodation options. Hotel upgrades are avilable and you can add them to your cart.
 
6. On Day 5, you will get a round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu. You will also get to hike to the Gate of the Sun with your tour guide and then you will tour around Machu Picchu.
Other tour operators do not include a hike to the Gate of the Sun and bus tickets.
If you would like to hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain, your guide won't be able to take you there and you will need to pay for an extra entrance ticket (we can book this ticket on your behalf).
 
7. On Day 5, lunch will be provided at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
You will be served a buffet style lunch, and a soft drink.
 
8. If you own an ISIC Card, you will get a USD 20.00 gift card to eat at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse or Marcelo Batata restaurant.
 
9. We offer the best price for this trek when you compare the service we offer, the quality of our tents, our itinerary and meals, and all what is included.
• WHY CHOOSE OUR OFF BEATEN PATH SALKANTAY