Embark on one of the most scenic and adventurous hikes in Peru with this short yet powerful version of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This 4-day, 3-night experience is perfect for travelers looking for a challenging hike that offers high-altitude mountain passes, glacial lakes, cloud forest trails, coffee farm visits, and Inca ruins—all culminating at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Time: 5:00 am – 5:30 pm
Kick off your adventure with an early departure from Cusco, heading through the scenic Limatambo Valley to Soraypampa (3,900m). Hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, surrounded by glacier-capped mountains. After lunch, ascend to Soraypampa (4,100m)—your first campsite—where you’ll rest under the starry sky, surrounded by Andean giants.
Time: 6:00 am – 5:30 pm
This is the most challenging and rewarding day. Climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,650m), the highest point of the trek, offering jaw-dropping views of Mount Salkantay (6,271m). Descend into the cloud forest, where the landscape shifts to lush greenery and waterfalls. Spend the night at Ccollpampa (2,900m) in a warm, tropical environment.
Time: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm
Trek through vibrant jungle terrain full of orchids, coffee plantations, and fruit trees. Visit a local organic coffee farm in Lucmabamba and taste freshly brewed Peruvian coffee. Continue to Hidroeléctrica, then walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a comfortable hotel night before your big day.
Time: 4:30 am – 7:00 pm
Wake early to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over the iconic Lost City of the Incas. Enjoy a guided tour exploring temples, terraces, and sacred plazas. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes, board the train to Ollantaytambo, and travel back to Cusco in our private vehicle, completing your unforgettable trekking adventure.
* All times are referential and will depend on the speed of the group.
Your journey begins at 5:00 am with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As we drive toward the trailhead, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean landscapes, passing through traditional villages like Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Upon arrival at Soraypampa (3,900m), we’ll serve you a hearty breakfast surrounded by views of Mount Salkantay and Humantay Glacier.
The trek begins with a round-trip hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200m)—a turquoise jewel nestled beneath towering snowy peaks. This unforgettable Humantay Lake hike takes about 2.5 hours and rewards you with some of the most photogenic moments of the trek.
After lunch at Salkantay Pampa, we hike uphill for another 1.5 hours to reach our first campsite at Soyroccocha (4,400m), located at the foot of Mount Salkantay (6,271m). Settle into your tent and enjoy afternoon tea and dinner beneath the star-filled Andean sky.
Start your day with hot coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the toughest yet most rewarding day of the trek.
We ascend for about an hour to the highest point of the route: the Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,255 ft). Here, take in 360° panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay peaks, surrounded by glacial lakes and pristine valleys. This is a true highlight of any Salkantay trekking adventure.
A short detour brings us to the turquoise Salkantay Lake, a hidden gem nestled among the mountains. Afterward, descend through rapidly changing ecosystems—from alpine tundra to lush cloud forest—until we reach Rayanniyoc, where lunch awaits.
The day ends with a scenic hike to Colpapampa (2,900m), a warm jungle campsite where you’ll be welcomed with hot drinks and snacks.
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant natural beauty of the Peruvian high jungle. The trail winds past waterfalls, tropical birds, and plantations of bananas, passion fruit, avocados, and coffee. After a relaxing morning trek, we reach Lucmabamba, where a delicious lunch and an interactive coffee farm tour await.
Here, you’ll pick, roast, and grind your own beans before enjoying a freshly brewed cup of organic Peruvian coffee—a truly hands-on cultural experience.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional), where you can soak in natural thermal pools nestled in the jungle.
Later, we take local transportation to Hidroeléctrica and then hike along the train tracks through lush vegetation until reaching Aguas Calientes. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy dinner in town as you prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
Rise early to catch one of the first buses up to the world-famous Machu Picchu Citadel. Arriving before the crowds, you’ll enjoy the tranquil magic of sunrise over the ruins.
Your expert guide will lead you through a 2-hour walking tour, exploring the main temples, agricultural terraces, and sacred plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the mysteries and genius of Inca architecture, and feel the energy that still pulses through this ancient city.
After your guided visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, board the scenic Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm.
Included:
Not included:
What do I need to bring?
Note: Since the weather can be very cold and misty, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.
All briefings are done at our office at 7:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.
Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.
