Salkantay Trek Machu
Salkantay Trek Machu
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The awesome Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most acclaimed hikes and the best alternative trail to get to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail. the Salkantay Trek is named among the 25 best treks in the world, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine
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Salkantay Trek Machu
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5.0
16 reviews
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15
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Victor v
2 contributions
May 2024 • Business
We’ve had the best time on the Salkantay Trek. Our travel agency started working with this company since this year and all expectations have been exceeded. By the company, but also by the 5-person team (Henry, Luis, Clemente, Isaias and Alberto) who did everything to give us the time of our lives on the trail.
Guide Henry had unlimited energy. I don’t think it is possible to know more fun facts about Peru than Henry. Thanks to Henry I now know all about Incan pumpkin games, “See you forever” in Quechua, that there are 1000 species of potatoes in Peru and much much more.
On the day that two of our group members had to return to Cusco, waiter and aspiring guide Luis took charge of leading the group while Henry organized transport. The fact that Luis isn’t a fully recognized guide yet baffles me. He skillfully led the group trough the toughest part of the Salkantay Trek (day 2, the “Gringo Killer”). He motivated the group while also keeping tempo and keeping morale high. In my three years of working in the travel industry, I’ve met many local guides with 10+ years of experience who do worse then Luis. I hope he gets more opportunities to guide in the future. As a native Quechua spreker, Luis was also very helpful in learning more about the Quechua language. Now I’m able to point to a rooster and say Kanka. Peruvians are very impressed.
I was most impressed by the delicious food, prepared by masterchef Clemente and sous-chef Isaias. On hikes into the wildernis, I expected to get basic dishes that are easy to prepare. Instead we got 5 restaurant grade, local dishes per meal, breakfast lunch and dinner. That’s 45+ different dishes in the span of our 4 day hike. The dishes included every traditional Peruvian dish known to man, an eggplant carved into a pinguïn and a giant cake on the last day. The only time I was let down during this trip was when Clemente didn’t want to come home with me to the Netherlands. My new life goal is to find a wife that is as good a cook as him.
Every day when we got to camp, our luggage was already waited for us and the tents we’re already pitched. Thanks to skillful horseman Alberto.
The entire team worked tirelessly to give us a memorable Salkantay-experience. We will be forever thankful and our travel agency will definitely be working with these guys in the future. Couldn’t recommend more.
Guide Henry had unlimited energy. I don’t think it is possible to know more fun facts about Peru than Henry. Thanks to Henry I now know all about Incan pumpkin games, “See you forever” in Quechua, that there are 1000 species of potatoes in Peru and much much more.
On the day that two of our group members had to return to Cusco, waiter and aspiring guide Luis took charge of leading the group while Henry organized transport. The fact that Luis isn’t a fully recognized guide yet baffles me. He skillfully led the group trough the toughest part of the Salkantay Trek (day 2, the “Gringo Killer”). He motivated the group while also keeping tempo and keeping morale high. In my three years of working in the travel industry, I’ve met many local guides with 10+ years of experience who do worse then Luis. I hope he gets more opportunities to guide in the future. As a native Quechua spreker, Luis was also very helpful in learning more about the Quechua language. Now I’m able to point to a rooster and say Kanka. Peruvians are very impressed.
I was most impressed by the delicious food, prepared by masterchef Clemente and sous-chef Isaias. On hikes into the wildernis, I expected to get basic dishes that are easy to prepare. Instead we got 5 restaurant grade, local dishes per meal, breakfast lunch and dinner. That’s 45+ different dishes in the span of our 4 day hike. The dishes included every traditional Peruvian dish known to man, an eggplant carved into a pinguïn and a giant cake on the last day. The only time I was let down during this trip was when Clemente didn’t want to come home with me to the Netherlands. My new life goal is to find a wife that is as good a cook as him.
Every day when we got to camp, our luggage was already waited for us and the tents we’re already pitched. Thanks to skillful horseman Alberto.
The entire team worked tirelessly to give us a memorable Salkantay-experience. We will be forever thankful and our travel agency will definitely be working with these guys in the future. Couldn’t recommend more.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sokna b
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
We purchased 2 days tour Machu Picchu. The tour was incredibly well organized! Every single detail was carefully personalized so we can have the best experience ever. We took beautiful photos at Machu Picchu and the guide Edmar was exceptional and made the tour very smooth. Can’t thank you enough for this once in a lifetime experience and 10000% recommending the agency❤️
Written 4 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivan C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
My girlfriend and I went to the Trek of the Wonderful Salkantay with Pliny as Guide and Juancito as Cook, if they asked me for a Rating I would give them 100 out of 10. Very good professionals and above all, great human beings. 100% recommended. I'll definitely make an Inca way with them.
