Essential info for Salkantay Trek
INTRODUCTION TO SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU
The Salkantay trek is possibly the most scenic route to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu boasts several access paths, by the route of Salkantay the trail arise onto high-alpine deserts with amazing views of ice fields and the peak of Mt Salkantay known as the “APU of the region” (spiritual protector of the life and goodness), this path leads you through magnificent forests before traversing a ridge leading through moorland to the “Vilcabamba” range.
It offers great scenery beneath the glaciated precipices of the north, camp along the route with support from local guides and porters. As a world leader in Salkantay trek, we’ll take you to new heights in adventure!
- Conquer Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu
- Explore Machu Picchu the icon of the Inca civilization
- Trek past verdant forests and silent glaciers
IMPORTANT TREK NOTES
Once the park fees are paid Machu Picchu Park is not able to provide refunds for any unused days.
Please note: passengers should be aware that, for any reason, they are unable to make the trek, then any additional cost will be at their own expense.
GROUP LEADER DESCRIPTION
For your hike on Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you will be lead by an experienced certified mountain guide. To round out the team, you will be joined by an assistant guide (for groups of more than eight people), a cook, and horseman or a team of porters.
Your guide has been trained in mountain guiding skills, first aid and emergency response, history, flora and fauna, and group management. All guides are graduated in tourism and licensed by INRENA, the National Park Authority. Your cook is an experienced cook who will prepare a variety of nutritious and hearty meals. As a general rule, each hiker will be accompanied by 1.5 porters or 1 horse, which assists in carrying both your bag and the team’s gear (tents, food, etc).
MEALS ON THE TREK
All meals on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, are included (except the last lunch in the town of Aguas Caleinets). All meals you have during your trip will be prepared from fresh local produce. Shopping for food will be done before the trip departs. Breakfasts and dinners will be served at camp, while lunches will tend to be packed to have en route while trekking.
All evening meals will be hot and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. We believe that providing more than enough food while on such a trek is of the utmost importance, and as such you can be ensured that your cook and crew will provide enough quality food for you. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.
PLEASE NOTE: bottled water (both before and after the trek) is at your own expense, however, during the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu you will be provided with drinking water. This water is collected from fresh mountain streams and then it will be boiled and cooled or to purified with tablets by your guides who will replenish your empty bottles/thermos flasks on a daily basis.
TRANSPORT
You’ll be travelling in a modern air-conditioned coach or mini-buses or tourist train.
Importantly we own all of our coaches, meaning we can be sure they are well serviced and of a high standard. The quality of all other types of transport has been thoroughly checked and verified by our local offices to ensure they meet our specific requirements. All transport is included in your trip price, and will ensure you arrive at each destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
MY OWN ROOM
Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” and “My own tent” option for this tour, you will receive your own single tent for all night and your single room for last night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
ABOUT ACCOMMODATION
For those not accustomed to ‘roughing it’ for a few days we offer a full camping service, All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by SUNRISE PERU TREK staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. When camping we are exposed to the elements, and whilst there are times when the weather is fine and temperatures are pleasant, there may be days when it is foggy, rainy and cool.
In certain locations there may also be a number of bugs. These factors, however, should be seen as minor downsides to a camping experience which will allow you to get up close to the beautiful nature that Perú has to offer. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply canvas dome tents with built-in mesh insect nets on the doors and windows. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.
While on the mountain, we provide full-service at designated campsites. Your porters or your horse will be carrying your tents, which they will pitch for you at these sites. The campsites are fairly basic, and exposed to the elements. They will not have electricity, nor shower facilities, and toilet facilities are basic long drop latrines, which could become dirty at times (especially when it is raining), as many other hikers sharing the same facilities. Your crew will prepare basins of warm water for washing daily.
All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. All meals on the mountain will be prepared for you by your group’s cook. The tents are two-person dome tents which are assembled by the porters
WHAT TO TAKE FOR SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU
As you will be trekking Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, you will be passing through a number of different climate zones, and should pack to prepare for a number of extremes – hot and sunny, cool, cloudy, and misty, fog, rain (your first day you will ascending through a section of rain forest), wind, and lastly snow and cold. You may experience one or all of these conditions in the same day on your trek. In the lowlands, temperatures in the shade can reach 35°C, and in the highlands it will be below freezing, with possible rain and fog. The use of lightweight, breathable, easily removable layers of clothes works best to allow you to adapt to the local conditions.
We recommend breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape and it will not dry once wet. Please note that is gets very cold in the first campsite and near the pass of Salkantay 4,600m. For this, in addition to warm layers and good boots, you will need warm protection for your extremities – warm socks, gloves, and a warm winter hat. Lastly, Mt. Salkantay is located only a few hundred kilometers from the equator, and at altitude, the sun’s affects are heightened.
SPENDING MONEY
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
EMERGENCY FUND
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
TIPPING
Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component of your Salkantay trek. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the communities that you visit.
Your group will be assigned a Lead Guide, and a group of porters. The number of porters designated to your group will depend on the amount of baggage and equipment is taken on the trek; this typically works out to 2-3 porters per traveller, but this number will be confirmed by Machu Picchu National Park rangers at the gate once all baggage is checked.
It is best to present your crew with the group’s tip upon completion of your trek, during the last meal on the mountain. Tips should be placed in a group envelope and a member of the trekking team can hand the envelope directly to the Lead Guide.
HEALTH
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure.
Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor for travel in Peru. Be aware that Peru has regions where malaria is present, including the ones visited. We thus recommend that you take malaria medication; your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Travellers should also carry a basic travel first-aid kit as medical facilities are basic throughout these countries.
An important item to include is a liquid or gel hand sanitizer and/or alcoholic/sanitary wipes, as they will aid in personal cleanliness and hygiene throughout the trip. The local tap water should not be consumed, so any water treatment tablets (ex. iodine), drops, etc, would help. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, you must inform SUNRISE PERU TREK prior to the purchase of the tour, and upon arrival, to the TOUR GUIDE so he/she can be prepared to help you.
SAND FLIES AND MOSQUITOS
Are found in the areas visited. Mosquitos are more prevalent in areas that receive more rainfall, and sand flies, though generally found on the coast, can also be found in dry & dusty conditions inland. Both tend to come out in the early evening and early mornings. Protective clothing, and insect repellent are highly recommended during these times.
HYDRATION
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.
DIARRHOEA
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.
CONTACT US
Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative on the following:
Mauro Pedraza – Operations Manager
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
Henrry Chauca – Operations
Mobile: +(51) 950 313131
Sharon Ovalle – SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor
Mobile: +(51) 974 359484
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY
While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from SUNRISE PERU TREK, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you.
Cusco Office
Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm.
Telf: +51 84 237404
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available:
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you.
