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Memorable Experiences on the Salkantay Trek with First Step Expeditions

December 7, 2024

Embarking on the Salkantay Trek is a journey of a lifetime, filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and physical challenges that are deeply rewarding. At First Step Expeditions, we pride ourselves on crafting memorable trekking experiences that connect you with the heart of Peru’s Andean beauty.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

The Salkantay Trek is an extraordinary alternative to the Inca Trail, renowned for its diverse landscapes and unique highlights. Starting from the picturesque village of Mollepata, the trek takes you through a mosaic of ecosystems—from lush cloud forests to stark, snow-capped peaks.

The journey is crowned by the imposing Salkantay trek, standing at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) above sea level. This sacred peak has been revered for centuries, and trekking through its shadow is both humbling and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re crossing the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) or marveling at the serene Humantay Lake, every step is a testament to nature’s grandeur.

Personalized Service with First Step Expeditions

What sets First Step Expeditions apart is our commitment to creating personalized and unforgettable trekking experiences. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides bring the trek to life with stories of the region’s history, myths, and traditions. Each guide is trained to ensure your safety and comfort, making the journey enjoyable even at high altitudes.

Our itineraries are carefully planned to balance adventure with relaxation. After a day of hiking, you’ll unwind at our comfortable campsites, complete with cozy sleeping arrangements and hearty meals prepared by our talented chefs. Imagine enjoying a delicious quinoa soup or freshly cooked trout under the starry Andean sky—a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Highlights of the Salkantay Trek

Humantay Lake: The shimmering turquoise waters of this glacial lake are an early highlight of the trek. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it’s an ideal spot for photos and quiet reflection.
Salkantay Pass: The trek’s highest point offers sweeping views of towering peaks and deep valleys, leaving trekkers with a profound sense of achievement.
Cloud Forests and Coffee Plantations: As you descend, the scenery transforms into lush green forests teeming with biodiversity, passing local farms and coffee plantations.
Machu Picchu: The ultimate reward of the Salkantay Trek is reaching the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Arriving on foot gives a deeper appreciation for this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s beauty and history.

Why Choose First Step Expeditions

Choosing First Step Expeditions means choosing an ethical, eco-friendly trek. We work closely with local communities, ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices. Our treks minimize environmental impact while promoting cultural exchange, offering you a more meaningful travel experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, the Salkantay Trek with First Step Expeditions offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Let us guide you through the rugged beauty of the Andes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Start your adventure today! Visit our website or contact us to learn more about this unforgettable journey.

The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Comfort on Machu Picchu Tours

November 27, 2024

Embarking on a journey to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers. With First Step Expeditions, you can experience this iconic destination with the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Our thoughtfully designed Machu Picchu tours ensure that every moment of your trip is unforgettable, from the breathtaking vistas to the personalized attention we provide.

Why Choose First Step Expeditions?

At First Step Expeditions, we believe that travel should be more than just a vacation—it should be a transformative experience. Our team of local experts has curated itineraries that combine cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and comfortable accommodations. With our 5-day package, you’ll explore the wonders of the Sacred Valley, experience the vibrant city of Cusco, and enjoy the unparalleled magic of Machu Picchu.

A Journey of a Lifetime

Your adventure begins in Cusco, the historical heart of the Inca Empire. From here, our guides take you on a journey through the Sacred Valley, where you’ll visit local communities, ancient ruins, and bustling markets. The journey culminates with an awe-inspiring tour of Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore the ancient citadel with the guidance of our knowledgeable team.

Our Machu Picchu tours are designed to provide seamless transitions between exploration and relaxation. We handle all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Whether you’re hiking through lush landscapes or savoring local cuisine, every aspect of your trip is crafted to perfection.

Adventure Meets Comfort

Adventure doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. That’s why our tours include cozy accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides who ensure your safety and satisfaction. Our commitment to sustainable tourism means you’ll also support local communities and preserve the environment while enjoying your journey.