Automatically translated
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
London, UK3 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Due to altitude illness in Cusco we had to change our tour last minute from the 5 day to the 4 day we don't know what differences there were between the two. Our group was very small (Just one other lady) which we were surprised with, we think a bigger group would have been better as for meals times the other groups were very social.
We both really enjoyed the trek (mostly, it was very tough at times!) And the scenery you see whilst walking the Andes is breathtaking, and unlike anything we've experienced before. The camping centres are without many mod-coms, but that's all part of the experience, the food wasn't the best, but the all things considered it wasn't bad. It's definitely worth taking the hike up to the Lake on the first evening, it is stunning.
On this trek you will see so many different types of scenery, it really feels like you have travelled through 3 different continents in the space of 4 days, all on foot! Once you get to the end of the trek, staying in a real bed and having a hot shower in Aguas Calientes is very welcome! We did suffer slightly from the altitude at the highest points, but it was worst when descending, and wasn't bad enough to affect our enjoyment, just drink lots of coca tea and make sure that you bring/buy plenty of water!
Our Salkantay guide had an upset stomach so we had another guide for our Machu Picchu day and she was brilliant. She was very knowledgeable and seemed to really enjoy her job. Not sure if we'd climb the mountain (Montana Machu Picchu) again though! The views from the top were amazing but it took up a lot of time (3 hours roughly for up and down) and was very tough! We were quite scared at times on the steps, I guess the Incas didn't have much regard for health and safety! We maybe would have preferred to go only some of the way up, see the citadel from slightly above and then go back down to have more time inside it, as we had to leave about 13:30. Machu Picchu itself is absolutely stunning, and as good as we were expecting.
We booked the trip with South America Planet via PeruNorth, and thought that they were very helpful, especially considering our last minute illness (which happened the day before our trek was due to start, we were able to delay by a day and have a slightly shorter trek, which allowed us to keep to our post trek itinerary)
We both really enjoyed the trek (mostly, it was very tough at times!) And the scenery you see whilst walking the Andes is breathtaking, and unlike anything we've experienced before. The camping centres are without many mod-coms, but that's all part of the experience, the food wasn't the best, but the all things considered it wasn't bad. It's definitely worth taking the hike up to the Lake on the first evening, it is stunning.
On this trek you will see so many different types of scenery, it really feels like you have travelled through 3 different continents in the space of 4 days, all on foot! Once you get to the end of the trek, staying in a real bed and having a hot shower in Aguas Calientes is very welcome! We did suffer slightly from the altitude at the highest points, but it was worst when descending, and wasn't bad enough to affect our enjoyment, just drink lots of coca tea and make sure that you bring/buy plenty of water!
Our Salkantay guide had an upset stomach so we had another guide for our Machu Picchu day and she was brilliant. She was very knowledgeable and seemed to really enjoy her job. Not sure if we'd climb the mountain (Montana Machu Picchu) again though! The views from the top were amazing but it took up a lot of time (3 hours roughly for up and down) and was very tough! We were quite scared at times on the steps, I guess the Incas didn't have much regard for health and safety! We maybe would have preferred to go only some of the way up, see the citadel from slightly above and then go back down to have more time inside it, as we had to leave about 13:30. Machu Picchu itself is absolutely stunning, and as good as we were expecting.
We booked the trip with South America Planet via PeruNorth, and thought that they were very helpful, especially considering our last minute illness (which happened the day before our trek was due to start, we were able to delay by a day and have a slightly shorter trek, which allowed us to keep to our post trek itinerary)
Written 23 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
runbunnierun
Paris, France32 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
The Kandoo Peru team was extraordinary! Sébastien was our trusted guide. He was incredibly knowledable, accommodating, patient, with a great sense of what each of us were physically capable. Rolando, the chef, and Nosario, the sous-chef, produced 5-star worthy meals even under the most difficult conditions (cold, wind, rain). They were an excellent team.
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiki p
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
The Salkantay trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a perfect blend of adventure and exploring the beauty of the Peruvian Andes and culture. From accommodation to gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs, every aspect of the trek is designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Our guide Nico was knowledgeable about the history and surroundings. He ensured our safety and enriched our journey with fascinating stories, jokes and insights. The attention to detail throughout the trek was incredible. Overall, the luxury Salkantay trek is an absolute must-do!!
