HOW TO GET TO SALKANTAY?
The buses from Cusco to Mollepata leave very early and pass through Limatambo. We suggest you visit the Tarahuasi fortress . From the road you can see the Apurimac River and part of its impressive canyon. Keep in mind that the area is cold and an altitude close to 5,000 meters above sea level is reached. Being at 2,803 meters above sea level, Mollepata allows you to gradually climb towards Salkantay. Along the way, herds of auquénids are observed. After ascending a high pass it is possible to have an impressive pyramidal view of the snow-capped Salkantay. The road will last 05 days arriving on the last day at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, the Wonder of the Modern World.
WHERE IS THE SNOWY LAND OF SALKANTAY?
Salkantay or Sallqantay (in Quechua) is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km northwest of the city of Cusco. Salkantay’s proximity to Machu Picchu makes trekking around it an alternative to the Inca Trail.
WHAT THINGS CAN I BRING TO SALKANTAY TREK?
Before starting a tour to Machu Picchu through the sacred snow-capped Salkantay, you must have a series of accessories for the road. As essential, a backpack that will be your companion during the five days of the tour. We will now detail the things that your backpack should contain:
Light and warm clothing (jacket, also called jacket, t-shirts or polo shirts, hiking pants, underwear.)
- Hiking shoes.
- Wide brimmed hat.
- Plastic poncho.
- On the route you can optionally enter the thermal baths.
- Water canteen.
- Winter gloves.
- Trekking sticks.
- Personal toiletries
- camera . ( Battery and Extra Memory card)
- Original identity document
- If you are a student, the ISIC card
- Important: do not forget your passport and identification document on the Salkantay Trek.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper.
- Others
- Personal medications. If you follow a treatment, don’t forget to take all your medications with you.
- Small healthy snacks such as energy bars, granola, yogurt among others.
HOW CAN I BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK TOUR?
Ask for general information about a tour operator, contact us who are experts in Solo Adventures, we are tour operators of the four Inca trails that reach Machupicchu, ask for security, ask for guarantee in your online payments, with our website account pay sure.
CAN YOU RENT AN EXTRA HORSE IN SALKANTAY?
You can rent the saddle horse, which is normally taken on the second day, to be able to complete the most difficult step, so you can avoid fatigue to get to Machu Picchu, it costs between 70 and 100 dollars for the three days, consult the muleteers and their guide in any case if you are on a tour, the horses also always leave accompanied by a muleteer to avoid any accidents during the trip, take these aspects into account.
CAN I DO SALKANTAY WITHOUT A GUIDE?
Yes, you can do it without problems, since it is not yet regulated by the Peruvian government. If you are willing, do this adventure without a guide . Keep in mind to respect the regulations on how to use the road, to conserve the environment and ensure that the government does not set standards. , so that it charges the entrance fee, as happens with the classic path. To go without a guide you must be well informed about the bus departure times, from Avenida Arcopata , the cost is a minimum of s/. 12 soles, either combis and public service buses. Arriving at Mollepata you can take a muleteer so you can carry your backpacks. You should know that there are no restaurants from the first campsite, so you must bring your food for the four days.
HOW MUCH IS THE COST OF ENTRANCE TO MACHU PICCHU THROUGH SALKANTAY?
Like the Inca Trail, entry to Machupicchu Mountain costs s/.200 soles $70 dollars as an adult and students have a discount with the only ISIC card up to 24 years of age, so you must request an Authorized operator to process your enter as students and are contracting a package, ask for a discount as a student, so they can send their updated student cards .
HOW MUCH DOES THE PRIVATE SALKANTAY TOUR COST?
A private tour for two people costs an average of 600 dollars per person, in which you receive personalized attention with good food, a good personal guide from muleteers and trained cooks, which is not the same as saying that you will receive luxury service, since Trakking is an Adventure tour, so you should look for a tour operator of your choice. Private tours are more comfortable, since other operators organize the Original Inca Trail along the Llaqtpata route, that would be the advantage of doing the private tour, not all operators carry out these alternatives, because many want to have a party in the basic camps . of Saint Teresa; In general, what you are worth is that you enjoy this wonder of the world that is Machupicchu.