They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.
Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.
Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.
Entry time to Machupicchu (*) | Grace period during months of regular visitor demand (**) | Grace period during months of high visitor demand (from June 1 to October 15 and December 30 and 31) (**) |
---|---|---|
06:00 am | Until 06:30 am | Until 06:45 am |
07:00 am | Until 07:30 am | Until 07:45 am |
08:00 am | Until 08:30 am | Until 08:45 am |
09:00 am | Until 09:30 am | Until 09:45 am |
10:00 am | Until 10:30 am | Until 10:45 am |
11:00 am | Until 11:30 am | Until 11:45 am |
12:00 pm | Until 12:30 pm | Until 12:45 pm |
01:00 pm | Until 01:30 pm | Until 01:45 pm |
02:00 pm | Until 02:30 pm | Until 02:45 pm |
03:00 pm | Until 03:30 pm | Until 03:45 pm |
* Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.
** Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and
Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.
Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.
Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.
Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.
Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.
You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.
Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.
Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below.
For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.
Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.
Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.
No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.
Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.
Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.
If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic.
Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
To begin, we’d like to suggest some accommodation options throughout Cusco. Although it’s a small city, more and more streets are becoming traffic-free pedestrian zones.
Therefore, we’ve selected comfortable and well-located hotels that also allow us easy access to pick you up. These are just ideas; you’re free to choose your accommodation.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek is an accelerated version of the classic 5-day route, covering approximately 60 kilometers through Peru’s most spectacular mountain landscapes to reach Machu Picchu.
This challenging alternative to the Inca Trail traverses beneath the sacred Salkantay Mountain (6,271m), crosses high-altitude passes at 4,630m, and descends through diverse ecosystems from alpine tundra to lush cloud forests, culminating with a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu citadel.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek condenses the classic 5-day itinerary by combining longer hiking days and eliminating the Llactapata ruins visit. While the 5-day version includes more rest time and archaeological exploration, the 4-day trek maintains all major highlights including Salkantay Pass crossing and Machu Picchu access, making it perfect for travelers with limited time who still want the complete mountain trekking experience.
The Salkantay Trek offers significant advantages over the crowded Inca Trail: no permit restrictions, year-round availability, fewer tourists, and more diverse mountain scenery. Unlike the Inca Trail’s 6-month advance booking requirement, the Salkantay Trek can be arranged with just weeks’ notice. The route features dramatic glacial landscapes, hot springs, and authentic Andean cultural experiences unavailable on other Machu Picchu approaches.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek is challenging and not recommended for complete beginners due to its demanding daily distances, high altitude, and compressed timeline. However, determined first-time trekkers with excellent fitness levels, proper preparation, and previous day-hiking experience can successfully complete the trek with adequate training and acclimatization.
The optimal time for the 4-day Salkantay Trek is during Peru’s dry season from May to September, offering clear mountain views, minimal rainfall, and stable weather conditions. June through August provides the best visibility of Salkantay peak and safest trail conditions, though these months attract more trekkers. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer fewer crowds with acceptable weather for experienced hikers.
4-day Salkantay Trek prices range from $280-550 USD per person, depending on tour operator quality, group size, and included services. Budget operators charge $280-380 for basic camping and shared services, while premium operators offer $400-550 packages with superior equipment, experienced guides, and better meals. Prices typically include camping gear, meals, guides, transportation, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
Book your 4-day Salkantay Trek 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (June-August) to secure preferred dates and reputable operators. During off-season, 1-2 weeks advance booking is usually sufficient. Unlike the Inca Trail’s strict permit requirements, Salkantay Trek offers flexibility for travelers with shorter planning horizons, though early booking ensures better operator selection.
No special trekking permits are required for the Salkantay Trek route itself, making it an excellent permit-free alternative to the restricted Inca Trail. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets are mandatory and should be secured in advance, especially during peak season. Most tour operators handle Machu Picchu ticket arrangements as part of their trek packages.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek difficulty is rated as challenging to strenuous, requiring excellent physical fitness and mental determination. Daily hiking distances range from 12-20 kilometers with significant elevation changes, including a demanding ascent to 4,630m at Salkantay Pass. The compressed timeline makes this version more demanding than the 5-day option, requiring sustained endurance over consecutive long hiking days.