Book Your Machu Picchu Tour Today

With First Step Expeditions, you’re not just booking a tour—you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or seeking a family-friendly vacation, our packages cater to all kinds of travelers.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Let First Step Expeditions guide you through an incredible journey on one of our expertly crafted Machu Picchu tours.

Embark on the Epic Salkantay Trek with First Step Expeditions

September 27, 2024

The Salkantay Trek is a thrilling alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering adventurers a unique journey through diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, First Step Expeditions offers expertly guided tours that ensure you make the most of this incredible route to Machu Picchu.

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek leads you through dramatic mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and ancient Incan paths, all while giving you the opportunity to experience Peru’s natural beauty up close. One of the highlights of this trek is reaching the imposing Salkantay Pass, which sits at a staggering 4,600 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

As you descend from the high pass, the landscape changes dramatically, leading you into the tropical cloud forest, rich with wildlife and lush vegetation. Along the way, you’ll encounter vibrant local communities, giving you a chance to interact with the Quechua people and learn about their traditions and way of life.

What sets First Step Expeditions apart is their commitment to providing a personalized and eco-friendly trekking experience. Their expert guides are passionate about sharing the rich history and culture of the region, ensuring that each trekker gains a deeper understanding of Peru’s past and its natural wonders. The Salkantay Trek is not just about reaching Machu Picchu; it’s about fully immersing yourself in the journey, from start to finish.

The trek typically takes 4 to 5 days, covering about 74 kilometers. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, whether it’s conquering steep ascents or marveling at hidden waterfalls. Evenings are spent in comfortable campsites, where trekkers can relax and enjoy hearty meals prepared by skilled cooks.

By choosing First Step Expeditions, you’ll be supporting sustainable tourism that protects the environment and empowers local communities. They ensure that your adventure is not only memorable but also leaves a positive impact on the region.

For those with a sense of adventure, the Salkantay Trek is an extraordinary journey that combines physical challenge, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or new to hiking, this route offers something special for everyone. Book your trek with First Step Expeditions and experience one of the most remarkable journeys in the Andes.

Hiking in Peru: Five Extraordinary Treks that are Worth the Effort

October 15, 2023

If you’ve ever read anything about hiking in Peru, it’s likely you’ve heard about the high altitude being “no joke.” While the altitude does make the majority of all big hikes around here challenging, the views will offer the biggest reward you can imagine. Here are 5 of our most challenging but rewarding treks you won’t want to miss:

AUSANGATE TREK

The Ausangate hike traces through high elevation ranging between 10,334ft and 16,800ft. The trail takes adventure seekers through landscapes bursting with glaciers, snow-capped mountains, thermal ponds, high flatlands, lush green valleys, multi-colored mountains, peppered with Andean camels (llamas).

This trail is believed to be the most profound pilgrimage in the Andes and is one of the most renowned hikes in Peru.

The Ausangate trek is classified as challenging or Grade C in difficulty due to the altitude gain and with 6-7 hours of hiking per day. Anyone with a good level of fitness can manage this hike, but it is recommended that trekkers have experience with multi-day hikes and high elevations before attempting it.

INCA TRAIL

One of the most popular things to do is to hike one of the world’s most famous hikes – the Inca trail.

Hiking the Inca trail is an experience that will inspire excitement and jealousy amongst your family and friends. This bucket list trip starts from Cusco by car to KM-82 where the magic begins. The trail itself is a narrow path taking you deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains with stunning lush green vegetation alive with birds, llamas, alpacas, and other small wildlife. The seemingly endless valley view shows incredible Inca sites laid out like breadcrumbs along the way to the Sun Gate and through to Machu Picchu.

Keep in mind, due to the popularity of this trek, there is a limited number of permits available per day. We recommend booking 4-6 months in advance. There is also an option to hike this trail over 5 days and see Machu Picchu twice. Contact us for more information if interested!

ANCASCOCHA TREK

The isolated Ancascocha trek is a true adventure for those craving a chance to commune with nature as you hike the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range while walking to Machu Picchu.

