Guide to Hiking the Salkantay Trail in the Rainy Season.
The Salkantay Trail is a stunning alternative to the famous Inca Trail, offering hikers a blend of rugged landscapes, towering snow-capped peaks, and lush rainforests. While the dry season from May to September is the most popular time for hiking, the rainy season, which spans from November to April, presents a unique opportunity to experience the Peruvian Andes in their most vibrant and lush form. But with the rain comes added challenges, from slippery trails to unpredictable weather.
If you’re an adventurous soul willing to embrace the rain, this guide will help you prepare for hiking the Salkantay Trail in the rainy season, ensuring that you have an unforgettable and safe experience on your journey to Machu Picchu.
1. What to Expect on the Salkantay Trail in the Rainy Season
Weather Conditions
During the rainy season, you can expect frequent downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening. The mornings may start sunny or overcast, but rain can arrive suddenly. The temperatures vary greatly, depending on altitude:
Daytime: Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), but cooler at higher altitudes.
Nighttime: At higher camps, especially near the Salkantay Pass, nighttime temperatures can drop close to freezing.
Trail Conditions
Mud and Slippery Paths: The trails can become muddy, making it more challenging to navigate, especially during steep descents.
River Crossings: Heavy rain can cause rivers and streams to swell, potentially requiring detours or creative solutions for safe crossings.
Fog and Clouds: Visibility can sometimes be limited by fog or mist, particularly in the higher altitudes and the cloud forests.
2. Why Hike the Salkantay Trail During the Rainy Season?
While the rainy season presents challenges, it also offers unique advantages that many trekkers find appealing:
Fewer Crowds: The rainy season is considered the “off-season” for trekking in Peru, which means fewer people on the trails and at Machu Picchu. You’ll experience more solitude and can enjoy the tranquility of the journey.
Lush, Green Scenery: The rain transforms the landscape into a lush, vibrant green paradise. Waterfalls flow stronger, wildflowers bloom, and the diverse ecosystems along the trail come alive in a way that’s not seen during the dry season.
Lower Costs: The rainy season is typically a more budget-friendly time to visit Peru. Flights, accommodation, and tour packages may be discounted during this time, making it more affordable for travelers.
Mystical Atmosphere: The cloud cover and mist often lend a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere to the mountains and ruins. Hiking through fog-covered valleys and mist-shrouded forests adds a sense of adventure and discovery.
3. Preparation: Gear and Packing List for Rainy Season Hiking
Hiking in the rain requires careful preparation and proper gear. Below is a list of essential items to ensure your comfort and safety during the trek.
Clothing
Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Invest in high-quality, breathable waterproof outerwear. Look for lightweight, packable options with sealed seams to prevent leaks.
Quick-Drying Clothing: Opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying base layers, shirts, and pants. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and can make you cold.
Waterproof Hiking Boots: Durable, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for navigating muddy and slippery terrain. Break them in before your trip to avoid blisters.
Wool Socks: Pack multiple pairs of wool or synthetic socks that wick moisture and dry quickly. It’s helpful to bring extra pairs to swap out when your feet get wet.
Thermal Layers: For the colder nights at higher altitudes, pack thermal layers (tops and bottoms) to stay warm at camp.
Wide-Brim Hat and Gloves: A hat will protect you from rain and sun, and lightweight gloves will keep your hands warm at higher elevations.
Accessories and Gear
Waterproof Backpack Cover: A rain cover for your backpack will keep your gear dry. Consider packing your clothes and electronics inside waterproof dry bags or plastic bags as an extra precaution.
Trekking Poles: These are indispensable for maintaining balance on muddy, uneven trails and during river crossings.
Headlamp: Essential for navigating the campsite in the dark, particularly during overcast evenings when visibility is low.
Gaiters: These are useful for keeping mud, water, and rocks out of your boots during wet, muddy sections of the trail.
Waterproof Gloves: Keep your hands dry and warm in the rainy, windy conditions you may face at higher elevations.
Portable Chargers: Make sure to carry a portable charger to keep your camera, phone, or GPS devices charged throughout the trek.
