Salkantay Trek 2022

What is the itinerary of the Salkantay trek?

Actually, there is not one Salkantay route, but several. The most common are the 5 days / 4 nights whose last day is dedicated to Machu Picchu. Here is a typical itinerary.

Total distance of the walk: 53 km.

SEE ALSO: Salkantay Trek 4 or 5 days

Should I book in advance?

It is always better to book in advance (especially if you have already compared prices and services and have a particular agency in mind), but it is not necessary in terms of the Inca Trail hike with fees.

Important: if at the end of the walk you want to climb the Wayna Picchu in addition to visiting Machu Picchu, you must book several months in advance. As the Wayna Picchu is very popular, the seats fly very fast!

• See also: Machu Picchu Tickets 2022

Do Salkantay alone (without agency): my advice!

Yes, it is possible to do Salkantay without an agency, but it is very important to take into account certain points:

- It is better to be a regular walk to start without a guide because it requires good physical preparation and has high altitude passages, a factor that should not be taken lightly. That is why the supervision of a specialized guide who knows the field well can be very useful.

-For regulars, moving alone on this path will be simple, the path is well indicated.

-It is better to avoid overloading the water and prioritize a purifier because you can easily find water along the way. Even if it seems pure, it must be filtered.

-Side food, bring everything you need for the walk. There are some kiosks, but they only sell snacks (chips, soda, etc.)

-To reach the starting point of the walk, take a bus to Avenida Arco Pata to Cusco to Mollepata at 4 am to get on the bus 7 am from Mollepata square to Soraypampa. The other option to get up earlier is to go to Mollepata the day before and sleep there.

-You will also pay 10 soles of entrance fee to Mollepata

Which agency to choose for Salkantay Trek?

Although a guide is not officially required, I strongly recommend that you visit Salkantay with an agency for security reasons.

It also allows you not to use all your belongings and enjoy the walk!

As it is important to choose a trusted agency, I recommend you visit GetYourGuide, which will offer you all the necessary guarantees garantías

You can book the Salkantay trek at a very good price (which also includes the entrance to Machu Picchu!) Here:

Salkantay: what to expect on the spot

What is the level of difficulty of Salkantay?

Salkantay is considered "medium difficulty", that is, it must be shaped, without necessarily being a great athlete.

It is a little more difficult than the Inca Trail hike. We walk around 5-8 hours a day and altitude is an important element to keep in mind.

In addition to the air that offers little oxygen in certain sections (the guide provides it when necessary), the walk has wind and cold temperatures.

How tall is the Salkantay trek?

The hike reaches 4650m altitude, which is considerable.

Even if considered fit, you must spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the walk to allow the body to acclimatize to the altitude. It's very important!

• Read also: Salkantay Trek FAQs

What is the temperature during the walk?

It varies greatly due to different altitudes.

The first day, it can be around 17 ° C during the day, and the temperature drops to 0 ° C or even -5 ° C in winter. From the second day it is much hotter, hence the importance of having the right clothes for all types of temperatures.

What happens if I am too slow?

It is true that the pace of the walk is quite strong and you must have a good physical condition. However, whatever happens, no one is left unattended to make sure everyone arrives at the camp.

Normally, the guide always walks with the last person to close the group. Of 9 people, there is 1 guide in front of who leads the group and 1 behind.

At 2 e day if you feel you need a little extra help, you can rent a horse (extra charge of course).

What happens if I get sick?

The guides always have oxygen and a first aid kit. They are also trained in first aid.

It is very rare for a traveler to return to Cusco urgently, but if so, the team will.

Is there a mandatory vaccine?

No vaccine is required. Of course, you can find out about the basic vaccines (eg, Tetanus) that can be good when traveling to Peru.

If you go to the Amazon (for example: Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado), the only highly recommended vaccine is that of yellow fever. It doesn't matter for the Salkantay hike, nor for the entire Pacific coast or the Andes because the carrier mosquito is simply not there.

How many people form a group?

It usually varies from 7 to 16 people. Otherwise, there is always the option of taking a private group, of course.

What is the comfort level of the walk?

You will sleep in tents with 4 seats for 2 people, so there is enough space. To have a tent alone, you must pay an additional cost (usually around $ 20-30 USD for a 1 place tent).

Are there bathrooms available during the walk?

Yes, there are many on the road and in the camps.

What is the difference between the Inca Trail and the Salkantay?

One thing is certain: these are two beautiful walks that do not disappoint hikers.

But these are also two routes that offer different experiences at various levels, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Here is a comparison between the Inca Trail and Salkantay:

Salkantay

• Much less frequented than the Inca Trail (approximately 70% less travelers!)

• It is not limited by fees and allows more flexibility in terms of dates (practice!)

• Cheaper than the Inca Trail

• A little more physically demanding (2 times longer than the Inca Trail and reaching higher altitudes)

• The walk does not reach directly to Machu Picchu. It is an additional tour on the last day and you have to go down to Aguas Calientes to get there.

• There are no archaeological sites along the way, but beautiful landscapes (lakes, mountains, jungle)

• Possibility of doing it alone (for regular hikers at altitude)

• There are not many facilities on the site, there are no showers ("roots" mode)

Inca Trail

• Visit several Inca archeological sites along the way, including the impressive Wiñay Wayna

• Arrive directly to Machu Picchu from the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku), an unforgettable moment!

• Provides good, clean and well maintained facilities

• Limited by fees, must be booked 4-5 months in advance (no cancellation or change of dates possible!)

• The most popular and frequented walks in Peru

• Mandatory guide

• Physically less demanding and, therefore, more accessible.

• Follow a part of the original path built by the Incas

Your other questions about the Salkantay trek

How much does Salkantay cost?

