The Salkantay Trek is among the hottest methods to hike to Machu Picchu. Much less well-known than the long-lasting Inca Path, the Salkantay Trek is each simpler to ebook and a less expensive trek, as there aren’t any permits concerned. On high of that, many say the Salkantay is simply as lovely, if no more so, than the Inca Path!
For these causes, many individuals in search of a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu select the Salkantay Trek.
The 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an epic journey that takes you thru a number of the most gorgeous landscapes within the Peruvian Andes. The Trek culminates in a go to to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This difficult trek is ideal for these in search of a extra rugged and fewer crowded different to the Machu Picchu Inca Path tour.
Background Info
The Salkantay Trek is 74 km (46 miles) lengthy and is mostly hiked over 4-5 days (with a go to to Machu Picchu on Day 5). The Salkantay trek holds historic significance, and just like the Inca Path, was a route the Incas as soon as took to get to Machu Picchu. The principle distinction is that the Salkantay Trek is thru the mountains, reaching practically 5,000m above sea degree, whereas the Inca Path is strolling by ruins a lot of the way in which.
It’s mentioned that the Salkantay Trek was the route that non secular leaders took to get to Machu Picchu as a result of the upper elevations introduced them “nearer to god.” The Salkantay Trek is known as after the mountain that the path passes, the Salkantay Mountain. It isn’t simply this mountain you’ll see on the hike, although, because the path presents various landscapes, together with glaciers and tropical Andean forests.
The Salkantay trek begins within the village of Mollepata. That is the place you’ll begin your journey in the direction of Soraypampa, your first campsite. Alongside the way in which, you’ll move by picturesque Andean villages and luxuriate in unbelievable views of the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Salkantay Vs. The Inca Path
The Inca Path is a world-famous trek that’s continually ranked among the many finest hikes on the planet. Nevertheless, as many individuals will inform you, you’ll expertise straight that the Traditional Inca Path to Machu Picchu is crowded and normally booked all year long.
Whereas that is usually the case, you need to keep in mind that the Inca Path is among the most wonderful hikes on the planet, and why so many individuals wish to trek it!
The entire system of Inca Trails, known as the Qapaq Ñan, is a community of historical footpaths that related an important sections of the Inca Empire. The Incas constructed the paths, that are nonetheless used at the moment by native folks and guests from all around the world.
The Inca Path Trek to Machu Picchu is among the most well-known and iconic treks on the planet. The trek presents a surprising mixture of pure magnificence, historical ruins, and Andean tradition. The Inca Path types a part of the Inca highway community known as the Qapaq Ñan. The Salkantay Trek can also be a part of these historical Inca pathways.
The Salkantay Trek is the lesser-known trek to Machu Picchu with extra wildlife, breathtaking mountain surroundings, and spectacular views. The Salkantay Trek is an possibility for hikers who wish to expertise the gorgeous mountainous surroundings of the Peruvian Andes and see an extremely various nature and panorama that progressively reveals gorgeous views. It’s a longer and tougher trek than the Inca Path, but it surely presents gorgeous surroundings and a extra genuine expertise of the Peruvian Andes, passing by conventional Andean communities.
There are definitely fewer ruins alongside the Salkantay trek, however there’s the chance to go to glacial lakes, sizzling springs, espresso plantations, and mango plantations in addition to the lesser-visited archaeological website of Llactapata. Day 2 of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is probably the most difficult day of the Trek. You ascend to the Salkantay Move, which sits at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,092 ft). The views from the move are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the encompassing mountains and valleys.
Whichever route you’ve chosen, each treks supply breathtaking vistas, Inca ruins, and the wealthy historical past of the Incas’ lifestyle on this area.
Altitude is an Difficulty!
I’ve already talked about the excessive elevation of the Salkantay trek and it’s price it to speak a bit extra intently concerning the acclimatization and the potential of altitude illness.
Attempt to arrive in Cusco a minimum of two or three days earlier than the trek begins and concentrate on doing a little bodily exercise. Near Cusco are Sacsaywaman and Qenqo ruins, that are superior locations to go to. You’ll be able to take loads of day journeys from Cusco and provides your physique a while to regulate to the elevation. There are numerous issues to do within the Sacred Valley close to Cusco, akin to an uphill hike to Pisac Ruins or visiting Rainbow Mountain, each of that are at excessive elevations.
Acclimatization is a vital side of the Salkantay Path to Machu Picchu. It includes mountain climbing at excessive elevations the place the air is skinny and oxygen ranges are decrease. To assist mitigate the results of altitude, it’s necessary to spend a minimum of two to a few days in Cusco or different high-altitude areas earlier than starting the trek. Enough acclimatization is essential as a result of you’ll spend the primary evening 3800 meters above sea degree.
