The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which has collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
The Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail. It is considered by most to be the best alternative route. We think it’s the best route! Not only because of the rampant beauty you will encounter, but also because of the lack of people. Because it is more rugged and remote, the Salkantay Trek is significantly less populated than the Inca Trail. With formidable views and awe-inspiring vistas, this path less traveled has an unquantifiable value. It is truly, as deemed by the Inca, sacred.
Machu Picchu or Machupicchu the old mountain. Discovered by hiram bingham in 1911 is one of the most iconic places on the planet and is visited by thousands of people daily. This place has no comparison with any other place on the planet. Machupicchu is unique and still intact in the mountains of Peru and its location makes it much more special. .
The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in the Quechua language. This spectacular archaeological site is located above the furious Apurímac River and is surrounded by towering glacier peaks.
Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region and is also an important cultural center for the Andean communities. Every year huge pilgrimages are made to the mountain. This has been going on for centuries.
The peak of the mountain is 6,385 masl, but we won’t go quite that high. On this hike, you’ll come close to nature and feel the connection while you observe the impressive views that surround you. You’ll get to observe some fascinating bird species and other wildlife along the way as well as spectacular landscapes.
The former capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Peru’s city of Cusco is a fabulous base from which to explore fascinating archeological and historical sites, as well as enjoy time in nature. Although the city has much to be proud of, many of the area’s delights can be found beyond the city limits. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure to remember.
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Salkantay Trek
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHUPICCHU
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is an alternative to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu in Peru, a beautiful route that more and more people are encouraged to venture on, is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits.
Salkantay Trek is located in the same region as the Inca Trail. Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mount Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by locals.
Going on this hike, you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful places in Cusco. You will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes with a variety of endemic flora and fauna, and camp at night in the middle of the sacred mountain.
The maximum altitude reached during the Salkantay trek is 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level at “Abra Salkantay” or Salkantay Pass. Machu Picchu itself is at 2430 meters or 7972 feet above sea level. Acclimatization in Cusco is recommended if you are concerned about altitude sickness.
Is it The Best Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trail is a unique entrance to the historical and cultural beauty of Machu Picchu. If you are planning to hike the Salkantay, there are different day treks, the most popular are 4 and 5 days.
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Salkantay Pass Elevation
Passing through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, the 37-mile Salkantay hike is not Everest or Annapurna but hill climbing through rough weather and terrain is all but guaranteed—even in the so‑called dry season.
SALKANTAY TREK ALTITUDES AND DISTANCES
Salkantay Trek is a hike in South America and an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail for reaching Machupicchu. It presents a unique combination of culture and mystic, with preserved proudly by the Peruvian people, and is an amazing adventure and extraordinary natural beauty. Salkantay trekking is set at the highest peaks of Humantay Mountain, where the cold ice of the mountains meets the steamy heat of the Andes. The hike is surrounded by the historic Machupicchu (National Park and is considered one of the 25 best hikes in the world). The Salkantay trek is a very diverse and rich geography hike, Andean culture, and history. The Vilcanota mountain range contains two of the twenty highest mountains in the Americas.
The hike along this route offers an amazing diversity of attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Imagine a walk with a breathtaking view of the most beautiful mountains in the world or a dip in the hot springs of Cocalmayo in the forest, all within a distance of only 50 kilometers.
Many travelers go this route by the promise of adventure and are equally pleased with the friendliness and openness of the Peruvian people. The Inca’s land is an incredibly diverse country that offers something for everyone. A trip through this rare earth once is enough. The first thing many people do after a visit to this country is to start planning the next trip (travel)!
Ready to go? Go Treks in Peru will make it easy to get started! Book now or Contact us for our famous treks in Perú.
Top 10 Tips to Remember while Trekking in Salkantay!
The best time to travel is March through October. Sure, it’s the busy season (especially June to August), but it’s also the dry season. And for sure, you not going to want to visit this site during the rainy season! The day of this hike will be harder and the night will be colder.
Make your reservations for this tour and Huayna Picchu Mountain hike, several months in advance 2, 3 to up to a year if you’re going during peak season.
You must take your passport and a photocopy of it, but it is not sufficient, you have to keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain. If you are a student valid only the Visa of the student and 24 years old.
