Are you ready to live an unforgettable adventure? If you’re looking for a unique experience that will mark your life forever, you’re in the right place!
The perfect trip combines breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable moments, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in good hands. That’s why, at Salkantay Trekking, we make sure to have a perfectly trained team to ensure everything runs smoothly during your visit to Cusco, Peru.
The tourism sector is constantly changing and growing, with more and more travelers seeking a different, conscious, and high-quality experience. We know that the key to excellence is continuous learning, which is why we organize annual training sessions to educate our team and improve our services.
By taking care of every detail, we have made a difference and have been awarded as South America’s Best Tour Operator 2024. This year, we dedicated the entire month of February to preparing ourselves, so we can come back stronger than ever. In 2025, we are committed to achieving our goal: That you live an unbeatable adventure!
Want to know how we ensure the best experience for you? We’ll tell you all the details.
- Continuous Training for an Excellent Service
- Administrative and Campsite Staff: The Best Customer Service
- Guides: Guardians and Teachers
- Cooks: The Best Gastronomy in the Mountains
- Drivers and Muleteers: Safety and Efficiency on the Trail
- Salkantay Trekking: Commitment, Quality, and Passion for Tourism
- You may also be interested in:
Continuous Training for an Excellent Service
At Salkantay Trekking, we know that an exceptional team is built through constant preparation and an unbreakable commitment to learning. That’s why we provide regular training for all our collaborators, from the administrative team to guides, cooks, campsite staff, drivers, and muleteers. These training sessions not only provide new knowledge but also strengthen the passion for excellence and teamwork that defines us.
From February 17 to 25, the entire organization participated in a comprehensive training program that combined the development of multidisciplinary skills with specialized training tailored to each work area. In the general sessions, key competencies such as motivation, communication, and cooperation were reinforced—fundamental elements for delivering top-level service.
To kick off this important stage of growth, we had the presence of our General Manager, Edgar Catunta Guillen, who inspired all participants to keep learning, surpass themselves every day, and strengthen the spirit that makes Salkantay Trekking a great family.
The sessions were led by Yadira Zela Vera, a Tourism graduate who previously worked as a guide and currently conducts training for other professionals in the field. Through various exercises and group dynamics, the team members interacted with each other to strengthen their bonds and build trust.
Each year, Salkantay Trekking welcomes new members to the team, a clear sign of our growth and eagerness to learn by integrating the knowledge and experiences of new people.
Administrative and Campsite Staff: The Best Customer Service
Teamwork is essential for a company’s progress. The administrative and campsite staff gathered to strengthen bonds and improve workplace communication. These were the key topics covered in the sessions aimed at team cohesion:
- Soft Skills: The facilitators conducted various group cohesion activities to enhance assertive communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Institutional Culture: Reinforcing commitment to the company, achieving the set objectives for this year, and promoting positive behaviors in the workplace.
- Customer Service: At Salkantay Trekking, we understand the importance of interacting with the public, identifying their needs, and providing effective solutions for a smoother experience. That’s why we instill this approach in our team, encouraging attention to every detail.
These activities helped strengthen the bond between members from different areas, fostering collaboration and mutual support. Additionally, they provided valuable tools for managing pressure during moments of conflict or stress.
Hospitality and Comfort in the Mountains
For the campsite staff, specialized training in hospitality and customer service was also provided, focusing on enhancing the travelers’ experience. This training included:
- Space Management and Comfort: Efficient organization of the resting area to ensure comfort and order.
- Customer Service and Hospitality: Providing excellent treatment to travelers, addressing their needs, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Ensuring cleanliness and order in the campsites to keep them in perfect condition.
- Waste Management and Sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and keep natural spaces clean.
- Coordination with Guides and the Logistics Team: Effective communication to meet schedules and group needs.
Guides: Guardians and Teachers
The Andes boast a nature as beautiful as it is wild. It is an untamed and unpredictable environment, making it essential to explore with caution and alongside someone who knows the terrain perfectly.
Imagine walking through the majestic streets and breathtaking landscapes of Cusco with a guide who not only knows every trail but also shares their passion for the mountains, culture, and people—while providing you with the safety and confidence of knowing you’re in the hands of an expert prepared for any situation.
This is what the tour guides of Salkantay Trekking have learned to ensure an unforgettable experience.
First Aid and Rescue in Remote Areas
In a nature-surrounded environment, access to medical services is not immediate, making the quick application of first aid essential to protect travelers’ health. For this reason, we ensure that Salkantay Trekking guides have the necessary first aid knowledge to respond appropriately in case of any issues or incidents along the route.
On February 28, we gathered at the auditorium of the Regional Office of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco (GERCETUR) for an intensive health training session. We had the valuable presence of our partners from the O2 Medical Network Clinic, who guided us through the emergency response protocol, with a special focus on the health contingency plan for remote and isolated areas.
The training covered the following topics:
- Identifying Emergencies and Stress Control: How to detect an emergency situation and remain calm to respond effectively.
- Assessment of Ailments and Health Issues: Differentiating symptoms and various conditions and evaluating the affected person’s condition.
- Essential First Aid Techniques: Resuscitation, immobilization, and protective measures to stabilize the patient.
- Basic Injury Care: Methods for treating wounds, bruises, fractures, and other traumas.
- Utilizing Available Resources: Making use of elements from the surroundings to assist.
- Protection and Assistance: Ensuring the affected person’s safety until reaching medical care.
After the theoretical lessons, our guides applied their knowledge with the help of the trainers, engaging in dynamic exercises and real-life simulations. This allowed them to reinforce their understanding, enhance their skills, and receive real-time feedback to provide precise and effective service.