This spectacular trail is also known as the other hidden Inca trail- Off the beaten path, stunning, strenuous and challenging due to the altitude gain. With a maximum elevation of 16,270ft and a length 38.44 miles split over 4-days, this one isn’t for the faint of heart.

National Geographic once named the Ancascocha Trek as one of the World’s 20 Dream Hikes.

LARES TREK

The Lares Trek offers something beyond just the beautiful landscapes – this trek shows the traveler exceptional insight into the lives of Andean villagers. This 4 or 5-day trek offers the ideal blend of nature and culture and is the second most famous stretch of the “road” system constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. As the less-famous sister hike to the Inca trail, Lares is the perfect way to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas without crowds so you are guaranteed to get a far greater connection to the local Peruvian culture.

The Lares trek is commonly seen as the least physically demanding option for hiking to Machu Picchu. The highest elevation is 15,786 ft on the 26.7 mile trail with 6-7 hours hiking per day.

HUARAZ- HUAYHUASH TREK

While we’re biased towards hikes in the Cusco region, we can’t have a list of the best hikes in Peru without including the Huayhuash Trek.

With a starting point in Huaraz, located in north-central Peru, this trek takes you through one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world, the Cordillera Blanca.

Snow-capped mountains above and dry plains below paint a stunning juxtaposition of colors and natural landscapes that will make you want to keep coming back again and again.

The complete Huayhuash circuit is 10-12 days, but we offer a consolidated 7 day trek with the best highlights at a pace of 6-8 hours a day. This mini Huayhuash trek could be noted as one of the most physically and emotionally challenging treks in the country, but certainly also one of the most rewarding.

No matter which of the hikes above interests you the most, there are a few things all of them have in common:

Weather in the Peruvian Andes is typically grouped into two seasons, rainy season (wet/ November to mid April with the peak in late January to early March) and dry season (cold at night/ May to September). There really isn’t much fluctuation in terms of temperature throughout the year (nighttime lows -10 to 0 C, daytime highs of 18 to 22 C)
The best time to do these trails is between May and October because there are clearer days and sunnier weather to take in the beautiful scenery. The rainy season may sound less ideal, but the clouds and rain make everything green and lush while adding some mysticism to the landscapes that could be perfect for some photographers or trekkers who want to avoid the crowds.
The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February due to the rainy weather and risk of landslides.
Most of the visiting trekkers live at lower altitudes in their home countries and they are not used to breathing thin oxygen. It’s highly recommended to give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude by spending 2-3 days in Cusco (or Huaraz for the Huayhuash trek) before you hit the trail. This will help you to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Most of these treks can be completed by trekkers of any fitness level. The terrain is not difficult to navigate. It is just a matter of taking your time, preparing for the altitude, and having good humor. From there, we will take care of the rest.

What is the Ausangate Trek in Peru?

September 11, 2023

While the whole Ausangate (pronounced Ow-saan-gah-tay) Trek package to Machu Picchu is 6 days/5 nights, technically the “Ausangate” portion is only the first 4 days of the overall experience.

Over the 4 days hiking and 3 nights camping, you will start by traveling 3 hours south of Cusco by car to the trailhead. From there, the hike takes you around a portion of the Ausangate peak and glacier – the 2^nd tallest mountain in Peru and the highest mountain in Cusco. Along the way, you’ll see pristine glacial lakes, rural villages where farmers are still practicing the traditions of Incan times, and the biggest draw of the region, rainbow mountains and the red valley.

While the trail itself is not rough terrain, not many people choose to hike here due to the high altitude, so you will have the trail and views mostly to yourself as a reward for taking it on. The trek ends with an early morning arrival at Rainbow Mountain so you can enjoy it before all the crowds arrive from Cusco with day trip passengers.

To round out the package, we continue on to the Sacred Valley and the tail end of the classic Inca Trail so you can hike into Machu Picchu the way the Incan people did. You will return to Machu Picchu the next day for a longer tour and the opportunity to tell all your friends you visited Machu Picchu twice. This trek is an adventurer’s best option to see all of Cusco’s big landscapes and cultural treasures in under one week.

