FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS OF SALKANTAY

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

You can really on our dedicated staff to answer any questions you may have and to take care of every detail of your trip from the beginning to the end. Please email us to:  info@ecopathtrekperu.com to get started.

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 15 usd, so if you like to get one spot, please le tus to know in the reservation formular.

5.-Do you require a deposit?

Yes. We request a $200 non-refundable deposit per person 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.

6.-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.

7.-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.

8.-Should I request an extra horse?

Not. Your belonging will be carried by our horses (7kl/15p), even the group will have an emergency horse in case some could need it.

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

At meal times we will give you teas, coffees etc to drink. You’ll come across a mountain spring, fountain or small stream approximately every 1½ hours along the trail where you can fill up your water bottle. Take a bottle of at least 1½ liter capacity per person. Although the water looks it is always safer to use sterilizing tablets or a water filter. The sterilizing tablets can be bought in most pharmacies in Cusco. With these tablets you have to wait between 30 and 40 minutes before drinking. Bottled mineral water can also be taken from Cusco or bought at Mollepata or Santa Teresa.

10.-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.

11.-How much money should I take?

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.

12.-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.

13.-What entry documents do I need?

U.S. citizens need a 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.

14.-Is it safe to travel in Peru?

Definitely. We tend to hear the very worst news from Latin America. Helpful people and extraordinary culture. Most crime is opportunistic and not violent buy of course, it is possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Care and common sense will nearly always prevail. The Sendero Luminoso is not active anymore..

15.-How do I get from the airport to the hotel on the escorted tours?

Upon your arrival to Cusco you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel of choice where you will receive a short briefing with the rest of the morning being at leisure to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

16.-What type of transportation is used?

Our escorted tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, flights, canoes, etc. 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

Salkantay Trek Specialists

ECO PATH TREK STAFF WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU! NOTE:

If you are considering joining us for a group tour, please note that our groups are small (typically 7 people or fewer) and frequently sell out many months in advance.

Our tour programs are available in 3 types of services:

Group Services: You’ll be joining a group of other people like you coming from different parts of the world, a great opportunity to have fun and make new friends.

Private Services: These services are arranged just for you and your party, and offer the possibility to choose the departure date, the group size and the duration of the tour. This not only has the advantage of adapting the pace to your physical condition.

Luxury Service with Camp at Llactapata: These service is arranged for those people people who like to trek off the beaten track and want to enjoy Machu Picchu from different angles views. On this service we camp at Llactapata which is the best camp ever.