Tips to Prepare for the Salkantay Trek in 2025

Salkantay Trek 2025 promises to be an incredible adventure, taking you through diverse landscapes and high-altitude mountain passes on the way to the iconic Machu Picchu. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time trekker, proper preparation is key to ensuring that you make the most of this challenging but rewarding journey. Here are some essential tips to help you get ready for the Salkantay Trek in 2025.

1. Train for the Trek

The Salkantay Trek is physically demanding, especially with high altitudes and long days of hiking. To fully enjoy your experience, it’s important to be in good physical shape before you start.

How to Train:

• Cardio Workouts: Focus on improving your endurance with regular cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming.
• Hiking Practice: If possible, hike in areas with similar terrain to get used to the demands of long-distance trekking. Include hikes at higher altitudes if available.
• Strength Training: Focus on your legs, core, and back muscles, as these will help you carry your backpack and endure long climbs.
• Stair Climbing: Since the trek includes ascents and descents, practicing on stairs can help you build the necessary stamina.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine several months before the Salkantay Trek 2025, you’ll be well-prepared for the physical demands of the journey.

2. Acclimatize to the Altitude

The highest point of the Salkantay Trek is the Salkantay Pass, which reaches 4,650 meters (15,255 feet). Altitude sickness can affect even the fittest hikers, so proper acclimatization is crucial.

Acclimatization Tips:

• Spend a Few Days in Cusco: Arrive in Cusco (3,400 meters) a few days before the trek to give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your body acclimate and avoid dehydration, which can worsen altitude sickness.
• Coca Tea: Locals often recommend drinking coca tea to help reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
• Take It Slow: During the trek, pace yourself and take breaks as needed, especially on steep ascents.

For more tips on acclimatization, check out Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

3. Pack the Right Gear

Packing the right gear is essential for your comfort and safety on the Salkantay Trek 2025. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, as you’ll experience both cold mountain passes and warmer cloud forests.

Essential Items:

• Trekking Boots: Make sure your boots are well broken-in, waterproof, and provide good ankle support.
• Layers of Clothing: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking layers for trekking during the day, as well as warm layers (fleece and insulated jackets) for the cold nights at higher altitudes.
• Rain Gear: Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so pack a quality rain jacket and waterproof cover for your backpack.
• Hiking Poles: These are useful for stability during steep descents and on uneven terrain.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and help reduce plastic waste by bringing a reusable water bottle.

For a complete list of recommended gear, check out our packing guide at Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

4. Get Travel Insurance

While no one plans for accidents or health issues, trekking at high altitudes and remote areas carries some risks. Travel insurance that covers adventure activities is essential for the Salkantay Trek.

What to Look For:

• Emergency Evacuation: Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking and emergency medical evacuation if needed.
• Trip Cancellation: Look for coverage that reimburses non-refundable expenses in case you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Lost or Stolen Gear: Trekking involves valuable equipment, so make sure your policy covers lost or stolen gear.

5. Eat and Stay Hydrated

Keeping your energy levels up during the trek is crucial. You’ll be burning plenty of calories, especially at higher altitudes, so it’s important to eat well and stay hydrated.

Eating Tips:

• High-Energy Snacks: Bring along energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits to snack on throughout the trek.
• Carbohydrates for Energy: Your meals will likely include plenty of carbohydrates (like rice, potatoes, and pasta), which will help provide the energy needed for long days of hiking.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day to stay hydrated. Adding electrolyte tablets can help maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

6. Choose a Responsible Tour Operator

The Salkantay Trek passes through environmentally sensitive areas and local communities, so it’s important to choose a tour operator that practices responsible tourism. At Guiding Cusco Expeditions, we prioritize sustainability, fair wages for guides and porters, and eco-friendly practices to minimize our impact on the environment.

What to Look For:

• Sustainable Practices: Look for tour operators that prioritize environmental conservation, such as minimizing waste and using eco-friendly camping gear.
• Community Support: Ensure that your tour operator supports local communities and pays fair wages to porters and guides.
• Small Group Sizes: Smaller groups reduce environmental impact and provide a more personalized trekking experience.

By booking with a responsible operator, you’ll not only enjoy a safe and memorable trek but also help support the local economy and preserve the beauty of the Andes for future generations.

7. Prepare for the Weather

Weather conditions on the Salkantay Trek can change rapidly, from freezing temperatures in the high mountains to warm, humid conditions in the lower valleys.

How to Be Prepared:

• Dress in Layers: The best way to manage the changing temperatures is to dress in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, and finish with a waterproof outer layer.
• Expect Rain: While the dry season (May to September) is the best time to trek, rain is always a possibility. Be prepared with waterproof clothing and covers for your gear.

Follow our journey on Instagram for real-time updates and inspiration for your trek.

The Salkantay Trek 2025 is an incredible experience that will take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Peru. With proper preparation—training, acclimatization, packing the right gear, and choosing a responsible tour operator—you’ll be ready to tackle the challenge and fully enjoy the trek to Machu Picchu.

For more information or to book your trek, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions or contact us directly via WhatsApp.