Salkantay Trekking — Local services in Distrito de Cusco

I loved our guide and team (who were very knowledgeable and supportive) but I cannot leave a 5 star review considering my overall discontent with the company and the experience. I had been looking forward to this trek for over a year and I feel nothing but disappointment when I think about it now. The communication leading up to the trek was terrible and there were many changes that should have been emailed ahead of time (ie landslides that happened a month ago changing routes and requiring people to carry two days worth of belongings and toiletries in their small day backpacks). Additionally, the pace of the trek is MUCH faster than the website advertises and I felt very rushed. It was hard for everyone in the group to stop and take in the scenery, especially on day 2. The hike up to salkantay is advertised as being 4 hours but instead you must complete it in 3 hours so you can reach the top of the mountain at the same time as the people in the group riding the horses up. I ended up paying to ride a horse to avoid the stress of having to hike so quickly since I wanted time to take it all in (but you can’t get photos while on the horse). This was frustrating since I was looking forward to the climb. the experience of riding the horse was terrifying since my horse kept running away and losing control to fight with other horses. The hike down was very difficult, and even though I did it an hour under the time on the website, I still felt like I was moving too slowly. I would have prepared differently if the website had been honest about how much time you had for each portion of the trek. I would have preferred to take the trek slower than arrive at the camp sight hours earlier than planned. In total, we only hiked 35 out of the intended 50 miles due to landslides and mud. This was understandable, but considering so many other miles were cut it was disappointing to have to take the horse since we were already hiking so little. Overall, I felt like I really got to see a large portion of the Andes and understand the culture. The trek team was great and there were lots of good moments, but the frustration often overshadowed this. If booking this hike do not book with Minelva since communication is terrible. We also booked super sacred valley and found out day of that one of our locations was changing and the length of the trip was changing. That’s unacceptable. The company is definitely better than other trekking companies since I talked with other people doing the hike who were more frustrated than me, but I cannot in good faith recommend this hike. I run marathons, I trained, but I also came here to enjoy the journey and that was hard to do at time. I also suggest you pack your own protein for breakfast. This hike did not make me feel like I accomplished anything. I would recommend doing the hike alone and staying at hostels along the way in each small town or booking with a smaller group that has a larger ratio of guides to hikers since we had one guide for ten hikers. On trip advisor there are so many 5 star reviews because they have everyone sit at a table and fill it out before finishing the trip and share it with the guide. The guides are excellent, so no one wants to hurt their feelings because the problems with the hike are not their fault or related to them. I always thought our guide was attentive and explained things very well. I thought it was unfair that he had to explain changes like landslides that were not recent and caused trek changes. This company also has a lot of influencers coming to promote it. The price is fair for the accommodations and food you get but you are expected to tip a lot (recommendations for this in advance would be nice). The price is more than other treks but I do feel like our team was better. It seemed like all hikers from all different tour companies that I saw along the way were not very pleased— I was just jealous that they got to do it more at their own pace (but this is also dangerous because you can get lost if you are not familiar with a map and prepared to...

If you are considering any of the treks offered by Salkantay Trekking - go for it! Your journey will help you fully appreciate the wonder of Machu Picchu, and will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. My partner and I did the 7 day Salkantay + Inca Trail and we could not recommend it more highly. The first half of the week will take you up breathtaking passes and through beautiful alpine valleys. Day one is a preview, and on day two you’ll hit your highest altitude of 5100m on the Salkantay while you are still fresh - a great confidence boost for the rest of the hike. The second half of the trek is making the same pilgrimage the Incas made 500 years ago on stone steps laid by hand; this is a feat that your body will recognize the magnitude of as you walk! The archeological sites along the way prime and prepare you to better understand both the ingenuity and mystery of Machu Picchu, and feel the scope of all that was lost of Incan technology.

Our guide, Pavel Pomaloza, did an incredible job giving us just the right amount of context to appreciate the specific sites and possesses a wealth of knowledge about Peruvian/Incan history past and present. He is also a true expert of the modern Inca Trail, skillfully arranging our daily schedule to minimize crowds. By the end of the trek we felt we were saying goodbye to a close friend.

Our cook, Roberto Chuquisaca, was delightful and generous - Pavel nicknamed him Big Mama because he was continually checking on our progress by walkie-talkie so our meal would be hot on our arrival, bustling about the campsites making sure everyone was well fed, and looking after our team of porters. It was clear he took immense pride in his work, and this showed in the rainbow array of dishes he somehow whipped up (with no duplicated meal the entire week) in these remote places using only a small gas stove and three dented pots. On our last morning together he woke up extra early to make us a cake, which at altitude and in the absence of an oven required slowly steaming the dough over the course of at least an hour. "Cook" is a vast understatement - Roberto could rival any chef in skill and efficiency, and this food could be served in the finest restaurants in the US.