The price of Salkantay varies according to several criteria (including inclusions, of course) and can vary from $ 400 to $ 600

What is included in the price (may vary, always check!):

Includes: guide, assistant, hot meals (breakfast, snack, dinner, dinner except last day dinner), tents, mattresses, cooks, horses, entrance to Machu Picchu, entrance to Tarawasi, entrance to Llactapata, all transfers, first aid kit First aid and oxygen, bus to and from Machu Picchu, Expedition train category.

Walking horses are included if you choose the horse trek.

Not included: sleeping bag (can be rented at the agency), night in Aguas Calientes, tips

Should you leave a tip?

A tip is always a personal decision and not mandatory, but it is true that it is expected and appreciated a lot, while guides and porters work very hard to provide good service and come from modest families. In general, it is suggested to donate between $ 5 and $ 10 per day.

Should we bring money?

Yes a little bit. In reality, almost everything is included in the site, but we must think about:

• • The entrance of the hike to Mollepata of 10 soles.

  • The first day breakfast that is not included by the agency and will be lost even if the hotel offers it because the departure is too early. Count about 15 soles.

  • Expenses in Aguas Calientes (for example, a restaurant, souvenirs)

  • Tips for guides and porters.

It is better to have Peruvian soles.

Where can I leave my suitcase or backpack during the walk?

You can leave your luggage at your hotel without any problem, otherwise, the agency will store it.

What is the required age for Salkantay?

Officially there is no legal age. If you want to do Salkantay with children, some agencies require a minimum of 7 years and another 10 years. You really have to talk to the agency in advance.

From the age of 60 it is recommended to see the family doctor before starting the walk.

What is needed for Salkantay?

• Backpack

• rain poncho or raincoat

• Warm clothes and light clothes (large temperature differences on the road)

• Rain pants

• Various socks

• Good trekking shoes (waterproof boots recommended)

• Sandals or sports shoes to rest your feet in the camp.

• Hat or cap

• Sunscreen

• mosquito repellent (minimum 20% DEET),

• Toilet paper

• Electric torch and batteries

• Swimsuit (if you plan to enjoy the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes)

• Small towel

• Water bottle and water purifier (tablets or drops if you want to drink water from a stream). The agency provides boiled and filtered water during meals. Water purification tablets are easily found in pharmacies in Cusco.

• Snacks (for example, cereal bars, dried fruits, chocolate, cookies). The agency already offers snacks, but it is always useful to have it on top!

• Passport (not a copy, the original)

• Silver (soles and / or $ usd)

What is the best season to go there?

The Salkantay is feasible throughout the year, but it is better to avoid the wet season that goes from December to March (with even more frequent rains in February). Depending on the weather conditions and the state of the trails, it is even possible for the agency to decide to cancel the departure.

The dry season, from April to November, is the best season for trekking. The high season runs from June to September and the trails are busier, although never as much as for the Inca Trail.

In absolute terms, the best time to do the Salkantay trek is May or October because they offer good conditions and are less crowded.

Map of the Salkantay trek

This map of Salkantay Trekking gives you a good idea of ​​the route (even if the one you propose is different).

Stay in Cusco

Here there are good hotels in Cusco for different budgets, for the rest of the trip.

• El Artesano de San Blas : it is located in San Blas, the artists' neighborhood, with an undeniable charm! It is a simple, but beautiful hotel, in a typical Cusco house with an inner courtyard. One of the best value, with clean rooms. From only € 19!

• Hostal Inti Wasi Plaza de Armas : this is another good option if you are looking for a little more comfort, with excellent value for money! It is a renovated colonial building, a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, in front of the beautiful Plaza Regocijo, with a beautiful interior courtyard and comfortable rooms with balconies. Breakfast included. From only € 48 per night!

• Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection : this is a small and intimate hotel in the heart of San Blas. The rooms are very comfortable, the modern and traditional decoration offers a warm atmosphere, and the Piedra & Sal restaurant is one of the best in Cusco. Very good breakfast included. From € 140 per night

• Palace of the Inka Luxury Collection: one of the best luxury hotels in Cusco. It is a large colonial house in front of Coricancha and 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, which has retained its authentic character, with its large stone walls, interior courtyards and classical decoration. There is a swimming pool, an excellent restaurant, an elegant bar and the Andean Spirit Spa, which offers traditional treatments. A rich breakfast is included. From 206 euros per night.

Accommodation in Aguas Calientes

If you decide to sleep in Aguas Calientes after the walk, here are some interesting options:

• Hostal Casa Machu Picchu : The hotels in general are not very pleasant in Aguas Calientes and this is defended very well, especially for the price! Large bright common area with table football and billiards, river view, hot water and good wifi, friendly staff. A safe value Only 7 euros in bedroom!

• Hotel Falcon : a simple but comfortable hostel with new mattresses, spacious rooms, hot water at all times and a very, very friendly and welcoming manager. From € 7 or bedroom or € 15 per room.

• Aguas Calientes Panorama B & B 3 * : a few steps from the market, the train station and the bus to Machu Picchu, the Panorama B&B has become one of the favorite accommodations for travelers with its magnificent view of the river And the mountains It is not a luxury hotel, but it is comfortable! From 70 euros

• Tierra Viva 4 * : Hotel Tierra Viva, located in front of the Urubamba River, just 10 minutes from the train station, offers comfortable rooms with an interesting view of the surrounding high mountains. From 103 euros.

How to return to Cusco after the walk?

Normally, the train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco is included in the price of the trek. The return schedule depends on the places available, it is necessary to consult with the agency.

If you are doing Salkantay without an agency, I recommend that you book the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco in advance because the seats fly very fast. To see on the Peru Rail and Inca Rail website.

What are the other Treks to Machu Picchu?

In addition to the Salkantay trek, these are the other options to get to Machu Picchu:

Are you traveling to Peru?

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