The Salkantay Trek is the most popular and physically demanding hiking route to reach Machu Picchu, named in honor of the Salkantay Snowy Peak (6,271 meters). This journey is characterized by its dramatic route across the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, where one quickly moves from high-altitude alpine passes toward the dense vegetation of the cloud forest.
This challenge, which is part of the essential hikes in Cusco for those looking to explore deep Peru, requires full preparation.
Planning is focused on three vital points for success: the right training for physical endurance, conscious acclimatization to the extreme altitude (crossing passes over 4,600 masl), and the essential technical gear.
This guide has been created to advise the traveler on each of these aspects: Training and altitude, The route and its difficulty, and Gear. Next, we will analyze in detail the logistical and physical factors to ensure that the expedition meets safety expectations and is a successful hike.
The Salkantay Trek requires a strict acclimatization protocol, this being the most critical factor for the success of the hike. The route involves a fast ascent from sea level (Lima) to Cusco (3,400 masl), to then start the trek in Soraypampa (3,900 masl). This sudden ascent without prior rest drastically increases the risk of suffering severe Acute Mountain Sickness (Soroche). For this reason, it is advised against starting the hike immediately after landing in Cusco.
It is essential to spend a minimum of two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley(which is at a lower altitude) before heading to the mountain. This time allows the body to adjust to the lower amount of oxygen. Keep in mind that the first campsite, Soraypampa, is already at a considerable altitude (3,900 masl), which means that the acclimatization process must be advanced before staying overnight there.
Beyond acclimatization, the hike is physically very demanding. Cardiovascular resistance is required to face long days and the ascent to the Salkantay pass (4,630 masl). It is recommended to do endurance training (jogging, swimming, or long walks) and strengthen the legs in the months prior to the trip.
How should I organize this route?How should I prepare the acclimatization prior to the height?
The success of the Salkantay Trek is based on logistical planning that prioritizes health. The acclimatization strategy requires dedicating a minimum of two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to Soraypampa. This period is essential for the body to adapt to the 3,400 meters of altitude of the city. Altitude sickness is a physiological reaction that cannot be overcome only with physical training, but depends directly on the quality of this adaptation phase.
During the days of rest, travelers should take advantage to do light activities that do not require strenuous effort, such as exploring the Historic Center of Cusco or visiting nearby ruins like Sacsayhuaman. This allows the body to acclimate without becoming overloaded. In this preparation phase, it is also important to maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and finalize the gear check.
We do not believe that a special preparation to successfully complete this journey is necessary. We recommend to do some exercise like walking, running, go biking, etc. at least 4 days a week, 30 minutes a day. Why? The reason is because as you ascent, the lack of oxygen will accelerate the heart. That is completely normal, the only thing you have to do is walking on a rhythm that you can take and avoid taking stops whenever the heart accelerates. If you let your heart rate stabilize you will see that you can carry a constant and comfortable rate (faster or slower, depends on the training), even gasping. But it is normal.
The fact of doing some exercise 4 days a week will avoid the heart acceleration. Remember not to take medicines if it is not completely necessary and leave the body to follow its normal acclimatization.
You don't have to be a marathon runner or have climbed many mountains. The most important thing is that you are well acclimatized so that you do not get altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath) at an altitude of over 4000 meters. It is certainly valuable if you have already completed a longer hike. You should be able to hike for several hours at a time and have enough stamina for several days. In an emergency, you can also climb on a horse to climb the pass, which will then carry you up to 4600 meters.
Prior acclimatization is very important. It is recommended to spend at least three nights in Cusco (3600m asl) before the trek and do some easier hiking nearby during this time. In general, you should be fit, but you will definitely see young and old of different fitness levels on the route.
RELATED STORY: HOW TO PREPARE FOR HIKING THE INCA TRAIL
The trek to Salkantay is a spectacular path that takes you to Machu Picchu in 5 days. Although it is in the shadow of the famous Inca Trail, this road runs through the places of countless beauty to end in the lost city of the Incas. The difference is that it is not a crowded road and it is ideal for tranquility lovers. Here is a brief summary of the trek:
Day 1: From the Mollepata town to the Soraypampa camp.
This day is very important for the acclimatization of the body to the height. You will feel a slight headache overwhelming feeling because you will sleep in height. It is normal, do not medicate yourself if it is not strictly necessary and enjoy your lunch and dinner you are going to have. Look around the mountains because they are going to impress you.
Day 2: From the Soraypampa camp to the Chaullay town.
This is the key day since the altitude is of 4,200 which will be the personal record for many people. This is the highest point of the trek.
Day 3: From the Chaullay town to the Santa Teresa town.
Enjoy the rainforest and the path. Pay attention to the plants, the animals, the spectacular butterflies and enjoy the hot spring at the end of the day.
Day 4: From the Santa Teresa town to Aguas Calientes.
The second part of the day is amazing, you will see Machu Picchu on the top of the mountains.
Day 5: From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek uses a porter system to carry the main gear, so it is crucial to pack efficiently, as the duffel bag transported by the support staff is strictly limited (generally to 5 or 7 kg per person).
Clothing and Layers (Warmth System)
Camp Gear (In the Duffel Bag)
The Day Backpack (What you carry with you)
This backpack must be compact and contain the essentials for the hiking day:
In general, the dry season between April and October is considered the best time for hiking in the Andes. During this time it is unlikely (but not impossible of course!) that much rain will fall and you should have great visibility. However, we would recommend checking the weather forecast before the trek. For example: In June, you will have the best weather. In the evenings it gets very cool at high altitudes.
RELATED STORY: BEST TIME TO HIKE MACHU PICCHU
For some time now, you can only buy morning and afternoon tickets for the Machu Picchu visit (easiest in Cusco or online). In return, those responsible are now allowing almost twice as many people to visit the site of the ruins. Escaping the crowds is almost impossible, but if you want to spend nice moments alone, you can do it skillfully. Either you get up very early in the morning or you stay longer than everyone else. Especially in the late afternoon (it closes at 5 p.m.) there are not many people to be found. By the way, anyone who has the morning ticket will not be checked if they stay longer. But beware: There are no toilets on the site.
We recommend you take the train and return to Cusco at 14:30 (Inca Rail) or 14:55 (Perurail), Why? This train will be arriving at Cusco at 18:30 and it isn't late. The last train is at 18:30 (Perurail) or 19:00 (Inca Trail) and this trail will be in Cusco at 22:00 which is late.
Caution: Unfortunately, you can no longer move freely on the site, but only in one direction. If you're keen on the classic Machu Picchu motif, you should take the photo at the beginning, because once you're down by the houses you can't go back. And many employees with loud whistles let you know if you try.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