If you are privileged enough to afford a trip like this, the best way to acknowledge that truly rare privilege is to consider our responsibility as tourists. You will be humbled as we were by the hospitality and efforts of the large team supporting you on your trek: your horse driver and many porters, the chef, and your guide. For you, this trek will be an anticipated vacation and a physical challenge - for them, it is their daily grind, and an often grueling one at that. Do tip accordingly! These guys are often from the same high mountain communities you might pass on the Salkantay trail and are the closest living descendants of the Incas. They make their livelihoods sharing their lands and the heritage sites that are their birthright with us. There is no standard way to tip, but consider your gift as the most direct way you can thank them and contribute to the local economy (also, Salkantay Trekking is owned and operated by cusqueños).

Speaking of the legacy of the Incas, the strength of the Quechua people will also become very obvious - a universal experience on the Inca Trail is starting to feel fatigued just carrying a light day bag, and then seeing your cook and porters pass you at breakneck speed, each carrying 66lb (30kg) packs, and finally meeting them again at the next camp where they already have tents and a multicourse meal ready for you. Eat everything on your plate, because the food will be delicious and you will need the calories, but also as a sign of respect to the cook and porters who lugged all those provisions up literal mountains. Pick up trash as you walk and keep Pachamama beautiful for those who follow. And most of all, be open to and accepting of every part of the experience, from your sore feet to the thin fresh air at night with stars above to each thrilling vista...

A wonderful experience overall! Some key notes below:

Guide: From the moment we embarked on our journey, Nico’s passion for Peru's rich history and culture was palpable. Nico’s knowledge of Peru was truly impressive; he effortlessly weaved historical facts, cultural insights, and local anecdotes into our tour, providing us with a deep understanding of the places we visited. Safety was clearly Nico’s top priority throughout the tour. He meticulously ensured that all safety protocols were followed, from providing us with safety briefings before each activity to keeping a vigilant eye on the group during our excursions. His proactive approach to safety gave us peace of mind and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of Peru without any worries. What truly set Nico apart was his acute attention to the interests and needs of each member of the group. He took the time to get to know us individually, tailoring the itinerary to accommodate our preferences and ensuring that everyone had a memorable experience. Whether it was exploring ancient ruins, sampling local delicacies, or engaging in adventurous activities, Nico made sure that there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Meals: Our team of chefs, Eyner and Oscar, who masterfully blended traditional Peruvian cuisine with familiar American dishes to ensure we maintained optimal nutrition throughout our adventure significantly heightened our experience. Their culinary expertise was evident in every meal, seamlessly incorporating local ingredients and flavors while also providing comforting tastes from home. This thoughtful approach not only introduced us to the rich culinary heritage of Peru but also ensured we had balanced and satisfying meals to fuel our journey. The chef's ability to cater to diverse palates and dietary needs in such a challenging environment was truly impressive, significantly enhancing our trekking experience.

Accommodation: Staying in the Peruvian jungle was an extraordinary experience, made even more memorable by the unique and safe accommodations provided. Each lodging option was thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a genuine yet luxurious jungle experience. The attention to detail in ensuring our safety and comfort was evident, from the sturdy construction and well-maintained facilities to the inclusion of modern amenities that didn't compromise the authenticity of the environment . The accommodations provided a perfect retreat after long days of exploration, allowing us to rest and recharge while fully immersed in the beauty and tranquility

Connectivity: Our adventure in the Peruvian jungle was an incredible escape, offering a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, the minimal connectivity presented challenges in staying in touch with loved ones and accessing essential information. While the disconnect allowed us to fully immerse in the natural beauty and serenity of the jungle, incorporating systems like Starlink could significantly enhance the experience as some camps already have WiFi capabilities, but you have to sit outside someone’s hut to utilize them. With improved connectivity, we could enjoy the best of both worlds—remaining connected to home for peace of mind and emergencies while still savoring the remote and pristine environment. For future visitors, the addition of reliable internet access would provide an extra layer of comfort and security, making the journey even more enjoyable.

Trek: Trekking the Salkantay Pass was an unforgettable adventure, offering breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding experience. The journey through diverse landscapes—from lush forests to snow-capped peaks—was nothing short of spectacular. The altitude and rugged terrain tested our endurance, but every step was worth it as we were constantly rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramas and a profound sense of accomplishment. Whether for the thrill of the hike or the sheer beauty of the surroundings, the Salkantay Pass trek is a must for any...