Ultimate Salkantay Trek - 5 Days

Frequently asked questions

• When is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek?

  The dry season runs From April to November, this is best for trekking. April and November are also popular as these are shoulder months so can be a little quieter however you may get some rain. January and February there can be very heavy rain and landslide risk. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.

• Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

  Yes, you will need a sleeping bag for camping. These are not included - you may bring your own or you can rent one locally for $20.

• Will I need to carry all my belongings?

  All you need to carry with you on the trek is a small daypack for your water, snacks, camera, etc. There will be a personal porter for your belongings (they will carry up to a maximum of 7kg). You will be provided with a duffel bag at the briefing (on the night prior to your trek) in which you can pack all your belongings the night before. Please remember this duffel bag also needs to contain your sleeping bag and air mattress.

• Do you cater to dietary requirements?

  Yes, we can cater for all dietary requirements so please let us know of your needs. We will keep your energy levels high with snacks each day and we also make sure you have tea / coffee every morning to wake up and every afternoon to unwind.

• What happens if I fall ill while on the Trek?

  In the event a guest requires medical attention while on the trek our staff will be able to assist you. They will carry a medical kit at all times and all our guides have received training in first aid and high mountain rescue. In the extremely rare case of a serious medical emergency you will be evacuated to the nearest medical centre.

• What should I pack?

  A detailed packing list is included in our brochure, you can download this on this page!

• Should I do the Inca Trail or the Salkantay?

  If you are booking last minute then the Salkantay is often the best option as permits have more availability. The Inca trail is the Classic trek but the Salkantay has slightly more varied, and really stunning, scenery. It is a little harder, so take this into account also.

• Is the entrance fee to Machu Picchu included in the cost?

  Yes it is!

• How Long Is Salkantay Trek?

  Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on your itinerary or your chosen operator. The most popular tours are 4 and 5 days; shorter than four days can be too challenging, and longer schedules usually include city tours, Sacred Valley tours, and not the hike itself. Salkantay Trek 4 days and 3 nights.- The hike starts in Soraypampa, visits the amazing Humantay Lake and Salkantay pass, and arrives at Machu Picchu after 3 days of the hike. On the last day, you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco on the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°). The Total hiking distance is 44km/28 mi, and this doesn’t include the walking tour around Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek 5 days and 4 nights.- The ultimate Salkantay Trek starts in Soraypamapa Village, arrives at Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and allows camp for 1 night in Llaqtapata, a unique archeological site located on a mountain top right in front of Machu Picchu. The Total Hiking distance is 60km/38 mi, only for the 4 days hiking tour. On the 5th day, this is a walking tour of Machu Picchu.

• How Cold Is The Salkantay Trek?

  This trek offers different landscapes as well as different ecosystems and temperatures; the weather varies throughout the year depending if you are hiking during the dry season (April to October) or wet season (November to March); the temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season as is summer in the Southern hemisphere. Day 1: During the first day of the trek, the temperatures will be from 18°C/64°F maximum during day time and will drop below 0°C/ 32°F at night time. It’s essential to have warm clothes as the temperature will drop when the sun sinks or gets cloudy. High places like Humantay lake are always chili, even with the sun. Day 2: The second day offers 2 completely different climates, the first part of the day until lunch, you will hike through the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most challenging part of the trek; this part is usually bright and sunny; however, if rain falls, the temperature will drop to very cold, and you will need to wear jackets, hats, gloves. The temperature will increase in the second part of the day as we enter below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will start descending quickly to the second campsite in the Cloud Forest. The temperatures will be from 24°C/75°F during day time and 10°C/ 50°F at night time. Day 3: You will be hiking through the tropical cloud forest all day during the third day. You must wear light clothes, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, and have plenty of water. At night temperatures can be around 10°C/ 53°F Day 4: The last day of hiking starts as the day before in the Cloud Forest as we lower even more until we reach Aguas Calientes town with an average temperature range between 12ºC/54ºF and 24ºC/75ºF Day 5: During the 5th day, you will visit Machu Picchu in the tropical mountain forest with warm and humid weather almost all year round.

• How To Prepare For Salkantay Trek?

  Salkantay Route is doable by anybody; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish the trek. You don’t need to be an expert hiker but have a somewhat active life; if not, you must prepare before this trip to avoid bad experiences. You do not need to train months in advance. However, you must go on occasional hikes for about an hour or 2 and increase the frequency and duration as you get closer to the tour departure. Some hours in the gym, jogging, or spinning will also help. We recommend hiking on weekends or at least twice a month on short treks, including uphill.

• When is the best time to hike the Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?

  The Best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the Dry season, April and November are the Shoulders months, and a weather increase is expected. January and February are months to avoid this trek since the heavy rainy season and landslides risk. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.