Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Sky Camp Soraypampa

Peru's Leading Tour Operator

We specialize in taking small groups on adventures to Machu Picchu & the andean lands of Peru for once in a lifetime experiences...

Explore SALKANTAY TREK & INCA TRAIL to MACHU PICCHU with ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERTS

Salkantay Road is one of Peru’s leading tour operators. We are trusted for our professional, efficient, and friendly services. Because we only focus on Treks and Adventure tours to Machu Picchu, we have developed the optimal routes and services to suit your needs perfectly. With a focus on exploration, cultural immersion and personal achievement, our adventure travel packages will challenge and inspire you as you bond with other like-minded travelers who share a love for exploring new places and cultures.

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We are a passionate team of travel specialists who boast a reputation for delivering premium travel experiences to places like Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail, Choquequirao, Huchuy Qosqo, the Lares Trek and Rainbow Mountain.
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We know every individual is unique, which is why our travel specialists take the time to understand what kind of adventure you are looking to experience to ensure we deliver the trip of a lifetime.
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We keep our tours small and environmentally conscious to ensure a high quality of service and experience. Our motto is: "Small Groups & Big Adventures."
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The Greatest Hiking Treks in Peru

Enjoy the Best Treks and Hiking Adventures to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Each of our tours is operated by our certified and experienced guides who will take you along the world-famous Trek to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail and Inca Trail. Whether you travel with a small group of like-minded adventurers, or an intimate party of family and friends, our full-time staff is on call around the clock, ready at any time to provide you with everything you need for the journey of a lifetime.

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Trending Adventures Treks in Peru

Suggested Itineraries and Best Alternative Treks in Peru beyond the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

These excursions will show you a different side of Peru that is just as extraordinary and breathtaking. With us, you'll experience exceptional hospitality and personal attention to detail as our passionate and professional guides share the best parts of Peru.

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Frecuently Asked Questions

10 Most Frecuently Asked Questions at Salkantay Trekking

How do you prevent altitude sickness in Cusco?

The best way to prevent altitude sickness in Cusco is to be prepared. During your first 2 days you should take things easy. This means you shouldn’t take part in any strenuous activity. You should rest a lot and drink plenty of water. Alcohol and smoking isn’t a good idea as it can agitate you and make you feel a lot worse.

How to avoid altitude sickness in Peru?

You can avoid altitude sickness by spending a few days taking it easy in Cusco before you head off on any kind of trek. Trying to do a tough activity too soon could make you very ill. You should also eat lightly and avoid alcohol to feel your best.

What is the best trek to Machu Picchu?

There’s no definite answer to this as there are many options. The Inca Trail is the most popular and needs to be booked months in advance as there are only a certain number of spots each day. The best alternative trek is considered to be Salkantay, which offers a real adventure and fantastic scenery. Inca Jungle is great for those seeking a thrill and Lares is a top option if you want a quieter and more rural experience. If you have a lot of time and want to experience two incredible Inca sites, you can opt for the Choquequirao trek.

Which is better Inca Trail or Salkantay trail?

This depends on the individual who wants to trek. The Inca Trail is extremely popular as it takes you along the real trail where the Incas once walked. However, many say that the scenery on Salkantay is more beautiful. For this reason we would say go for the Inca Trail if you’re a real history lover and like to hike well-known treks, but go for Salkantay if you want to witness stunning landscapes and a variety of different climates.

Is the Salkantay Trek Dangerous?

The trek isn’t dangerous. You’re with fully qualified guides all the way to make sure you always stay on track. They are there to help you if you feel sick at all along the way. The path can be uneven, but if you take it slowly, you’ll have no issues. During wet season, November to April, you’ll have to take more care when you walk to avoid slipping.

Is the Salkantay Trek hard?

The trek is moderately challenging. This means that most people will be able to complete it if they are well-prepared. Most of the trek isn’t too challenging. It’s just the second day where you walk up to the Salkantay pass. You’ll trek for a total of 10 hours that day. What makes this trek difficult is the high altitude at which you hike and the different terrains as well as changing climate.

How high is the Salkantay Pass?

The Salkantay Pass sits at 4,600 masl.

How cold is the Salkantay trek?

Along the trail you’ll experience a lot of different climates. You’ll need to pack for the cold on the first two days. The first night will get below zero, so you need to make sure you have warm clothing and an excellent sleeping bag.

Do you need a permit for the Salkantay trek?

You don’t need a permit for the Salkantay trek. You do need to pay S/10 upon entering, but this doesn’t need to be reserved in advance, meaning that there is always space available.

How can I prepare for Salkantay Trek?

To prepare for trekking at high altitudes we recommend you start to prepare a few weeks before. You should start a fitness regime that includes daily stretching and exercises, particularly for your legs. We recommend taking hikes at home weekly before you come to do the trail.

What helps altitude sickness in Cusco?

If you do feel sick, there are a few things you can try. One is to speak to your doctor before you come to see if you can get a prescription for pills to help. These can also be bought in pharmacies in Cusco. Other helpful ways are to drink coca or muna (Andean mint) tea, which have been in use since the Inca times. Small oxygen bottles are also available in pharmacies and can really help.

What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?

The coldest months in Cusco are from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes are a must during these months.

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

The best month in all the year is October. The climate is just right and the sky is usually very clear. It’s also not the busiest season so it isn’t overrun by visitors. However, anytime from May to October is a good time as it’s the dry season so you won’t get wet.

Can you hike to Machu Picchu in one day?

You can’t hike to Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco, but you can visit in one day. There’s a one day tour option where you start early in the morning and get a car to drive you to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. You’ll then spend the morning in Machu Picchu before heading down for lunch, a brief rest or walk around the town, and then the train and car back to Cusco.

What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?

The best time of year is between May to October, with October being the best month of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.

How high is the Inca Trail altitude?

The highest part of the Inca Trail is Dead Woman’s Pass, which is 4,200 masl. The lowest you’ll reach is 2,600 masl, meaning that the rest of the trek is between these two altitudes.

How hard is hiking to Dead Woman's Pass?

This is one of the most challenging parts of the Inca Trail as it’s almost 1,000 metres of uphill walking to get to this point. However, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views once you get to the top.

What should I pack for the Inca Trail?

You’ll need to pack lightly as you only have a limited amount of space/weight that you can take. You need to make sure you have clothing for warm and cold climates, as well as lots of sun and bug protection. We recommend using thin layers that can be taken on and off as needed. In addition make sure you have toiletries and any personal medication you need to take. Don’t forget your permit, Machu Picchu tickets, and passport as you won’t be able to enter without these.

Is the Inca Trail difficult?

The Inca Trail is relatively difficult. You’ll be hiking up to a high altitude and a lot of the trail is along ancient steps. This means it can be tough on your knees and ankles. Take your time to allow your body to adjust.

How fit do you need to be to walk the Inca Trail?

You do need to be relatively fit to hike the trail. You’ll be heading up to a high altitudes and hiking along rough terrain, both of which can take their toll on your body. We recommend spending time training and hiking before you come to do the trail.

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