Salkantay Trek Tips: How to prepare for the route to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek is known as the most popular alternative trekking route to reach the Inca citadel in 5 days. This is due to the current restrictions and limited spots to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is why a large part of visitors choose this variant which has established itself as one of the new alternative routes to reach the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This option is perfect for those looking for flexibility in their dates during their vacations in Cusco.

Also, this picturesque route is ideal for adventurers looking for direct contact with nature and the remains of Peruvian indigenous cultures. Likewise, the journey offers impressive landscapes, from high snowy peaks to the jungle brow, in addition to the peace of exploring less crowded areas within the environment surrounding the Machu Picchu archaeological park.

So, if traveling to Salkantay is in your plans for this year, here are some fundamental recommendations that you should know before starting your adventure.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay trek?

The best time to travel the Salkantay route is during the dry season, which includes the months from May to October. This window of time guarantees clear skies and firmer trails for the classic Salkantay trek. May is considered the most recommended month, as the landscapes keep their deep green color after the rainy season, offering spectacular views of the snowy peaks.

On the other hand, June and July are the main months of the Andean winter. During this period, the sun radiation is strong during the day, but temperatures drop a lot in the shade and especially during the night, reaching degrees below zero in the highest campsites. It is essential to consider these climate variations to prepare the right gear before starting the route.

What to bring for more comfort?

To complete the classic Salkantay trek successfully, it is essential to organize your gear strategically. You will need a small backpack for daily essentials and a large backpack (or duffle bag) that will be carried by horses. Also, it is necessary to have a sleeping bag with a thermal resistance of at least -5 degrees for the nights at the campsite.

Regarding clothing, the clothes should be technical trekking gear, as the weather is hot during the day and very cold at night. Use airtight plastic bags inside your backpack to organize your clothes and keep them clean and dry. Do not forget your personal hygiene items for the 4 day route (towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.).

Regarding health and safety, include in your gear:

• Medicines: Painkillers for headaches or altitude sickness and bandages for possible blisters.
• Lighting: A headlamp with charged batteries, essential for the final day that starts at 4:00 am.
• Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and high-factor sunscreen.
• Technology: A camera with charged batteries and portable chargers, as there are no charging points in the high campsites.

If you wish to have a kind gesture with the local communities you will visit, you can bring small gifts for the children, such as pencils, crayons, notebooks, or books.

How can I avoid the altitude sickness?

Prevention of altitude sickness is essential to enjoy the classic Salkantay trek. Therefore, it is necessary to acclimate before leaving, arriving in the city of Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before starting the trekking. Also, using pills for altitude sickness (known locally as "altitude sickness pills") can be a great help, after a medical consultation.

During the route, follow these recommendations:

• Hydration and nutrition: Stay hydrated constantly and drink coca tea to deal with the altitude. Choose light and easy-to-digest meals, such as soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates, avoiding fried or heavy foods.
• Rest: Sleep enough to allow your body to recover. The golden rule in the mountains is to wrap up before you get cold, eat before you feel hungry, drink before you are thirsty, and rest before you reach total exhaustion.
• Professional assistance: You will travel with experienced and trained guides, who are prepared to assist you in any health situation during the trip.

Do not hesitate to ask all the necessary questions to your guide to be fully prepared and ensure a successful experience in Salkantay.

Things you need to bring to the Salkantay Trek

• Backpack.
• Waterproof hiking boots (recommended).
• Warm Clothes for the cold nights.
• Raingear.
• Binoculars.
• Flashlight.
• Cap or hat.
• Long pants (Jeans are not recommended)
•  t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts
• Small towel.
• Swimsuit for the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes (not included in the price)
• Toilet paper, and tissues.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• A rain poncho.
• Medicine and/or personal items (contact lens fluid)
• Snacks: sweets, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, etc.
• Water bottle.
• Water purification tablets.
• Original passport and student card if applied so as to enter Machupichu
• Have in hand small notes and coins in small denominations (Dollars, euros or soles) 
• Hiking poles.
• Camera and extra battery and charger.
• - 10° C Sleeping bag.

Best Peru Itinerary to avoid altitude sickness

To ensure a correct adaptation of the body to the altitude, it is recommended to follow a progressive itinerary. This order allows the body to get used to the decrease in oxygen before facing the highest points of the route:

• Day 01: Arrival in the city of Cusco and rest to begin acclimatization.
• Day 02: Gentle acclimatization day or visit to the archaeological sites near the city (City Tour).
• Day 03 - 06: Development of the trek to the Salkantay mountain, reaching the highest point on the second day of trekking.
• Day 07: Visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Day 08: Visit to the Mountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca) or day of departure from the city.

If you do not wish to do the long trek to Salkantay, there are other alternatives for short treks to Machu Picchu, such as the 2-day Inca Trail or the tour via the Hydroelectric route, which demand less physical effort and take place at lower altitudes for most of the trip.

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