The Salkantay Trek is an ancient alternative trail to the Inca Trail that offers a unique trekking experience through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Along this route, travelers can delight in beautiful spots that showcase a rich ecological diversity of flora and fauna, making it an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts.
If you’re thinking of embarking on this unforgettable journey, here are some tips for doing the Salkantay train that will help you make the most of this trekking experience:
Tips for Doing the Salkantay Trek
Salkantay is a Quechua word that means “Wild Mountain” or “Inaccessible Mountain.” It is a name that describes the imposing presence and majesty of the Salkantay Mountain in the Vilcabamba mountain range. This mountain is considered one of the most emblematic and revered in Andean culture and has been the subject of respect and reverence since ancient times. Its name reflects the greatness and impressive character of this mountain rising in the Peruvian Andes. Get ready to live a unique and enriching experience in the Salkantay Mountain!
Best Time to Do the Salkantay Trek
The Cusco region has two distinct climate seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Therefore, the months from May to October are considered the best time to undertake this excursion as the rains have ceased, and the trail is firmer. However, this route can be done all year round, except for the rainiest month (February). So, we suggest you think it over carefully.
What the Trek Offers
The Salkantay route offers privileged views of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains. With the thawing of these mountains, beautiful lagoons are formed, with the most important and highly visited being the Humantay Lagoon. It is currently visited by tourists from all over the world to enjoy its beauty and make offerings to Pachamama, the deity that represents Mother Earth in Inca culture. Besides the snow-capped mountains, the trek showcases a variety of flora and fauna typical of the cloud forest region. You’ll be surrounded by a green and warm landscape that allows you to breathe pure air, benefiting your body. You’ll also be amazed by the vestiges and constructions left behind by our ancestors, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment, and you’ll enjoy magical nights under a starry sky, making you realize that all the effort was worth it.
Trek Difficulty
The level of difficulty for any trek depends largely on one’s physical condition, prior experience on similar routes, and overall health. This route is considered by many travelers to be more challenging due to its “High” difficulty level, making it a significant challenge for those who undertake it.
Physical Preparation
Preparation for the Salkantay Trek begins by considering your physical condition. Many specialists recommend preparing in advance before embarking on this excursion. By doing so, your muscles will become stronger, and you’ll build resistance for the Salkantay trek. Gradually, your physical condition will improve, and when it’s time for the trek, all your muscles will be prepared, and your heart will pump blood more efficiently, providing you with more oxygen.
Altitude Sickness
Also known as mountain sickness, soroche, or high-altitude sickness, it’s a physical discomfort caused by the difficulty of adapting to the low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. It can lead to headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
It’s recommended to have a good rest, eat light meals, and avoid alcoholic beverages a day before your arrival.
To prevent or make it more bearable, acclimate upon arrival, rest, and avoid physical efforts that might strain you, especially during the first days in Cusco.
It’s advisable, on the day of your arrival, to drink coca tea as a first natural remedy.
Consider taking slow breaths, ascend gradually, stay well-hydrated, avoid tobacco, choose easily digestible food, dress warmly, and avoid taking tranquilizers.
View Salkantay train to Machu Picchu
What to Bring
- Before starting the excursion, never forget your travel companion, “the backpack” (recommended size: 30 liters or more).
- It’s always good to be prepared for all kinds of weather changes, so it’s necessary to carry a super warm jacket since temperatures tend to drop during the nights on the trek, and there might be rainfall.
- Regarding the daily trekking distance, it’s essential to have extra changes of clothing in case you need to change.
- For lower body protection, it’s good to have trekking pants that are removable, as you can use them as shorts during the day and as pants during the night, reducing weight and space in your backpack
- The main gear consists of trekking shoes with excellent grip, suitable for rugged terrains, and resistant to water.
- Have accessories that will help you during the trek, such as a water bottle, gloves, trekking poles, flashlight, and binoculars, in case you have the privilege of observing wildlife
- Carry personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other necessities.
- To avoid any inconvenience with photography, carry extra batteries and additional memory cards as there will be a wide variety of landscapes to photograph.
- It’s very essential to have your original passport and/or identification document to identify yourself at checkpoints.
- Carry necessary health items, such as personal medications if you’re following a treatment, insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, disposable tissues, and others you might find convenient.
- It’s necessary to carry cash for extra expenses.
In conclusion, this excursion will leave you breathless due to all it offers and awaits when you decide to undertake it. Peru Grand Travel, an authorized operator for this trekking route, invites you to discover this new adventure.
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