There are some biting mosquitos at Soraypampa, Collpapampa, Lucmabamba, Machupicchu, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes, wear long light clothing and use plenty of strong insect repellent. Avoid open toed shoes!
Be prepared with sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Some people even take in small umbrellas, a. Feel free to look a little daft, but don’t get burnt! Time is a little funny here in Cusco, one day can be hot and not another day.
Take some Peruvian currency for buying bottled water and snacks along the way, as well as for tipping the guide, cook, and porters.
Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots – Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential, and a sleeping bag is necessary too.
There is only 1 snack bar at Machupicchu, be prepared with snacks and drinks to see you through the day and night.
Going Machupicchu – Huayna Picchu and do not want to have altitude sickness on day 1, day 2, or day 3, you should walk before traveling long distances, this will help your body is prepared when it lacks oxygen, and so can know how you feel when you are in Cusco.
More Tips Booking!
Why with Us?
We are a tour operator to Machupicchu and Peru’s main destinations, it was founded with nothing more than a strong desire to create an authentic Peruvian Agency, embodying the rich diversity of tradition, adventure, and mystery that makes Peru such a fascinating country to visit. Many foreign operators take advantage of these natural qualities and sell them for the wrong reasons, but our travel agency was born in Cusco – Peru, and will always remain the closest possible and faithful to the local communities and Peruvian culture without compromising.
1. Adventure Travel is Our Passion
There is something for everyone and more of what you’re looking for at our agency. Think about discovering lush landscapes in a sustainable way like no one else in the world has ever experienced.
This is our way of life and we love what we do! Go Treks in Peru was founded on an undisputed passion for discovery and adventure and the desire to share our knowledge and experiences with You.
2. We Provide a Personal Service
As a company, we are able to remain customer focused and provide you with a far more personalized service than our larger competitors. We pride ourselves on our personal, approachable service, from your initial inquiry all the way through to the small, but essential details of your tours in Cusco – Perú.
3. We are Knowledgeable
We have meticulously researched and experienced everything we offer and continuously tweak our itineraries to offer you the most satisfying journey imaginable!
Our Peruvian travel agency will always remain the closest possible and more faithful to local communities and Peruvian culture without compromise.
Why book with Us?
Salkantay Trek Map to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek Map shows a great alternative to the Inca Trail.
Salkantay Trek Map to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek vs Jungle Trek vs Inca Trail
The first step in reviewing the Salkantay Trek is to compare it to the other options in the area for guided hikes to Machu Picchu.
As you probably already know, there are three main hikes you can do to Machu Picchu: the Salkantay Trek, the Jungle Trek, and the Inca Trail. Each is special in its own way and suited for a different type of traveler.
Here is a table comparing these three hikes to Machu Picchu:
Salkantay Trek:
Distance: 74 km (46 miles)
Time: 5 days
Altitude: 4580 meters at the highest point
Things to do/see: Humantay Lagoon, Santa Theresa hot springs, Apacheta pass, views of Salkantay mountain, ziplining
Price: $230+ USD
Season: All year round
Jungle Trek:
Distance: Approx 60 km (37 miles) biked, 38 km (24 miles) walking
Time: 3-4 days
Altitude: 4,316 meters at the highest point
Things to do/see: Abra Malaga Pass, downhill mountain biking, ziplining, whitewater rafting,
Price: $250+ USD
Season: All year round (if it is foggy the mountain biking will be canceled)
Inca Trail:
Distance: 42 km (26 miles)
Time: 4 days
Altitude: 4,215 meters at the highest point
Things to do/see: Authentic Inca pathways, Wayllabamba ruins, Phuyupatamarca, Valley of Llulluchapampa
Price: $700+ USD
Season: Closed for the entire month of February each year.
Why Choose the Salkantay Trek?
After carefully learning about all of the options to hike to Machu Picchu and completing the Salkantay Trek for myself, there are a few reasons you should consider the Salkantay Trek over the others including:
A cheaper option than the Inca trail
Amazing views including the highest pass and views of Salkantay mountain
Humantay Lagoon (bright blue lake with mountains in the backdrop)
Option to do the same ziplining as the Jungle Trek
The authentic trail to Machu Picchu was walked by spiritual leaders as it “brought them closer to god”
