Chat on WhatsAppOur guide was so knowledgeable and endlessly helpful. His experience and guidance made us feel more confident and comfortable. The conditions on the trek can be harsh, wet, and cold and of course you need to adjust to the high altitude but the views are well worth it. I recommend a few days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize and start altitude medication. Coca tea is essential!
I must say that one of the things that stand out the most from the trek besides the awesome beauty of the mountains and jungle was the Peruvian hospitality. Our cook went above and beyond. We were awoken with hot tea or coffee in our tents every morning to help us wake up. The portions and food were phenomenal. Other trekkers were so jealous when they saw our food! The porters go on ahead with the horses every day and setup the tents etc and provide so many little touches that make the camping experience more comfortable. It helps to try and learn a little Spanish to try and communicate. They appreciate it!
Make sure to bring a quality down sleeping bag for warmth, proper raingear (pants and jacket), a poncho, backpack cover, thermals, lots of socks, Ziplocs/garbage bags (to keep your clothes dry), WATERPROOF shoes, a few snacks (some are provided), a swimsuit (there should be an opportunity to bath in the hot springs!!).
Catch the bus up to Machu Picchu early on the last day, the views are worth it before the crowds arrive. Take some time sit on one of the terraces and just enjoy the magnificent wonder that lies before you. You appreciate it so much more having walked all that way to see it! The views from the top of Machu Picchu are phenomenal as well as from the Sun Gate. Take your time and enjoy it.
Victoria Rodriguez. Bermuda
My Salkantay trek experience was a life changing experience! I would highly recommend this trek to anyone. The Salkantay.Org office staff are extremely friendly, helpful, polite and the service was excellent. The airport transfer was great. The pre-trek briefing was extremely informative and useful, it helped us to plan adequately and deal with the altitude & low temperatures.
Our guide, David, was fantastic! He is very knowledgeable, has vast experience, speaks good English and is very funny! He was very calm & composed in difficult situations, always encouraged and supported us.
The food was excellent! Our chef cooked very nutritious, creative and tasty meals. Every meal was 3 courses. We even got tea served inside our tents in the morning with our wake-up call. The horseman/porters were very helpful & efficient; they provided hot water to wash our hands & faces twice a day
The trek is very tough but rewarding, especially the second day. Make sure you have full water-proof hiking boots, warm hat, water-proof gloves & poncho. It’s very cold at the start off the 2nd day, so make sure you are prepared. Gets very muddy if it rains.
Machupicchu is spectacular! David, our guide, got us inside the site very early so we could take “postage stamp†photos before the crowds arrived. He gave us a very informative guide of the site and answered all our questions.
Stephen Palmer
South Africa