Participants need advanced fitness levels equivalent to regular long-distance hiking experience. You should comfortably hike 8-10 hours daily while carrying a 10-15kg backpack across varied terrain and high altitude. The trek demands cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and mental resilience for four consecutive challenging days in mountain conditions.
Effective training for the 4-day Salkantay Trek includes 8-12 weeks of preparation focusing on cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling), leg strength exercises (squats, lunges, step-ups), and long-distance hiking with weighted backpack. Practice hiking consecutive days to simulate trek conditions, and include stair climbing and hill training to prepare for steep ascents and descents.
Altitude acclimatization in Cusco for 3-4 days before starting the 4-day Salkantay Trek is essential. The route reaches 4,630m at Salkantay Pass, where altitude sickness symptoms commonly occur. Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent when possible, adequate hydration, coca tea consumption, and consultation with physicians about altitude medication are crucial preventive measures.
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa (3,900m) via Mollepata, with Salkantay peak views and optional Humantay Lake hike
Day 2: Cross Salkantay Pass (4,630m) and descend to Chaullay through changing ecosystems
Day 3: Trek through cloud forest to Santa Teresa, with optional hot springs visit
Day 4: Early morning train to Aguas Calientes, followed by guided Machu Picchu tour and return to Cusco
Key highlights include crossing the dramatic Salkantay Pass at 4,630m with glacier views, experiencing rapid ecosystem changes from alpine to tropical, visiting the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake, relaxing in natural hot springs at Santa Teresa, traversing authentic Inca paths, and culminating with a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel.
Yes, most 4-day Salkantay Trek itineraries include an optional hike to Humantay Lake on Day 1. This spectacular glacial lake sits at 4,200m elevation and requires an additional 3-hour round-trip hike from Soraypampa base camp. The stunning turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks provides excellent photography opportunities and serves as valuable acclimatization exercise.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek traverses five distinct ecosystems: high-altitude puna grasslands, alpine tundra, glacial moraine, cloud forest, and subtropical jungle. This biodiversity creates dramatic landscape changes throughout the trek, from barren high-altitude terrain to lush vegetation, offering diverse flora, fauna, and climate experiences within a compressed timeframe.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek involves camping for 2 nights in mountain tents at designated campsites, with the final night in hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Most operators provide quality camping equipment including dining tents, sleeping tents, and basic toilet facilities. Premium operators offer upgraded camping gear and better campsite amenities.
Comprehensive meal packages include all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the trek, prepared by professional mountain cooks using fresh local ingredients. Meals feature nutritious Peruvian cuisine designed for high-energy demands, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and dietary restrictions when specified during booking. Snacks and hot beverages are typically provided at campsites.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek includes private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead at Mollepata, and scenic train transport from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes on the final day. Most packages include return transportation to Cusco after the Machu Picchu visit, though some operators offer Sacred Valley drop-offs as alternatives.
Camping locations feature basic toilet facilities ranging from composting toilets to portable bathroom tents. Remote trail sections require natural bathroom breaks following Leave No Trace principles. Bring personal toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products. The final night in Aguas Calientes provides hotel bathrooms with hot showers.
Weather conditions vary dramatically with elevation changes throughout the 4-day Salkantay Trek. High-altitude sections experience freezing temperatures (-5°C to 5°C) with potential snow and strong winds, while cloud forest areas are warm and humid (15-25°C). Expect rapid weather changes, intense UV exposure, and possible precipitation regardless of season.
Essential packing includes layered clothing system for temperature extremes, waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, warm sleeping bag (-10°C rating), hiking poles, headlamp, sun protection, water bottles, first aid kit, and personal medications. Pack light but include items for all weather conditions from freezing to tropical temperatures.
Many essential items can be rented in Cusco including sleeping bags, hiking boots, trekking poles, and rain gear. However, quality varies significantly among rental shops, so inspect equipment carefully and ensure proper fit. Consider purchasing certain items like base layers and socks for hygiene and comfort reasons.
