Salkantay trek by your own

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek can be done without a tour, on your own and without a tour guide. To take this walk you must take all the necessary precautions. Follow these recommendations to do the Salkantay trek on your own :

• Book the Machu Picchu tickets in advance before performing the Salkantay trek. Otherwise, you can go back without knowing the Wonder of the World. 
• The route to follow is the same as the Salkantay trek with tour. 
• The journey on your own may take more or less days, depending on the visitor’s capacity. 
• The first step is to reach the town of Mollepata from the city of Cusco. 
• The cars are taken at the bus terminal of ‘Arcopata’, in the city of Cusco. 
• From Mollepata begins the ascent. 
• It is advisable to bring what is strictly necessary (food for 5 days and equipment to sleep) to avoid loading excessive luggage.

What to bring for the Salkantay trek?

• Sleeping bags. 
• Hat or cap. 
• Trekking shoes 
• Trekking backpack. 
• Waterproof coat. 
• Trekking pants 
• Poncho for the rain. 
• Water. 
• Water purifying tablets. 
• Sunscreen. 
• Personal hygiene items. 
• Snacks. 
• Cash.

Tips for the Salkantay trek 

• Acclimatize one or two days in the city of Cusco before performing the Salkantay trek. 
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or foods with a lot of fat. 
• Altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties. Perform a little exercise prior to the Salkantay trek. You do not need to be in excellent physical shape but a little exercise will help. 
• No matter what part of the year, wear warm clothes during the Salkantay trek.
• The nights are especially cold in the first two days. 
• Plan up to the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.