One of the
most incredible ways to visit Machu Picchu is through the Salkantay trek. This
5-day and 4-night hiking route crosses the imposing Salkantay snowy mountain
and then reaches the Wonder of the World. Would you like to know Machu Picchu
with this adventure surrounded by amazing landscapes? Know everything
you should know about the Salkantay trek.
What does Salkantay mean?
The
Salkantay is a snowy whose name translated from Quechua would mean ‘Wild
Mountain’. This summit is known as ‘Apu’ (‘Lord’) for its majesty and
elevation.
Where is it located?
The pu Apu
’Salkantay is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the Andes of southern
Peru. This snow is the second largest in Cusco, after Ausangate (Mountain of
the 7 Colors).
How high is the snowy Salkantay?
The snowy
Salkantay reaches 6,271 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). The trek route that
leads to Machu Picchu has its highest point at ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650
m.a.s.l. From there you can see the snowy peak.
How's the weather?
The snow
itself has an extremely cold climate (several degrees Celsius below 0º).
The weather
during the Salkantay trek, however, is varied. The intense sun and the cold
night in the first days change for the tropical atmosphere of the last.
How is the flora and fauna?
The 5 days
and 4 nights that the Salkantay trek lasts runs landscapes with a great variety
of flora and fauna. Among the species of flowers and plants, the orchid and
ichu (Andean grass) stand out. Among the species of birds and animals, it is
worth mentioning the llama, alpaca, vizcacha, condor, spectacled bear and the
cock of the rocks (national bird of Peru)
Salkantay
trek: everything you need to know
What is the Salkantay trek?
The
Salkantay trek is a hiking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of
Machu Picchu. The total walking distance is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days
of route).
How is the tour to Machu Picchu with the Salkantay trek?
The most
common way to do the Salkantay trek is with an organized tour. On the internet
(and in the Historic Center of Cusco) there are many tourism agencies that
offer this adventure.
This is the
Salkantay trek with tour:
Day 1 (16 kilometers of walk):
The tour
starts in the city of Cusco. The agency picks you up by car from your hotel
along with the other hikers to the town of Mollepata. Then you ascend for
approximately 7 hours to the Soraypampa camp through the Huamantay lagoon.
There the tours organize food and tent for tourists to rest.
Day 2 (22 kilometers of walking):
The walk
starts after breakfast. The highest point of the trip is traveled in the ‘Abra
Salcantay’. Then continue downhill to the town of Chaullay, where the cold
weather begins to change to tropical. That day is considered the most
difficult.
Day 3 (16 kilometers of walk):
The trek
that day is easy. It begins with a descent to the so-called ‘Sahuayaco Beach’.
After lunch, the walk begins again to the town of Santa Teresa. In this tourist
town you can enjoy the Thermal Baths of Cocalmayo. He spends the night there.
Day 4 (16 kilometers of walk):
That day is
one of the funniest of the trek. It begins with a walk of a few kilometers to
the Hydroelectric station. After lunch, the journey continues parallel to the
Vilcanota River (and the train rail) until reaching the town of Aguas
Calientes, at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain.
Day 5 (ascent by bus to Machu Picchu)
That day
starts very early with a bus trip to the entrance door to Machu Picchu. Another
option is to walk the 9 kilometers of ascent to the mountain. The rest of the
day is dedicated to enjoying the Wonder of the World. The return to the city of
Cusco is with a train and bus trip.
Alternative Treks to Salkantay
- Inca Quarry Trail
- Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
- Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
- Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu
- Vilcabamba trek Peru
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