Acclimatization for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
High Altitude and Acclimatization Tips for Your Machu Picchu Hike
If you are planning to travel to Peru to hike the epic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you will experience an incredibly diverse range of landscapes and habitats where you can take part in all types of adventurous and cultural activities. One of the ultimate trekking experiences to be enjoyed in Peru is the incredible Salkantay Trek which can be found at over 4400 meters above sea level, and close to the city of Cusco. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be a phenomenal experience for even the most worldly-wise trekker however, acclimatization to the altitude is just as important as not forgetting your walking boots for the Salkantay Trek or taking plenty of water on your Machu Picchu trips! Remember, acclimatization is a lot more complex than simply popping a few tablets. Here are some top tips to help you avoid suffering from high altitude when you arrive for your guided trek to Machu Picchu along the Salkantay Trek.
Salkantay Trekking Route
Take it Easy When You Arrive For Your Salkantay Trekking Tour
On arrival in Cusco, first thing is first, there should be no rushing around. The best thing to do is take it easy for the first 24 hours. The remarkable Andean scenery will still be there the following day! If you have made plans to trek at high altitude in Peru, such as the Machu Picchu Trek via the Salkantay Trek then plan your ascent over a period of days. This gives your body time to adjust, rather than just heading off into the mountains to hike the Salkantay Trek, after leaving your bags at your hotel.
Relax as You Acclimatize for The Salkantay Trek
There are plenty of amazing things to do in the city of Cusco and if you can allow yourself as much time as possible to relax and take things easy then you will be in much better shape for when you start to take things to a higher level on The Salkantay Trail. Coffee shops, reading material, and getting to know the area, are all excellent ways to relax in Cusco, and as there are some impressive examples of Inca architecture to be visited before you set off on your epic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. It is definitely worth taking a look around Cusco on a Cusco City tour as part of your acclimatization to the high altitude in the Andean region of Peru.
Relaxation Before and After the Salkantay Trek
Pack Light On Your Machu Picchu Hike
Make sure you only take the absolute necessities on the Salkantay trek. Carrying an overweight backpack will not only slow you down but will over-exert you in areas where there is less oxygen at higher elevations of the Salkantay trek and the difficult terrains that you will be facing. You can store your main luggage at your Cusco hotel or at our office and we will provide you with a duffle bag that mules will carry. This means that you only need to carry your essentials in your day pack for each trekking day along the Salkantay trek. So, remember to pack light for everyone’s sake!
Eat Well In Preparation for The Salkantay Trek
This refers to eating the correct way and the right meals on your arrival to Cusco… not eating everything in sight! Salads (washed in purified water), sandwiches, and plenty of water are excellent in order to prepare your body for any potential altitude issues. Don´t forget, your digestive system slows down at high altitudes so smaller more frequent meals are the way to go instead of massive plates of food. Try and stick to carbs instead of greasy food to keep your energy levels up. This is the best preparation for the Salkantay Trek.
Eat Light Meals Before your Salkantay Trek
Avoid Alcohol Before the Salkantay Trek, At least!
Although all that sitting around as you acclimatize for your Salkantay trekking adventure can often lead to the more sociable side of life in Peru, it is worth avoiding alcohol until your body has acclimatized to the altitude. Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and suffering severe headaches can really take their toll even without a few drinks and when altitude is combined with alcohol the effects can be seriously nasty. Save the pisco sours until after the Salkantay Trek!
The Magical Coca Leaf On The Salkantay Trek
For centuries, the humble coca leaf has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes in the Andes. This magical leaf helps to combat altitude symptoms, act as a diuretic, and is downright tasty! Whether you make a herbal brew or chew them directly, this incredible natural remedy will help with the headaches and other side effects of high altitude, immediately. The muleteers on the Salkantay trek, swear by them (take some to give to the muleteers as a gift…and they will be eternally grateful!) for the extra energy boost. Mules carry all the camping equipment and your belongings along the Salkantay trek so any extra assistance is always welcome, as you will soon find out as you are summiting The Salkantay Pass!
Coca Tea is Excellent for Salkantay Trek Preparation and Acclimatization!
Time is a great healer as they say, and it certainly is when it comes to adequate acclimatization before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Allow in general 2 to 3 days of acclimatization before even thinking about venturing along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Your body will thank you for it and you will have a much better Salkantay trekking experience if you are feeling at your best. Find out more about trekking the Salkantay Trek with Valencia Travel here.
Fit and ready to go Hiking along the Salkantay Trekking Route!
Trekking Distances on The Salkantay Trek
Day-by-Day Trekking Distances Along Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is a relatively long trek that goes up then down and along mountains, rising up through mountain passes, and then takes a circuitous route through the tricky terrain of The Andes. This makes the Salkantay Trek a more strenuous 75km hike than most, but also one with spectacular scenery, passing through various Andean environments including cloud forests and jagged mountain tops.
Day 1: 7 Km / 4.35 miles. (4-5 hours approx).
Day 2: 16 Km / 9.94 miles. (8-9 hours approx).
Day 3: 15 Km / 9.32 miles (6-7 hours approx).
Day 4: 18 Km / 11.19 miles. (8-9 hours approx).
Hiking the Sakantay Trek is not just a trek; it's a testament to Inca ingenuity and the allure of human exploration. As you reach the end of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you'll carry with you not just photographs and memories but a profound sense of accomplishment and wonder that will stay with you, long after your epic Salkantay adventure is over!
Daily distances chart
Starting and Ending Points for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is often considered one of the best treks in the world, weaves through Peru's stunning Andean landscape, and offers an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a novice hiker, the SalkantayTrek to Machu Picchu is an experience that will leave you awestruck. To fully enjoy the remarkable Salkantay Trail, it's crucial to understand the starting and ending points of the Salkantay Trek. Here, we will guide you through the trail's key points, ensuring that your Salkantay trek is not just a hike but a journey of discovery and inspiration. Here are the most common starting and ending points for treks in Peru.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Starting Point: Soraypampa
On any of our Salkantay treks, we will collect you from your Cusco hotel at the pre-arranged time. We will travel in our private car to the trailhead for the Salkantay trek which is generally Soraypampa. From here, we will hike the return trek to Humantay Lagoon.
Ending Point: Machu Picchu.
The culmination of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Pichu adventure is, without a doubt, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This ancient city, nestled high in the Andes, is the ultimate reward for your effort. As you approach Machu you will be awestruck by the beaty of the Inca Citadel, leaving you breathless with its magnificence.
Machu Picchu: The heart of your journey, Machu Picchu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the intricate stonework, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana stone, all while learning about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, combining physical challenge with cultural immersion. By understanding the starting and ending points, you can make the most of your epic journey along The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu!
*Please note that the ending point of The Salkantay Trek is Machu Picchu, however, Valencia Travel always includes the transport back to your chosen hotel in Cusco.
