Safe Water
Water is a problem on Salcantay. There is no shortage of agua, but you must treat:
- boiling
- chemical disinfection
- filter
- purifify
We prefer a quality ceramic filter, but weight is a consideration. And they require a lot of maintenance.
Be Prepared
The Salcantay is not the most difficult trek in Peru. But you should not treat it lightly. The 4700m pass may require the most fit hiker to turn back due to weather or altitude sickness.
You must be prepared mentally & physically. You must haul the right gear <checklist>.
You must be informed. Do your homework. Take notes from — or print — sections of this website. Do not hike Salcantay without a copy of Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes.
But do not panic, either. Any fit person can do Salcantay — unless they have chronic knee, ankle, or back pain.
But the more prepared you are, the better.
First Aid Kit
Prepare for the worst! You need a far better First Aid kit than usual on the Salcantay as you may find no one else to care for you.
Someone in your group should be qualified to administer First Aid. This is a serious responsibility.
Hiking Technique
- Avoid the strain of big lunge step-ups, and the impact of big drop step-downs, whenever possible.
- Step OVER a log or obstacle to a foot placement of similar height to your back foot when you can.
- Zigzag on steep sections. Many small steps are better than taking one big step up or down.
- To assist with a big step-ups (when unavoidable) push down on your knee with your hand as you extend that leg
- Take many short rests. Sit with your pack-on whenever you find a convenient stump or log.
- Take off your pack to stretch whenever possible
- Make frequent adjustments to your pack harness. Keep shifting weight off of pressure points.
