Best Hike, The Salkantay Trek is a famous alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu in Peru, named after the majestic Mount Salkantay (Nevado Salkantay).
summary of key information for this trip:
1. The Salkantay Mountain (Apu Salkantay)
Location: Located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, about 60 km northwest of Cusco.
Elevation: The mountain stands at 6,271 meters (20,574 ft), making it one of the highest peaks in the region.
Significance: To the Incas, Salkantay was a revered “Apu,” a sacred mountain spirit or deity. Its name in Quechua, Salqa Antay, is often interpreted as “Savage Mountain” or “Untamable Mountain,” and it was considered a powerful protector and a deity that controlled weather and fertility.
2. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The Best Hike.
The trek is highly regarded for its stunning natural diversity, passing through multiple ecosystems.
Key Facts
Feature
Details
Duration
Typically 5 days / 4 nights (4 days of hiking + 1 day at Machu Picchu). A faster 4-day option is also available.
Total Distance
Approx 70 – 74 km (approx 43 – 46 miles) of hiking.
Moderate to Challenging. The difficulty is primarily due to the high altitude and the long, strenuous ascent/descent on Day 2.
Scenery
Highly varied, transitioning from high-alpine passes with glacial views (including the famous Humantay Lake) to warm, lush cloud forests and jungle valleys.
Permit
No special permit is required, unlike the Classic Inca Trail, making it much more accessible for booking.
Ending
The trek typically ends in the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu’s base), where you spend the final night before visiting the citadel.
Trek Highlights (5-Day Itinerary)
Day 1: Trek to the high camp, often including a visit to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake (a side trip).
Day 2 (Most Challenging): Ascend to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) for breathtaking views of the mountain, followed by a long, steep descent into the lower camp.
Day 3 & 4: The trail descends into the warmer cloud forest, often visiting local coffee plantations and/or hot springs, providing a welcome change in climate and environment.
The best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the:
Dry Season (Recommended):May to September offers the best weather with less chance of rain and clearer skies for mountain views, though nights can be very cold, especially at high camps.
Shoulder Season:April, October, and November are good alternatives, offering pleasant weather with fewer crowds than the peak dry season.
Rainy Season:December to March brings more unpredictable weather, muddy trails, and increased chances of heavy rain, making the trek more difficult.
Preparation Advice
Acclimatization is essential. Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust to the altitude before starting the trek.
Bring warm layers, a quality waterproof jacket, and proper hiking boots.
Day 2 is a very long day; training for long-distance endurance is highly recommended.
Overview the Best Hike.
Mountain: Mount Salkantay is a sacred mountain (“Apu”) and is one of the highest in the Vilcabamba mountain range, reaching about 6,271 meters (20,574 ft).
Trek Duration: The classic trek is typically 5 days/4 nights (4 days of hiking and the last day at Machu Picchu). A faster 4-day option is also available.
Distance: The total hiking distance is approximately 70 – 74. km (43 – 46 miles).
Highest Point: The trek reaches its maximum altitude at the Salkantay Pass (Abra Salkantay), at about 4,650 meters (15,200 ft).
Scenery: The trail offers incredibly diverse landscapes, descending from high mountain passes and snow-capped peaks into lush cloud forests and the jungle, ending at the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu’s base).
Difficulty and Preparation
Difficulty: It is generally considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and demanding terrain, especially on Day 2, which involves the highest pass.
Acclimatization:Crucial. It is highly recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) before starting the trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Physical Fitness: Good cardiovascular endurance and physical preparation are necessary for the long hiking days and elevation changes.
Best Hike – Salkantay Trek vs. Inca Trail.
The Salkantay Trek is often compared to the classic Inca Trail: enjoy the best Hike.
Feature
Salkantay Trek
Inca Trail (Classic 4-Day)
Availability
Available year-round (tours often suspended in Feb.)
Limited permits, must be booked months in advance. Closed in February.
Max Altitude
Approx 4,650 m (15,200 ft)
Approx 4,215 m (13,829 ft)
Distance
Longer, approx 70-74 km (43-46 mi)
Shorter, approx 42 km (26 mi)
Archaeology
Fewer archaeological sites (though you see Llactapata ruins)
Many significant, well-preserved Inca ruins along the way
Scenery
More diverse (high mountain to jungle)
Focuses on ancient paved Inca paths and cloud forest
Difficulty
Generally considered more physically demanding due to higher altitude and rugged terrain.
Harder on the knees due to many steep stone steps.
Cost
Typically more affordable
More expensive due to permit costs and exclusivity
