Get Acclimated in Cusco Before Your Salkantay Trek
To ensure you have the best experience on your Salkantay trek, we’ve designed this special acclimatization program. Over three days in Cusco, you’ll embark on carefully planned walks and cultural excursions, gradually increasing in altitude and difficulty. This process will help your body adapt to the high-altitude conditions, allowing you to fully enjoy your adventure and maximize your success on the trail.
Beyond just preparing you physically, we aim to provide a deeper cultural and historical experience that goes beyond what any other agency offers.
Day 1: Discover Cusco on Foot
Our first day begins with a light 3 to 4-hour city walk through the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. As we explore historic sites, we will slowly ascend about 150 meters (500 feet) to the San Blas district, a traditional artisan neighborhood.
Cusco blends modern conveniences with a rich historical past. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, offering glimpses of the Inca era, the colonial period, and Peru’s journey to independence.
We’ll start at San Pedro Market, a vibrant local hub where Cusqueños buy fresh produce, medicinal plants, grains, and textiles. Here, you’ll witness traditional commerce and daily life firsthand.
Next, we’ll follow ancient Inca pathways to see the Twelve-Angled Stone, a testament to the precision of Inca architecture, before heading to San Blas. Climbing the narrow streets, we’ll reach a scenic viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of Cusco. After soaking in the view, we’ll return to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 2: Exploring the Sacred Valley
Our morning begins at Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress with massive stone walls and ceremonial spaces. Positioned at the highest point of Cusco, it is also the site of the Inti Raymi festival, celebrated every June 24.
We then visit Qenqo, a sacred Inca site symbolizing the Andean worldview, followed by Puka Pukara, a strategic military outpost, and Tambomachay, known as the “Temple of Water,” believed to have ceremonial significance.
After exploring these sites, we head into the Sacred Valley, stopping at Awanacancha, a cultural center where you can observe llamas and alpacas while learning about traditional Andean weaving techniques.
In the afternoon, we explore the town of Pisac, starting at its famous handicraft market. We then embark on a two-hour hike up to the Pisac Archaeological Complex, ascending approximately 450 meters (1,476 feet). The ruins feature agricultural terraces, temples, and stunning mountain views.
From Pisac to the Porter Communities
Before our hike, we’ll ensure proper hydration and set off on a breathtaking journey through ancient Inca trails. As we ascend, we’ll witness the beauty of the Sacred Valley and its harmonious blend of nature and history.
At the summit lies the Intihuatana, an Inca solar calendar that also includes a lunar calendar and symbolic representations of Andean cosmology. This sacred site was used for astronomical observations and religious ceremonies.
We then visit Qenqo, a sacred Inca site symbolizing the Andean worldview, followed by Puka Pukara, a strategic military outpost, and Tambomachay, known as the “Temple of Water,” believed to have ceremonial significance.
After exploring these sites, we head into the Sacred Valley, stopping at Awanacancha, a cultural center where you can observe llamas and alpacas while learning about traditional Andean weaving techniques.
In the afternoon, we explore the town of Pisac, starting at its famous handicraft market. We then embark on a two-hour hike up to the Pisac Archaeological Complex, ascending approximately 450 meters (1,476 feet). The ruins feature agricultural terraces, temples, and stunning mountain views.
Experiencing Andean Culture in Paru Paru
Upon arriving at the Paru Paru community, home to many of our porters, we’ll be welcomed with a traditional dance and music demonstration. After a warm reception, we’ll sit down for a homemade Andean lunch.
Later, we’ll visit a local chacra (farm) to participate in traditional agricultural activities using ancient tools like the chaquitaclla. Before starting, we’ll take part in a tinka—a sacred ceremony giving thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the apus (sacred mountains).
As night falls, we’ll visit the homes of our hosts, meet their families, and learn about their customs. After sharing a delicious typical Andean dinner, we’ll listen to legends and stories from the community before resting for the journey ahead.