Sleeping Gear
Waterproof Tent: If you’re not using a tour service that provides tents, make sure your tent is fully waterproof with a reliable rainfly.
Sleeping Bag (Rated for Cold Weather): A high-quality sleeping bag rated for temperatures below freezing is essential, especially at higher altitudes.
Sleeping Pad: A comfortable, insulating pad will help keep you warm and dry by preventing direct contact with the cold, wet ground.
4. Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Salkantay Trail in Rainy Season
Here’s what you can expect each day of the Salkantay Trek during the rainy season, with tips for navigating the rain.
Day 1: Mollepata to Soraypampa
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 3,175 feet
Starting Altitude: 9,515 feet
Ending Altitude: 12,690 feet
Your first day starts in Mollepata, where the trail gradually climbs through farmland and small villages. You’ll pass through lush green valleys, made even more vibrant by the rains. The day ends at Soraypampa, where you can opt to visit Humantay Lake, a pristine glacial lake.
Rain Tip: The rain usually arrives in the afternoon, so start early to avoid hiking in the heaviest downpours. The weather can change quickly, so keep your rain gear handy.
Day 2: Soraypampa to Chaullay (via Salkantay Pass)
Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Highest Point: 15,090 feet at Salkantay Pass
Ending Altitude: 9,580 feet
Day two is the most challenging but rewarding day. You’ll ascend to Salkantay Pass, where you’ll be surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. The descent into the cloud forest begins after the pass, taking you through misty, lush terrain that’s alive with the sounds of wildlife and flowing water.
Rain Tip: Trekking poles will help you navigate the rocky, slippery descent from the pass. Keep an eye out for swelling rivers and waterlogged paths.
Day 3: Chaullay to La Playa
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Elevation Loss: 2,363 feet
As you enter the cloud forest, the trail becomes more humid and tropical. You’ll pass coffee plantations, waterfalls, and fruit trees, with the sound of birds and the occasional downpour keeping you company. The vegetation here is lush and dense, thanks to the rainy season.
Rain Tip: The trail can become muddy and slippery in sections, so watch your footing. Take frequent breaks to soak in the surroundings—this is one of the most scenic days of the trek.
Day 4: La Playa to Aguas Calientes (via Llactapata)
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,476 feet (to Llactapata)
Ending Altitude: 6,693 feet
Day four takes you to the ruins of Llactapata, where you’ll get your first view of Machu Picchu from a distance, often shrouded in mist. Afterward, you’ll descend to the train tracks that lead to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Rain Tip: Be prepared for intermittent rain showers during the ascent. The views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata are often dramatic in the rainy season, so don’t rush—let the mist clear for a magical glimpse of the ruins.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude: 7,970 feet
Your final destination is the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. The citadel often takes on a mystical, otherworldly appearance during the rainy season, with clouds swirling around the ancient stones.
Rain Tip: Arrive early to Machu Picchu and be patient. The rain can create fog, but the mist often lifts for brief moments, revealing stunning views of the ruins.
5. Safety Tips for Hiking in the Rainy Season
Check Weather Forecasts: Always stay updated on the weather forecast, especially for heavy rains that could impact river crossings or cause landslides.
Stay Dry: Keeping your core warm and dry is crucial for avoiding hypothermia at higher elevations. If your clothing gets soaked, change into dry layers as soon as possible.
Watch Your Step: Wet rocks, tree roots, and mud can be treacherous. Use trekking poles for balance, and take your time on descents.
Hydrate and Eat Well: In the humid conditions, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Keep hydrated and maintain energy levels with snacks throughout the day.
6. Final Thoughts: Embracing the Rain
Hiking the Salkantay Trail in the rainy season is not for everyone, but for those who welcome adventure and challenge, it’s a deeply rewarding experience. The rain brings the Andes to life in a way that few get to see, with waterfalls gushing, forests glowing in vibrant green, and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu emerging from the mist. By being prepared and staying flexible, you can turn the wet weather into an unforgettable part of your journey.
