Frequent questions of the Salkantay Trek

1.-How do I reserve a space for the Salkantay Trek?

You can do by our web site , in th reservation formular. If you have any questions , just write us  to the mail : reservas@ecopathtrekperu.com

2.-Will the altitude affect me?

When travelling throughout the Andes in Peru some people will suffer some effects of altitude sickness. If you plan to hike the Salkantay Trek we recommend arriving 2 or 3 days before start your trek to acclimatize to the ltitude.

3.-What is the best thing to do in the event of altitude sickness?

Wherever possible “go down”. But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.

Please get more detailed information about Altitude Sickness.

4.-Is the Huayna Picchu Mountain Included?

It depends of the plan of the travellers, also of the availability for the days, because there are just a 400 spaces per day. Is a extra price of 30 usd, so if you like to get one spot, please le tus to know in the reservation formular.

5.- How many hours i will stay in Machupicchu?

The visits to Machupicchu have been divided into two schedules, the first is (6:00 am to 12:00 pm); and the second schedule is from (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm), whose ticket has a one-time validity, with a duration of only two hours with the guide, then you can stay a prudent time until the middle, if Your ticket is the first turn. This system has been implemented for reasons of care and protection of the world wonder.

6.- At what time is the train back ?

If you make your reservation with much time in advance, we will not buy the return train at 2:30 p.m., or 3:20 p.m. If you make your reservation with a time of one month in advance or less than that time, we can not guarantee that you will have an early train, you will be sent to your mail alternative schedules.

7.-Do you require a deposit?

Yes. We request a $150 usd deposit per person,  wich is non-refundable along with your personal details (full name, passport number, gender, nationality, DOB) Non-refundable because the deposit we be used to buy your Machu Picchu entrance and Train ticket.

8.-Is the Salkantay Trek difficult?

You know the answer to this one: it depends! You reach 4650m/1417ft on the second day after climbing for the best part of the day. Especially if you are within your first five days at altitude, this may give you headaches and shortness of breath. Don’t forget that even people who live in Cusco (at 3300m) still get short of breath… You must know that ECO PATH TREK always provide one emergency horse for the group, which can be ridden by the person who is feeling sick or exhausted.

9.-What do I need to bring on the trek?

Backpack, sleeping bag, rain jacket, strong footwear (walking boots are recommended as they provide support to the ankle which reduces the risk of injury especially when trekking in the wet season (December – March). However it is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken. We do not recommend trekking in sandals. One complete change of clothing, sweater, jacket (something warm), water bottle and sterilizing tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco), flashlight and batteries, broad-brim or peaked cap, sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries and toilet paper, selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc, camera . You also have to bring your original passport with you on the trek. Inflatable mattress is included for all our clients.

10.-Can i ride one  horse?

Your belonging will be carried by our horses (5kg), but if you like to have a different experice like riding a horse, is possible to rent one, so you can arrange there directly with your tour guide and the horsemen.

11.-What do we do for water along the Salkantay Trek?

During the entire journey of the walk you can find places to buy water bottles, energizers, etc. We do not recommend the idea of ​​wanting to take water from streams or springs, as their health is in discussion, since it could contain dangerous metals, or bacteria. That could affect your health.

12.-What is the best thing to do in the event of altitude sickness?

Wherever possible “go down”. But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters and horse handlers chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.

13.-How much money should I take?

We recoemnd like 300 soles.Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non expensive nature.

14.-When is the best time to go?

This is a difficult question to answer as Peru has a huge variety of weather conditions. We would say travelers can visit Peru any time of the year! Dry season runs from May to September and this is typically the time that is most recommended. However, this is also the cooler time of year. Nighttime temperatures can drop to below freezing at the height of the dry season. June, July and August are the most popular months to visit so you will tend to encounter much larger crowds during these months. In the wet season (December to April), you can expect showers three to four afternoons a week. For travelers that don’t mind a little drizzle and muddy trails, this time of year offers smaller crowds and greener hillsides, with wildflowers and orchids often in bloom The shoulder seasons, April to June or September to November can often provide the best of both worlds. They typically have fewer crowds and warmer temperatures than the height of the dry season, but still tend to have relatively little rain. For more information, check out our Peru Weather page.

15.-What entry documents do I need?

Valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier either at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Peru or once on-board. (NOTE: Other nationalities should check with the nearest Peruvian Consulate to determine correct entry requirements.

16.-What type of transportation is used?

Our  tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Occasionally, we may include non-typical transportation modes (rickshaw, bicycle taxi, “chicken bus”, etc.) for short distances to give travelers a sense of local flavor.

17.-What happens if I arrive at Machu Picchu and then decide to stay an extra night, can I change my train ticket?

It is still possible to make changes to your return train ticket if you decide to stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes. Please let us know it at the booking time, then we organize everything for you! We organize Hotel & Hostel accommodation in all over Peru, for the same price they offer.

18.-What training do you provide for your staff on environmental practices?

Our guide teams have been trained in first aid, rescue and are regularly updated through seminars and courses in their respective fields. All of our trekking staff receives regular briefings on how to best comply with the Inca Trail Trek, Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Regulations as well as on environmental awareness.

Conserving the Environments

We are great believers in leaving the areas that we visit in as untouched a condition as is possible. We encourage everyone who travels with us to respect the land, the people, and their fellow travelers. This type of focus leads to amazing experiences and insights that bring a sense of satisfaction, which is difficult to create any other way, so be thinking responsibility, consideration, and FUN!.

ECO PATH TREK is a Responsible & Sustainable Tour Operator