Comments on: A Solo Salkantay Trek – How To Hike The Salkantay Unguided

By: Alison Macallister

Alison Macallister — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:27:49 +0000

In reply to Emily. Glad you found this helpful! You could potentially camp or stay over at the village of Wayramachay after the Salkantay Pass on Day 2, that would make the day a bit shorter. I also found Day 4 to be very long, with kids I'd suggest booking a train ticket from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes so you don't have to walk that section.

By: Mark Whitman

Mark Whitman — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 04:25:53 +0000

In reply to Caitlin Bickford. Hi Caitlin, I'd recommend circuit 2 for the best overall experience. It covers all major highlights, including the Guardhouse (classic postcard view), Main Plaza, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Sun, and Intihuatana (Sun Stone), and is ideal for first-timers who want the full Machu Picchu experience.

By: Caitlin Bickford

Caitlin Bickford — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:10:41 +0000

Hi
My husband and I are looking to hike the Salkantay November 8-11 2025. Can you recommend what circuit ticket to purchase from the Ministry of Culture online? There are 3 options. https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/circuitos-y-rutas-de-visita/

thanks

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:56:21 +0000

Hi, thanks for this informative post. I am considering doing this with my 11 year old. Where possible we would add more days to give shorter walks and more rest time. Are there any accommodations in mid points of your days? Thanks in advance. E

By: Mark Whitman

Mark Whitman — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:45:09 +0000

In reply to Jon. Hi Jon, I'm not 100% sure but I suspect it is possible. You will probably have to arrange the taxi/shuttle from Cusco before you depart on your hike.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:43:34 +0000

I'm wondering if there's any way to cut this trek to 3 days as a solo? I know expedition companies do it but I can't figure out if we can take a taxi between La Playa and Hidroelectrica as a solo traveler

Jon Speirs

By: Jonathan Speirs

Jonathan Speirs — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:57:17 +0000

Excellent blog, thanks for the information. I am curious if you know if it's possible to hire a taxi from La Playa to Hydroelectrica, to turn it into a 3 day trek. I know private companies offer that version, but wonder if it's possible to do solo. Thanks so much!

By: Alison Macallister

Alison Macallister — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:29:57 +0000

In reply to Jeff. Hi Jeff, glad this is helpful. 2 days (48hrs) is usually the recommended time to acclimatize. You will feel the altitude for sure on the pass ascent so just take that slow and drink lots of water (small sips often). I didn't have any issues with food on the trail but it always helps to play it safe and wash any fruit. Also pack some sort of rehydrate and meds for stomach issues just in case. I suggest taking a bottle with a filter for double security but boiling the water is generally good enough.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:39:41 +0000

Very helpful article. I wonder if you could give advice on these two questions –

What acclimatization time would you suggest before this trek? (We are planning for two full days in Cusco prior to.)

Is there any issue with food safety / hygiene with food purchased along the trail? Presumably eat only cooked food (no raw vegetables)… Can you trust that water for cooking/food prep is all boiled/filtered? (Seems like the trail is quite safe as you describe it, getting sick from food could be biggest risk?)

By: Denis

Denis — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:18:26 +0000

Thank you! A very informative guide! I am planning my trip to Machu Pichu now, your post is very beneficial.