It is an ancient and remote alternative path to the Inca Trail, it has much more spectacular views and with various ecological floors we will walk between lagoons, impressive snowfalls like Salkantay and Humantay, crossing the rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna. This road is an excellent option for those who wish to escape the most congested routes and in a faster way, or for those who are looking for an alternative when the spaces of the traditional Inca Trail are occupied.
This impressive excursion passes under the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of the highest and most impressive in the Peruvian Andes. Your first two days will be dominated by the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, while touring the high Andean landscape. The third day you will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program. This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The excursion to Salkantay, was recently named as one of the best 25 excursions in the world by National Geographic Magazine.
Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu is the most popular hiking route to the Inca Citadel. It is a 4-day and 3-night walk along the ancient network of Inca trails that leads to the Puerta del Sol (or Intipunku), the way the Incas arrived at the Wonder of the World more than 600 years ago. It is currently considered one of the 5 best hiking trails in the world. It travels 39.6 kilometers of high Andean landscapes such as the dead woman's open (Warmiwañiusca), at 4,200 m.a.s.l. then descend to the eastern part (jungle eyebrow) of the Andes, characterized by abundant flora and fauna. On the way, the tourist appreciates archaeological sites such as Saycamarca, Wiñay Huayna and in the end the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. The difficulty is considered moderate-high. A day, only 500 visitors can explore this ancient network of Inca trails. Of them, only 200 are tourists, the rest porters and guides. It is advisable to separate the reservation up to 6 months in advance. An alternative trek more easy is the 2 day Inca Trail or the Machu Picchu 3 Day Hike.
The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is a 5-day and 4-night hike to the Inca Citadel accessing the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of the Wonder of the World. The route crosses even more impressive landscapes than the Inca Trail. Places like the snowy Salcantay, whose summit is 6,721 m.a.s.l. and whose slopes the tourist crosses at 4,572 m.a.s.l. You also visit sites such as the beautiful Mollepata Valley, the Llactapata ruins and tropical territories where flora and fauna abound. The last section is parallel to the Vilcanota River, until arriving at Aguas Calientes. From there you ascend on foot or by bus to the entrance door to the Inca City. The Salkantay Trek was chosen by National Geographic magazine as one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world. To access this adventure you can hire a tour operator. The other option is to do it on your own. This requires experience and necessary care.
The Apu ’Salkantay
The Salkantay or Salcantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.) is a snowfall belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is the second highest mountain in Cusco after Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.) Its name means wild mountain. Due to its imposing and isolated appearance, it was much appreciated by the Incas. They put before it the denomination ‘Apu’ which means ‘lord’ or ‘sacred’. This snowy was considered one of the most powerful in the region. They worshiped him to the point that they built Machu Picchu in view of their summit. According to the Andean worldview, the mountains provided life and decided plantings, crops and even natural disasters. Because of this he should be given respect and offerings. Today, the inhabitants of the Andes continue to regard the mountains as important spirits. In Cusco, Salkantay is appreciated as much as the Incas did.
Route options: Salkantay - Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Salkantay Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Salkantay Trek to Inca Trail 7 days/6 Nights
Recommendations:
The Salkantay trek is the main hiking alternative to the Inca Trail. There are more and more tourists who dare to arrive in Machu Picchu through this 5-day and 4-night hike through amazing landscapes such as the snowy Salcantay. To fully enjoy this adventure, consider the following recommendations:
- It is possible to do this trekking on your own or with a tour. Due to the difficulty of the adventure it is recommended to do it with a tourism agency. Otherwise, you must have experience in mountaineering.
- Perhaps the main drawback for this adventure is the ‘soroche’ or altitude sickness. It is advisable to make a previous acclimatization in the city of Cusco.
- Most tourism agencies include the main implements such as tents, food and guide. In case of doing it independently, it is recommended to take everything necessary.
- The cold skirts of Salkantay is perhaps another of the main difficulties. It is recommended to wear thermal clothing.
- The rainy season (from October to March) is characterized by the greater probability of river precipitation. It is not a good weather for trekking.
- If you do it on your own, do not forget to book the Machu Picchu Tickets in advance. It is the only way to know the Wonder of the World.
Comments
Post a Comment