The Salkantay Trail is an ancient, alternative route to the Inca Trail, offering a unique trekking experience through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Along this journey, travelers can enjoy an impressive ecological diversity of flora and fauna, making it an excellent option for adventurers.
If you’re thinking about embarking on this unforgettable experience, here are some tips for trekking the Salkantay Trail to help you make the most of this challenge:
1. Best time to hike the Salkantay Trail
Cusco has two main seasons: rainy and dry. It’s recommended to take this hike between May and October, when the rains have stopped and the paths are more stable. However, you can do this hike year-round, except in February when the rains are heaviest. It’s important to plan your trip well.
2. What the trek offers
The Salkantay trek offers breathtaking views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. The melting glaciers of these mountains form lakes, the most famous being Humantay Lagoon, visited by tourists from all over the world to admire its beauty and leave offerings to Pachamama, the Inca deity representing Mother Earth. Along the route, you’ll also enjoy a rich variety of flora and fauna in the cloud forest region, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air.
Besides the snow-capped mountains, you’ll be able to marvel at ancient constructions left by our ancestors. The nights under the starry sky are magical, making all the effort worthwhile.
3. Difficulty of the hike
The difficulty level of the trek depends a lot on your physical condition. Those with experience on similar routes and good health can handle it better. Many travelers consider the Salkantay trail to be of “high difficulty,” making it a considerable challenge.
Physical preparation: It’s important to prepare your body before doing the Salkantay Trek. Strengthening your muscles and building up endurance with prior training will make the hike more manageable. With the right preparation, your body will be in better shape, and your heart will pump blood more efficiently, ensuring more oxygen during the trek.
4. Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as soroche, is discomfort caused by the inability to adapt to low atmospheric pressure, leading to headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Travelers from lower-altitude places are more likely to suffer from it.
How to avoid it: Before arriving, make sure to rest well and eat light. Acclimate yourself during the first few days in Cusco and avoid physical exertion. Drinking coca tea and gradually ascending will help. It’s also recommended to stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and eat easily digestible foods.
5. What to bring
Don’t forget your backpack (it’s recommended to have one of at least 30 liters). Bring clothes for all types of weather, especially a warm jacket for the cold nights, and an extra change of clothes. It’s essential to have convertible hiking pants that can double as shorts during the day and pants at night. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip for rough terrain.
Other useful items include a water bottle, gloves, trekking poles, a flashlight, and binoculars if you want to spot wildlife. Don’t forget personal hygiene items, extra batteries for your camera, and your passport or ID.
Lastly, bring any necessary medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, and cash for extra expenses.