Three Stunning Lakes a Day Trip from Cusco

August 11, 2023

Cusco, Peru is a charming city in the country’s highlands. While you could easily spend your whole trip wandering through the streets of this city, most people know it as the main gateway to Machu Picchu, the Inca trail, and many other excursions around the region.

Cusco is the perfect base for day trips to some of the country’s prettiest Andean landscapes. The area is most well known for longer hiking and camping trips for adventure lovers to complete once in their lives, there are plenty of gorgeous lakes in the Cusco region you can reach from the city by car. The Cusco region is splashed with hundreds of remote, scenic lakes, many of which are less visited or unexplored by tourists yet.

The incredible lakes in Peru around Cusco may be the country’s best-kept secret. For your first trip, visit at least one of the three lakes we recommend below, all easily reachable on a one-day tour from Cusco.

QUINSA Q’OCHA LAKE

Hidden away near Pisaq about two hours in the eastern end of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this lake is a three mile loop.

The vibrant blue and green hues of the water come from snow and natural spring water that exist just at the skirt of the mountains. While the cold, sweet water invites an abundance of wildlife (trout, birds, algae, and other microorganisms) we don’t recommend swimming due to the low temperature. But the tranquility and peace of the lake is ideal for a boat experience or fishing sport.

Another reason this is one of the most incredible lakes in the region is due to the adventure-minded variety of hiking, boat riding, and llama trekking trails around the lake

HUMANTAY LAKE

Located in the western part of the Anta province, 90 kilometers from Cusco, this lake and it’s next door neighbor, Inca Chirisak’a lake, are near the starting point for backpackers who take the path to the Salkantay glacier and Machu Picchu.

The Humantay lake is among the most popular lakes and takes two hours hiking from the trailhead of Soraypampa or you can ride horse for forty five minutes. Inca Chiriask’a Lake is a little bit farther and less-crowded than Humantay Lake. Each is independently breathtaking, with layers upon layers of natural colors, from green to clear blue thanks to the snow-caped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.

The area surrounding is spectacular too and offers expansive views of the seemingly endless valley. However, the Andes can be both windy and cold with unpredictable weather, so you should be adequately experienced and prepared for remote, high-altitude hiking or camping.

SEVEN LAKES OF AUSANGATE

The glistening 7 lakes of Ausangate are quite close to the Ausangate Mountain which is the second highest Mountain in Peru. The land around the lake has rolling crop fields and domestic animals like llamas and alpacas and natural hot springs with a sprinkling of camping areas in between. It has more locals around compared to other lakes in the area, and some common sights will include scenes of families weaving textiles with their children and farmers carrying their crops and stools on their backs while pulling llamas. It’s a unique cultural charm. It’s also still relatively unvisited by tourists even though it’s one of the most recommended lakes to see.

Seven lakes are three hours by car from Cusco. The trailhead is called Pacchanta and begins at 14,107ft. The whole loop will take 3-4 hours hiking. This tour can be done in one day or as part of the multi-day Ausangate Rainbow mountain hike.

We highly encourage you to visit any and all of the lakes listed above, but please keep in mind that they are all at high altitude – Quinsa Q’ocha lake is located over 4,000 meter/13,123ft, Humantay is 4200m/13779ft, and the 7 Lakes are at 4330m/14,207ft up in the Andes mountains – so we highly recommend that you acclimate for 2 days in Cusco and make appropriate considerations for high-altitude hiking before beginning any trip. The trails are well marked so you can do it by yourself, but we highly recommend visiting these sites with a guide for the best and safest experience.

Worried about Altitude Sickness? 5 Ways to Prepare

July 21, 2023

Have you been thinking about traveling to Peru but you’re worried about getting altitude sickness? This condition happens when you travel to a high altitude (elevation) too quickly without giving your body time to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. Anyone can get altitude sickness regardless of fitness or experience level, age, sex, or general health.

