Travellers Information

Acclimatization & The Rhythm of Altitude

A journey through the high Andes requires a shift in pace. The thin air at elevations like the Salkantay Pass demands deliberate movement and respect for the terrain. To allow your body to adapt naturally, we strongly require that you spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before the trailhead. Walking at a slower pace, staying well-hydrated, and allowing your body to rest during these initial days is the most effective preparation for the trail.

Weather & The Logic of Layering

In the mountains, climate is experienced as a series of transitions. Within a single day, the environment shifts from the sharp, freezing winds of the glacial passes to the heavy humidity of the cloud forest. Preparing for this means packing with the layering system in mind. Rather than one heavy coat, rely on a combination of breathable base layers, an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a dependable waterproof outer shell. Expect cold nights at our high campsites, where temperatures regularly drop toward freezing.

Physical Preparation

Our routes do not demand technical climbing, but they do require physical endurance and steady intention. You will be walking between 6 to 8 hours daily over uneven, steep, and rocky paths. Preparing your body with regular hiking, cardiovascular training, or stair climbing 2–3 months prior ensures that your energy can be focused on the landscape rather than the exertion.

Insurance & Requirements

Because we travel through remote, high-altitude regions where logistics require absolute certainty, a comprehensive travel insurance policy is mandatory for all trekkers. Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking up to and include medical evacuation. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, as it is required for national park permits and entry to Machu Picchu.

Cultural Presence & Community

The paths we follow are shared spaces, deeply tied to the daily lives of the families who cultivate these valleys. We move through the land as guests, keeping our footprint minimal, respecting local customs, and supporting the communities that host us—from the horsemen on the high passes to the coffee producers in Lucmabamba.