If you are planning to travel to Salkantay, here you will find some important information you need to know.
When to travel?
The best time to do this trek is during the dry season between May and October. May is the recommended time of the year because everything is still lush and green after the end of the rainy season. June, however, is the coldest time of the year and not as nice. Please, feel free to have a look at our article about the Best Time To Travel To Peru as well.
What to take?
First of all, your daypack. As well as the bag the horse will carry and as a minimum a -5 °C (23 Fahrenheit) sleeping bag. Your clothing must be appropriate for the mid- to high-mountain weather, which is hot during the day and very cold during the night. To keep your clothes organized, we recommend bringing 3 bags for clean, dirty, and wet clothing. Do not forget your personal toiletry for the 4-day trekking (towel, soap, toothbrush/paste, toilet paper, etc). The more products with natural or biodegradable components the better. Bring the necessary medicines, considering headaches and high-elevation sickness among the main discomforts. Also, some bandages for wounds or blisters. It is very important to bring your flashlight, especially for the last day when the trek already starts at 4:00 am. If you are willing to visit rural communities, it would be a nice gesture to bring school items to offer as gifts or donations. A fully charged camera, sunglasses, hat and sunblock are a must.
How to avoid high elevation sickness?
It is important to acclimatize before starting the trek. Arriving in Cusco 2 or 3 days in advance will give you enough time to do so. Keep your body well hydrated: coca leaf infusions are recommended. Sleep enough, keep yourself warm and do not forget to eat before being hungry, drink before being thirsty, and rest before being tired.
A light diet, consisting of foods that are easy to digest, is very important. These are:
- Creams or soups
- Fruits and vegetables
- Yoghurt and carbs
- Under no circumstance fatty or fried meals.
For extra detailed information (not only for this trek but for your whole experience in Peru) we recommend reading our blog on How to stay safe and healthy when traveling in Peru.
During the whole trek, you will travel with experienced guides, who are highly capable of assisting you under any circumstance. Ask all the questions you want, to make sure you are prepared and have the best experience during your trip to Salkantay!
Book your RESPONS experience to Salkantay by emailing us at [email protected] and ask our travel specialists anything you want. Alternatively, you can make use of our Custom Itineraries Service, if you prefer us to take the work from you and tailor-make a unique trip for you.