A 40-50 liter hiking backpack with comfortable suspension system works well for the 4-day Salkantay Trek. The pack should accommodate personal gear for 4 days while remaining manageable for long hiking days. Many operators provide porter services for main luggage, allowing you to carry only a daypack with essentials during hiking.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek is generally safe when undertaken with experienced operators and proper preparation. Main risks include altitude sickness, weather exposure, challenging terrain, and remote location factors. Choose reputable operators with qualified guides, emergency communication equipment, and established safety protocols for high-altitude trekking.
Consult physicians about altitude sickness medication, ensure routine vaccinations are current, and prepare a comprehensive first aid kit. Consider travel insurance covering high-altitude activities and emergency evacuation. Inform guides of any medical conditions, allergies, or medication requirements before starting the trek.
Reputable operators maintain satellite communication devices and emergency evacuation procedures. Serious medical situations may require helicopter evacuation to Cusco hospitals, which can be expensive without proper insurance coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance covering adventure activities and medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all participants.
Prevent altitude sickness by arriving in Cusco 3-4 days early for acclimatization, staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals, ascending gradually when possible, and considering altitude medication consultation with physicians. Recognize early symptoms (headache, nausea, fatigue) and communicate concerns to guides immediately.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek offers a middle ground between the intensive 3-day express version and the comprehensive 5-day classic route. While more challenging than the 5-day option due to longer daily distances, it includes all major highlights while saving time. The 4-day version excludes some archaeological sites but maintains the core mountain trekking experience.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek offers more diverse mountain scenery, no permit restrictions, and fewer crowds compared to the Classic Inca Trail. However, the Inca Trail provides more archaeological sites and traditional stone pathway experiences. Salkantay is more physically demanding but offers greater booking flexibility and year-round availability.
Popular alternatives include the Classic 4-day Inca Trail, Choquequirao Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate Circuit, and various Sacred Valley day tours combined with train access to Machu Picchu. Each offers different difficulty levels, cultural experiences, and scenic highlights while reaching the same Machu Picchu destination.
Yes, some operators offer 3-day express Salkantay Trek options, but these are extremely challenging with very long daily hiking distances and minimal rest time. The 3-day version typically skips certain highlights and requires exceptional fitness levels. Most trekkers find the 4-day option provides a better balance of challenge and experience.
Select operators with experienced mountain guides, good safety records, quality camping equipment, and positive recent reviews. Verify group size limits, meal quality, emergency procedures, environmental practices, and what’s included versus additional costs. Compare overall value rather than focusing solely on price, and ensure operators are properly licensed.
Important questions include: maximum group sizes, guide qualifications and experience, emergency communication equipment, camping gear quality, meal arrangements, porter policies, environmental practices, cancellation policies, and detailed cost breakdowns. Request recent client references and verify Machu Picchu ticket arrangements.
While not legally required, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation is essential for the 4-day Salkantay Trek. Policies should include adventure activity coverage and emergency helicopter evacuation benefits. Some operators require insurance verification before trek participation.
Most 4-day Salkantay Trek groups range from 2-16 participants, with optimal sizes being 6-12 people for better guide attention and group dynamics. Smaller groups offer more personalized experiences and flexibility, while larger groups may provide cost savings. Verify maximum group sizes when booking to ensure your preferred experience level.
The 4-day Salkantay Trek provides authentic Andean cultural experiences including interactions with local Quechua communities, traditional mountain ceremonies, learning about indigenous agricultural practices, and experiencing local customs in remote villages. The trek passes through areas where traditional lifestyles continue largely unchanged.
Practice responsible trekking by following Leave No Trace principles, respecting local communities and customs, supporting local economies through fair operator choices, minimizing environmental impact, and choosing operators with sustainable tourism practices. Tip guides and porters appropriately according to local customs and service quality.
The Salkantay Trek traverses fragile high-altitude ecosystems requiring careful environmental stewardship. Choose operators committed to sustainable practices including proper waste management, supporting local conservation efforts, and minimizing trail impact. Climate change is affecting glacial retreat on Salkantay peak, making responsible tourism increasingly important.
Many operators arrange visits to local schools or community projects where trekkers can contribute school supplies, books, or small donations. Consider bringing items specifically requested by communities rather than arbitrary gifts. Supporting local businesses, guides, and porters through fair wages and tips provides direct economic benefits to mountain communities.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
Sales: +51 984 61 06 44
Main Office: +51 84622440
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