Our guide Nico was knowledgeable about the history and surroundings. He ensured our safety and enriched our journey with fascinating stories, jokes and insights. The attention to detail throughout the trek was incredible. Overall, the luxury Salkantay trek is an absolute must-do!!
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdcb1234
Basildon, UK7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Amazing experience, would definitely recommend booking the Inca Trail through this company. Our Tour Guide (Fabian) was very friendly and knowledgeable. As well as throughout the Inca trail, he provided an in-depth tour of Matchu Pitchu. The rest of the team (chef Xenon and porters) were excellent, the food was delicious, they catered to our dietary needs and they ensured we were well looked after throughout our trip. Toilet facilities (as may be expected) are very basic around the trail. Our highlight was Sun Gate and views over Matchu Pitchu as well as arriving into Matchu Pitchu. Travelling to Matchu Pitchu City and the PeruRail train journey back to the hotel was an experience in itself and definitely something to look forward to after completing the Inca Trail.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chapmangd
Chickamauga, GA7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
My son and I took the two-day trek to Machu Picchu with camping in early December, and had an amazing time, thanks in large part to the outstanding guide service provided by our guide, JD. JD was a knowledgeable and considerate guide who looked after all our needs and who ensured we enjoyed the best of experience possible. He graciously spoke Spanish with us so we could practice the language, but when needed he drew on his fluent English to offer explanations that we didn’t quite grasp in Spanish. JD also was very solicitous of me, making sure I was able to get through rougher stretches of the trail and advising me on particularly tricky climbs and descents. As a 62 year old with knee problems, I was particularly grateful for his attention. We also were extraordinarily impressed with our team of porters who, while we saw little of them on the trek, prepared meals for us that easily rivaled anything we could have found in a restaurant in Cusco and who ensured our campsite was cozy and comfortable. We cannot speak highly enough of our trek with Salkantay Trek Machu, and especially of our amazing guide, JD.
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Django Lang
2 contributions
Aug 2021
This was the second Kandoo trip for two out of the six of us (after Kilimanjaro/ Lemosho) and the experience was on par, even being their first trek in 18 months since MP had closed down. Our guide Jose Luis Laguna Quispe was the most valuable and most appreciated component of our trek via Salkantay as well as our bonus excursion to Ollantaytamba, Chinchero and Sacred Valley (he also took us to shop the most authentic of handcrafted arts). His knowledge and passion for the history and architecture were captivating. Our chef Carmelo pulled out some very impressive soups and dishes for every meal. Jose had these personal friendships with the families who lived everywhere we stopped that made you feel appreciated. The Kandoo crews make sure all you have to do is walk, room for improvement was little to none. Even the hike along the train tracks from Hidroelectrica was shaded and also gorgeous, with a smooth trail surface. Suggestion to Kandoo: 1) have guides pack a lightweight toilet seat for his trekkers. 2) add another night in to camp at Llactapata-- that 4th hike day seems unnecessarily long with a too-early start and not so fun when there is only a view of fog after the morning summit.
Jose got us to MP on the first morning bus and felt like a private tour with almost no one else there. Priceless. Afterwards, we spent some time in Lima and Jose had connected us with an excellent private tour operator there. Lima recommendation: The San Francisco Basilica y Convento.
Jose got us to MP on the first morning bus and felt like a private tour with almost no one else there. Priceless. Afterwards, we spent some time in Lima and Jose had connected us with an excellent private tour operator there. Lima recommendation: The San Francisco Basilica y Convento.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin Meyers
Fort Worth, TX1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Couples
My spouse and I did the 5 day hike to Machu Pichu. It was an incredible but challenging adventure. We went over the Salkantay Pass at 15,200 ft, toured a coffee plantation and walked on the Inca trail. The final day was spent at Machu Pechu.
Our tour guide Vigner Lozano Ortega was great. He was knowledgeable about the culture, the foliage and the areas we traveled. He was also very helpful and patient with the group. I highly recommend him.
Colin Meyers
Our tour guide Vigner Lozano Ortega was great. He was knowledgeable about the culture, the foliage and the areas we traveled. He was also very helpful and patient with the group. I highly recommend him.
Colin Meyers
Written 6 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the bathroom situation like on the Salkantay Trek? Similar to the Inca trail?
Written 25 March 2018
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