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Salkantay Trek Tips: Ultima Guide Before the hike to Machu Picchu

Salkantay trek “Machu Picchu by  5 day trekking Salkantay”. Due to the new restrictions and limitations on the numbers to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, new alternative hikes to reach the mystical sanctuary of Machu Picchu has been opened.

The Salkantay Trek is an alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This quite scenic trek is for those adventurers who are seeking nature and the old remains of Peruvian indigenous cultures. The Salkantay trek offers breathtaking scenery en route to Machu Picchu and also quietness being in nature within the Machu Picchu archaeological park.


If traveling to Salkantay is on your plans here you have some recommendations you need to know.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay trek?

The best time to hike the Salkantay is in the dry season from May to  October. May is the most advisable month because everything is green after the rainy season. The months of June and July are winter so it is warm in the sun and cold in the shade and also cold at night time.

What to bring for more comfort?

You need to bring a daypack to carry the essentials for the day, a big backpack for the horse, sleeping bag of -5 degrees at least. The clothes should be trekking since the weather is hot during the day and cold during the night. For your clothes bring plastic bags that allows you to keep your clothes clean from the dirt ones. Don’t forget your toiletries for 4 days of trekking such as towel, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, etc. Bring the medicines that you consider necessary for headache or altitude sickness. Bring Band-Aids for blisters and sores. It’s important to have a flashlight with batteries especially for the last day because we’re going to wake up at 4:00 am. If you want to visit some communities it would be nice to give the kids  as a present pencils, color pencils, pens, notebooks and books you want. Don’t forget to bring fully charged camera, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, etc.

How can I avoid the altitude sickness?

It’s important to acclimate  prior trek departure by arriving in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the trek. The soroche pills or the altitude sickness pills can help too. You need to keep hydrated and also drink coca tea to cop withy altitude sickness. You need to eat light, i.e., meals that are easy to digest such as soups, vegetables and carbohydrates but nothing fried. Rest and Sleep as much as you can to feel much better. Keep your body warm and don’t forget to eat before you get hungry, and drink enough fluids before you are really thirsty, keep warm before you are cold and rest before you get exhausted.

You’ll travel with the most experienced and trained tour guides who can assist you in any situation during the whole trip. Ask all the questions you need to know in order to be prepared for the hike and have the best trekking experience on the Salkantay trek!

Things you need to bring to the Salkantay Trek

  • Backpack.
  • Waterproof hiking boots (recommended).
  • Warm Clothes for the cold nights.
  • Raingear.
  • Binoculars.
  • Flashlight.
  • Cap or hat.
  • Long pants (Jeans are not recommended)
  •  t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts
  • Small towel.
  • Swimsuit for the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes (not included in the price)
  • Toilet paper, and tissues.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent.
  • A rain poncho.
  • Medicine and/or personal items (contact lens fluid)
  • Snacks: sweets, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, etc.
  • Water bottle.
  • Water purification tablets.
  • Original passport and student card if applied so as to enter Machupichu
  • Have in hand small notes and coins in small denominations (Dollars, euros or soles) 
  • Hiking poles.
  • Camera and extra battery and charger.
  • - 10° C Sleeping bag.

Best Peru Itinerary to avoid altitude sickness

  • Day 01. Arrival to Cusco
  • Day 02: Acclimation day or visit the around the Cusco City
  • Day 03 06: Trek to Salkantay mountain
  • Day 07: Machu Picchu
  • Day 08: Visit the Rainbow Montain tour or departure day
  • If you don´t want to hike to the Salkantay, there are others alternative short trek to Machu Picchu:

Salkantay Trek Packages

  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
  • Salkantay Trek Expeditions
  • Salkantay Trail
  • Hike the Salkantay Cheap
  • Sacred Valley and Salkantay Trek
  • Salkantay trek to The Inca Trail

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Location: Salcantay, 08680, Peru

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