Chat on WhatsAppA very professional outfit. Emails/questions before-hand were answered very quickly, and our guide was very knowledgeable and respectful of the culture and environment. We also probably ate as well as we have anywhere on our holiday so far! The guide, cook, and porter were all great fun.
Macchu Picchu blew me away: having seen all the postcards I thought I knew what to expect, but nothing prepares you for the sheer scale and complexity of the place when you wander around in person. Our guide did a great job of getting us in early and avoiding the crowds -- we got some amazing photos! I was also pleasantly surprised by Cusco itself; I had few preconceptions, but did expect it to be more or less just a tourist base-camp. It certainly is that, but has much more to offer if you are thinking of extending your stay.
Do check the weather before you go! We went at the end of shoulder season, and there was a lot of mud: be prepared. Having someone set up your tent is nice after a long day on the trail, but it may still be a mud-bath to get to the toilet! You'll want waterproof clothing, but also warm layers for night-time.
Highly recommended.
We enjoyed being both papered and challenged in our Salkantay trek. We had a personal tour, just me and a friend, with a team to support us.
Our guide was very friendly and insightful. He made us feel safe and was clearly proud and passionate of the history in the area. Our chef produced a variety of world class food. It really surprised us to see what he came up with. Quite a treat.
Having our bags carried and camp prepared for us made the challenging walk much more enjoyable. We could flop down after a big days walking and relax.
The Salkantay trek was a satisfying challenge. Not too hard but by no means trivial. The altitude adds complications in acclimitisation and shortness of breath which made for a unique experience - and that what we were looking for.
The Salkantay pass itself is very beautiful and overall the walk took us through a range of interesting environments. It was really interesting to see how people lived in the area too.
Machu Picchu itself is stunning. After experiencing the mountains and jungle around the area we were double impressed that such a rich civilisation could be build there in tune with nature.
Best bits: the scenery on the walk, Machu picchu and knowing we had the inside edge with our guide looking after us.
Least favorite bits: getting back from machu picchu.
We saw lots of people without good equipment. Jeans are not suitable for walking - they get water logged! We mostly wore t shirt and shorts but kept layers and a good rain jacket for when it got cold.
Ask your guide for some tips for getting out of the touristy areas in Cusco. The local markets are great and I bet we missed out on a lot because we didn´t know where to look.
In hindsight I would have enjoyed being part of a larger travel group. As it was we had a bromance experience - better for lovers than friends travelling perhaps. Having said that it´s nice to be able to move and make decisions without waiting for a dozen people to be coordinated.
I would happily recommend Salkantay.Org
Enjoy your Salkantay trek.
