Hello Peru Tours
salkantay hike to machu picchu

Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu

Publicado el: 2 de February de 2023 - Por: Hello Peru Travel

Salkantay is also known as Salcantay or Sallqantay in the Quechua language. Being the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, Salkantay attracts many tourists being the part Peruvian Andes. It’s located in the Region of Cusco, around 60 km, which is 40 miles, west-northwest of Cusco.

The Trekking of Salkantay is a well-known trekking route in Cusco and a good alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Adventure extends beyond luxurious lodgings and a fantastic walk. It is also an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture while learning about the Inca civilization and the incredible legacy that they left for future generations. During the trip, you may see some of the best sites in the snowy mountains of Cusco-Peru and also traverse the Salkantay pass. The height of Salkantay is 20.574 feet (6,271 m). In the heart of the sacred mountains, you’ll get the opportunity to witness the lovely scenery of various natural wildlife and animals.

Salkantay Hiking

Salkantay hike with Hello Peru Tours it takes place on the highest peaks of Humantay Mountain, where the cool ice of the mountains collides with the steamy heat of the Andes. It combines culture and mysticism with its proud preservation of Peruvians and is an incredible adventure and natural beauty. The walk is framed by Machu Picchu’s ancient ruins and is considered as one of the 25 best hikes in the world. The Salkantay walk is an extremely diverse and interesting geography excursion, as well as an exploration of Andean culture and history. The Vilcanota Mountain range features two of the Americas’ twenty tallest mountains.
The trek along this path provides an incredible variety of sights and adventure chances available nowhere else on the planet. Imagine a 50-kilometer hike with a spectacular view of the world’s most stunning mountains or a swim in the forest’s Cocalmayo hot springs. Many tourists are drawn to this journey by the sense of adventure, but many are often pleasantly surprised by the Peruvian people’s kindness and openness.

Trekking Difficulty

The Salkantay trek is rated as difficult. The difficulty stems from the constant altitude you will be hiking at throughout several sections of the journey, rather than the distance itself. Trekkers are advised to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude. As previously stated, no permits are necessary to complete the Salkantay journey. As a result, you may complete this expedition on your own.

Salkantay Trek altitude

Hiking through Salkantay will take you up and down different altitudes at various places along the trail. Each of these distinct sites provides unique and landscapes, making them all enjoyable. The trek’s highest point was 4,590 meters (15,059) at Salkantay Pass, and the trek’s lowest point was 2,430 Meters (7,972 ft) over the sea level of Machu Picchu.

5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

On a multi-day walk from Cusco, choose less-traveled paths to Machu Picchu. Distance form Machu Picchu to Salkantay trek is 19km. Travel by bus to Mollepat before setting off on foot via Salkantay, a less-crowded option to the Inca Trail. The next four days will be spent hiking in the shadow of snow-capped mountains and passing through tropical forests, stopping at old archaeological sites along the way. During the night, we sleep in tents under the stars. When you arrive in Hidroelectrica, take the train to Aguas Calientes. The next day, you are free to visit the Lost City of the Incas.

4 day Salkantay trek

The 4-day/3-night Salkantay trek was created for those who only have a limited amount of time in Cusco. It includes a two-day hike up Salkantay through magnificent changes in wildlife and scenery, as well as a one-day visit to Machu Picchu. This walk is for experienced hikers, those in good physical condition, and those searching for a fairly difficult hike. Our team of professionals will be with you at all times to support you on your journey and will gladly assist you with any and all of your requirements. Salkantay Trek 4 Days/3 Nights is the greatest alternative route to the Inca Trail, created for individuals who still want to go to Machu Picchu. The environment is rich in biodiversity.

When to go?

Depending on the time and season in Peru, the weather tends to alter. The average daytime temperature is about 20 degrees C (almost 70 degrees F), and it can be less than freezing throughout the day. If you choose to walk the Salkantay, you should be aware of the weather conditions. Peru’s Cusco region has two different seasons. There’s a dry season, and then there’s a wet season. The driest months are May, June, July, August and September. It is the busiest time of year to hike the Salkantay Mountain. Please don’t undertake the Classic Inca Trail, so don’t too worry about permission. November through March is the wet season. The months of December, January, and February are the worst for walking to Machu Picchu.

What to wear for the hike?

During packing for what to wear, factors such as topography and weather must be considered. The topography consists primarily of stone paths and large dirt paths. There are several high-altitude passes on the route that force trekkers to hike uphill and downward. As a result, light-weight footwear with ankle support is recommended. Open-toed shoes are strongly discouraged. In terms of weather, the walk takes you through locations with varying environmental conditions, with temperatures ranging from freezing cold to hot and steamy. It is advised that you pack layers of clothing that are easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, even during the dry season, rain is possible, so, as a precaution, bring a plastic raincoat.

What to Bring on the Salkantay Trek

If you travel alone, then you have to bring all the essential things with you. Don’t need to pack things if you are traveling with a traveling agency. We are providing all the facilities at a minimum price. The essential things are mentioned below:

  • Original Passport
  • Original student card
  • Immigration card
  • High-quality hiking boots
  • daypack
  • Water
  • To keep the rain off, use a plastic umbrella.
  • Gloves and scarf
  • Extra money
  • Water purification filter
  • Walking sticks
  • Small Towel
  • Warm coats
  • Extra batteries and flash

Salkantay Trek Cost

A 5-day Salkantay journey should be comparable to a 4-day Inca Trail expedition in terms of expense. Reliable trekking agencies will supply adequate sleeping bags, chefs, a dining tent, and horses to transport the camping gear, certified guides with first-aid training, and your Machu Picchu access ticket. Please ask your hired agency about what is not included in the tour before going on the trip. By getting enough information about the trekking agencies, you will be able to choose the best traveling agency.

Final Thoughts

It is very difficult to choose the best traveling agency, but we will recommend you to travel with ‘Hello Peru Tours’. If you want to explore Peru’s mystical ancient sites while also enjoying highly adventurous hiking, we recommend the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. The trip is available at an affordable price with a complete guide and trekking and digital tour equipment. So, don’t waste your time and click the right button to book your seat for a wonderful journey with us.