Hands-On Training
The moment of truth arrives: applying everything learned on the trail. A well-prepared guide not only shows the way but also inspires, protects, and supports travelers at every step of the journey. Every year, we organize a mountain trek where our guides put their knowledge and skills into practice.
This year, we headed to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, where our guides tested their ability to ensure a safe and enriching experience for every traveler by:
- Clearly and passionately conveying the history and culture of the place, offering detailed and engaging explanations.
- Accurately and patiently answering travelers’ questions, ensuring that each inquiry adds to the experience.
- Providing support and motivation to those in need, helping them overcome challenges and fostering self-confidence.
- Offering basic medical assistance if necessary, responding quickly and effectively to any health concerns.
Divided into small groups, the guides followed the entire itinerary as if it were a real expedition with our passengers. We departed from Cusco at 4 a.m. toward Ausangate, and once in the mountains, each team hiked the trail, making stops to provide explanations about the route and respond to various simulated “incidents” designed to test their ability to react and assist in unexpected situations.
Traveling with us is synonymous with safety and trust. For the first aid evaluation, our team recreated realistic accident and injury scenarios of varying severity, challenging the guides to demonstrate their ability to respond quickly, apply the proper protocols, and provide effective medical assistance in emergency situations.
And the Oscar for Best Picture goes to… Salkantay Trekking!
Cooks: The Best Gastronomy in the Mountains
Being in the middle of the mountains doesn’t mean sacrificing quality food. Peru is recognized as the world’s best gastronomic destination, and its cuisine is one of the most appreciated globally. At Salkantay Trekking, we don’t just want you to discover the breathtaking landscapes of our country—we also want you to experience its rich culture through its gastronomy. That’s why we have expert, highly qualified chefs who will delight you with the best dishes in a truly unique setting.
Each season, we refine our food preparation processes with precise instructions for our chefs. The training included theoretical and practical sessions to apply new knowledge and perfect culinary techniques.
The chefs learned about:
- Food Safety and Hygiene: Proper food handling and maintaining optimal storage conditions.
- Use of Fresh, Local Ingredients: Incorporating native and regional products to enhance the authentic flavors of Peru.
- Innovative Culinary Techniques: Applying new methods to improve the quality and presentation of dishes.
- Healthy Menu Preparation: Creating well-balanced meals with essential nutrients to ensure the necessary energy for the trek.
- Menus Adapted to Specific Diets: Designing options for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs such as allergies or intolerances.
- Plating Art: Crafting visually appealing presentations that elevate the dining experience in the heart of the mountains.
Top Chef: Pure Talent!
The moment arrived for our chefs to put their skills to the test in a practical demonstration. To simulate real conditions, the dishes were prepared as they would be in the mountains, using basic utensils while still achieving high-quality results. Cooking a delicious cake in the middle of the mountains? We make it possible!
The training took place at La Yunza, a traditional restaurant in the heart of Cusco’s historic center, where our chefs had the opportunity to apply all their knowledge. The challenge felt like something straight out of a real cooking competition! Divided into groups, they had to prepare a full menu—starter, main course, and dessert—within a set time, showcasing their creativity and ability to work under pressure.
At the end of the allotted time, each group presented their dishes, explaining the techniques used and the reasoning behind each choice, showcasing their knowledge and mastery of gastronomy under challenging conditions. Juan Carlos Fernandini, the administrator of La Yunza, evaluated the dishes, offering final recommendations for further refinement.
With each challenge overcome, our chefs continue to elevate the standard of high-altitude cuisine, ensuring that every traveler enjoys an unforgettable dining experience, even in the most remote corners of the Andes.
Drivers and Muleteers: Safety and Efficiency on the Trail
In the entire process of planning and executing a trip, some tasks often go unnoticed, but that doesn’t make them any less important. This is the case for drivers and muleteers, whose roles are essential to the success of every adventure.
Our drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers and trekking equipment to the starting point of the hike. At times, they must drive for extended periods and in challenging weather conditions, making their work invaluable.
During the training, they were instructed on:
- Company Transport Protocols: Adhering to internal standards to ensure a safe and efficient service.
- Compliance with Safety Regulations and Traffic Laws: Driving responsibly and following the current legislation.
- Organization and Punctuality: Proper time management to follow the scheduled itinerary.
Our muleteers have the crucial responsibility of transporting the necessary equipment for the trek, including passenger luggage, kitchen utensils, and food supplies. For this reason, they must acquire the following knowledge:
- Animal Handling and Care: Ensuring the well-being of horses and mules, including proper feeding, hydration, and adequate rest.
- Load Management and Weight Distribution: Techniques to balance and secure loads effectively for optimal transportation.
- Safety Regulations: Protocols to prevent accidents on the trail and ensure the safety of both passengers and equipment.
- Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Practices: Education on minimizing environmental impact and respecting nature.
Additionally, all team members received training in soft skills, social responsibility, and professional ethics, strengthening not only their operational capabilities but also their commitment to high-quality service. Topics such as teamwork, leadership, effective communication, and conflict resolution were covered, essential for ensuring a smooth and harmonious experience on every expedition.
Salkantay Trekking: Commitment, Quality, and Passion for Tourism
When you choose to travel with us, you become part of a team that values and prioritizes the well-being of its collaborators. By opting for Salkantay Trekking, you contribute to the growth of high-quality tourism in Cusco, driving the development of workers and creating a positive impact on local communities.
Training sessions not only strengthen our skills but also reinforce our commitment to safety and value in every experience we offer. At Salkantay Trekking, we believe that a well-prepared team is the key to ensuring that every traveler enjoys a safe, enriching, and unforgettable adventure.
That’s why we continue to invest in ongoing training because we know that learning is the path to constant improvement and to offering the very best of the Andes.
See you at the top!
You may also be interested in:
You might also like
Leave A Reply