The food on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is often a highlight of the journey, carefully prepared to sustain and delight trekkers in a challenging environment. This preparation is usually done with great care, as the effort made on this trek is very demanding and everything needs to be recovered with a good diet and carbohydrate consumption. The cooks carefully select their products in the local markets of Cusco, each product goes through a rigorous control and can then be packed for this iconic 5-day trip.
food from Salkantay to Machu Picchu. Most tour operators cater to dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others, as long as customers inform them in advance. They design the meals to be nourishing and easily digestible, which is essential at high altitudes.
The food is typically prepared by experienced chefs who accompany the trekking group. Despite the remote location, these chefs use portable stoves and fresh ingredients carried by mules or porters. The quality of the food is often a pleasant surprise for trekkers.
Meals often incorporate traditional Peruvian ingredients such as quinoa, potatoes, and corn, reflecting the culinary heritage of the Andes. Coca tea, a staple beverage in high-altitude regions, is readily available and helps with acclimatization.
Tour operators advise trekkers to stay hydrated and provide boiled water at meal times or for refilling bottles. Many tour operators also recommend using purification tablets or filters for additional water needs during the hike.
food from Salkantay to Machu Picchu. In summary, the chefs on the Salkantay Trek prepare well-balanced, culturally rich, and thoughtfully crafted food to fuel the physical demands of the journey, providing a glimpse into the flavors of the Peruvian Andes.