The good news is, you don’t have to let a fear of altitude sickness prevent you from experiencing Peru. With proper preparation, your body will adjust, and you will have an amazing trip.

Here, we list some essential tips that you should consider if you are preparing to visit Cuso or complete any of the high-altitude climbs in Peru:

If you really want to enjoy your vacation and complete the expedition successfully, we highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days prior your trip. During this time, try to do some light physical activities like walking around the city of Cusco or enjoying any of the free things to do in the area.
Talk to your doctor before traveling if you have any of the following conditions:
- Have a lung or heart condition
- Pregnancy
- Live at low elevation or previously had altitude problems
Learn the symptoms of altitude sickness. You’ll likely feel:
- Nauseous
- Lightheaded
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Be proactive about preventing altitude sickness.
- Arrive in Cusco 2 days before attempting to do anything strenuous so your body can acclimate. This process allows your body time to adjust to the change in oxygen levels. Take your time when walking uphill.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about taking acetazolamide (Diamox) before your trip. Taking it 24 hours before traveling to a high altitude and continuing for five days can help prevent altitude sickness. Dexamethasone can also be used preventively, but it can have serious side effects. Talk to your provider before your trip.
Try to prepare in advance to help your body acclimate faster.
- Find ways to “walk up”: At home in your neighborhood or in an office or mall in your city, walk uphill and up and down stairs as often as possible, with or without a backpack on.
- Go slow: if you are in Cusco or able to walk somewhere above 10,000 feet, don’t increase your altitude more than 1,000 feet a day for the first 2 days
- Rest: when you are climbing, try to find a landmark (tree or rock) you want to walk to before taking a break. Keep your mind busy with the beauty of nature to try to distract yourself.
- Climb high and sleep low: If you climb more than 1,000 feet in a day, come down to sleep at a lower elevation.
- Know your body: it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. If you notice any symptoms, slow down and rest, drink water, and, if it’s possible, move to a lower altitude.
- Stay hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water per day.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and depressant drugs that can dehydrate your body. These substances will have a stronger effect at higher elevations, which can impair judgment.
- Eat carbs: Eat a diet that’s 70% carbohydrates while acclimating.

If you get to Cusco and feel any symptoms of altitude sickness while you are not with a tour group, please stop and rest. If possible drink water and/or the local coca tea or chew candy with sugar to help stimulate blood flow. If you feel like it is an emergency, pop into the nearest restaurant or hotel so they can help you get oxygen or any other medical attention that might be needed. The locals in Cusco are used to seeing this type of thing are extremely friendly and helpful. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

It Doesn’t Need to Take Too Long to Get Off the Beaten Path in Peru

March 9, 2022

While Peru is probably most well-known for Machu Picchu, this country is actually full of traditions, customs, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly people worth seeing. The best way to experience it is to get out and hike off-the-beaten path, but we know most people don’t have a ton of time to spend here.

If having an experience hiking in Peru has been on your bucket list for a while but you just don’t have too much time to do a multi-day trek, you might want to consider one of these shorter options.

Huchuy Qosqo trek– this is a 3-day experience but only one night camping. You will spend a day and a half hiking through the mountains before taking a trail to Aguas Calientes and visiting Machu Picchu on day 3.

Waqrapukara & Rainbow Mountain – this is a 2-day experience starting from Cusco with 6-7 hours of hiking on day one. The terrain is very easy – anyone in moderate shape can make easy work of this hike. Barely any tourists visit Waqrapukara so you will have the trail to yourself and really experience what it was like for the ancient Incas. Day 2 at rainbow mountain is also amazing because you will get there before the crowds.

Machu Picchu day trip by train – If you don’t have the endurance or time to reach Machu Picchu by foot, don’t fear. You can take a scenic and relaxing train ride instead.

Short treks are a great opportunity to get off the grid and experience what Peru is all about! Consider these when thinking about getting off the beaten path and planning your trip of a lifetime.