Ultimate Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek 5 day

My husband and I did the 5-day Majestic Salkantay hike with Elistan, and it wildly exceeded our expectations. Elistan has been in this industry for 20 years, and literally knew every local guide we met on the trail. Elistan owns his own boutique tour company, gave us service just as luxurious as the big companies, and treated the chef and "cowboy" (whose horses carried the gear) as business partners. While we hiked and during meals, we learned so much from Elistan: He showed us rare orchids and helped us see the chinchillas camouflage against rocks. He shared so much about Peru's heritage from his perspective as someone with a blended Inca/indigenous heritage. The hike was spectacular. The first two days are high altitude (literally camping above 14,000 feet, where we could hear avalanches in the distance). The next two days were in the jungle with phenomenal views of the Andes. And the final capstone day was Machu Picchu. Elistan took care of everything. From oxygen tanks and oximeters to keep us safe, to ensuring we had the prime early morning tickets to Machu Picchu. And the food! The first day at lunch, I expected a sandwich and snacks. Our chef produced a hot three-course meal. Unbelievable to have restaurant-quality food produced on a camping stove in the middle of the mountains. We booked with Allyn Pacha based on the recommendation of a friend's friend here in California who had done a hike with Elistan. This family-run business is a true hidden gem! It was truly the trip of a lifetime, and we're so grateful that Elistan made it possible.

This is a review of Elistan and the team who made the entire experience unforgettable. - Like everyone else here has written, Elistan and the guides are extremely knowledgeable about Inca history and civilization. We would take small breaks at interesting places or viewpoints, and Elistan would give us a little history lesson about the people who came before or about the different types of architectures or about how the trail has changed over the years. Elistan also made sure to point out some of the best places to take photos. - The food along the trail was superb! The chef even made a birthday cake for a member of our party after finding out about the birthday while we were already on the trail. Really, you will be surprised at the quality and the amount of food prepared on the trail. - Everyone was so friendly and supportive of their customers. Elistan would hike/jog back-and-forth between the front of the group and the back of the group just to make sure everyone was doing OK. I visited Machu Picchu and hiked the Inca Trail with Elistan and the crew about 6 weeks ago. I am already planning to go back and try out a different route, like the Lares Trek or Salkantay Trail.

What a fantastic experience hiking to Machu Picchu, made possible by Allyn Pacha!! I cannot say enough kind words about our tour guide!! He was phenomenal. He has hiked the trail over 700 times, is very knowledge about the history of the Incas and the region, is very hospitable, and desires the happiness of his clients. THIS IS THE BEST COMPANY to use in Peru!!! It is a true luxury experience, at half the cost of other sites. You WILL NOT regret your decision to use this company!