The next day, you’ll cross the mountain move and sleep about 3900 meters above sea degree, which is excessive for an unacclimatized hiker. Though nobody can ever know the way you’ll be affected by the altitude, it’s all the time higher to be ready and know what to anticipate (you may expertise a headache or shortness of breath, for instance). Mules play an important position in supporting treks just like the Salkantay Trek.
They’re usually used to hold provides, gear, and baggage for trekkers. The rugged terrain and excessive altitudes of the Salkantay Path make it difficult to move heavy hundreds on foot. This makes mules invaluable for transporting gear and provides to the campsites alongside the route.
Why E-book a Guided Trek?
Mountaineering with a guided group is probably the most comfy possibility for having fun with the Salkantay Trek. Usually, probably the most difficult factor shall be to search out the precise, skilled, and trustworthy tour operator. At all times bear in mind you’ll get the service you’ve paid for, and typically it isn’t price saving a few {dollars} and ruining your expertise.
While you take a tour, you don’t want to fret about meals, transportation, campsites, or gear. Tenting gear is included within the worth, you need to solely lease a sleeping bag with linen, a mattress, or strolling poles if wanted. At all times test if the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu gate and the Machu Picchu entrance is included within the last worth.
Additionally, you will stroll solely along with your day pack because the journey companies have porters who carry your additional garments for you. Mountaineering is a pleasure when all it’s essential focus on is the standard of your pictures and the gorgeous surroundings throughout you.
Reserving a guided Salkantay Trek journey with a good Peru journey company like Valencia Journey Cusco presents a number of benefits. You’ll be able to improve your total expertise and guarantee a protected and satisfying journey by the Andes. Skilled guides are acquainted with the terrain, climate situations, and cultural significance of the areas you’ll be trekking by.
One other factor to contemplate is that on the primary day, you go to the gorgeous Humantay Lagoon. This turquoise lake is a brief hike from Soraypamapa on day one, and many individuals do a day hike there. Nevertheless, if you are within the area, it’s a fantastic thought to go to Humantay Lake on this tour.
You may also unwind in pure sizzling springs in your third day in Santa Teresa. Entry to such lovely pure swimming pools makes the Salkantay trek a fantastic selection on your trek to Machu Picchu! Humantay Lake is a surprising turquoise lake situated close to the bottom of the Humantay Glacier. It’s a fashionable vacation spot for trekkers on the Salkantay Trek, because it presents breathtaking pure magnificence and an opportunity to expertise the excessive Andean panorama up shut.
When is the very best time to hike Salkantay?
With a little bit of preparation, you may hike the Salkantay Trek all yr spherical, besides February, the wettest month of the yr. The official dry season begins in Could and ends in October. Throughout these six months, you’ve a excessive probability of seeing clear skies and having fun with the sunshine all through the day.
Anticipate a number of hikers, particularly in June, July, and August, when folks within the USA and Europe have holidays. These months are Peruvian winter, which suggests the climate is sunny, dry, and extra secure, however temperatures are decrease. The wet season begins in November and ends in April. Mountaineering on this season is extra unpredictable.
The very best time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is throughout the dry season.
This runs from Could to September. Throughout this time, the climate is mostly clear and dry, with sunny days and funky nights, making it ideally suited for trekking within the Andes. It rains probably the most in February, when there’s additionally the next probability of landslides, mudslides, and a few impassable sections.
That’s why respected corporations don’t run the trek in February. For those who plan on mountain climbing independently, to remain protected, we suggest avoiding strolling the path in February, too, simply in case. The wet season is {the summertime}, which suggests temperatures are greater, though it nonetheless will get chilly within the night, particularly at excessive altitudes.
The wet season on the Salkantay Trek runs from November to March. January and February usually expertise the heaviest rainfall. Trekking throughout the wet season could be difficult as a result of moist and muddy situations, in addition to the potential of landslides and swollen rivers.
The Salkantay Trek is a exceptional journey that gives a lot extra than simply another option to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a surprising, difficult hike by the center of the Peruvian Andes. A trek that sees snowy peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, inexperienced cloud forests, and historical trails winding their method by the Andes. The trek tells the story of a strong civilization and the gorgeous land they as soon as dominated.
Whether or not you’re drawn by the epic surroundings, the cultural side, or the fun of the problem, the Salkantay Trek delivers a really genuine and enriching expertise. For those who’re in search of a much less crowded, extra immersive, and breathtaking different to the Inca Path, this trek may simply be the proper path for you.
