{"id":35158,"date":"2025-02-12T10:28:32","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T14:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.howlanders.com\/news\/my-experience-on-the-5-day-salkantay-trek\/"},"modified":"2025-08-06T05:25:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T09:25:28","slug":"my-experience-on-the-5-day-salkantay-trek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.howlanders.com\/en\/peru\/machu-picchu\/my-experience-on-the-5-day-salkantay-trek\/","title":{"rendered":"Salkantay Trek Review: what it\u2019s like to do the route with a guide,"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Peru, the Salkantay Trek<\/a> is one of the best options to reach Machu Picchu. It’s a challenging route, full of breathtaking landscapes, changing climates, and an incredible cultural experience. Below, I\u2019ll share my day-by-day experience so you know exactly what to expect..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We arrived in Cusco a couple of days before by bus<\/a>. We took the opportunity to get to know the city and enjoy the local gastronomy. Finally, the day before our trek we went to sleep early, as the pick up started very early the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Day 1: Starting the Adventure and Humantay Lagoon<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The day started early. At 4:50 am<\/strong>, the minibus picked us up at the hotel. After a two-hour<\/strong> drive, we stopped for breakfast (you can choose between American or continental), and then we continued for another hour to the trailhead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first part of the trek is relatively easy. There’s a small uphill section, followed by a flat path along an aqueduct leading to the first campsite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optional: Climbing to Humantay Lagoon<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>
If you’re looking for a challenge right from the start, you can hike up to Humantay Lagoon. This is the toughest climb of the entire trek<\/strong>, with a continuous one-hour ascent, but the spectacular view is absolutely worth it. If you\u2019re low on energy, you can rent a horse for the climb. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"laguna<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the afternoon, we had tea time at 5:00 pm<\/strong> with a briefing about the next day, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The food was delicious and the portions were more than generous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DAY 2: The Challenge of Salkantay Pass<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We were woken up at 4:30 am with coca tea to help with the altitude. After breakfast, we started hiking at 5:30 am.Nos despertaron a las 4:30 am<\/strong> con un t\u00e9 de coca para ayudarnos con la altura. Despu\u00e9s del desayuno, iniciamos la caminata a las 5:30 am<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The morning stretch is the most challenging of the trek: a four-hour ascent to Salkantay Pass<\/strong> (4,650 m). Unlike the previous day, this climb alternates between steep sections and “Inca flat” (uneven terrain). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer not to walk, you can rent a mule for 130 soles<\/strong> (a three-hour ride). While it’s easier, you\u2019ll have to wait an hour at the campsite.
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At the summit, we performed an Inca ritual with coca leaves in honor of Pachamama. The sense of accomplishment was indescribable.
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The descent <\/strong>to the lunch spot took two hours,<\/strong> followed by another three-hour <\/strong>descent to the campsite, crossing steep and rocky terrain. Be careful\u2014if it rains, it can get very slippery and dangerous<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This night\u2019s campsite was the least comfortable of the entire trek, as there was little privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available services:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n