Written by:
peru.travel
Thursday, November 19, 2020
In this Page
Located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, between the Andes of Cusco, Salkantay rises over 6271 meters high, so conquering its summit is a huge challenge even for the most experienced lovers of trekking and climbing. Ascending by its steep slopes, surrounded by impressive landscapes, dreamy lagoons and a great diversity of flora and fauna, make this adventure a unique and incomparable experience.
Although the journey to the top offers a wonderful spectacle, reaching the final goal takes a series of important recommendations in order to avoid any type of risk, the same ones that we share with you.
Prepare physically and mentally
It is important that, first of all, you know that the Salkantay mountain is located in an area of maximum height, so climbing it requires an over demand that you should not ignore. In order not to suffer setbacks, besides from a good physical condition, you must learn to adapt to the sudden changes in temperature and the lack of oxygen typical of this place. To do this, it is vital to go through a conditioning stage several months in advance, with cardiovascular resistance exercises.
During this training, the climber must acclimatize his body to the altitude of Cusco and observe how the body reacts to the pressure change. Running around the mountain will also help to adapt to the new weather conditions.
Breathing exercises will help you to tire less and better coordinate your movements. It is also important to walk slowly without accelerating your pace, this is in order to keep your body calm and to enjoy the landscape and nature. Finally, listen to your body: if you feel the need to stop to take a break, do not hesitate and do it. Once you feel more lucid and in better conditions, continue with the tour.
The Salkantay mountain is located in an area of maximum height, so climbing it requires an over demand that you should not ignore.
Credit: Matt Cherubino.
When to go?
The best time to experience this adventure is during the dry season, between May and October. In these months, the weather is sunny and rain-free. The temperature ranges between 77 °F in the day and drops to 41 °F at night. Although there are travelers who take the route to Salkantay during the rainy season, between November and April, it is much more pleasant and less dangerous to do it in the dry season.
What to bring?
One of the biggest difficulties presented by this experience is the significant drops in temperature. That is why, it is necessary to wear appropriate clothing to withstand the cold like a raincoat in case it rains.
Other objects that you should include in your backpack are a small amount of clothing; personal hygiene items like a towel, soap, toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste. On the other hand, do not forget to bring a flashlight, a camera, a battery charger, sunscreen, repellent and your passport or identity document.
Also, take with you a first-aid kit that gathers everything you need for an emergency. It is always good to bring, also, some essential items to donate to the communities as you pass through the towns.
One of the biggest difficulties presented by this experience is the significant drops in temperature.
Credit: Miguel Mejía / PromPerú.
How to get there?
To start the route to Salcantay, you must travel to the town of Mollepata. Buses leave every day from Arcopata street, very close to the Plaza de Armas. Mollepata offers good quality and very cozy lodgings, so we recommend you to stay a few days in one of them. Do not hesitate to talk about the route with the people of this place, they are experts in the area and will gladly answer all your questions.
Be a responsible traveler
During your visit, try to preserve and take care of the benefits that nature offers you. Save all your waste. Help us to protect the environment so that other people can also enjoy this natural wonder of Peru.
Sources: Machupicchu-viajes / Inkayniperutours / BoletoMachuPicchu / Condetraveladventures / Raptravel / Terraexplorerperu
Follow us on social media
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
